6 Maine firms honored for business excellence

WATERVILLE – Gov. John E. Baldacci presented six Maine companies with the 2003 Governor’s Award for Business Excellence during ceremonies at the 52nd annual Colby Institute for Leadership held Wednesday at Colby College in Waterville.

The winning companies received their awards for demonstrating a consistently high level of commitment to their communities, to their employees and to manufacturing or service excellence.

Recipients of the 13th annual award are:

. Sargent & Sargent, Hampden.

. The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor.

. Coffee By Design Inc., Portland.

. Hancock Lumber & Land, Casco.

. Kennebec Savings Bank, Augusta.

. Moody’s Collision Centers, Gorham and Scarborough.

A heavy-highway general contractor specializing in earthwork and utility construction projects, Sargent & Sargent was honored for its commitment to the highest standards of quality, innovation and technology, as well as its corporate culture emphasizing the importance of customer satisfaction and employee volunteerism.

The Jackson Laboratory, the world’s largest mammalian genetics research facility, was acknowledged for its diverse community service programs, employee benefits and training, and cutting-edge research. For each of the past six years, the company has added an average of 100 new jobs and currently employs more than 1,200 people.

Coffee By Design was honored for its dedication to running a socially responsible business with interest in community revitalization, the arts and the environment, and offering superior products and service. The company has three retail coffee shops in downtown Portland with 34 employees.

Hancock Lumber & Land was recognized as an outstanding place to work and for its involvement in community-based projects and activities and its commitment to quality service and products. Founded in 1848, the company is a sixth-generation family business and currently employs about 530 people.

Kennebec Savings Bank received its award for its focus on up-to-date products and services, contributing to the quality of life in its Kennebec Valley communities, and providing a challenging and rewarding work environment for its employees. Incorporated in 1870, Kennebec Savings has grown to three branches, $410 million in assets and 72 employees.

Moody’s Collision Centers was recognized for creating a work environment that promotes creativity, integrity, loyalty and open communications, and for its support of charitable community organizations. The company specializes in collision repair and glass replacement, and employs 25 people.

Implemented in 1991, the Governor’s Award for Business Excellence has been presented to 75 Maine businesses. For more information about the annual award, contact Linda Shaw of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development at 624-9825.