THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, February 26, 1996 TAG: 9602240223
SECTION: BUSINESS WEEKLY PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BUSINESS WEEKLY
LENGTH: Short : 48 lines
Norfolk businesswoman Betsy Phillips has been named to the National Customer Advisory Board of Neiman Marcus, the upscale department store chain based in Dallas.
``Neiman's is a store that I have enjoyed over many years,'' said Phillips, vice president and general manager of Conoly Phillips Lincoln Mercury in Norfolk.
``Now I have the opportunity and privilege to give something back. Neiman's image is one of customer trust and loyalty. Its focus is similar to our focus at Conoly Phillips.''
The advisory board is composed of Neiman Marcus customers - called ``InCirclers'' - who spend a certain amount of money with the company each year.
``I do the bulk of my clothes buying at Neiman Marcus,'' said Phillips, who has shopped at the chain's Atlanta and Las Vegas stores.
But it took more than shopping to get a seat on the advisory board.
The 29-store chain was looking for leadership, creativity and community service. Phillips and seven others beat several hundred InCirclers who entered an essay contest.
Phillips is the only member of the National Advisory Board who does not have a Neiman Marcus store in her area. The others are from Houston, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Arcadia and Bulingame, Calif.; Northern Virginia, and Kenilworth, Ill.
The board will help the chain form better ties to its customers, by helping develop programs that ``create unforgettable experiences, enhance Neiman Marcus' image of consumer trust and loyalty and further the goals of the company,'' the company said in a statement.
Last week, Phillips was sifting through applications from charities hoping to attract funding from Neiman Marcus. She also headed to King of Prussia, Pa., for a Neiman Marcus board meeting and store grand opening.
``I would love it if they did open a store here,'' Phillips said. ``There are many customers of Neiman Marcus who are in the area. One of the perspectives I can give is that I am able to look at a program which would work for customers like myself who are in communities that do not have a Neiman Marcus.'' by CNB