Badcock chain salutes Customer of the Century
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, February 28, 2004
Mulberry, Fla. — As part of its centennial celebration, retailer W.S. Badcock has recognized Willmoteen Smith, a retired teacher and dedicated volunteer, as its Customer of the Century.
She was honored at the chain's dealer meeting and received an expenses-paid weekend of entertainment in Orlando, Fla., complete with two dozen roses, a trip to Disney World for five, and $500 spending money.
Ms. Willmoteen, as Badcock employees fondly call her, was recognized for her community service and long-time patronage of the retailer. She recently retired after 30 years as a teacher, and has been a leader in the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, the Little Ebony Club, the 4-H Club and the American Cancer Society.
She cares for seven grandchildren, after assuming responsibility for her daughter's two children after the daughter's death in an auto accident.
Badcock stores submitted 22 nominations for the award and CEO Don Marks chose the winner. Haywood and Mattie Anderson of the Cross City, Fla., store nominated Smith.
"We feel that Ms. Willmoteen Smith is the perfect recipient of this award for all of her unselfish dedication and devotion to her family and community," Marks said at the dealer meeting. "She gives heart to all."
