The Jasper Ambassador Program has chosen Christopher Blois as its first winner, after two nominations for his excellent customer service. 

Blois, who works at the Pyramid Lake Resort in guest services, was the lucky winner out of several entries this month, as chosen by guests. He was nominated for going out of his way to help customers when there was no vacancy at his resort. He helped one group find a hotel by calling to several different ones in the Jasper town-site. 

“My husband and I spent some time recently, travelling from Calgary to Jasper. When searching for a hotel, we checked with the Pyramid Lake Resort. A gentleman by the name of Christopher was working the desk that evening and though they did not have any rooms available, he was most helpful,” Blois’ nomination read. “We had already checked a few places before we tried the resort and were given a simple ‘we’re booked, sorry’ answer. However, Christopher didn’t stop there. He pulled out a list of hotels in the area and started making phone calls to locate an opening for us. He made several phone calls and did more than just a little hunting on our behalf. I thought it was a profound display of excellent customer service and it is clear this is something the resort promotes.”

The nomination went on to say the guests would be returning to Jasper and staying at the Pyramid Lake Resort. 

The second nomination for Blois thanked him for his knowledge of the community. 

“Christopher, at Pyramid Lake front desk, was wonderful. We didn’t have a reservation and had just showed up after finding the beautiful resort. He not only had room but gave us an upgraded room and breakfast vouchers. He then told us a little bit about the place and advised us that there was a rodeo in town. We had a great time in Jasper and appreciated his friendly and helpful demeanour,” it read.

Along with the ambassador award, Blois was also recognized as the employee of the month at Pyramid Lake Resort. 

“It really is just a huge encouragement to keep on doing what I’m doing,” Blois said. 

The 24-year-old was happy that people actually took the time out of their day to nominate him. 

This is Blois’ first year in Jasper. His time at the resort is a six-month term, ending Oct. 24. He has been living at the staff accommodation there. After he finishes at Pyramid Lake, Blois hopes to move on to Sun Peaks, and return to Jasper next year.

The award was presented on Sept. 20 by Mayor Richard Ireland, who thanked Blois for his dedication to Jasper and for his excellent service. Ireland later said the presentation made his day. 

Danielle Stewart, a member of the Jasper Park Chamber of Commerce (JPCC) board, said the Ambassador Program is a joint project between the Municipality of Jasper, the JPCC and Tourism Jasper. The project is hoping to inspire people in the customer service industry to do their best and represent Jasper. 

“We wanted to think of a quick way to reward service people for doing a good job,” Stewart said. 

The partners in the ambassador program are hoping that Jasper will be remembered for its excellent service. 

Anyone can be nominated for the program, for going above and beyond their duties to help tourism. Stewart said it could be someone who takes a few minutes out of their day to clean up garbage on the street, gives excellent service in a restaurant or hotel or a great rafting trip.

“Our target is anyone,” she said. “We’re looking for people that are ambassadors of Jasper. We’re looking for anyone front line.”

Blois will be treated to a dinner for two at a local restaurant, and his name will be entered into the end of year draw for other prizes that are yet to be announced. 

This is the first official win for the Jasper Ambassador program, and Stewart said the program will now continue on a monthly basis. 

“The program is going to evolve,” she said. 

The program hopes to determine what inspires staff to do a great job in Jasper, to encourage others. 

“We want to reward people,” Stewart said. 

Nominations can be made several different ways. Some restaurants in town have cards with instructions, but the primary way to put someone up for the honour is by emailing ambassador@town.jasper.ab.ca.