The Madras Pioneer

McDonald’s honors Haff with top award

Only 1 percent earn honor

Joe McHaney

February 14, 2012

Madras is home to one of the best McDonald's managers in the nation.

Tomi Haff, manager of the local restaurant chain, will be presented the 2011 Ray Kroc Award -- an annual performance-based award that recognizes the top performing McDonald's restaurant managers in the country.

"I just didn't believe it," Haff said when she was surprised with the news at dinner in Redmond. "I've been trying for this award since 2005 and I can't believe it happened."

The Ray Kroc Award is named after McDonald's Corporation founder Ray Kroc, and established 13 years ago to honor the top McDonald's restaurant managers.

"It's not just hitting our numbers, but it's running an A restaurant and going above and beyond," Haff said of why she thinks she earned the award. "It's how much involvement you bring to the community, and I think we have really stepped up in that area."

Only 142 McDonald's managers nationwide will receive the prestigious award April 3 at an awards gala hosted by McDonald's USA President Jan Fields in Chicago, Ill.

"Tomi Haff being honored with the coveted Ray Kroc Award is a true testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence, building our business and taking care of our customers' needs each and every day," said Paul Rodby, who is the owner of the Central Oregon McDonald's. "We are truly proud to have Tomi as part of our McDonald's family and commend her on this truly amazing accolade."

Currently Haff and her managers are volunteering at the local soup kitchen once a month to feed the homeless. Her team had so many volunteers that she has asked if they can volunteer in some of the smaller communities surrounding Madras as well. In addition to helping feed the homeless, Haff has volunteered at local schools, helping with the backpack program.

"I've always been a part of the community with high school events and food donations to programs such as Violence against Woman and Children in Warm Springs and much more," said Haff, who has been the manager at the Madras restaurant since 2006. "But, this year we really got involved in the community, and the crew has learned how to get more involved with the community as well."

While Haff will be the recipient of a national award, she was quick to note that she could not have earned the award without the help of a staff of upwards of 50 people during the summer.

"All of my crew members are amazing and there is no way I would get this award without my staff," Haff said. "They're great people and they work hard."