For the second year in a row, A Better Deal Designer Tuxedos and Suits, located at 369 Bird Rock Ave., has received a “Best of La Jolla” award in the Tuxedos and Suits category from the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA). Each year, the USCA recognizes companies nationwide that “enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community,” according to a press release. Owners Jerry and Janet Klein have been in the tuxedo business for more than 30 years, and they have spent half that time at their present location. Jerry said that the duo’s personal attention to customers and control over their products sets their business apart from their competitors, which are primarily large chain stores. “You don’t need to make a dozen calls to get ahold of someone at our store — I answer the phone,” Jerry said. “We are here six and seven days a week to make sure the store is operated as it should be and that our customers are pleased with our product.” Klein said that he has roughly 3,500 suits on site, and he makes sure that he and his employees have everything customers need to make their tuxedo rental experience enjoyable and convenient. “We are a small business — we have one location here that is family-owned and operated,” Jerry said. “We don’t order from out of town, we have tailoring available here … we are in control of our product, and that is unique. There is no possibility of our customers showing up [at an event] looking like yesterday’s newspaper.” The Kleins take their status as a family business seriously, as they currently employ two of their grandchildren at the store. They are also actively involved with the community. Jerry is a founder of the Nice Guys Organization and a past president of the Bird Rock Community Council, and he and his wife frequently donate tuxedos and suits to local organizations for fundraisers and events. “I came from humble beginnings in Chicago, where I was born and raised, and I believe that you get back what you give,” Jerry said. “It is a very normal thing that you should do in life as you become successful. Part of the joy of having that success is that you can help people.” The USCA Web site states that the association conducts its own research and also relies on third-party information to choose companies for a “Best of Local Business” award; businesses do not apply for the program, and there is no voting process, which makes the award unique from other “best-of” distinctions, Klein said.