Palo Alto, CA -- Disney Institute is bringing its professional development program to Palo Alto on February 27. Sponsored locally by the City of Palo Alto and the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce, the full day program will give local business professionals the chance to discover the business behind the magic that Walt Disney World Resort has created for millions of guests from around the world for more than 30 years.

"We think the Disney Institute is a great opportunity to hear about outstanding business practice from one of the top companies in the field. We learn about their successful management philosophies and how to apply them to our own circumstances," said Frank Benest, Palo Alto City Manager.

According to Benest, what makes the Disney learning experience so different and meaningful is that they don't simply teach theory, but they provide ideas that are easily adaptable to other organizations. "By adapting these tools to our businesses, we can improve our own bottom line."

The Palo Alto Disney Keys program showcases three components:

• Managing for Creativity, Disney Style - Participants learn to identify ways to create an environment that fosters creativity and positions their operation for success.
• Value Chain Management, Disney Style - Participants learn how Disney standardizes and streamlines processes, maximizes resources and partnerships, minimizes waste and reduces obstacles to achieve sustainable competitive advantage.
• Loyalty, Disney Style - Participants learn key practices and principles in building and sustaining loyalty with staff and customers, important practices in any economic environment.

Registrations and tuition fees for the program are $350 for members and $375 for non-members of the Chamber of Commerce, and include course materials and refreshments. Discounted registration fees are available for groups of more than 10. For registration information, call Kelly Hulme at the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce at 650-324-3127 or check the web at www.cityofpaloalto.org/workshops.

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