Nominations sought for 24th annual Maine Family Business Awards

File Photo / Dave Dostie Winners of the 23rd Maine Family Business Awards take the stage at last year's gala in Freeport.

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By Renee Cordes

The Institute for Family-Owned Business is seeking nominations for the 24th annual Maine Family Business Awards, which will pay homage to the person who started the program more than two decades ago.

This year’s awards are dedicated to Madeleine “Maddy” G. Corson, a family business owner, publisher and philanthropist who recently died at age 87.

"Each year we are excited to honor the incredible family businesses that are thriving here in Maine," said Catherine Wygant Fossett, executive director of IFOB, a Portland-based nonprofit. Since Corson started the awards, "we’ve recognized more than 100 family-owned businesses for their excellence and we hope that people will continue her legacy and nominate a family-owned business."

Businesses honored in 2023 include Mahoosuc Guide Services, Hancock Lumber, Maine Med Cleaning Service, Cote Corp., Gorham Sand & Gravel, Brodis Blueberries and Pratt Abbott Garment Care.

All family-owned businesses in Maine are eligible for consideration, and do not have to be IFOB members to be nominated. Self-nominations are welcome and encouraged.

For the purposes of the awards, a family business is one in which one owner either shares ownership or works in the business with at least one other family member, contemporaneously or over time, and has a commitment to the continuation of the enterprise. Nominated businesses will be informed who nominated them for an award.

The Maine Family Business Awards will be presented in partnership with the MEMIC Group at an Oct. 30 event in Portland. IFOB will also use the occasion to celebrate its 30th anniversary.

More information

Award nominations are due by Friday, July 12, and may be submitted here.

Any family businesses that submits an application but is not yet a member of IFOB will receive free membership for the rest of the year as a perk for participating.

Awards categories are:

Renys Large Business Award (25 or more employees)
Chalmers Insurance Group Customer Service Award
Horch Roofing First Generation Award
M&T Bank Innovation & Technology Award
Shep Lee Community Service Award
Maddy Corson Small Business Award (fewer than 25 employees)
Geiger Environmental Leadership Award.

An independent judging panel will choose winners based on criteria that include the nature of family involvement, business success, work environment and innovative business practices or strategies.