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Business, frontline employee of the year announced
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| Where you can wine all you want Chamber President Justin Allred, left, presents the Business of the Year plaque to Jacque and Mark Cook of Coronado Vineyards. (Ainslee S. Wittig/ARN) |
By Carol Broeder & Ainslee S. Wittig/Arizona Range News
Coronado Vineyards is the 2008 Business of the Year, and Susie Smyers, an employee with Food City, is the 2008 Frontline Employee of the Year.
The Willcox Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture selected the winners from nominations, and the awards were presented Tuesday, Dec. 9.
Business of the Year
Outgoing Chamber President Justin Allred made the introduction and presented the plaque to Jacque and Mark Cook.
"We know Willcox and our Sulphur Springs Valley is known for its agriculture and its hospitality," said Allred, reading from the nomination letter written by LaDonna Burgess, a Chamber board member.
"Agriculture and tourism are key economic engines to our well being," he said. "You can grow everything from corn to pumpkins, chili to tomatoes and grapes to nuts."
"Now, to enjoy our beautiful scenery and beautiful sunsets, Willcox was in need of a nice place up on a hill to overlook our valley, savor some delicious prime rib, relax, and well, sip a glass of wine.
"The managing owners of this year's Business of the Year had a dream," Allred said.
"Now to some it may sound as nutty as a pistachio, but to our community and the hundreds of visitors who come, this quite new and quickly growing business is making a name for itself," said Allred, adding that at the same time it's making a name for Willcox - much like last year's recipient, Apple Annie's.
"Us locals can now enjoy a great dinner or just a nice place to gather in a wonderful atmosphere," said Allred, adding, "for those of you who enjoy a glass of fine wine, you must try some Riesling or Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Arizona Blush, Syrah or Cibola Gold just to name a few."
"This unique business provides such a nice place for our Chamber functions, weddings, Farm Bureau meetings, grape stompings, Valentines, birthday parties and the list of events and functions this business has is-well, who wouldn't drink to that!" Allred said on behalf of Burgess.
"Dreams were put into action. This new business held its grand opening Nov. 18, 2006," he said.
"Grapes grown here in sunny Arizona produce some of the finest wines," said Allred, adding, " I remember studies the U of A did many years ago reflected that our 4,000 foot elevation, excellent water, warm summer days, cool nights and breezes sweeping our valley was a perfect place to grow wine grapes, much like France."
"This winery may not be a country club anymore, like the business that was here at the location many seasons ago, but the exceptional service, outstanding food and wine tasting certainly makes one feel like we are relaxing at the finest country club or winery. That's why the address is Country Club Drive," he said.
"Since there is no question who this fine establishment and this year's Business of the Year is, join me in a toast to the Coronado Winery and Jacque and Mark Cook, who are great people, a great business asset to Willcox, and who help make our dreams come true," Allred said.
When it came the Cooks turn to speak, Jacque expressed her surprise at the honor, "I'm the incoming president and I still didn't know," she said, drawing laughter from the crowd.
"We are very appreciative of this honor," she said. "It is such a pleasure to serve this community."
"We welcome you to come out there and see the facility," Jacque said. "And do come and participate in these events. We don't express enough how much it means to us to have the community come out. We really appreciate you support."
"This is quite an honor," said Mark Cook. "Thank you for supporting us."
Frontline Employee of the Year
In her presentation, Burgess talked about the frontline employee award.
Susanna (Susie) Smyers, who is an employee with Food City, was nominated by Store Director Russell Schied. Burgess said Smyers was "selected for having the qualities that every employer and customer appreciates."
"After interviewing quite a few people, or should I say, 'spying' to look for this year's recipient, these are the reasons for this selection: Conscientious, responsible, kind, cheerful and always smiling with an awesome worth ethic!" said Burgess, adding that she looks out for the customers and "treats everyone equal and that is equally well -- going above and beyond with every customer."
"Customers know this person is very good at the job and takes work seriously while always having a big smile for everyone," she said. "This employee is determined, persistent, friendly; helpful, hardworking, dedicated to the customers, and continues to advance knowledge and skills."
