Maine firms honored at trade center dinner

BANGOR – Several Maine companies were honored for their growth and innovation Wednesday night at the Maine International Trade Center’s annual dinner.

Hardwood Products Co. of Guilford was named exporter of the year. The company, which started in 1920 as a producer of minted toothpicks and ice cream sticks, now produces medical supplies including swabs and tongue depressors. Managed by Timothy Templet, it exports to 42 countries.

Bangor Savings Bank was named service provider of the year. The bank, whose chief executive officer is P. James Dowe, was recognized for its partial funding of the World Affairs Council of Maine and for financing MITC’s Canada support desk.

Jasper Wyman and Son of Milbridge was named innovator of the year. Besides selling blueberries and other fruits, the company produces value-added products such as pie fillings. The company, managed by Ed Flanagan, was recognized for a new product, Wyman and Son blueberry juice. The all-fruit juice is packaged in bottles and special thermal packs that were designed to preserve the antioxidant qualities of the blueberries for one year.

– From Staff and Wire Reports

Nivoba, a company from The Netherlands, was recognized for its foreign direct investment in Maine. The company has invested $10 million and has hired 40 people at its subsidiary Aroostook Starch Co. in Fort Fairfield in the last year. Jantinus Kappe is president of Aroostook Starch and Lynwood Winslow is general manager.

The MITC President’s Award was given to David MacMahon of Gates Formed-Fibre Products Inc. in Auburn and Bob Ziegelaar of Telford Aviation in Bangor. Both are outgoing members of MITC’s board of directors.