Quality service is it's own reward, but the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce has once again honoured those who went the extra mile for their customers and clients.
The Star Quality Service Persons Luncheon recognized 10 individuals who provided quality customer service in the Battlefords. These awards have been presented for the past 30 years. Those earning the awards are selected through a nomination process that gives satisfied customers an opportunity to single out those who provide outstanding service.
Jordan Solomko of Jordan Bus Lines, was honoured for going the extra mile for his bus company whether it involves a bus breaking down or planning trips for seniors, or community support for local hockey camps or for the AAA Battlefords Sharks.
Garth Walls of Battlefords and District Co-op - Pharmacy, was honoured for helping someone in distress who was having trouble breathing. Walls took the individual in, found her blood pressure wasn't normal, and then insisted he take her to the hospital himself rather than call an ambulance. He was praised for making the extra effort for that individual.
Joe Walsh of Tim Hortons received recognition for coming through to bake gingerbread cookies for his customer, even though he had run out of those items.
Lisa McEachern of Northern Athletic Club was honoured for being there for her customers, for her "great faith in people" and for work with youth.
Ray Lessard of Sanberg Collision was recognized for helping a customer who had a "terrible rotten odour" in her brand-new vehicle. They picked up her car and had it back within an hour, problem solved. It turns out there were mice in the car that caused the smell.
Debbie Kipp of Nu-Tec Embroidery received honors for her integrity and for finding a way to remove a logo from a coat the customer wanted to keep.
Vicki Russell of Battlefords and District Co-op was honoured for going out of her way helping a widow to purchase the right outfit for a funeral.
Michelle Holhoyi of Scotiabank was honoured for helping sort out the complicated financial and estate affairs of a woman who had passed away.
Janice Knight of Zekes' Quality Jewellers was recognized for a "lifetime of wonderful experiences" in making her customers feel welcome in her store all the time regardless who theu were or what they spent.
John Bauer of Battlefords and District Co-op Maintenance was honoured for noticing a young person's bicycle was not properly locked and for making sure it was moved to a safe place so that it could be picked up by the rightful owner.
Most recipients were on hand to receive the awards from various local presenters at the Muse Theatre in the Western Development Museum, North Battleford.
