MODESTO, Calif. — Save Mart Supermarkets here said it will reward 10 employees with cash prizes of $10,0000 each for delivering excellent customer service and fostering a friendly shopping experience for customers.

In prior years the prizes were new cars, but the company said that, due to current economic conditions, a cash award would probably be more appreciated.

Bob Piccinini, chairman and chief executive officer, will give out the prizes over the next six weeks during his pre-holiday tour of the chain's 244 stores.

The prizes are part of the chain's Customer Connection program a year-round effort to improve customer service skills among all store-level and support employees that uses training and rewards to improve customer satisfaction and foster a friendly shopping experience, the company explained.

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