When Todd Sheckler and his wife Arlene attended a banquet honoring McDonald's employees recently he was very much surprised to find out that he was named the Regional Manager of the Year. They attended the banquet with the owner of the store, Todd Kavlick and his wife, and the supervisor, Glenn Boyer.

Not only was Sheckler named the Manager of the Year but later, as he was eating his dessert, they awarded him with the 2009 Ray Kroc Award. Only the top one percent of all the restaurants in the United States receive that honor.In March Sheckler and his wife will travel to Chicago where he will be presented with the award. The Ray Kroc Award is a nationwide honor created in 1999 to reward the best U.S. Restaurant managers from owner/operator and McOpCo restaurants.Restaurant managers provide the critical link with the customers and are key to delivering the our Brand Promise to customers. The managers who win the award will have the opportunity to share their best practices and discuss pressing issues facing them daily with members of McDonald's top management.Sheckler was judged on local store marketing, crew survey, and service to the community. He has been employed by McDonald's for the past three years as its manager. Nominations for the award must include documentation demonstrating how the nominee's performance meets the stated criteria and why the nominee should be considered for the Ray Kroc Award.The winner receives a $2,500 cash award, a Ray Kroc Award trophy and pin, and an awards banquet in their honor, hosted by Don Thompson in Chicago, IL.Ray Kroc founded the McDonald's restaurants, but died in 1984 at the age of 81.Sheckler resides with his wife and their Austin in Jim Thorpe, where he has been a life-long native. He served in Desert Storm/Shield and was discharged at the age of 21. He has worked in the food business since the age of 14 when he was employed at a local ski resort.He has been instrumental with the Meed's Methodist Church in Nesquehoning with holding various events for children around Christmas time. Throughout the year he holds other fun filled events for the children as well.