September 3, 2020 | News & Press Releases
WATERLOO, Iowa (Sept. 3, 2020) — Gail Greer is referred to by many as the face of Hy-Vee in Waterloo. She is the bridge between Hy-Vee and the local community and has a reputation for her community outreach efforts and her steadfast approach to always putting people first.
Gail, the human resources manager at the Ansborough Avenue and Logan Avenue Hy-Vee locations, is well known for her strong community presence and her passion for helping others, whether it be her customers, employees or her community. That’s why fellow employees, family members, customers and Hy-Vee executives gathered at the Logan Avenue Hy-Vee yesterday to surprise Gail with the Legendary Customer Service Award. The award recognizes exemplary achievement in providing service that exceeds customers’ expectations. Only nine winners were selected from among more than 85,000 Hy-Vee employees across eight states.
“Gail is an active member in the community here at the store and truly does everything possible to provide the best customer service at Logan Avenue,” Logan Avenue Hy-Vee Manager of Store Operations Ben Hovey wrote in his nomination. “Gail will go out of her way to help a customer – truly living up to the Hy-Vee philosophy that if there is a fire in the store and a customer needs assistance – she will help the customer first, then put out the fire.”
Using her community connections, Gail regularly identifies ways that Hy-Vee can help its community, whether it be through donations, promotions or hiring initiatives. As an HR manager, Gail always maintains a positive and open outlook. This outlook has helped the stores become a more inclusive workplace, offering competitive employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities and those who face other barriers in the community. Her efforts have contributed to Hy-Vee being named Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services’ top employer in the state of Iowa.
“Gail’s biggest contribution is that she is a voice of reason,” Hy-Vee’s Vice President of Community and Diversity Relations and former store director of the Logan Avenue Hy-Vee Sailu Timbo wrote in his nomination. “She would often counsel me and other leaders on our business approach within the Waterloo community. The topics could include everything ranging from item selection, community outreach, donations, partnerships and sales promotions. She kept us in tune with the Waterloo community. This instilled pride in the employees and our loyal Hy-Vee customers.”
Candidates are nominated for the Legendary Customer Service Award by their co-workers, and winners are selected by a panel of Hy-Vee’s top officers. Nominations are evaluated on the employee’s overall contributions to the company in nine areas: passion for customer service, attitude, initiative, teamwork, problem-solving skills, dedication to Hy-Vee fundamentals, communication skills, professional image and self-confidence.
Hy-Vee’s Chairman, CEO and President Randy Edeker said Gail demonstrates exactly the type of commitment to customers that Hy-Vee leaders had in mind when the Legendary Customer Service Award was established in 2006.
“Gail lives out the things Hy-Vee stands for in everything she does — caring, helpful and dedicated service to our customers. Her nominators pointed to example after example of her commitment to her customers, her co-workers and her community,” Edeker said. “This award honors the best of the best from among our Hy-Vee family, and Gail is most deserving of this recognition.”
Gail and the other 2020 recipients of the Legendary Customer Service Award will be inducted into
Hy-Vee’s Customer Service Hall of Fame and receive a coveted Legendary Customer Service name badge and a custom-designed ring to commemorate the honor. Recipients will also receive a crystal trophy and a free trip of their choice. And finally, their photos will be prominently featured on the side of Hy-Vee trucks, showcasing their helpful smiles to millions of travelers across the Midwest.
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Hy-Vee, Inc. is an employee-owned corporation operating more than 275 retail stores across eight Midwestern states with sales of $10 billion annually. The supermarket chain is synonymous with quality, variety, convenience, healthy lifestyles, culinary expertise and superior customer service. Hy-Vee ranks in the Top 10 Most Trusted Brands and has been named one of America’s Top 5 favorite grocery stores. The company’s more than 85,000 employees provide “A Helpful Smile in Every Aisle” to customers every day. For additional information, visit www.hy-vee.com.