Breweries, pubs and contractors recognized at Family Business Awards
Photo / Tim Greenway
Heather and Nathan Sanborn, co-owners of Rising Tide Brewing, in the brew house in Portland. Rising Tide was among the award recipients at the 17th Annual Maine Family Business Awards in Portland on Tuesday.
On Tuesday night, the 20 finalists of the 17th Annual Maine Family Business Awards gala gathered in Portland at the Holiday Inn By The Bay to recognize the seven family-owned companies that were recipients of the awards.
The event, presented by the Portland-based Institute for Family-Owned Business in Portland in partnership with law firm Verrill Dana, recognized companies that demonstrate excellence in family involvement, business success and commitment to employees, customers and community. An independent panel of judges, led by Laura Foye of TD Bank, selected the winners from among 20 finalists. A record number of nominations, 180 in all, were submitted for this year’s awards.
The winners of the awards were:
- Maine Beer Co., a Freeport-based craft brewery, received the IRC Industrial Roofing Companies Environmental Leadership Award for its strong commitment to earth stewardship, which includes donating 1% of company profits to green initiatives, as well as an emphasis on sustainable practices in their facilities and operations.
- Bowman Constructors of Newport was selected as winner of the People’s United Bank Innovation and Technology Award. This multi-generation family business has distinguished itself in an industry that does not always make innovation easy by developing creative solutions that save smaller clients money and by creating a unique, replicable and efficient model for senior living.
- Fish Bones American Grill of Lewiston received the Norton Insurance and Financial Services First Generation Award, which recognizes an exceptional company that has not yet transitioned from one generation to the next. The business is not only contributing to the vitality of Lewiston, but is helping foster the next generation of hospitality professionals through training and mentorship opportunities.
- Blue Elephant Events and Catering, based in Saco, was the judge’s choice for the Chalmers Insurance Group Customer Service Award, exemplifying what it means to consistently go above and beyond clients’ expectations. Numerous customer testimonials submitted with the nomination attested to the event planning company’s excellent attention to detail and service.
- King Eider’s Pub of Damariscotta received the Shep Lee Award for Community Service. Several family members in the business contribute to the community through nonprofit boards and volunteering. The family has been instrumental in creating and sustaining a community fuel assistance program that has raised more than $1.2 million over the past decade to keep their neighbors warm.
- Rising Tide Brewing Co. of Portland was honored with the Maddy Corson Small Business Award, recognizing an exceptional company with fewer than 25 employees. The company was recognized for not only distinguishing itself for producing popular brews, but for its leadership and advocacy that have helped grow Maine’s reputation as a craft brewing powerhouse. The company also has helped transform the Bayside neighborhood in Portland into a destination stop.
- Planet Dog, based in Westbrook, won the Renys Large Business Award, which honors an outstanding company with more than 25 employees. The multi-generation company has distinguished itself as a leader in its industry, selling its products well beyond Maine, and as a supporter of causes that align with its mission through its philanthropic foundation.
Read more
Brewers, Pingree roundtable aims to expand craft beer impact
Most Recent
Most Recent
Comments