Burgess said that Willcox is home to Smyers, "raised here, raising family here, proud of it and works to make our town better by being such a great ambassador to customers who come in the store."
Smyers "has so many great qualities we hear our business community complain that they cannot find," she said.
Quoting directly from Schied, Burgess said, "This person is one of the best customer service people I have worked with."
Smyers "treats each person the same way even when having a bad day" and "has the ability to remember people's names and make them feel at home," she said.
Smyers was described as the local Food City's "best customer service manager and is in charge of training and development of all members. Our customer service scores with our company have improved since this person took over this position."
Smyers "is married to a home-towner, mother of three children including a United States Marine serving our country, has three step-children and one grandchild," said Burgess, adding that her "determination was proven when a couple of years ago after a horse accident, doctors said, 'You won't ever walk again!'"
"This employee proved everyone wrong, and you'd never know about the serious injuries when greeted by the most happy face and being so helpful every day at work," she said.
"It is with great Willcox pride to announce Russ Schied's Food City No. 164 employee Susanna (Susie) Smyers as the 2008 Frontline Employee of the Year," Burgess said.
When it was her turn to speak, Smyers said, "Thanks so much. I'm very honored."
Later, she told the Range News that she was lured to the annual meeting. "I thought I was here for Gail (Martin), my husband's mother (also former chamber president). I had no idea until I recognized some of Russ' words (in Burgess' presentation)," she said.
Toward the close of the meeting, Ex-officio Board Member Bill Nolan presented the gift of an electric smoker grill to Chamber Director Kathy Smith in recognition of her service. Chamber employees Connie Bonner and Teresa Palmer were also acknowledged.
Outgoing board members Andrew Terry and Shelly Thompson were recognized and five people were announced as nominees for board vacancies. They are Revonda Laws of AEPCO, Monica Hogue of Rustic Rooster, Amanda Kirkendall of Apple Annie's Orchard, Kees Rodenburg or Eurofresh and Ellen Clark (retired) of Willcox.
Allred handed the presidential gavel over to Jacque Cook, who said she has dedicated herself to reaching out to the community during her upcoming term as president.
"I will participate in all the community activities that I can while still being a business owner. And I call on the public to also participate in those kind of activities," she said.
The Willcox Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture selected the winners from nominations, and the awards were presented Tuesday, Dec. 9.
Business of the Year
Outgoing Chamber President Justin Allred made the introduction and presented the plaque to Jacque and Mark Cook.
"We know Willcox and our Sulphur Springs Valley is known for its agriculture and its hospitality," said Allred, reading from the nomination letter written by LaDonna Burgess, a Chamber board member.
"Agriculture and tourism are key economic engines to our well being," he said. "You can grow everything from corn to pumpkins, chili to tomatoes and grapes to nuts."
"Now, to enjoy our beautiful scenery and beautiful sunsets, Willcox was in need of a nice place up on a hill to overlook our valley, savor some delicious prime rib, relax, and well, sip a glass of wine.
"The managing owners of this year's Business of the Year had a dream," Allred said.
"Now to some it may sound as nutty as a pistachio, but to our community and the hundreds of visitors who come, this quite new and quickly growing business is making a name for itself," said Allred, adding that at the same time it's making a name for Willcox - much like last year's recipient, Apple Annie's.
"Us locals can now enjoy a great dinner or just a nice place to gather in a wonderful atmosphere," said Allred, adding, "for those of you who enjoy a glass of fine wine, you must try some Riesling or Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Arizona Blush, Syrah or Cibola Gold just to name a few."
"This unique business provides such a nice place for our Chamber functions, weddings, Farm Bureau meetings, grape stompings, Valentines, birthday parties and the list of events and functions this business has is-well, who wouldn't drink to that!" Allred said on behalf of Burgess.
"Dreams were put into action. This new business held its grand opening Nov. 18, 2006," he said.
"Grapes grown here in sunny Arizona produce some of the finest wines," said Allred, adding, " I remember studies the U of A did many years ago reflected that our 4,000 foot elevation, excellent water, warm summer days, cool nights and breezes sweeping our valley was a perfect place to grow wine grapes, much like France."
