The Wetaskiwin Chamber of Commerce  recently announced that Ron Yaroslawsky won the Employer of the Year Award.  This year the Country Junction honored one of their key managers by nominating Ron for this award.

Ron,  who recently came on board as manager in August 2005, says, “I’m a firm believer you’re only as good as the people you have around you.”

Ron is modest in accepting this award.  However, it is important to acknowledge that he received this recognition because he is diligent and enthusiastic in executing his responsibilities, he respects Co-op customers and values his co-workers.

Here's what the Wetaskiwin Times Advertiser said.

“To have your staff recognize you is an award in itself. To the staff, this is for you.”

“One of the key things ...  thank-you to my wife, Kyla, and my nine-year-old daughter, Corbin. They’ve supported me.”

Ron Yaroslawsky

Articles and pictures courtesy of the Wetaskiwin Times Advertiser

 
Nick Puhjera Times Staff -

Wetaskiwin Times Advertiser — Monday March 6, 2006

Staff Recognition Rewarding for Employer of the Year

“To have your staff recognize you is an award in itself. To the staff, this is for you.” 

Those were the sentiments of Co-op Country Junction retail manager Ron Yaroslawsky as he accepted the Wetaskiwin and District Chamber of Commerce award for employer of the year.

Starting his new position in mid-August 2005, he’s a recent addition to the Co-op team.

“I grew up and lived in Hays and Vauxhall, but commuted to Brooks UFA,” he said.

So does he enjoy his new environs?

“I enjoy interacting with all the public, including our customers.”

Ron has followed in his father Vic’s footsteps. Vic finished his career in Dawson Creek, B.C., where he worked in much the same capacity as his son.

“One of the key things I missed (in my acceptance speech) was to say thank-you to my wife, Kyla, and my nine-year-old daughter, Corbin. They’ve supported me.”

Running a successful business is also about having fun. Few managers ever experience the joy of spending time with family and co-workers in swimwear, as Yaroslawsky did during a recent outing to West Edmonton Mall’s World Waterpark.

“What a great success. What a great way to get staff together and have a lot of fun.”
He’s guided by a firm set of principles: treat staff as you want to be treated; keep your staff involved; ask them what will make a better team.

Country Junction participates in other staff functions throughout the year. They host an annual family Christmas party, a kids’ Christmas party and a campout at Pigeon Lake.