Amy Huntimer (center) with Nate Swalley, Hy-Vee regional vice president (far left), Jake Scheitler, Marion Road Hy-Vee store manager (second from left), Matt May, Hy-Vee district store director (second from right), and Matt Heldenbrand, Hy-Vee district vice president (far right). Photo from Hy-Vee.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — A Sioux Falls Hy-Vee employee has been awarded the grocery store chain’s highest award.
Amy Huntimer, the pharmacy manager at the 26th and Marion Hy-Vee, is one of only 11 out of more than 86,000 employees in 8 states to win the Legendary Customer Service Award.
Top Hy-Vee management says Amy is known for her contagious positive attitude.
Below is a news release from Hy-Vee.
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SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota (Sept. 13, 2021) — Customers at the 26th and Marion Hy-Vee in Sioux Falls know just who to turn to when they need help. They’ll find the helpful smile and exemplary customer service Hy-Vee is known for in Amy Huntimer.
Amy, the pharmacy manager, is known for her contagious positive attitude. Amy works hard every day to make sure customers of all ages have a good experience when they come into the store, and does her best to inspire those around her to do the same. That’s why fellow employees, family members, customers and Hy-Vee executives gathered at the Shadow Lake Hy-Vee yesterday to surprise Amy with the Legendary Customer Service Award. The award recognizes exemplary achievement in providing service that exceeds customers’ expectations. Only 11 winners were selected from among more than 86,000 Hy-Vee employees across eight states.
“Amy always has a friendly, helpful smile and an upbeat personality,” wrote Matt Heldenbrand, district vice president. “She is the one who always maintains the positive energy in her department for both customers and employees. Being the pharmacy manager, Amy holds the highest expectations and standards for herself and her employees, always ensuring her patients receive only amazing and sincere service and care.”
In addition to work in her home store, Amy has also spent time sharing her passion and the Hy-Vee fundamentals with the employees at a newly acquired Hy-Vee pharmacy location in a neighboring town. Amy can also be found volunteering for committees and projects in the store.
“Amy exemplifies the core fundamentals of Hy-Vee by always willing to help out and take care of her employees in her department,” wrote Jake Scheitler, store manager. “She only wants what is best for her employees. Amy is dedicated to Hy-Vee 100%. She always volunteers for any committees that we have or anything we need help with. Amy is always the first one to volunteer. Being friendly who Amy is. She is the nicest, sincerest person and she just enjoys helping customers.”
Candidates are nominated for the Legendary Customer Service Award by their co-workers, and winners are selected by a panel of Hy-Vee’s top officers. Nominations are evaluated on the employee’s overall contributions to the company in nine areas: passion for customer service, attitude, initiative, teamwork, problem-solving skills, dedication to Hy-Vee fundamentals, communication skills, professional image and self-confidence.
Hy-Vee’s Chairman, CEO and President Randy Edeker said Amy demonstrates exactly the type of caring commitment to others that Hy-Vee leaders had in mind when the Legendary Customer Service Awards were established in 2006.
“Amy is an outstanding example of the Hy-Vee fundamentals and truly going above and beyond for a customer,” Edeker said. “This award was created to honor the best of the best in our Hy-Vee family and Amy is certainly deserving of this award.”
Amy and the other 2021 recipients of the Legendary Customer Service Award will be inducted into
Hy-Vee’s Customer Service Hall of Fame and receive a coveted Legendary Customer Service name badge and a custom-designed ring to commemorate the honor. Recipients will also receive a crystal trophy and a free trip of their choice.
