Ever walk into a store and patiently wait for the clerk to conclude a seemingly endless telephone conversation?
I have and it’s irritating.
Ever call a business and listen to a recording that goes: “Sorry, I’m presently away from my desk. If this is an emergency, please dial 0 for other options?”
I have. It’s aggravating.
Ever phone a company, only to have your call automatically placed on hold while music, not to your liking, beats in your eardrums?
I have. And it’s annoying.
Ever keep a scheduled appointment, only to have the receptionist coldly respond: “There must be some mistake. The party you wish to see is on vacation?”
I have. It’s frustrating.
Ever line up at a seven-item cashier counter only to observe the customer in front is pushing a cart containing sufficient groceries to feed an entire family?
I have. And it's infuriating.
Yes, I know what you’re thinking. You’ve already concluded this is a negative summary of all that’s amiss in today’s business world.
Wrong. Quite the opposite.
For a single day last week, I experienced all that’s right with the business world. And I think it right to share my story.
My first stop was the Ashgrove Medical Centre at Hwy. 7 and Ninth Line in Markham. It was my annual blood check. Being the chicken I am when it comes to needles, I requested a bed rather than flop unconscious on the floor. This was provided without complaint, along with a cold glass of water.
I survived.
Next call was Markham Stouffville Hospital.
With $565 obtained through community donations for our Main Street signboard, I went looking for an official in public relations. On reaching the correct area, I was greeted by director Lisa Joyce, whose welcoming smile pervaded her office.
While the source of my funds was important, Lisa appeared equally interested in all the hospital had done for me. I give the facility and its PR director an A-plus.
On to the Town of Whitchurch emporium on Sandiford Drive.
The reason? I went seeking information on a promised sign for Rupert Park, designating the area’s toboggan slide as Hunt’s Hill in honour of long-time town resident Mickey Hunt.
I also wanted to learn the future of the signboard at the former Bridon Motors site.
For this information, I was directed by a welcoming receptionist to Cindy Elder in leisure services.
On the Mickey Hunt sign, Cindy said the project had been turned over to facilities manager Rob Raycroft.
“We’re acting quickly on this,” she said. “We appreciate its importance.”
Lo and behold, two hours later, when I returned to the park site, the project had been completed.
My thanks to all involved.
But Cindy didn’t stop there. The community signboard was her next assignment.
“Follow me,” she said, striking a path towards the planning department.
There I was met by not one, not two, but three staff employees, each anxious to obtain answers.
The result? The very next day, Tom Parry, director of planning called our home.
“The former Bridon site’s been sold,” he said, “but nothing specific’s proposed for the property until sometime next year. The present signboard should be OK until well into 2009.”
What a relief. Like a stay of execution.
The same afternoon, I received a letter by mail. It read in part: “I wish to take this opportunity to thank you for a job well done this past school year as our crossing guard. Have a safe and enjoyable summer – Paul Whitehouse, director of public works. His assistant, Lori Boyd, added her personal thanks.
So that’s my story. Eight hours, eight contacts, eight positive replies. This is service with a capital S.
Little wonder a recent survey completed by DPR Canada gave five town departments honours standing.
All earned.
Jim Thomas is a Stouffville resident who has written for area newspapers for more than 50 years.