A business’ customer service is what ultimately sets the company apart from its competitors. I do not care how good the food is or how cute the shirt is, if I have to deal with a waiter or cashier who obviously wants to be anywhere else instead of earning money pleasantly. The phrases “he is just not a people person” or “customer service is not her thing” are meaningless to me because I believe everyone has the capability of working with people in a professional and courteous manner. I get a bad taste in my mouth when quality service is not provided because, in my mind, it should be instinctive to have the desire to help others have a great experience. Regrettably, a lot of people refuse to walk in another’s shoes.

The Applied Research and Education Center is working to provide research for local organizations. AREC was formed 12 years ago as an organization for the IUS campus to provide assistance in analyzing trends with companies in the community. Currently, the AREC is involved with multiple projects in the Southern Indiana and Kentucky area. “A lot of our services are things that can be provided through private consulting firms but at a much higher cost,” Melissa Fry, assistant professor of sociology and director of AREC, said. “We are a good opportunity for people to get research that they need done but at a much lower cost, and, for non-profit organizations, that is a really important factor. We make it possible for them to do things they otherwise couldn’t do.”