Saturday,
July 5, 2003
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The man behind the booth
By JENNIFER RUPP
Goshen College Saturday, July 5, 2003
Bill Bishop describes his job as “dispensing information about the city of Atlanta and doing anything to help visitors have a better time.” Bishop has worked as a GWCC concierge at the entrance of Building B for seven years, and has answered thousands of questions in that time. According to Bishop, the best thing about his job is “the incredible diversity of people” he meets on a daily basis. “How do you get to the CNN building?” is the question that Bishop said he hears most frequently. He has been asked a few bizarre questions, such as, “Do you have any state maps for Mississippi?” to which he responds by politely reminding visitors that they are indeed in the state of Georgia. In a day’s work, he might share the location of a top local restaurant (Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, City Grill or McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood), book reservations for tours (be sure to go to the King Center and the Carter Library) and give directions to destinations in all corners of the city (the most challenging destination is Turner Field, which is not accessible by public transportation). Bishop said he is rarely stumped by a question, but quickly added that if he doesn’t know the answer he will be honest and direct the person to someone who can help them. “Atlanta is a confusing city,” said Bishop, “and I’m here to make people feel a little more comfortable about visiting.”  |
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