In this fast-paced world, occasionally you come across someone who is a shining example of what it means to make a difference. Nominate that person for a Central Illinois Customer Service Association WOW Award, presented by Capitol City Now. It’s a way to recognize someone in the area who has demonstrated exceptional customer service.
It could be someone who went above and beyond to assist you or someone who demonstrated remarkable compassion and kindness. Recognizing the individual through a WOW Award nomination celebrates the spirit of service and highlights their contributions to making Central Illinois a more positive place to live.
Here’s Darryl’s WOW Award nomination of Austin Palmer-
On Thursday, June 20, 2024, I was traveling from a funeral for my uncle in GaryIndiana (the day prior my wife was rear ended in an auto accident). It was a hot day and there was construction present on the interstate throughout my travel. I pulled off the highway to fill my car with gas for the last leg of my trip returning home to Springfield Illinois. After filling up my car and reentering I72 highway near Champaign IL I heard a loud noise! My tire blew requiring me to rapidly exit the highway as a safety precaution. I was able to reach a less traveled road but I was not familiar with the area. I contacted a tire repair service but their service truck would not be able to service me for at least a couple of hours and dawn was approaching. Several people drove by and saw me on the roadside with a flat tire, looked and immediately excelled and sped by. I was in a rural area, surrounded by farm fields and limited traffic. After standing outside my car for some time, a young man pulled over, made a u-turn and offered to assist me. There was something calming and peaceful about this young man. He politely informed me that he was on his way to his girlfriend place and saw that I needed help and he felt compelled to assist me. I further learned he worked for his family business, Palmer Tire & Auto Service located in Decatur Illinois. The young man name is name is Austin Sidney Palmer and what a GOD send. Austin changed my flat tire with my spare doughnut tire and displayed sincere kindness. He never discuss money or compensation and was reluctant to accept cash from me. He insisted that I text him once I made it home and if I encounter any problems with the car. I arrived home safely and notified him. The following Sunday Austin text me with this message; God bless you Darryl and I am glad he sent me to assist you.
Capitol City Now is proud to support CILCSA in its efforts to recognize those who truly make a difference in our community.
Brian Summerall will present “Leadership Lessons From Ted Lasso,” focusing on service, forgiveness, and caring for others. The event will be held on Feb. 28 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Cherry Hills at 2125 Woodside Rd. in Springfield.
About the speaker: Brian Summerall, Director of the Tod Bush Leadership Center, has a long history with Young Life (35 years on staff) and a deep passion for the impact that this ministry has on young people around the world. He has been in direct ministry as well as training and strategic planning roles since 1987. He most recently served as Young Life’s Director of Ministry Strategy, helping Young Life areas around the world reach more kids.
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