McCain, Allison D.

ENCAENIA, CEREMONY C, 17 MAY 2007
ALLISON D. MCCAIN
to be Doctor of Science

When Allison McCain’s ancestors arrived in from Ireland in the 1820s, it is unlikely either they or their fellow émigrés ever imagined they could build a business empire on the humble potato.

But build they did. Six generations later, with the application of ambition, hard work and ingenuity, McCain Goods and its related companies comprise a multi-billion-dollar enterprise operating on six continents and employing more than 20,000 people. It is the largest frozen fry manufacturer in the world and produces a host of other food products sold all over the globe.

Today we celebrate this industrious New Brunswick family by honouring the first-born son of Andrew and Marjorie McCain, Allison McCain.

Like his father and grandfather before him, Allison McCain was born and raised upriver in Florenceville. As a young boy, he watched his father Andrew and his uncles, Harrison, Wallace and Robert, create McCain Foods in 1957. But when he came to UNB ten years later to study electrical engineering, it was without any expectation there would be a role for him at McCain Foods.

He spent three years working for the New Brunswick Telephone Company before he was recruited back to McCain Foods as a project engineer. Over the ensuing 32 years, he worked his way up through the ranks from cold storage manager to CEO, becoming chairman of the company in 2002. During this time, he earned a solid reputation as a gifted manager of both financial and human resources, one who skillfully blends long-range vision for the company with genuine concern for the individual.

It is no coincidence that his career with McCain Goods has paralleled its growth. His contributions to operations in Canada and internationally have helped to make McCain Foods a world leader—from right here in New Brunswick.

But impressive though this is, it tells only half the story.

Allison McCain the person is as equally remarkable as Allison McCain the business executive. He exemplifies what it means to head a "family company", able to address the majority of employees in the factories where he has worked by first name and engaging them in conversations about their interests. He worries about their welfare, even after they leave McCain’s employ.

Although he is one of the most well traveled Maritime business people in history, he has never forgotten his roots. Florenceville is an unlikely spot for the headquarters of a multi-national corporation, yet he steadfastly maintains his offices there. As one of his McCain Food colleagues said, Allison McCain thinks it’s important to attach the minds of management to the agriculture on which the business depends. Like his father and uncles before him, he needs always to know, "How are the potatoes doing today?"

An active, effective and enthusiastic volunteer, Allison McCain recently lent his considerable talents to the University by chairing its Forging our Futures Campaign. In this capacity he further demonstrated his tremendous leadership ability, taking a real and direct interest in his role and bringing to the Campaign all the resourcefulness, confidence, and seemingly boundless energy that have so characterized his career. He 'jumped in with both feet' and made it a matter of personal concern to see the University reach and exceed its financial goal. Always willing and eager to lend both leadership and support, and continuously making available his valuable time and his extensive personal and business connections, Allison went far above and beyond traditional expectations for one in his role. This unprecedented fund raising effort secured more than $107 million for UNB, outstripping its $80-million goal and setting a record as the largest campaign in Atlantic Canadian history. This campaign has done a world of good for UNB, providing new scholarships and bursaries, creating new academic programs and improving facilities.

While he and McCain Goods are among the most generous benefactors in the region, his philanthropy extends well beyond the common, high profile causes such as education, theatre and the visual arts. Community activities—even the local darts and bowling teams—receive his often-unheralded support.

Alison McCain is characterized by those who know him as decisive but exceedingly fair, unwavering in his honesty, humorous and quick-witted, and intelligent and well prepared—as would be expected of a former Queen’s Scout. He’s energetic and athletic, exhibiting prowess on the ski slopes, golf greens and cycling trails. Clare, his wife of 26 years, and his children Brian and Kate, form the true centre of his life, no matter how busy he is.

But ask Allison McCain about these qualities and he’d probably demur, for the trait that’s most often mentioned about him is his modesty.

Learning about Allison McCain from his friends, family and associates brings to mind the words of the ancient Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu, who said "Be gentle and you can be bold, be frugal and you can be liberal; avoid putting yourself before others and you can become a leader among men."

Allison McCain has succeeded on all fronts. An internationally respected businessman and a loyal alumnus of the University of New Brunswick, he is a true son of Atlantic Canada and an exemplary figure to all who know him. For these reasons we are proud to bestow on him UNB’s highest honour.

From: Honoris Causa, UA Case 70, Box 4