A group of companies from across the state were honored Oct. 29 at the 24th Maine Family Business Awards gala hosted by Amanda Hill, weeknight anchor for NewsCenter Maine. The event took place at Thompson’s Point, Brick South, in Portland, a venue chosen to accommodate the nearly 500 guests the event attracts each year.
McDougal Orchards, represented by Ashley McAdam and Matt McAdam. was named the winner of the Geiger Environmental Leadership Award at the Maine Family Business Awards gala held Oct. 29. Contributed
The event, according to an Oct. 30 news release, also marked the 30th anniversary of the Institute for Family-Owned Business and paid tribute to the late Maddy Corson, a champion of the organization. Presented by the institute in partnership with MEMIC, the awards recognize exemplary Maine firms that demonstrate excellence in family involvement, business success, and commitment to employees, customers, and community. From 500 nominations, 33 semi-finalists, competed to receive seven awards. An independent panel of judges, facilitated by Joe Capozza, III, president, Capozza Floor Covering Center, selected the winners from among 25 finalists representing large and small family-owned businesses from all across Maine.
McDougal Orchards, of Springvale, and Hussey Seating, North Berwick, were among the companies recognized.
McDougal Orchards of Springvale received the Geiger Environmental Leadership Award which honors companies that set the standard for sustainability. According to the news release, “the land McDougal Orchards works has been cultivated by generations of the same family since 1776 — as one judge pointed out, this business is literally as old as our country. But they’ve never stopped looking forward. They’ve worked to improve their environmental footprint by using biodiesel, planting native plants, finding natural ways to ward off pests, and working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service. They’ve also demonstrated exemplary land stewardship.”
Hussey Seating Company of North Berwick won the M&T Bank Innovation and Technology Award. Accepting the award, from left, are Brian Deveaux, Phillip Hussey, Letitia Hussey Beauregard, Joshua Hussey and Thomas Hussey. Contributed
Hussey Seating Company of North Berwick won the M&T Bank Innovation & Technology Award in recognition of development of new methods, ideas, or products that solve a problem or improve significantly upon a previous solution to a problem. According to the news release, “since its first invention in 1835 Hussey Seating has continued to innovate, with 20 patents dating back to the 1930s. And they’re still going, constantly pushing to create new seating concepts for stadiums, schools, and churches. Here’s a fun fact; 50% of all K-12 schools have this company’s seating somewhere in the building. And they’re responsible for creating many manufacturing jobs here in Maine.”
For more information, visit www.fambusiness.org.