AMHERST, N.S. — Jillian Ross is going to Disney World.
No, she wasn’t named MVP of the Stanley Cup playoffs, but has both been selected to work at the corporation’s worldwide owners convention in Orlando, Florida in April.
Her application and video were chosen from several thousand across Canada and she’s preparing for her first trip to the Sunshine State.
“It’s been a dream of mine since I was about two to go to Florida. I’ve never been outside the Maritimes,” said the 37-year-old Amherst resident who has worked for McDonald’s for more than 20 years. “I’m so excited.”
Ross said waiting for word on her application was difficult.
“It was driving me nuts,” she laughed. “I was so nervous waiting to find out. I thought my chances were good because I’ve been here 21 years and I’m a good employee.”
She got quite the surprise when one morning recently she was surprised with balloons and news she had been selected to go.
As a guest experience leader it’s her job to interact with customers, many of whom she knows by name.
“I love the people,” she said. “They’re my second family.”
Danny Moore, who is the franchisee for the restaurants in Amherst as well as in Sackville and Shediac, said Ross is one of approximately 50 McDonald’s employees from across Canada selected to go to Florida.
It’s the first time employees from his three stores have been successful in going to the world convention. In fact, he has two going. Joining Ross is Madison MacDonald from Shediac, N.B.
While in Florida they will work at the McDonald’s Canada pavilion, but they will also have access to Disney World and be able to attend concerts and other special events associated with the convention. In other years, performers such as Elton John, Jennifer Lopez and Rod Stewart have held concerts during the event.
“They’ll be waiting on McDonald’s owners from around the world. There’ll be 15,000 to 20,000 people there,” said Moore. “She’ll be chosen to work in the booth, to greet customers, welcome them and show the McDonald’s Canada service.”
After making it through the initial panel, she had to produce a video showing her personality.
“We are very lucky to have someone like Jillian and Madison be selected,” Moore said. “We’re very proud of both of them. When you think of 80,000 employees in Canada, for us to get two of the 50 going is a pretty big deal.”
Store manager Donna Hunter said she joined McDonald’s after Ross. She said she had to nominate the longtime employee because she deserves it.
“She is so much fun to be around. She has a great personality,” said Hunter. “I thought who would be better.”
Hunter said Ross has been with McDonald’s through so many changes and if anyone can represent Amherst McDonald’s it’s her.
“She’s so outgoing and always putting the customers first,” Hunter said.
