Seven Maine family-owned companies were recognized Tuesday night for exemplary business practices at the annual Maine Family Business Awards gala.

The event, presented by the Institute for Family-Owned Business in Portland at the Holiday Inn by the Bay, recognized the companies for their demonstrated excellence in family involvement, business success, and commitment to employees, customers and community. A 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, according to a media release from the institute. The winners:

• Maine Beer Co. of Freeport received the IRC Industrial Roofing Cos. Environmental Leadership Award for its commitment to stewardship, which includes donating 1 percent of company profits to green initiatives and emphasizing sustainable practices in its facilities and operations.

• Bowman Constructors of Newport won the People’s United Bank Innovation and Technology Award. This multigenerational 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 a company that has not yet transitioned from one generation to the next. The business is contributing to the vitality of Lewiston, and helping foster the next generation of hospitality professionals through training and mentorship opportunities.

• Blue Elephant Events and Catering in Saco received the Chalmers Insurance Group Customer Service Award, recognizing its history of going above and beyond clients’ expectations. Numerous customer testimonials attested to the event planning company’s 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 helped create and sustain 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 selected for the Maddy Corson Small Business Award, recognizing a company with fewer than 25 employees. The company not only produces popular brews, but its leadership and advocacy have helped grow Maine’s reputation as a craft-brewing powerhouse. It 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 a company with more than 25 employees. The multigenerational company has distinguished itself as a leader in its industry, selling its products well beyond Maine, and as supporters of causes that align with its mission, through its philanthropic foundation.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.