MEYER REAL ESTATE RECEIVES 5-STAR RATING – GULF SHORES, AL - Meyer Real Estate was recently certified as a Five Star Southern Hospitality company through a program administered by Faulkner State Community College..

Michelle Hodges Nelson, Meyer Real Estate’s Leadership and Development manager, states “We all know that customer service is truly what sets companies apart in the tourism industry. Last year our local industry leaders, including Sheila Hodges, worked with Faulkner State Community College's office of Workforce Development to create a program that focuses on communication and Southern hospitality. This program was designed for existing employee improvement and professional development. Basically, to create STARS in our area.”

Nelson adds, “The first course of Hospitality 101 was covered by a grant from the state's office of Workforce Development. This course provided an overview of our area and industry to provide the knowledge and tools for excellent customer service, as if all employees had lived here their entire life. Four additional courses were required, ranging from customer service and telephone skills to coaching sessions for management. Over 70% of our employees completed training and graduated from the program. We are delighted to reach this milestone especially since Meyer is the largest company in our area to have completed the courses.”

Ed Bushaw, an instructor for the Hotel/Restaurant and Resort Management Program at Faulkner, assisted in presenting Sheila with this honor recently. Bob Higgins, vice president of the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance, said, "A few years ago, we were at a meeting discussing what sets us apart from other areas. It was Sheila that recommended we should not only make an effort to better educate the workers in our tourism industry, but outline a specific program so that they can receive a certification. Thank you, Sheila!"

"As Mayor Craft so succinctly said last week, we are families serving families here. Some of our guests have made visiting our area a 30-year tradition. Although properties and attractions may have changed throughout the 40 years Meyer has been here, our goal for providing STAR Treatment has not," stated Sheila Hodges, sole owner and Chairman of the Board of Meyer Real Estate.