Asheville VA Medical Center’s Canteen Service gets national honor

Press release from CHARLES GEORGE VA MEDICAL CENTER:

Asheville, N.C. – The staff of the Charles George VA Medical Center’s Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) operations was recently presented with a “Canteen of the Year.”  The award officially recognizes the medical center food, drink and retail operations as one of the 10 best in the entire VA which has more than 200 Canteens.

The Asheville Canteen was chosen because it passed a demanding evaluation process that was outlined by VCS Regional Manager Danny Mannlein.  He said that the Canteen had to be ranked in the top 30 percent of all VA canteens for financially profitability.  Sales increases for food, retail, coffee and vending were tracked.  They were evaluated on employee productivity, customer service survey scores, retail accountability results, and inventory turns.

Employees were rated on their courtesy, knowledge and friendliness.  Stores were rated for their appearance and operating standards.  The results of unannounced visits by VCS Central Office staff were also used to select winners.

Erik Sandborg, chief of the Asheville VCS, said, “I am so proud of my team.  They deliver great service to our Veterans and the Medical Center staff every day. To be recognized as a top 10 service in the country is quite an honor.  It takes the combined efforts of many people to earn this award.  During the month of July the VCS team served 26,700 customers.  They served more than 171,000 so far this year.  That is incredible for a staff of 12. ”
Medical Center Director Cynthia Breyfogle said, “Your service to the employees, volunteers, visitors and Veterans who come to Charles George VA Medical Center is invaluable, and is recognized by more people than you realize.  Thank you for your service to America’s heroes, our Veterans, and the people who serve them.”

The Canteen staff was presented with a commemorative plaque for permanent display and each VCS employee received a Special Contribution “team award” in recognition of their accomplishments.

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About Jake Frankel
Jake Frankel is an award-winning journalist who enjoys covering a wide range of topics, from politics and government to business, education and entertainment.

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