Cessnock Customer Service Awards organisers have announced the first three monthly finalists for this year's Chamber Choice award.
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Donna Howson from Cessnock City Council was the April winner, Michael Treloar from Leading Edge Electronics received the May award and Toni Ralston of Oliver Campbell Heslop Solicitors was named the finalist for June.
The Chamber Choice, plus other category winners, will be presented at a gala awards night on October 15.
Ms Howson was nominated for going "above and beyond" when she helped a local resident who was dealing with an estate issue.
"Donna's caring nature saw her locate the keys to a bin on Vincent Street to retrieve a document that had been accidentally dropped into the bin," her nomination form stated.
Mr Treloar was nominated by a customer who was having problems with their home computer.
"Within the same day he had located the problem and and I was up and running without any serious delay," the customer said.
"I am nominating him because it is so good we have locally-based professionals to call on and that we shop locally. He was excellent in the way he explained the problem and how it could be solved.
"No need to go outside when we can gain such wonderful service by shopping locally."
Ms Ralston was recognised for her knowledge, demeanour and performance.
"Toni is a very conscientious and smart working lady. Recently, she facilitated the sale of my property in Cessnock, and I found her to be very knowledgeable, open, honest, ethical and transparent in my dealings with her," the nomination form said.
"She hand-held me through the process and kept me appraised on the progress on a regular basis. I was very impressed with her demeanour and performance.
"I genuinely feel that Toni went over and beyond in getting a good outcome for me."
Cessnock Business Chamber president Allan Davies congratulated the winners so far, and urged the community to get on board and continue to nominate staff who deliver excellent customer service at local businesses.
The awards have five main categories (hospitality and tourism, retail, trade and training, professional, and community and wellbeing), with 18 sub-categories.
Anyone who makes a nomination will go into the draw to win $100 in Cessnock Dollars.
Under a revamped format in 2021, nominations are open all year round, and can be completed online at cessnockchamber.com.au or via a QR code on the awards poster, which can be found in many local businesses.
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Krystal Sellars
Krystal Sellars is the Senior Journalist at the Cessnock Advertiser. Born and raised in Cessnock, she started her journalism career at the Advertiser in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Communication at the University of Newcastle. Contact her on krystal.sellars@cessnockadvertiser.com.au.
Krystal Sellars is the Senior Journalist at the Cessnock Advertiser. Born and raised in Cessnock, she started her journalism career at the Advertiser in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Communication at the University of Newcastle. Contact her on krystal.sellars@cessnockadvertiser.com.au.
