It’s the first week of May, which means the summer tourist season is just around the corner.

Treating our visitors kindly is something we all need to practice. We know tourists are a major stimulus for our economy, but sometimes it’s difficult to be welcoming when the check-out lines are longer and bicyclists take up part of the road. And for those working in local businesses, their customer service skills need to be top notch. If tourists have a positive experience here, they are more likely to return. And bring their friends.

The Orcas Island Chamber – in partnership with the Outlook Inn – is offering a refresher course on the basics of customer service for its members.

Zingerman’s training DVDs will be presented on Friday, May 3 from 11 a.m. to noon or 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Eastsound Fire Station. A group discussion will follow the video showings. RSVP to the chamber at info@orcasislandchamber.com or call 376-2273.

The two videos are “Three Steps to Giving Great Service” and “5 Steps to Effectively Handling a Complaint. ”

So as the ferries start to get overloaded and baristas are staring down a line of 10 customers, remember to take a deep breath and be grateful for the visitors who came all the way here to enjoy a place we call home 365 days of the year.