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Customer service fuels awards for businesses

Joshua Roberts
Lonnie Kawcak, right, of MJK Sales & Feed thanks attendees after receiving the Craig Chamber of Commerce's Large Business of the Year award at Tuesday's State of the County: An Inside Look at Moffat County. Former Chamber president Gene Bilodeau is on the left.
Hans Hallgren

— A common theme runs between the two award-winning businesses the Craig Chamber of Commerce recognized Tuesday during its annual meeting.

MJK Sales and Feed, 290 Ranney St., and Bear Creek Animal Hospital, 2430 E. Victory Way, pride themselves on customer service.

This based on the words others attributed to the businesses Tuesday.



On MJK, a 30-year business:

“At MJK, their motto is ‘it takes two to say no,’ which means that no employee tells a customer something can’t be done until they’ve checked all their options and had at least one other person do the same,” said Gene Bilodeau, former Chamber of Commerce president.



“MJK was nominated for this award for the excellent customer service they provide and the quiet way they support the community.”

On Bear Creek, a long-time local business, chamber president and Daily Press publisher Bryce Jacobson recited praising words from a nomination letter:

“I’ve been taking my pets to Bear Creek Animal Hospital for 13 years,” Jacobson read. “Every time I visit the clinic, I am thankful for Dr. Hepworth and his staff. Through everything from routine vaccinations to the heart-wrenching task of saying goodbye to my beloved dog, Dr. Hepworth and his staff have been professional, competent, understanding and compassionate.”

MJK Sales and Feed, owned and operated by brothers Lonnie and Junior Kawcak, received the chamber’s Large Business of the Year award. Bear Creek Animal Hospital, owned by full-time veterinarian Kelly Hepworth for eight years, was recognized as the Small Business of the Year.

“I’d always like to be known for having those traits,” said Hepworth, of the nomination letter citing the hospital staff’s professionalism and compassion. “I think we’ve got a lot of good people, so it’s pretty easy.”

Hepworth was out of town Tuesday. His wife, Sarah Hepworth, accepted the award on the hospital’s behalf.

Lonnie Kawcak, who manages the hardware side of MJK, said he and his family were proud to receive the business award.

“We’re all very honored – family and employees both,” he said.

“This is a really a big surprise to us. Thank you people, our customers. Thank you very much.”


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