CAMDEN – The 127-year-old Camden National Bank won one of six Governor’s Awards for Business Excellence last month.

The bank is owned by Camden National Corp., which has assets of more than $1 billion. The company also owns UnitedKingfield Bank, two Portland-area financial institutions, Acadia Trust, and Gouws Capital Investment Inc. Camden National Corp. is also the majority owner of Trust Co. of Maine in Bangor.

In making the award, Gov. Angus King and the Department of Economic and Community Development noted that bank employees volunteered more than 850 hours each month, assisting 128 organizations including the Penobscot Bay YMCA and the local Meals on Wheels program.

Bank employees also participate in fund-raising activities such as raffles and yard sales, which are supported by the company. In 2001, $170,000 was donated to 241 nonprofit organizations such as the Camden Teen Program, Belfast Area High School Honors Program, Bangor Symphony Orchestra and Habitat for Humanity.

Bob Daigle, president, said he and others at the bank were flattered and honored to receive the award. He said the presenters highlighted the bank’s contribution to the economic well-being of the area, its commitment to offering a quality work experience for employees, and its contribution to the social well-being of the communities in which it operates.

“We had a very good year in 2001,” Daigle said of the financial status of the company.

As the bank has grown, Daigle said, so has its involvement in community charities. In the period from 1996 to 2001, charitable giving has increased in dollars by 40 percent, he said.