You want to write the branch manager. Call the branch and ask whomever answers who that person is.

Not to be a wet blanket, but depending on the priorities of your bank, your accolades might get her a stern talking to about following policy blah blah blah.

Thanks, Specklet. I'll do that.

I wondered about that, ferociouskitty, so I figured I'd be very vague about the capacity in which she was helpful. Will that work?

If a banker isn't a teller, she's a Vice President.

It's funny because it's true.

Good call. And good for you. I always think it's a good idea to let managers know when people do a great job, but somehow I never get around to actually doing it.

Honestly, if it means that much to you, I'd send it to the manager AND the regional manager. Our RM used to have (still does, as far as I know, but I no longer work there) a weekly conference call with all the branch managers and one or two stories about the customer service efforts of the branch employees were standard fare. Our RM was fairly accessible as far as accolades go (you didn't want a problem about you to come to his attention, but good news was always awesome). Regionals also have a larger budget than branch managers and may or may not be less 'frugal' about awards. It was not unheard of for the regional to invite a few notable branch-level employees to baseball games, etc.

I would phone the branch manager and ask him if it's ok to forward/cc it to the Regional and get the information from him. Proper channels and all, and this way you make sure no one's feet are stepped on. Branch managers tend to like it when their employees' good qualities are called to the RM's attention, because it makes them look good.

It turns out the helpful person IS the branch manager. Is there anyone further up the food chain I can commend her to?

Maybe the regional manager is the way to go, then? Or should I ask her first?

Definitely.

Definitely ask her first? Or definitely just send a letter to the regional manager?

I'm inclined towards the second, because the whole branch is great, and I can mention that. If it wasn't for that branch's customer service I'd have bailed on the bank long ago.

Just remember: No good deed goes unpunished.

I did that for a bank agent, and the next time I saw him he gave me a $50 coupon meant for people who recommend new accounts.

it's simple: the dumb asshole reports to the greedy asshole, who takes orders from the big asshole, who fawns over the gaping asshole. put your money in a credit union.

Yo! Easy on the gaping assholes, dude! Some of us are sensitive.

Thank you for that summary, quonsar. However, those are not official titles and are therefore disallowed for formal correspondence.

quonsar is right, though... credit unions iz the only way to roll

I haven't cared for my credit union experiences.

tehehehehehe, Hugh you kill me. hehehehehe

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"If it wasn't for that branch's customer service I'd have bailed on the bank long ago."

This is important to state. Most banks have a BIG push for retention. It doesn't matter which avenue you take; you'll probably have to contact your branch manager to even get the regional's contact info.