Local customer service

Maybe it shouldn't be surprising, but sometimes I'm still taken aback when I run into great customer service. The other day, I was calling a state government office about a couple of business related questions. While the written information hadn't been the easiest to understand, getting to talk to a real live person made the process a lot easier. But the best part was that there was a local office... and the person who answered the phone took my questions, answered them thoroughly, and essentially provided quality service. It saved me time and hassle (or at least frustration) by being able to get what I needed easily (and without feeling like I was an annoyance to the person on the other end of the line).

In any business, restaurant, etc., customer service really does make a difference. My most-frequented restaurant has almost as much to do with the friendly service than it does with the food.

It's interesting to think that how we act around others reflects to a large degree on the things we represent. People get first impressions of families by the behavior of either kids or parents. Certainly how people feel about restaurants and businesses can be affected by any staff person. Out-of-towners judge Altoona in part by the interactions they have here. Were the locals friendly? Suspicious? Helpful?

On this Monday morning, I'd like to give three cheers for GREAT customer service in Altoona PA. If you know of a business that provides that kind of service, make sure you give them a little positive write-up in Altoogle.

- Matt