LINCOLN – The owners of a long-standing Lincoln business were recognized Tuesday for their commitment to employees and to the town by Senate President Richard Bennett, R-Norway.

Surrounded by about 20 employees, Daniel Johnston, president of the Johnston Dandy Co., proudly accepted the Senate President’s Cornerstone Award for Business. “It is a tribute to all of you and your hard work,” Johnston told his employees. The Johnston Dandy Co. produces rolls, cylinder molds and wire cloth for the paper industry.

Bennett said Johnston was a credit to the local community and the state. He said about 75 percent of Maine’s businesses employ fewer than 50 people.

“His employees are a reflection of his commitment to both his business and the Greater Lincoln area,” said Bennett. “This award is a means of commending them for their contributions to the state of Maine as well as the town of Lincoln. We are lucky to have the Johnston Dandy family committing its energy to people right here in northern Penobscot County.”

The late Henry Johnston, Daniel Johnston’s father, started the company in 1955 with the help of one employee. Today, the company employs 80 people. The company, with headquarters in Lincoln, has five other divisions, which are located in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, New York and Canada.

The Johnston Dandy Co. also contributes to the community. It is a sponsor of local recreational sports teams and town-organized activities. Daniel Johnston and his wife, Sue, are active in the Lincoln area Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, the Music Boosters and St. Mary’s Church.

The Johnston Dandy Co. is the third business to receive the special award created by Bennett to identify and recognize exemplary Maine businesses that quietly continue to invest in the state, its people and their communities. Bennett plans to present one award per month to businesses across the state.

Local lawmakers Rep. Rod Carr, R-Lincoln, and Sen. Mary Cathcart, D-Orono, commended Bennett’s choice for the special award.

Carr, who nominated the family-owned company for the award, said the company was very deserving of the honor. He said the company provided a source of good, high-paying jobs with benefits and has operations worldwide.

Cathcart described the company as an excellent business. She said she was impressed with the firm and toured its plant a few years ago as part of a tour of several Lincoln businesses. “Danny is truly an innovator and an entrepreneur,” she said.

Carr and Cathcart presented Johnston with a legislative sentiment.

Ruth Birtz, a member of the town’s economic development and redevelopment teams and assessor, said the Johnston company speaks highly of the skill and resourcefulness of the people who live in Lincoln and the area. “This is a great morale boost to highlight a positive success story after the devastation brought by the fires,” she said.