MARYSVILLE – In an effort to connect with more members, the Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce had its first noon luncheon Tuesday at the Opera House.

The chamber still will have its breakfasts at the Tulalip Resort Casino on the last Friday of each month. But the luncheon will take place quarterly to provide members another option to connect with businesspeople in town.

About 50 people showed up for the initial luncheon.

The guest speaker, Erika Hubbard of Live Out Loud, gave tips about the importance of customer service. It was called, ”Winning in Business; set yourself apart in Sales and Service.”

More people are buying online these days, so the best way for local businesses to retain and grow their customer base is to have top-notch service.

She said customers are willing to pay a little more for good service because they enjoy the interaction. It’s actually an advantage local businesses have over larger ones.

Hubbard said business owners need to try to understand their customers. “They want to feel valued,” she said. “If they’re happy they will spend money and return – and tell others” about the experience.

She added, “How much they spend will depend on how they feel.” Customer service can “improve the bottom line.” Hubbard said it’s five times easier to keep a customer than gain a new one. Showing a lack of interest in customers is costly.

“You need to find out their wants, needs, what they want more of, what they want less of,” she said.