Family-owned franchise honored
as chamber’s Business of the Year
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The Smith family’s dedication to the community, through the family-owned and –operated franchise, KFC/Taco Bell, was honored with the presentation of the 2010 Business of the Year award Feb. 24 during the Presque Isle Chamber of Commerce’s annual event, held at the Crow’s Nest.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2010 honors went to MDL, Inc., d/b/a KFC/Taco Bell, at the annual Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce event, held Feb. 24 at the Crow’s Nest. Pictured from left are: Miles Williams, president, PIACC; and business owners Milt, Linda and Derik Smith.
Miles Williams, the newest president of the PIACC, served as master of ceremonies and award presenter. The Smiths were nominated for the honor by Billie Brodsky, based on the many community activities they take part in.
“In 1981, Milton, Linda and Derik Smith returned to Aroostook Country and purchased the KFC franchise in Presque Isle. It was their desire to live in a safe community that brought them back to Presque Isle,” said Williams.
For nearly 30 years, the Smiths have done business in the Star City as MDL, Inc., d/b/a KFC/Taco Bell.
Brodsky’s nomination, according to Williams, noted “The Smith family ‘promote Presque Isle and all the great things we have in the County.’”
According to Williams, the Smiths “support service projects which help improve the lives of area residents.”
“They feel that they must be active volunteers, giving back to the community through service on community boards and committees,” he said.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
STATE RECOGNITION — MDL, Inc., d/b/a KFC/Taco Bell, was named the PIACC’s Business of the Year 2010 at an event held at the Crow’s Nest. Rep. Mike Willette, (R-Presque Isle) was on hand to present the owners of the business with a legislative sentiment to mark the occasion. Pictured from left are: Willette, with owners Ellen, Derik, Milt and Linda Smith.
That support extends to a number of local non-profit organizations and events.
“MDL, Inc., supports Aroostook amateur football, the Northern Maine Fair, Crown of Maine Balloon Fest, Presque Isle Rotary Club, Anah Temple Shrine, Masonic Lodge, Music in the Park, just to name a few of the many organizations and events they sponsored in 2010,” Williams said.
The Smiths go beyond monetary donations, giving of themselves as well.
“They contribute not only financially but with time and talent. For all the Smith family has contributed to many organizations, boards and committees, we are pleased to honor MDL, Inc., as the 2010 Business of the Year and thank Billie for nominating them for this recognition,” said Williams.
