Local business owner Sue Durlak recently was named the 2011 recipient of the Ronald Award from the McDonald’s Corporation. The honor is presented annually to a McDonald’s franchisee for outstanding service to the McDonald’s brand and local community. Given to only one percent of McDonald's owner/operators nationwide, the award is the highest honor a region can bestow upon a franchisee, as well as the rarest to receive during a franchisee’s career.

Durlak owns and operates 10 McDonald’s restaurants, nine of which are located in Henrico County. Durlak plays a leadership role on several boards and fundraising committees, including the executive boards of the McDonald’s Family of Restaurants of Greater Richmond and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Richmond. Durlak is also the event chair for the charities’ annual golf tournament and silent auction events and has raised over $1.4 million to-date. Her company, S.M. Durlak, Inc., also has provided sponsorships to local schools and programs.