Big City Selection Small Town Values

Big City Selection
Small Town Values
I
t would have been a good job in a nice office with a well-respected
company. But one thing would have been missing – regular interaction with the general public.
Since that face-to-face relationship is important to Ryan Streck, he
chose a different route to serving Dillons customers.
Streck’s peer is Diana Sunley, store manager at the 1811 Main Street
location.
Dillons offers many other grocery and non-grocery items and services, including the pharmacy,
deli, salad bar, floral department, full-service
meat and seafood case, bakery with cake decorating, special-order program, and seasonal garden
and outdoor items. “We also have invested a ton
of training and technology into the front end of
the store to reduce wait time in line,” Streck said.
Floral - In the picture
at left, two Dillons
employees prepare
floral arrangements.
Dillons’ floral department features a refrigerated cooler with
bouquets avaialble,
even when the
counter is not staffed.
Candy, gifts, and cards
are popular pairings
with their flowers.
On the giving-back-to-the-community side of
things, Dillons employees are big supporters of
the United Way of Central Kansas and numerous other worthy causes. The 10th Street store
employs 125 of these associates, while 50 serve at
the Main Street location.
“I collaborate with Diana all the time,” Streck said. “We help one
another on various things – whether they are business-driven or
community-driven. It is a very good relationship.”
This business-community connection is what defines Streck’s job
at the supermarket. Dillons not only provides products and services
to its customers, it also supports many worthy causes.
Another customer-driven business decision has resulted in success. The store’s organic section is doing well “and seems to be
expanding – from produce to the displays near the pharmacy. More
items are becoming available and the biggest thing customers want
is variety. We listen to the voice of the customer.”
Customer Service
- In the picture
at right, one of
Dillons’ employees
rings up a lottery
ticket for a customer. The Service
Desk is also where
customers can
purchase stamps,
create money
orders, and load
shopping cards in
the Neighborhood
Rewards Program.
One technological advancement in recent years
is a Dillons application for mobile and tablet devices that allows customers to track fuel points,
load coupons directly to their Plus Cards, manage a shopping list, and more. The app allows
consumers to develop brand loyalty, while saving
them time and money.
“I had an opportunity to work in the Hutchinson office but I
wouldn’t have been able to work with the public very much,” said
Streck, store manager at the 4107 10th Street Dillons. “I enjoy working with people and there is something different every day.”
On the business side, Dillons recently launched its Lower Prices
campaign, which is signified by all the new blue signs and employee
attire. “We have re-invested money into the business to lower prices
on thousands of items. This is to better serve the customer and
remain competitive,” Streck explained.
For example, Streck added, Dillons encourages
customers to fill out the survey at the bottom
of their receipts. “They will receive 50 free fuel
points for doing so,” he said, noting points can
result in substantial savings at the fuel center.
“We look at the surveys each and every day and
respond right away.”
Dillons recently launched a new marketing campaign, which features a
bold color scheme and new messaging. Everything from the employee
uniforms to the signs and advertising now features a modern look.
One of the reasons Dillons customers are so loyal is because of their exceptional service. The latest technology allows Dillons to monitor customer shopping times
and improve
processes to help
shoppers get in
and out as quickly
as possible. That
technology, paired
with the personal
service in the
checkout lines,
has customers
coming back again
and again.
“We have very good participation in the United
Way,” Streck said of the payroll deduction opportunities. “This is not mandatory, which is the most
impressive thing about it. In recent tough economic
times, I would have thought the numbers would go
down but the employees proved me wrong.”
Even though Streck was born in Johnson County, he feels at home here in central Kansas. He grew
up in Hutchinson and began his Dillons carry-out
job in 1995. Four years later, he was a management
trainee and moved to McPherson in 2001 as assistant manager. Then it was off to Hays in 2004 as
manager and to Great Bend in 2006.
Deli - Dillons offers a
full service deli, selling fresh cut meats
and cheeses, along
with other popular
foods such as fried
and baked chicken,
macaroni and cheese,
potato salad, macaroni salad, and much
more. They also cater
for corporate parties
and events.
“I am extremely thankful for the associates we have
here,” he continued. “Some are coming up on 40 years
with the company. Their knowledge is invaluable. They
are down-to-the-core good people. They truly care about
the business and the customers.”
