By Tiffany Larrabee
When shopping it can be difficult to focus on anything except the tasks at hand like; what products to buy, trying to remember to bring that coupon from home, or the dreadful question of what to make for dinner. While most of the people behind the counters in Monroe County can’t complete those tasks for you, they do a fine job of supporting you while you attempt them.
Once you are ready to check out at some of the local stores you are frequently greeted by a young person. Teenagers dominate a large portion of the workforce in Monroe County. Some of them are just starting their work history and are learning how to navigate their first jobs. One young girl said she wanted to “get a head start on saving for a car,” even though she couldn’t drive yet. With graduation on the horizon for some of the local seniors, saving money for college is also important.
Not all of the cashiers and associates in town are Monroe County natives. Ally Reynolds, an associate at Blanche Farm Meats in Bolingbroke, has traveled all over and spoke about how she really enjoys the customers that visit the shop. “It feels good as a worker here to see people enjoy what we have to offer,” she said. She continued on by complementing the community and how supportive they are.
An interesting thing about the local people running the registers in Monroe County, is that not only are they working there, but some actually own and run the businesses themselves. If you stop by some of the places in town it is very likely you will find the proprietors helping behind the counters, like Mary Beth Odom at the Whistle Stop Train Depot.
Maya Web, a manager at Jonah’s, said she has enjoyed her two years working with the community of Monroe County and her fellow colleagues. “We are like a family,” she commented about her co-workers. She elaborated on that by saying “I think it helps us produce better service because we all have fun and really enjoy working here.”
Maya Web, Manger at Jonah’s Pizza in front of their famous pizza wing mural.
A majority of the workers questioned about the overall attitudes of the people in Monroe County said they almost never have issues. “You never know what kind of day someone has had. So I treat everyone like it is the best day,” a local associate commented.
It is easy to forget sometimes how far saying “please,” or “thank you,” can go to improve a shopping experience for everyone. Luckily in a small town manners are never in short supply. Leigh McCarty, a local salesperson, said she has found people in Monroe County to be “more friendly.” Other cashiers said they see the same people all of the time and it gives them a chance to form connections with their customers.
When you get ready to check out in town make sure you remember that the associates in these companies help us to be able to function and live our lives a little easier. The community would not work without them. Treat them with kindness and respect because they deserve it. And maybe they have some ideas on what to have for dinner.
