She’s lovin‘ it

By CHUCK TAYLOR

Staff writer

22 years ago, Peggy Harris graduated from high school and took her first job at McDonald’s. She never planned on making it a career but the years kept rolling by. Wednesday was supposed to be the Cove native’s day off, but she got a call from her manager asking her to please come in and cover a shift from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. She really thought nothing of it, she said. It had happened before so in she came to the McDonald’s where she works, on Business Highway 190 Copperas Cove. Little did she know what awaited her. The store was packed with executives, franchise owners and managers from McDonald’s store from Waco to Houston. Ronnie Williams, the corporate consultant, was on hand to present Harris with the Employee of the Year award. Williams said that Harris was chosen from 12 nominees who represented over 1,000 employees in the region. Her selection for this prestigious award was based on her customer service, community involvement, hard and honest work, and superior customer contact. Her award included a Copperas Cove memorial coin from Copperas Cove mayor John Hull, flowers, a plaque, and a gift certificate. Cupcakes were served to all who attended. Among the many owners attending the award presentation was Harold Leberson, a franchise owner since 1962 from Austin. He said employees like Peggy Harris have made McDonald’s succeed.