Some folks do get it right

Customer service in Santa Cruz County has been the subject of 24 on-line comments on Nogales International.com. Here is mine:

The problem is not just here. But on the border, we have an added unique circumstance: English-speaking folks complain because clerks talk in Spanish. Many Spanish-speaking folks complain because they aren’t treated right.

Most complaints center on what I call floor help, which in most cases is lacking in education, earns among the lowest wages, or comprises high school youth who have no loyalty or intentions of a long-term relationship with the work place. Those are tough hurdles.

Many of us have tried the usual routes �“ complaining to managers, having it out with the employee, writing to the newspaper to bash businesses, and so forth. Obviously that has had minimal results.

I propose being less negative. Why don’t we call the managers to point out employees that do provide us with good service? How about a letter to the editor about excellent service received at a local business? Or, perhaps, a simple, “thank you” to a clerk or other worker?

I’m not talking about instances where employees are simply doing what they are paid to do. I refer to those who go above and beyond the call of duty.

Let me start it:

My wife and her mother recently bought appliances at Home Depot. In an unassuming manner, store associate Martha Lopez took on the task as if she were buying the stuff herself. Thank you, Martha.

Last week, Copy Editor Aulton Utsey spotted Chonita Ferish, a local special education teacher, buying a birthday cake out of her own money for a student. That is love.

The crew at the Jack in the Box on Mariposa Road deserves kudos for its friendly and helpful service. Dishing up fast food with a smile is a hard gig; plus the place is spotless inside and out.

And last but not least, I want to recognize Maria Castillo and Carmen Torres, advertising representatives at the Nogales International. To me it is inspiring how they lug their friendly attitude around as they go out daily into the trenches to promote our newspaper. It’s a tough economy that spurs rejection lmost at every turn. They don’t give up.

I could go on. Instead, I invite you to write us about any particularly good experience you have had while shopping in Santa Cruz County.

(Contact us at 268 W. View Point Dr., Nogales, Ariz., 85621, or manuel.coppola@nogalesinternational.com.)