Scardina named an Honorary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire

Mike Scardina, Assistant VP was honored recently by the British Empire, in recognition of his services to economic development in Northern Ireland, in relation to Northbrook Technology.

At the ceremony in Washington D.C., Sir Nigel Sheinwald stated, "Having realised the potential of Northern Ireland as an investment location for his own company, Mike Scardina has been a tireless advocate on behalf of Invest Northern Ireland. Despite his heavy workload he has played a vital role as a forceful advocate for further investment in this part of the United Kingdom. Mr Scardina's involvement in a number of projects has been of fundamental importance to the economy of Northern Ireland."

British honours are awarded on merit, for exceptional achievement or service. These awards are conferred by the Queen on the advice of the Foreign Secretary, on those who have made an important contribution to relations between their country and Britain.

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire was founded in 1917, initially to recognise service by civilians in the First World War. This award now honours civilians and service personnel for public service or outstanding contribution to society. The OBE is the fourth class of the Order of the British Empire: Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

When presenting the award Sir Nigel Sheinwald stated "It is in recognition of his outstanding contribution that I am commanded by Her Majesty The Queen, in accordance with the powers vested in me as her Ambassador, to confer on Mike Scardina, Assistant Vice President, Allstate Corporation, the Insignia of Honorary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire."

"I am truly humbled by this honor. The past ten years in Northern Ireland have made it easy to come to work each day. This was possible only through the dedication and effort of our Northbrook employees and their colleagues in Chicago, without these efforts we would not be where we are today" commented Mike.

Mike is in good company, other recent American recipients of honorary awards in the Order of the British Empire include Senator George Mitchell (GBE), Steven Spielberg (KBE), Bob Hope (KBE), General Wesley Clark (KBE), and Dr Alfred Bader (CBE).