The Oakville Chamber of Commerce and The Rotary Club of Oakville West announce that Piper Foods Inc./McDonald’s Restaurants will receive the Genworth Community Builder of the Year Award at the 23rd Annual Oakville Awards for Business Excellence (OABE) Gala.
“The Genworth Community Builder Award recognizes a business that has, over a period of time, demonstrated exemplary business practices and dedicated involvement in the community. This year the chosen recipient of this award is Piper Foods Inc.” stated Lois Knepflar, President of The Rotary Club of Oakville West.
John Piper has worked his entire career in the McDonald’s family. Starting as a ‘crew kid’ when he was a teenager, serving customers with a smile, learning that if you take care of the guest the rest will follow. He held many different positions inside the corporation over his time with them. In 2003, John and his wife Marg founded Piper Foods Inc., where they and the team started with three McDonald’s restaurants here in Oakville. More recently, in late 2016, Piper Foods purchased two additional Oakville locations. These locations have seen tremendous growth since they became part of Piper Foods Inc. The Piper Foods team believe in creating an exceptional guest service in the restaurant as well as being an engaged member of the community.
A pillar of the Oakville community, Piper Foods is known for their extensive support of local organizations. Having recently completed their pledge of $250,000 towards construction of the new Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, Piper Foods will continue supporting the Oakville Hospital Foundation by sponsoring signature events and collecting coin box donations at their restaurants.
John also served on the Foundation’s Board of Directors for nine years and chaired the committee for the Annual Golf Tournament. Piper Foods also supports many community organizations including the Dog Guides of Canada, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and multiple local sports teams and athletes.
An active partner in the Region of Halton’s hiring program, Piper Foods participates in workshops educating young people to better prepare them to find a job. John takes pride in preparing people of all ages and backgrounds to enter or re-enter the workforce by providing entry-level positions in the community, coupled with a solid training program.
Investing in team members’ personal development is key to John’s business philosophy and lead to the introduction of a yearly $1,000 scholarship awarded to a McDonald’s team member to assist with post-secondary education cost. With the expansion of the company, Piper Foods is pleased to award 4 scholarships per year for a total of $4,000.
Celebrating 15 years in the Oakville community, Piper Foods Inc. was thrilled to be recognized at the national level by receiving McDonald’s Canada prestigious Community Involvement Award.
“Piper Foods. Inc. is immersed in the Oakville community, through their outstanding community support, generous donations, and dedication to preparing today’s youth for tomorrow’s workforce. This year Piper Foods celebrates their 15th Anniversary, and we couldn’t think of a better way to honour them” stated Ken Nevar, Chair of the Board, Oakville Chamber of Commerce.
Oakville Awards for Business Excellence (OABE) Gala takes place on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at the Oakville Conference Centre. Registration starts at 5:30 PM followed by dinner at 6:30 PM. Ticket prices are $125 per person and $87.50 for nominees. Tickets are available online , by emailing [email protected] or calling the Chamber at 905-845-6613.