I've long had a policy of doing that anyway, though not in so concerted a way. Many years ago, when the agency I worked for was going under, I moonlighted for a while in a discount department store, pre-Wal-Mart. It was a hellish job. Ever since, when retail employees, wait staff or customer service people have been helpful, I praise them to their bosses.

Glad to hear it bore fruit for you.

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Oh well, what the hell.