McDonald's USA Becomes Senior Partner of Cornell Research Center

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. February 24, 2009

ITHACA, NY, February 24, 2009 - The world's largest franchisor of quick-service restaurants, McDonald's USA, has joined Cornell's Center for Hospitality Research as a senior partner. This special level of support means that McDonald's USA is taking a direct hand in expanding the industry's knowledge base.

'This is a time for all industry leaders to step up the effort to improve operations and management strategy,' said Steve Russell, chief people officer, senior vice president, human resources. 'We're supporting the Cornell research program in an effort to raise the tide for all industry operators.' Russell will become a member of the center's advisory board and is guaranteed a seat, for either himself or one his colleagues, at all roundtables produced by the center, as well as an opportunity to meet with researchers to discuss ongoing studies.

'We welcome McDonald's USA as a senior partner,' said center academic director David Sherwyn. 'Their willingness, as a leader in the food-service industry, to sponsor conferences and research demonstrates a forward-looking approach to the industry's present situation. I look forward to working with Steve Russell on our advisory board."