Cont. on Pg 10
Meats - In the picture at left, a Dillons
employee slices beef steaks to be
packaged and placed in the meat department for sale. The large majority
of Dillons meat department is stocked
with meats that are freshly cut right in
the store. Dillons is also the only store
in the area to feature a staffed seafood
counter with items such as salmon,
cod, tilapia, crab, and more.
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Sept/Oct 2013 • p8
Dillons is part of the Kroger’s Family of Stores, which includes many other brands. Great Bend has two Dillons locations - one at 4101 10th Street and one at 1811 Main Street.
Sept/Oct 2013 • p9
Sept/Oct 2013 • p10
“It’s the local leadership and small
town values that keep Dillons at the
forefront of the grocery industry.”
Cont. from Pg 9
Employee charitable contributions
are not just financial. Through the Dillons Days of Caring project, employees
participate in activities that support the
United Way. One recent example is the
Caribbean Cool Color Run at Veterans
Memorial Park. Another example is
the Salvation Army bell ringing that
takes place between Thanksgiving and
Christmas each year.
Dillons also spearheads a charitable
program called Neighborhood Rewards,
in which nonprofit organizations can
distribute special, reloadable gift cards
to their stakeholders. Every time the
card is reloaded, Dillons automatically donates 5% of that amount to the
charity. The customer loading the card loses
nothing, other than a few minutes at the
service desk to load the card.
The organizations are not charged at all for
participating, and it can generate thousands
of dollars in additional revenue.
Delivery - Dillons offers delivery
services for floral orders and prescription drug refills.
“Our store alone is responsible for thousands of dollars of Neighborhood Rewards
contributions for local charities,” Streck
says. “Those participating include elementary
school Parent Teacher Associations, nonprofit
agencies, and churches – all of which receive financial support from Dillons with no strings attached.”
Dillons is part of the Kroger’s Family of Stores which also includes
Baker’s, City Market, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer Jewelers, King Soopers,
Ralphs, Kwik Shop, QuikStop, and numerous other brands. “Because
we are part of a well-supported national structure, we can give Great
Bend residents access to a variety of foods and services that might not
otherwise be available,” Streck says. “But it’s the local leadership and
small town values that keep Dillons Stores at the forefront of the grocery
industry.”
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September Calendar of Events
View & post community events at www.greatbend.org!
Aug. 30 – Sept. 2... Labor Day Celebration in Hoisington
1… Topeka Stars Baseball Showcase Scrimmage, Cougar Field, 245 NE 30 Rd
2… Labor Day (Chamber, City of Great Bend, BCC Campus, and Library Closed)
3… Barton County Commission Meeting, Courthouse Room 106, 9 a.m.
3… Great Bend City Council Meeting, 1209 Williams, 7:30 p.m.
4… GBPL Computer Class “Mouse Basics”, 1409 Williams, 11 a.m.
4… Young Professionals Leadership Luncheon, Pizza Hut, 4101 10th, 12 p.m.
4… Barton Baseball Scrimmage, Cougar Field, 245 NE 30 Rd, 4 p.m.
4… Barton Volleyball Game, Kirkman Building, 245 NE 30 Rd, 6:30 p.m.
4… Holy Roller Night, Up N Rollin Skate Center, 2805 9th, 6-8 p.m.
5… Chamber Coffee: United Way at Dillons #51, 10th & McKinley, 9:30 a.m.
5… Ribbon Cutting: Central Plains Security, 1520 Main, 10 a.m.
5… ChamberConnect Radio Show Airs, KVGB 1590 AM, 11:35 a.m.
5… Business After Hours: K-96 Block Party, True Value Parking Lot, 5-7 p.m.
5… Summer Street Stroll Farmers Market, Jack Kilby Square, 1400 Main, 5-8 p.m.
6… GBPL After School Movie “Toy Story”, 1409 Williams, 7 p.m.
6… Back to School Bash, Up N Rollin Skate Center, 2805 9th, 6-10 p.m.
6… GBPL Adults Night Out Movie “Great Gatsby”, 1409 Williams, 7 p.m.
6… St. Rose Diabetes Support Group Meeting, 3515 Broadway, 7 p.m.
7-8… High School Showcase Baseball Tournament, Cougar Field, 245 NE 30 Rd
8… Shafer Art Gallery Reception “Identities”, 245 NE 30 Rd, 1-3 p.m.
8… Barton Soccer Games, 245 NE 30 Rd, 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.
