RUMFORD – A local business known for providing good service and a nonprofit whose contributions promise to improve the area’s economy were recognized Saturday by the River Valley Chamber of Commerce.
“Hannaford’s is geared toward taking good care of people,” said Peter Everett, chamber president, about the grocery chain, which won the customer service of the year award. “It’s in their management philosophy and training.”
The supermarket’s manager, David Duguay, said he was pleased with the award. “This is something we strive for,” he said. “It’s nice to know we’re on the right track.”
He said one of his personal goals is to re-enforce good customer service by recognizing store employees who serve customers in an exemplary manner. As an example, he said he recently recognized an employee who helped a woman who was holding a child and trying to unload the grocery cart with one hand.
The local Hannaford store received the business of the year award from the chamber in 2002.
The Portland-based philanthropic Libra Foundation was awarded the nonprofit organization of the year plaque for its financial support for the purchase of the Black Mountain Ski Resort by the Maine Winter Sports Center, also a nonprofit.
Everett said the millions of dollars contributed by Libra, along with the thousands of hours of donated work by local volunteers used in the small mountain’s transformation last year, should have a huge economic impact on Rumford and the surrounding area.
Among the improvements were the construction of a new ski lodge that can be used for community functions during the off-season, installation of new chairlifts and longer Alpine ski trails.
Everett said the organization only funds projects in which volunteers become actively involved.
“They put money into our town,” he said.
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