Write a Letter Acknowledging Achievements • Example Letters, Guides and Samples

Guides

Acknowledging the accomplishments and achievements of customers, business associates, and civic leaders is a valuable method of maintaining your business's goodwill. These letters are usually brief and personal, often use the friendly letter form, and generally use a warm complimentary closing.

How to write this goodwill letter:

  1. Begin by congratulating the recipient on his or her accomplishment or achievement. Specifically mention the achievement.
  2. Expand or elaborate on your congratulations.
  3. Close with a positive statement, often a repeated expression of congratulation.

Example Letter #1

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Congratulations on your son's Eagle Scout award. I know what kind of effort goes into earning such an award and how hard you must have worked to help him do his best. You have been a great example to many parents who work with you every day.

You deserve to feel proud, and I hope you have many more opportunities to see how your patient and tireless parenting has paid off.

Example Letter #2

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Way to go! I just read that your cartoon was judged the best entry in the yearly search for new talent. I have chuckled at your cartoons in our local paper over the years. Now you will be published in national papers. I am pleased that I can say, "I knew you when." This is great!

Example Letter #3

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I was a one-man standing ovation when I heard you were Springfield High's Valedictorian this year. What an accomplishment: To graduate number one in a class of over 800 students while taking science and math classes! Have your parents' feet touched the ground yet?

Example Letter #4

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We were so pleased to hear about your promotion to branch manager at the Lincoln County office. While we hate to see you leave the Springfield branch, we know that you deserve the recognition and the increased responsibility. It has been such a pleasure doing business with you. Keep up the good work!

Write Your Letter Step-by-Step

1 Begin by congratulating the recipient on his or her accomplishment or achievement. Specifically mention the achievement.

Sample Sentences for Step 1
  • I was so pleased to read about your well-deserved promotion to branch manager of the Springfield Corporate Offices!
  • Congratulations on your award as "Employee of the Year."
  • I was delighted to hear that your daughter, Jane, has received Springfield's Student of the Year Award.
  • It was a pleasure to be at the banquet last night and see you receive one of the Outstanding Leadership Awards.
  • Congratulations on a well-deserved award as teacher of the year.
Sample Phrases for Step 1
  • commend you for your
  • congratulations on
  • count it a privilege to
  • delighted to learn of
  • deserve this recognition
  • extend our heartiest congratulations
  • happy about your promotion to
  • happy to learn of your being honored for
  • have met the challenge of
  • is a pleasure to see you receive
  • is a significant honor
  • is a remarkable accomplishment
  • lucky to have you
  • must be very proud of
  • not at all surprised
  • on the occasion of
  • pleased to know of your success
  • public acknowledgment of your
  • such a prestigious award
  • this recognition of
  • to see you honored for
  • was delighted to hear that
  • was so pleased to
  • well-deserved promotion
  • well-earned commendation
  • wish you continued success
  • your outstanding achievement

2 Expand or elaborate on your congratulations.

Sample Sentences for Step 2
  • Even when we were in high school together, you were always a mover and a shaker. I am sure you will relish the challenges of your new position as you continue to rise up the corporate ladder.
  • Your excellent customer relations skills are an example to all of us at Doe's, and your record-breaking sales are proof of our customers' satisfaction.
  • I know the award also honors her parents who have raised such a committed and hardworking student. In fact, all of your children do you credit, and I am pleased that they have all been our customers through the years.
  • Your efforts over the years to offer employment and recreation to the youth of Springfield has required enormous amounts of time and patience, as well as the skill of a diplomat. Not only have you helped our youth, but our entire community has benefited.
  • I still remember when you first began working in the mail room at Doe's. As I recall, you quickly became our most valued mail room employee. When you became supervisor, I remember how smoothly our mail service operated. Since then, you have gently but firmly led us all into the computer age.
Sample Phrases for Step 2
  • a significant and happy occasion for
  • a great deal of time and effort
  • am glad to see that you are so highly valued
  • am confident that even greater growth will
  • are recognized among your peers
  • are a credit to
  • are lucky to have you
  • are your most ardent fans
  • are an example to all of us
  • award is very timely
  • can hardly wait to
  • clearly result from your tireless efforts
  • continue to rise up the corporate ladder
  • have passed a milestone
  • have the qualities that everyone values
  • have long admired the quality of your
  • have become well known for your expertise in
  • helped us to find success
  • no one could do a better job
  • not surprised to learn that
  • solid record of progress and achievement
  • such an award honors not only
  • the careful attention you pay to
  • well on your way to stardom
  • wish we could have been there
  • wish you continued success in
  • your wonderful success with

3 Close with a positive statement, often a repeated expression of congratulation.

Sample Sentences for Step 3
  • Congratulations again on your latest achievement.
  • I am glad this occasion gives me the chance to assure you of our high regard for your work.
  • I am sure Elaine will have an exciting and successful year at State in the fall. You certainly have reason to be proud of her!
  • I am glad that your fine work has now been publicly acknowledged.
Sample Phrases for Step 3
  • a highly valued colleague
  • accept our sincerest congratulations
  • applaud your accomplishment
  • assure you of our esteem and high regard
  • best wishes for the future
  • commend you for your excellent
  • congratulations once again for
  • deserve this recognition
  • enjoy a successful future as
  • every reason to be proud of
  • has now been publicly acknowledged
  • have passed this milestone
  • in years to come
  • is a pleasure to recall
  • keep up the good work
  • look forward to
  • many more years of association with
  • pleased to know of your success
  • record of achievement is an inspiration to
  • so pleased that you have been recognized for
  • this very special occasion
  • wish you continued success

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