The longest customer of Cricket Communications – Chattanoogan Kenneth Phillips - was to be in for a treat on Tuesday.
Cricket, which started in Chattanooga almost eight years ago, was holding a special customer recognition event for Mr. Phillips, who has been with Cricket since March 17, 1999. That is the same day the wireless company started in Chattanooga.
Cricket has grown to become a leading provider of wireless services in more than 22 states across the country.
Ellis Shacklett, Cricket district director for East Tennessee, said, "From Cricket’s first market launch to its current nationwide expansion, one customer has seen it all. Kenneth has been with Cricket since the beginning. We’re happy to reward such a great customer for his incredible loyalty.”
The special customer recognition event was to take place at 11 a.m., at the Lee Highway Cricket store, located at the intersection of Lee Highway and Highway 153.
Mr. Phillips was to be transported to the event via limousine and have a red carpet entrance. He will receive the handset of his choice, free service for all of 2007 and a $100 gift certificate to J. Alexander’s restaurant.
Cricket will also provide free refreshments for all who attend the event.
In addition to the recognition event, Cricket was to honor Mr. Phillips by donating $1,000 to a charity of his choice. He requested the donation be made to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, specifically to benefit its childrens' programs. The CAFB works with needy children through programs such as the Kid’s Café, which provides food to after school programs.
Mr. Phillips said he became a Cricket customer because he “was looking for the best service for the money.”
“Cricket has always been dependable,” he said. “I don’t have dropped calls and it is the most value for my money spent.”
Mr. Phillips has definitely put Cricket’s service to the test, logging an estimated 139,500 minutes with his Cricket phone.
“This event is all about Kenneth, but it also a great accomplishment for Cricket,” said Ms. Shacklett. “When a customer remains happy with a wireless provider’s service for the entire life of the company, you know you’ve done something right.”
Mr. Phillips currently works in real estate investing and is self-employed. He is a member of Galilee Baptist Church in Chattanooga.