OKLAHOMA CITY, February 24, 2010 – The Stevie Awards, among the nation's most prestigious business awards, has given the Oklahoma City Thunder top honors this year for its front-line customer service team.
Announced at a Feb. 22 banquet in Miami Beach, Florida, the Stevie Awards celebrate outstanding accomplishments of sales, customer service and call/contact center professionals worldwide.
Thunder Senior Vice President of Guest Relations Pete Winemiller said the Stevie Award reflects the commitment to excellence of the more than 600 front-line employees who make Thunder home games so special for fans. He added that this recognition serves as one more way for the Thunder to continue to say 'thank you' to its talented team of front-line staff.
"We are humbled and honored by this international recognition that the Thunder, from the top down, is completely dedicated to creating a fan experience that is defined by the guest as positive and consistent," said Winemiller.
"Our vision is to make the Thunder the most fan-centric organization in professional sports. Our front-line employees are crucial to achieving that aim. The Stevie Award is gratifying because it is a testament to being consistent at caring for our guests, working hard and having fun, which is in the DNA of every staff member who makes Thunder games a successful and memorable experience."
The award's moniker is taken from the name "Stephen" which is derived from the Greek for "crowned."
Earlier this month, the San Diego-based National Sports Forum named the Thunder a finalist for its annual SAMMY Award for its entry concerning a unique guest relations (customer relations) program. An acronym for "Sales Advertising Marketing Management Idea of the Year," it honors sports organizations that have demonstrated particular ingenuity and creativity. Other finalists for the 2010 SAMMY included Fan Cans LLLC, the Milwaukee Brewers, Qcue, Seattle Sounders FC and the Toronto Maple Leafs.