Tri-City tourism officials are hoping local businesses will take advantage of a free workshop on customer service so they can put their best foot forward when this year’s Ironman triathlon brings thousands to the Tri-Cities in September. 

Visit Tri-Cities and Washington State University Tri-Cities are holding the workshop from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Aug. 20 at the Richland Community Center, according to a release. 

Led by WSU Tri-Cities’ continuing education program Cougar Tracks, attendees will learn concierge-level knowledge of Tri-Cities tourism assets and master techniques for service excellence, customer loyalty, retention and regional tourism enhancement. 

“It’s a perfect example of Cougar Tracks’ mission in action by bringing our industry together and strengthening the Tri-Cities workforce,” said Gretchen Guerrero, vice president of finance and operations at Visit Tri-Cities, in a statement. “Even better, it’s a model of collaboration that other tourism offices across Washington can easily replicate." 

Registration is required to attend the workshop.