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U.S. Department of Commerce's MBDA Dallas Region names K&K Berdin 2000 "Minority Retail Firm of the Year."

Austin, TX (August 31, 2000) — The United States Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Dallas Region, last week named K&K Berdin, Inc., its 2000 "Minority Retail Firm of the Year." The Oklahoma City-based McDonald's restaurant operating company was selected for the honor from among the region's largest and most successful minority-owned businesses. The award was presented at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, TX, during the MBDA's’ 18th annual Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week activities. The organization recognizes contributions made by minority entrepreneurs and corporations to the nation and its economy.

"K&K Berdin was selected for this award because of their achievements and the role the company plays in the advancement of minority business development," said John Iglehart, Regional Director of MBDA. "The company's two McDonald's restaurants represent a tremendous success story; this is a phenomenal job in the competitive fast-food restaurant industry when one considers the firm's relatively young age," Iglehart added.

MBDA is part of the Department of Commerce and assists corporations and public sector agencies in creating a business environment to promote access and increase opportunities for minority owned businesses. Among its objectives is to help build a stronger, more equitable society by fostering minority business development. This is the first award for K&K Berdin from MBDA, which the principals consider among the most prestigious for their company.

"This is a great honor for me, my family, my associates, our suppliers, and our business colleagues, because it was earned by all of us working together to deliver the highest quality consumer products and service," said owner Kristin Lopez Berdin. "The fact that the award is conferred on us by an organization that understands the essential balance between profitability and community reinvestment makes it much more meaningful," she stated.

Since Lopez Berdin and her husband Kevin, founded the business in 1995, the company and its principals have been recognized by a variety of professional, public and private organizations, among them: Canyon, TX, Chamber of Commerce; Canyon, TX, Police Department; West Texas A&M University; D.A.R.E.; and the McDonald's Corporation. Additionally, Kevin has been in the McDonald's family 14 years in several capacities including, store operations, fiscal management, procurement and philanthropic development.

Lopez Berdin is a 21-year veteran of the McDonald's system, she remains actively involved with the Ronald McDonald's Children's Charities, Ronald McDonald Houses, and McDonald's Hispanic Operators Association (MHOA) and the Women Operators Network (WON).

Under her direction, K&K Berdin, Inc. is committed to providing McDonald's restaurant customers with the best quality and value in products and services. The company operates two McDonald's Restaurants in the Oklahoma City area and employs over 100 full and part-time associates.

Minority Retail Firm of the Year award goes to K&K Berdin of OKC.

Kristin Lopez Berdin (third from left), owner of K&K Berdin, Inc., accepted the Dallas Regional 2000 "Minority Retail Firm of the Year" award by the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) in Austin, TX. Congratulating her are: Edith McCloud, Associate Director, MBDA (left); Patricia Lopez, Board Secretary, Lopez Foods, Inc. (second from left); John C. Lopez, Chairman and CEO, Lopez Foods, Inc. (third from right); Congressman Ruben Hinojosa of Texas (second from right); and John F. Iglehart, Regional Director, MBDA (right).

MBDA has joined with its parent agency, the Department of Commerce, and the Small Business Administration (SBA) for the past 18 years to recognize the many contributions by America's minority entrepreneurs to the nation and its economy. K&K Berdin, Inc., of Oklahoma City, OK., owns and operates two McDonald's restaurants and is committed to delivering the highest quality consumer products and service.

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