Service-oriented

Friday, Jan. 18 — The voting for Celebration! Cinema’s second annual Celebrated Service Award starts today, which lets the community vote for local companies that have outstanding customer service.

“We’re recognizing businesses that go the extra mile,” said Emily Loeks, the director of education and community partnerships for Celebration! Cinema. “You must have product knowledge for whatever you’re providing, whether it’s instruments or cheese.”

Loeks said that Celebration! Cinema began the award last year with three goals: to tell the stories of great customer experiences, to ignite community conversation and to recognize companies with great service. Last year, more than 30,000 people voted for the award in Celebration’s six markets — with about 8,000 people voting in the Lansing area. Last year’s local winner was Cold Stone Creamery in East Lansing. Voting ends on Jan. 31.

Loeks said that businesses that reached the finals last year are eligible again, but businesses that won the previous year are not. Winners will receive packages that consist of recognition on the Celebration! movie screens, website and lobbies; $5,000 in cash prizes; and private movie screenings for employees. Among all six theaters, Celebration! will give about $360,000 in prizes. Loeks said finalists will also be invited to attend an event with musician Dave Carroll, whose YouTube song “United Breaks Guitars” is about poor customer service, and has over 12 million views.

The 10 local finalists consist of: Barley’s American Grill, Blimpie Subs & Salads, Buddies Grill, Decker’s Coffee Co., Elderly Instruments, Leo’s Lodge, MSU Federal Credit Union, Preuss Pets and Texas Roadhouse. Click here to vote.