September 3, 2009
Hampton Celebrates 10 Years of Continuous
Customer Service with 311 Call Center
September will mark the 10th anniversary of Hampton’s 311 Call Center. In September1999, Hampton became the first Virginia locality to offer citizens unlimited access to city services and information through their 311 Call Center. Hampton residents can simply dial 3-1-1 anytime to request information on almost anything. Hampton customers outside of city limits who need information on city services can dial 757-727-8311 to reach the Call Center.
Customer advocates handle calls on everything from missed trash collection, to answering questions about the city budget, to reporting zoning violations, to finding out how to purchase a yard sale permit, to city closing information and vital information during weather emergencies. And contacting the Call Center is convenient. It is staffed 7 days a week, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
In fact, during Hurricane Isabel, residents relied on the Call Center for reliable and timely information. Residents called to find out about ice stations and water, reported down trees, and asked about other available assistance.
In 10 years, the Call Center has handled 2.5 million calls and has added email as a convenient, 24/7 option to submit questions or requests for service. Residents can email the Call Center at call311@hampton.gov just as easily as they can pick up the phone and call.
“311 has been an invaluable service to our citizens for ten years,” said Mayor Molly Joseph Ward. “It allows our citizens to stay connected and make it as easy as possible for them to connect with us anytime about anything … an example of customer service at its best”!
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Media Contact: Rebecca Bolte, Public Communications Manager