Employee who has worked 40 years at Newton Hy-Vee gets company’s top honor

Lisa Peters had a surprise in store for her when she arrived for work on Friday at the Newton Hy-Vee. By the time she pulled in, she thought it odd so many cars were in the parking lot, but shrugged it off not knowing that she would be greeted by family members, co-workers and Hy-Vee administrators on a red carpet.

They welcomed her with a resounding applause as her eyes welled with tears, realizing the banners, the balloons and the cake were all for her.

For her outstanding — nay, legendary — commitment to customer service, Hy-Vee announced Peters was the recipient of the 2023 Hy-Vee Legendary Customer Service Award, which was the first time a Newton resident had ever received the company’s highest honor that could be presented to an employee.

From the 80,000 or so workers employed by Hy-Vee throughout the Midwest, only 14 recipients were selected to receive the award this year; in total, 165 workers have received this award. Peters will enter the Hy-Vee Legendary Customer Service Award Hall of Fame and receive additional gifts and honors.

Oh! And she also gets a shiny, gold name badge and will be featured on the side of a Hy-Vee semi-trailer.

The award is granted to those workers who provide above-and-beyond service to customers and employees. Phil Grout, district store director of the Newton Hy-Vee, said when he thinks of Peters he thinks of dedication. Not only is she dedicated to her family, Grout said, she is dedicated to her career.

Which was exemplified by a testimonial from a past customer who wanted to highlight Peters’ passion and that dedication she’s known for around the store. In May 2021, a customer who was diagnosed with their second round of cancer recalled Peters going out of her way to check up on them.

“Having a support system is essential, and so is a positive attitude, in any cancer treatment,” Grout read from the testimonial. “Who would have known part of my support system was an employee from the Newton Hy-Vee?”

By the end of the customer’s radiation treatment, they needed special astringent to treat a severe burn. But there was none to be found close by. Peters tracked down the over-the-counter product for the customer and made sure there was an ample supply of it in the store.

“Lisa went above and beyond to help me survive the worst part of my radiation,” the customer wrote to Hy-Vee. “…Lisa is legendary!”

After reading her nomination letters, Josh Asche, regional vice president for Hy-Vee’s Central Iowa region, said Peters clearly demonstrates, lives out and inspires others to carry out the company’s fundamental qualities — caring, honesty, integrity, respect and helpfulness — day in and day out.

Asche read from a letter penned by Hy-Vee CEO Jeremy Gosch.

“You impact the lives of countless others through your helpful smile,” Gosch’s letter said. “On behalf of myself and the fellow 80,000 Hy-Vee employees, I’m grateful that you’re part of our Hy-Vee family. I look forward to personally recognizing you for all that you do for our company, our culture and our customers.”

Peters, 56, has held a job in Hy-Vee for the past 40 years. She was completely shocked and blown away by the honor.

“I’m sure there are many others who are more deserving, but I’m very appreciative! After all these years, I still love my job and I like working with people,” she said to Newton News before thanking her customers. “Thank you for always being there! There are so many I enjoy seeing all the time!”