Franchise owners earn prestigious awards

Source: Muskegon Chronicle
McDonald's franchise owners Arthur and Jannie Scott have been honored by the company for contributing most to the business and the community in the Grand Rapids region.

The Scotts, who operate seven Muskegon-area McDonald's through JAAR Partnership, are among at most 40 franchise owners throughout the nation to be given the Ronald Award this year. Along with the Ronald Award, two of the Scott's outlets have received the McDonald's Outstanding Restaurant Award. The downtown Muskegon and Grand Haven restaurants are among 10 percent of the 13,000 McDonald's nationwide to be recognized for their staffing, training and execution of corporate programs. The award also is based upon internal and external evaluations of operations.

``Although we were thrilled to receive the Outstanding Restaurant Award, when we were presented with the Ronald Award, it felt like we just got the Oscar,'' Jannie Scott said. ``Receiving the Ronald Award was one of the most thrilling experiences we have had since we first began working with McDonald's.''

Arthur Scott also was honored for 20 years with the corporation. He began his McDonald's career in 1981 as a store manager in Houston, Texas. His career has included supervisory and consultant work in Texas and the Grand Rapids region.

He also worked in the Oak Brook, Ill., corporate headquarters in communications, human resources and food production. The couple came to Muskegon in 1994 to begin their owner/operator careers, and as African Americans have championed minority interests in the local business community.

Besides the franchises in downtown Muskegon and Grand Haven, the Scotts also own and operate the McDonald's on Apple Avenue, West Sherman Boulevard and Mill Iron Road along with restaurants in Fruitport and Spring Lake. They reside in Spring Lake.

The Scotts won the Ronald Award for the Grand Rapids region, which includes 300 restaurants with 47 operators. The region stretches from the west side of Detroit to Benton Harbor and from Sault Ste. Marie to the Indiana/Ohio borders. The Ronald Award was developed to recognize selected owner-operators who have made contributions to the company in the areas of advertising, promotion and community relations. It also is based on customer satisfaction and efficiency of both management and crew.

The Scotts have been active in the Lakeshore communities in which they work. In May 2000, the Urban League of Greater Muskegon presented the Scotts with the Economic Service Development Award in recognition of their commitment to better the Muskegon area. Their support includes Hackley Hospital Healthy Kids, Hospice of North Ottawa County, Muskegon County high school bands and the local Ronald McDonald House.

McDonald's founder Ray Kroc had a philosophy that being a good corporate citizen included doing the ``right thing'' for your community. ``The Scotts are two individuals that mirror Ray's vision,'' said Steve Norby, McDonald's regional manager in Grand Rapids. ``They have worked hard to extend the McDonald's experience beyond the walls of their restaurant locations.''
Source: Muskegon Chronicle