By Fabian Lewkowicz

It’s so satisfying to encounter a traveler from abroad and ease their confusion in an unfamiliar city, introduce them to a wonderful local experience they may not otherwise have had, and with the simplest of gestures—a welcoming smile—give them a good impression of the people here.

As a proud graduate of the “I Am Santa Monica” program, I wish that every one of our city’s roughly 16,000 hospitality professionals could reap the benefits of this amazing educational experience. It’s one of those rare opportunities that are both free and virtually priceless!

Let me explain. My name is Fabian Lewkowicz and I’m a Santa Monica resident and small business owner. I always knew that customer service was important. If your first job was working the register at McDonald’s when you were a kid, you probably learned that lesson before your first paycheck cleared. But “I Am Santa Monica” is something special. Even the city’s Fire Chief can participate and get something out of it, as our own Jim Hone did.

So what is it, exactly? It’s an interactive learning program familiarizes you with everything that makes our small section of the Los Angeles area a unique destination brand. It’s also a comprehensive course on phenomenal customer service for local employees and those wishing to join their ranks.

First, a one-hour bus tour fills your head with fun facts about the city. Did you know that the very first Academy Awards ceremony was held at Santa Monica Civic Auditorium? Or that Google’s office here is the company’s top choice among new hires? I could go on and on, but then again, so could any graduate of this program! Thanks to the clear and accessible way information is presented to participants, these tidbits and many more really stick with you.

Created in 2008 through the combined efforts of city, college and business leaders, this program has already minted more than 1,500 official “Santa Monica Ambassadors” who represent 50 different businesses, organizations and city departments. Everyone from waiters and concierges to city employees have been empowered to speak knowledgeably about their city and help our guests to enjoy everything it has to offer. After all, the city’s economic health depends on tourists, and this program empowers each of us to play our part in making Santa Monica special for them. Good memories for our visitors mean good business for us.