"This winery may not be a country club anymore, like the business that was here at the location many seasons ago, but the exceptional service, outstanding food and wine tasting certainly makes one feel like we are relaxing at the finest country club or winery. That's why the address is Country Club Drive," he said.
"Since there is no question who this fine establishment and this year's Business of the Year is, join me in a toast to the Coronado Winery and Jacque and Mark Cook, who are great people, a great business asset to Willcox, and who help make our dreams come true," Allred said.
When it came the Cooks turn to speak, Jacque expressed her surprise at the honor, "I'm the incoming president and I still didn't know," she said, drawing laughter from the crowd.
"We are very appreciative of this honor," she said. "It is such a pleasure to serve this community."
"We welcome you to come out there and see the facility," Jacque said. "And do come and participate in these events. We don't express enough how much it means to us to have the community come out. We really appreciate you support."
"This is quite an honor," said Mark Cook. "Thank you for supporting us."
Frontline Employee of the Year
In her presentation, Burgess talked about the frontline employee award.
Susanna (Susie) Smyers, who is an employee with Food City, was nominated by Store Director Russell Schied. Burgess said Smyers was "selected for having the qualities that every employer and customer appreciates."
"After interviewing quite a few people, or should I say, 'spying' to look for this year's recipient, these are the reasons for this selection: Conscientious, responsible, kind, cheerful and always smiling with an awesome worth ethic!" said Burgess, adding that she looks out for the customers and "treats everyone equal and that is equally well -- going above and beyond with every customer."
"Customers know this person is very good at the job and takes work seriously while always having a big smile for everyone," she said. "This employee is determined, persistent, friendly; helpful, hardworking, dedicated to the customers, and continues to advance knowledge and skills."
Burgess said that Willcox is home to Smyers, "raised here, raising family here, proud of it and works to make our town better by being such a great ambassador to customers who come in the store."
Smyers "has so many great qualities we hear our business community complain that they cannot find," she said.
Quoting directly from Schied, Burgess said, "This person is one of the best customer service people I have worked with."
Smyers "treats each person the same way even when having a bad day" and "has the ability to remember people's names and make them feel at home," she said.
Smyers was described as the local Food City's "best customer service manager and is in charge of training and development of all members. Our customer service scores with our company have improved since this person took over this position."
Smyers "is married to a home-towner, mother of three children including a United States Marine serving our country, has three step-children and one grandchild," said Burgess, adding that her "determination was proven when a couple of years ago after a horse accident, doctors said, 'You won't ever walk again!'"
"This employee proved everyone wrong, and you'd never know about the serious injuries when greeted by the most happy face and being so helpful every day at work," she said.
"It is with great Willcox pride to announce Russ Schied's Food City No. 164 employee Susanna (Susie) Smyers as the 2008 Frontline Employee of the Year," Burgess said.
When it was her turn to speak, Smyers said, "Thanks so much. I'm very honored."
Later, she told the Range News that she was lured to the annual meeting. "I thought I was here for Gail (Martin), my husband's mother (also former chamber president). I had no idea until I recognized some of Russ' words (in Burgess' presentation)," she said.
Toward the close of the meeting, Ex-officio Board Member Bill Nolan presented the gift of an electric smoker grill to Chamber Director Kathy Smith in recognition of her service. Chamber employees Connie Bonner and Teresa Palmer were also acknowledged.
Outgoing board members Andrew Terry and Shelly Thompson were recognized and five people were announced as nominees for board vacancies. They are Revonda Laws of AEPCO, Monica Hogue of Rustic Rooster, Amanda Kirkendall of Apple Annie's Orchard, Kees Rodenburg or Eurofresh and Ellen Clark (retired) of Willcox.
Allred handed the presidential gavel over to Jacque Cook, who said she has dedicated herself to reaching out to the community during her upcoming term as president.
"I will participate in all the community activities that I can while still being a business owner. And I call on the public to also participate in those kind of activities," she said.
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