Chamber awards recognize outstanding customer service

The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the 2009 Amazing Customer Service Award winners.
Last week, representatives of the chamber and Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation, also a sponsor, visited area businesses to surprise some of the 2009 winners.

Winners thus far include:

• Robin Hodges with the Downtown Post Office – nominated by Eric Morley – “Robin is invariably pleasant, always efficient, cheerful and defies the post office stereotype.”

• Susan Stuber of High Country United Way – nominated by Joan and Dick Hearn – “Susan makes you feel she has been waiting for you to call or drop by so she can be of service to you … always has a smile a mile wide … performs outrageous customer service not just once in a while but as a matter of routine.”

• Brent Graybeal of Watauga County Planning & Inspections – nominated by Pat Angle – “Brent exhibits professionalism, knowledge and demonstrates willing assistance to resolve any questions or problems.”

•Vicki LeQuire of Café Portofino – nominated by Olga Esterson – “Vicki took charge when a customer injured her finger. In a follow-up call, the customer complimented Vicki on her excellent customer service – how warm and helpful she had been.”

• Chris Edwards of Chetola Resort – nominated by Margaret Holder – “Chris enables all of our staff to consistently provide fabulous and outrageous customer service … truly the definition of a leader, one who leads by example.”

• Charlie Millaway of Southern Ag – nominated by Mike Presnell – “Charlie has a continuous, consistent and genuine attitude of customer satisfaction … proven to be a fine example for all to follow.”

• Brenda Minton of Mountain Times Publications – nominated by Sue Moore – “Brenda is courteous and caring to her classified ad customers … she offers leadership, as well as support to fellow employees.”

• Mary Bowman of Farm Bureau Insurance – nominated by Kyle Romanat – “Mary goes way above the call of duty to provide great service with a caring attitude and friendly smile … and exhibits wonderful problem-solving skills.”

• Julia Rowland of ASU’s Center for Entrepreneurship – nominated by Bryan Toney - “Julia epitomizes customer service – she is upbeat and always has words of encouragement – some days there is a line of students waiting to see her because they know she’s always there to answer their questions – they love working with her.”

• Susan McNulty of South’s Specialty Clothiers at Boone Mall – nominated by Lou Ella South – “Susan so often goes beyond the call of duty – she even drove to the Greensboro airport to meet an 11 p.m. Fed Ex arrival to pick up a dress for a wedding the next day – even sewing on buttons at the last minute or loaning clothing when an order didn’t come in on time.”

• Margie Aldridge of Bank of Granite – nominated by Ted and Megg Henry – “Margie always has a smile on her face. She has assisted us on numerous occasions with the special needs we had. She is always courteous and attentive to our concerns and finds equitable solutions that are a win-win for everyone.”

• Mike Kelly of WATA and AdVentures – nominated by Daniel Minton – “… a true professional within his trade and, more importantly, he enjoys what he does and is passionate about it. Mike is enthusiastic, makes a personal connection with each caller and eagerly tries to meet their needs. Though we’ve never met, Mike appears to live literally by the Golden Rule. I am a huge fan.”

• Wanda Wilson of The Village Inns of Blowing Rock – nominated by Lisa Mitchell and Heather Smith – “Wanda is an exceptional – she goes out of her way to greet and accommodate all guests and co-workers with an upbeat and friendly attitude. She is dependable, values her job and her ethics truly shine through.”

• Andrea Morgan of Bare Essentials Natural Market – nominated by Ben Henderson – “Andrea is an exemplary employee and true customer service professional – she always puts people first. Andrea is able to make the most complicated health issue understandable. She makes herself available at any time, without being asked. Andrea gives focused, undivided attention to her customers.”