By Sarah Mahan

The Selma Times-Journal

Through its Rising Star Award Program, the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce continues to recognize residents who demonstrate outstanding customer service in the community. 

This month’s Rising Star Award recipient, The Coffee Shoppe, has “so many excellent employees who are always smiling and remember people’s names and favorite orders. You can’t nominate just one,” according to the nomination application sent to the Chamber of Commerce.

Ann Murray, a member of the Chamber’s Retail Committee and creator of the award program, said, “We do this to encourage all of those who meet the public daily. One smile can really make a difference, and this award is a way to thank the Coffee Shoppe for doing this in our community,” while Sheryl Smedley, executive director of the Chamber, presented the award.

Jackie Smith, owner of the Coffee Shoppe — located on Broad Street — offered thanks to the community for the award and to her employees for their hard work and dedication.

“We are honored and humbled to receive this customer service award. This award thanks us for doing the principles this business was founded on. I am always reminding them about customer service, and it makes me glad to know all my employees take what I say to heart and pass it along to the customer,” Smith said. “We just thank our customers for this award. It [represents] something important and bigger than just [this business].”

Murray emphasized the need for residents to continue nominating local employees and businesses for the award.

“It’s important to nominate people who deal with the public day after day. It encourages them to not only do their job well but build a happier community,” Murray said. “Through this program, we aim to do that one person or one business at a time.”