KOSCIUSKO REMC MEMBERS EXPERIENCE “RANDOM ACTS OF ICE CREAM”
Warsaw, Indiana – “Random acts of ice cream” and free energy saving tips greeted Kosciusko REMC members who visited the electric co-op in Warsaw, Indiana to pay their bills on Friday, July 16. With sweltering temperatures in the mid-90s predicted, KREMC decided to stage an unannounced customer appreciation day to distribute free ice cream and energy saving idea booklets to the co-op’s members.
“We know that anytime we have a due date fall on a Friday, we’re in for a busy day,” said Lemert. “With the high temps that were predicted, we knew that people would be a struggling with the heat. We decided that it would be a perfect day to distribute free ice cream, and to provide some energy education, as well.”
Lemert purchased ice cream bars, ice cream sandwiches, sugar-free fudgesicles and bottled water to hand out to members to give everyone an option. “We also prepared flyers that directed people to the www.togetherwesave.com website, and we attached them to the front of Touchstone Energy’s ‘101 Low Cost/No Cost Energy Saving Ideas’ booklets.”
When members pulled into the drive-up or entered the lobby, they were greeted by KREMC Energy Advisor Carol Presley Ousley and Lemert, who set up a table with coolers outside the co-op lobby. “We asked members what kind of ice cream they wanted, then we’d hand them their choice, with a napkin and the idea booklet,” said Presley. “We didn’t give them an option on taking the booklet. If they got the ice cream, they also got the booklet.”
“Giving our members ice cream on a due date helped make everyone a little happier, both our members and our CSRs,” Lemert noted. “It’s hard not to have a smile on your face when someone gives you free ice cream.” Distribution of the ice cream started at 11:00 a.m., and by 4 p.m., the supply of nearly 400 ice cream items had been depleted.
“This was an inexpensive and fun way to reach our members,” said KREMC President and CEO Steve Rhodes. “Whenever we have the opportunity to help educate on energy efficiency, promote Touchstone Energy, and we can do it in a way that makes everybody happy, we’re all for it.”
The success of the promotion was best reflected by CSR/Cashier Stephanie Hooper. She sent a thank you note to Lemert and Presley, stating “The customers were all smiles all afternoon.” |
