JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Naval Weapons Station Charleston's Navy Exchange management and employees were presented the prestigious Bingham Award at the NWS Charleston NEX July 15, highlighting the exchange as one of the Navy's best.
Each year, the Bingham Award recognizes NEXs which have demonstrated excellence in customer service, operations and management. The NWS exchange placed first in the $20 to $40 million category with more than $24 million in sales for 2009.
"This award demonstrates that you are one of the best Navy exchanges in the world; only nine other stores out of 103 can claim this award," said Rear Adm. Steven Romano, commander of NEX Service Command, to the crowd of NEX employees. "This is like winning an Olympic gold medal."
Admiral Romano, who served as guest speaker at the event, added that as he walked through the facility, he noticed four qualities that led to the Charleston NEX's success.
"You do the basics right, you make a mature facility look great; you are managed by extraordinary leadership and you have great training," said Admiral Romano.
NWS Charleston NEX General Manager Beth Munoz gave credit to the employees who operate the store on a daily basis.
"This team has always had the necessary skill and teamwork in them to win this award, and they show it every day," said Ms. Munoz.
The team includes long-time employees Willie Ellis and Bernice Mac. Ms. Mac has been working at the NEX for 20 years, while Mr. Ellis has been with the company for 37. Looking to retire in the near future, he was thrilled to see all the hard work has paid off.
"It's a very prestigious award for us," said Mr. Ellis, and Ms. Mac echoed the sentiment.
"This took a lot of team effort, but in the end, it was worth it. This award is just great for morale and makes us want to keep working hard," said Ms. Mac.
The Bingham Award is named after the late Capt. W.H. Bingham, who was the chief executive of the R.H. Macy's Company, was appointed in 1946 by the Secretary of the Navy to lead an advisory board for the establishment of the NEX system.