NEWS

raise the bar (verb, idiomatic) to set a more impressive precedent or record. We've all seen the bar raised in technology in the past decade. It's hard to believe that it was only the '90s when the Internet and cell phones became a household name, and products like DVDs and MP3s came into popularity.

As a consumer of many things, I have long been a price shopper. Growing up I remember the excitement of cutting coupons with my mother on a Sunday afternoon, and enjoyed watching the savings when we'd finally use them at the grocery store. I still get a thrill from sneaking dollar store candy into the movies, and for many years I'd rather buy five $20 shirts as opposed to one $100 shirt in order to have variety and to be able to say I saved a buck.

Growing up, I would hang on every word my grandparents would say. "Traci, be an honest person with integrity." "Be confident." "Don't rush life." "Stay young while you can. Life is going to fly by so fast." "Set an example to others and be a leader, not a follower."

As consumers, we are all looking for a little something extra that makes us feel rewarded for a purchase. When I look in my wallet, I see several handfuls of loyalty program cards - Starbucks, Subway, drugstores, grocery stores, airlines, hotels and more - all promising freebies. I'll bet there aren't many of us who haven't participated in at least a few of these. Why wouldn't we?

When I look back at 2013, I’m amazed how many Atlantic employees have a shared passion for helping others. I received countless phone calls and emails relaying stories of our employees going “above and beyond” the call of duty. Some of the stories were astonishing at the lengths an employee went to help a customer. Others were small, thoughtful gestures that made a big impression. What really hit home for me, though, was how dedicated our employees are to great service - the Atlantic Attitude.