For Those Going the Extra Mile

Debi Maqueda Customer Service Awards Committee Chairman

Singing to the customers is one of the joys for Consuelo, a waitress at Ponchos. One day Consuelo happened to be waiting on Marty Charles, Chamber Ambassador, and her mom who thought she was headed to the hospital because of the way she felt. All three were to learn a big lesson – never underestimate the power of a caring smile and touch.

“Cheering up Marty’s mother with a song, patting her on the back and telling her she was going to be ok made all the difference to her mom,” said Debi Maqueda, Ambassador who heads up the new Customer Service Awards committee. “Marty’s mom walked out of there feeling refreshed and like a million dollars!”

Knowing full well there are many more people doing their jobs, taking that extra step, lending an extra hand, in McAllen’s business world, the Chamber has reactivated its Customer Service Awards.

“Customer Service is so important. It’s your business. It can make you or break you,” said Maqueda. “If you don’t have those key players working for you, something will definitely happen to your business.”

Currently Ambassadors nominate people with whom they come in contact and who they feel deserve the award.

“We look for people who go over and beyond, those who give you that ‘Wow!’ factor,” Maqueda continued. “This is great for McAllen because we feel we’re the leaders in the industry, as far as customer service, and we’d like to take McAllen to a new level. We believe we’re doing that by rewarding individuals who exude great customer service.”

Receiving a plaque and a large gift-basket in a surprise ceremony, so far employees at LFD Furniture, Ponchos, house.wine.&bistro., Shah Eye Center, and Walmart pharmacy have been recipients of this prestigious award.