Ten businesses have reached the finals of the Service Excellence competition in South Savonia, celebrating outstanding customer service across the region. The competition received 175 nominations representing 116 different companies, with participants from every municipality in the area.
The Chamber of Commerce organizes this annual event to highlight the diverse and high-quality service offerings in South Savonia. The initiative aims to strengthen the region's reputation as a destination for exceptional customer experiences. Finalists were selected through a rigorous evaluation process that included mystery shopping assessments.
Several familiar names from previous competitions appear among this year's finalists. Each selected business demonstrated exceptional performance in customer experience, professional expertise, and genuine service mentality. The competition period ran from May through early August, with Savonlinna contributing the highest number of nominations.
What makes this competition particularly noteworthy is its focus on regional development through service quality. In Finland's competitive business environment, such initiatives help smaller regions maintain their economic vitality. South Savonia faces typical challenges of rural areas, including population decline and economic centralization to urban centers. Competitions like Service Excellence directly counter these trends by celebrating local entrepreneurship and encouraging businesses to invest in customer experience.
One judge commented on a finalist establishment, calling it 'the heart of the entire village' with 'top-notch staff, service, and atmosphere.' The evaluation noted how this business goes beyond typical retail operations by organizing community events like summer karaoke nights that bring the whole village together.
Another finalist received praise for transforming their operations in recent years. Evaluators noted improved staff quality, better food offerings, and enhanced facilities that create 'small everyday luxuries' for customers. This demonstrates how the competition drives continuous improvement among participants.
The winner will receive their award at the Entrepreneur Gala in late January. Beyond the recognition, the competition provides valuable marketing exposure and networking opportunities for all finalists. In regions like South Savonia, where tourism and local services form crucial economic pillars, such recognition can significantly impact business performance.
For international readers, this competition reflects Finland's broader commitment to quality and equality in business development. Unlike many countries where business support focuses primarily on urban centers, Finland maintains strong regional development programs. The Service Excellence competition represents just one of many initiatives ensuring that high-quality services remain available throughout the country, not just in major cities.
The selection process revealed several interesting trends in regional service development. Many finalists excelled in creating community-focused environments where both regular customers and new visitors feel equally welcome. Several businesses received special mention for their ability to handle unique customer requests creatively, demonstrating flexibility beyond standard service protocols.
Young entrepreneurs featured prominently among this year's finalists, with one evaluation highlighting 'young business owners with happy attitudes and fantastic service orientation.' This suggests healthy generational transition in regional business ownership, crucial for long-term economic sustainability in rural areas.