Customer Service

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. -- On the last major shopping day of the year, small-business owners in Chambersburg were pleased to end 2009 on a financial high note. While area unemployment remained high through 2009, the economy rebounded slightly from early record lows to months of profit for area small businesses. "Every month this year was up from last year," said Mark Miller, owner of Gypsie, an eclectic retail store on the square in Chambersburg. Spending has not necessarily increased, Miller said.

The winners of the Humane Society of Washington County's two holiday raffles have been announced. Bob Walton won the dog prize and Rachel George won the cat prize. Both accepted their prizes at the shelter Dec. 21. Each was surprised with the news they had won. "No way!," said George. "I really wanted to win this incredible cat tree and this is just great. " The cat tree was a one-of-a-kind, custom- designed tree. Walton was taken aback when he heard the news he had won the dog raffle.

WAYNESBORO, PA. -- Christine Sanbower is a woman in charge of a mail-dominated agency in Waynesboro. Sanbower became her hometown's postmaster in mid-July. She juggled several tasks on a hectic, recent morning, helping customers and employees as the phone rang almost constantly. Despite the organized chaos, Sanbower is thrilled to be working in Waynesboro again at a post office with which she's very familiar. "The same carrier who delivered my mom's mail probably still does," she said.

"This is regarding the use of taxpayer money going to pay for rooms for the Conococheague Little League families to go to the tournament. I am all for the league, and I certainly hope they win. It's a wonderful honor. Years ago when my son was in the same situation, we didn't have help. If the families wanted to go, they paid their own way. It's not up to the taxpayers to pay for the parents and the families. If you can't afford to go, wish your child good luck and watch it on TV. " - Boonsboro "I just wanted to know why companies won't give people second chances.

I write this at the risk of self-caricature. Here goes: I'm nice. And I think most people are nice. By "nice" I mean kind, pleasant, cooperative -- virtues instilled by my mother who could instantly squelch incipient bickering among her daughters with her stern and always heeded warning, "Nicey-nice. " At my advanced age, it's a little embarrassing to be so Pollyannaish -- excessively or persistently optimistic. But a benefit of advanced age is self-acceptance. As Popeye said, "I yam what I yam. " I am persistently optimistic about people.

Hagerstown Trust Co. Cheryl Cunningham, a customer service representative in the downtown Hagerstown branch office of Hagerstown Trust Co., has received a quarterly award from Fulton Financial Corp. The award recognizes Cunningham for her customer service efforts in the first quarter of 2009. Housing Authority of the City of Hagerstown Ted Shankle, executive director of the Housing Authority of the City of Hagerstown, has been elected president of the Maryland Association of Housing and Redevelopment Agencies.

B. Sassy Inc. B. Sassy Inc. recently donated $100 to the Humane Society of Washington County from the sale of its Cuddly Companion products. Business owners Barbara Tritle and Carolyn Bishop will continue to donate $5 from the sale of every such product to the Humane Society. Items in the Cuddly Companion line include fleece dog coats, fleece-lined dog slickers, fleece people scarves and custom-designed handbags. All of the items are handmade and one of a kind. The items are available at the B. Sassy kiosk at the Saturday Farmer's Market in Hagerstown and at Bikle's Ski Shop at 7 N. Potomac St. in Hagerstown.

HAGERSTOWN - With only two months of experience under his belt, Jeffrey "J.J. " Bliss packed up an impressive win Friday night in the sixth annual Martin's Food Market's Best Bagger Round-Up. "My secret is to build the base, protect the fragile and provide customer service ... I always listen to the customer's needs," Bliss said after his win in the competition, which was at the Martin's at North Pointe in Hagerstown. Bliss works at Martin's in McConnellsburg, Pa., which is part of the grocery store chain's District 2. He was one of 12 contestants in Friday's contest.

CHEWSVILLE - Peering through the windows of the Chewsville Post Office this December is like stepping back in time. From the two mannequins in their holiday finery to the lighted Christmas tree and wreath, a stop at the post office seems a bit like visiting a department store in days past. The friendly service, occasional holiday treat and stamps prewrapped for gift-giving match the feel of an old-time store, where customers were greeted by name and customer service was a priority.

HAGERSTOWN -- Habitat for Humanity of Washington County will open a discount home-improvement store early next year at the former Coca-Cola plant on Charles Street in Hagerstown. The store, which is called a ReStore by Habitat for Humanity, will sell donated items ranging from appliances to kitchen cabinets, said Kathy Powderly, Habitat's director of development. Profits will be used to help pay Habitat for Humanity's operating costs "We've been collecting quite a bit (of merchandise)