9… Barton County Commission Meeting, Courthouse Room 106, 9 a.m.
9… GBPL Teen Movie Monday, 1409 Williams, 4 p.m.
9… Grief Support Group Meeting, GBHHH Conference Room, 3520 Lakin, 6:30 p.m.
10… Shafer Gallery Art Chat “Idealism to Realism”, 245 NE 30 Rd, 12 p.m.
10… GBPL Teen Day o’ Stuff, 1409 Williams, 3:30 p.m.
10… GBPL Computer Class “Introduction to Computers”, 1409 Williams, 7 p.m.
11… Barton Baseball Scrimmage, Cougar Field, 245 NE 30 Rd, 4 p.m.
11… Barton Volleyball Game, Kirkman Building, 245 NE 30 Rd, 6:30 p.m.
12… Chamber Coffee: BCC Adult Education Facility, 1025 Main, 9:30 a.m.
12… Barton Cohen Center History Snapshot, 245 NE 30 Rd, 2 p.m.
12… Summer Street Stroll Farmers Market, Jack Kilby Square, 1400 Main, 5-8 p.m.
12… Golden Belt Community Concert “Exile”, Municipal Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.
12… Free Outdoor Movie, Jack Kilby Square, 1400 Main, 9:15 p.m.
14… KWEC “Mad About Monarchs”, 592 NE 156 Hwy, 9 a.m. to Noon
14… Heartland Farm 25th Anniversary Celebration, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.
14… Healing Hearts Ranch Benefit Rodeo & Auction, Expo III Building, 5 p.m.
16… Barton County Commission Meeting, Courthouse Room 106, 9 a.m.
16… GBPL Teen Movie Monday, 1409 Williams, 4 p.m.
16… Grief Support Group Meeting, GBHHH Conference Room, 3520 Lakin, 6:30 p.m.
16… Great Bend City Council Meeting, 1209 Williams, 7:30 p.m.
18… Chamber Executive Board Meeting, 1125 Williams, 12 p.m.
18… Barton Volleyball Game, Kirkman Building, 245 NE 30 Rd, 6:30 p.m.
19… Chamber Coffee: Sunflower Diversified Services, 8823 4th Street, 9:30 a.m.
19… Sunflower Diversified Services Pancake Dinner, 4100 Broadway, 4-7 p.m.
19… ATT’s “It Can Wait – Drive 4 Pledges Day”
20… Catholic Social Services Adoption Workshop in Dodge City, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
20… Movie with a Message “Doubt”, 3600 Broadway, 6:15 p.m.
21… Party in the Park Festivities (See page 14 for details!)
23… Barton County Commission Meeting, Courthouse Room 106, 9 a.m.
23… GBPL Teen Movie Monday, 1409 Williams, 4 p.m.
23… Grief Support Group Meeting, GBHHH Conference Room, 3520 Lakin, 6:30 p.m.
24… Shafer Gallery Art Chat “Cultural Identity Through Art”, 245 NE 30 Rd, 12 p.m.
24… GBPL Teen Game Day, 1409 Williams, 3:30 p.m.
24… Barton Baseball Scrimmage, Cougar Field, 245 NE 30 Rd, 4 p.m.
25… Chamber Board of Directors Meeting, 1125 Williams, 7:30 a.m.
26… Chamber Coffee: USD 428 Education Foundation, 201 Patton, 9:30 a.m.
26… Hahn Brothers Motocross Meet-and-Greet, Bandshell, 1400 Main, 4-6 p.m.
26-27… BCC Theatre Production “A Piece of My Heart”, Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.
27… Bryce Moran Benefit Bull Ride, Expo III Building, 6:30 p.m.
28-29… Great Bend Renaissance Festival, Brit Spaugh Park
28… Run for Life Suicide Prevention & Awareness Run, BCC Campus, 6:30 a.m.
28… Big Bend Bike Rally & Hahn Brothers Supercross Shootout, Expo Complex
28… Barton Volleyball Game, Kirkman Building, 245 NE 30 Rd, 6:30 p.m.
29… Barton Soccer Games, Cougar Soccer Complex, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.
30… Barton County Commission Meeting, Courthouse Room 106, 9 a.m.
30… GBPL Teen Movie Monday, 1409 Williams, 4 p.m.
30… Grief Support Group Meeting, GBHHH Conference Room, 3520 Lakin, 6:30 p.m.
Sept/Oct 2013 • p7
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