Rod Lamar was caught off guard. He was honored. But, moments after being recognized for his outstanding customer service by the Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce, he went out of his way to help a customer bag her groceries and then load them in her cart.

Lamar, a 17-year employee at the Winn-Dixie located on Dallas Avenue, was named this month’s Rising Star Award winner.

“I am really shocked,” Lamar said after the Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce executive director Sheryl Smedley presented the surprise award. “I am really happy to be honored, really happy to have this job.”

The monthly Rising Star award is selected after those nominated for the honor are reviewed and then selected by a committee of the chamber’s board of directors.

“Rod enjoys helping customers. He is happy in his job. This is evident in his demeanor,” the person who nominated Lamar wrote in a letter to the chamber. “He maintains a pleasant, professional and caring presence.”

The Rising Star Award was created by the chamber in an effort to recognize those who exhibit the highest standard in customer service.

“It is my pleasure to present this to you,” Smedley said in presenting Lamar with his award. “And, I truly appreciate the difference you are making in our community.”

Winn-Dixie store manager Larry Crane said he appreciates the effort Lamar puts into helping customers and has had the luxury of working with Lamar ever since joining the Dallas Avenue store’s team 10 years ago.

“Rod is well-deserving of it, he’s very dedicated and just does a tremendous job going above and beyond what is asked to help customers,” Crane said. “He especially goes out of his way to help those customers who have disabilities. He does a great job giving them the extra care they need.”

Nominations for the Rising Star award can be made at the Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce office on Selma Avenue near the Dallas County Courthouse. For information on the program, contact the chamber at 875-7241.