Society Notebook: Maine’s diverse family-owned businesses find their commonalities

Maine’s Institute for Family Owned Business celebrated its 30th anniversary Oct. 29 at Thompson’s Point with an awards program dedicated to Maddy G. Corson, a founding member and philanthropist who died in April 28 at the age of 87.

Corson’s own stint in family-owned business was as board chair of Guy Gannett Communications from 1994 to 1998. At that time, Gannett published three newspapers that traced their roots to Corson’s grandfather: the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram, Waterville Morning Sentinel and Kennebec Journal.

“Maddy was the driving force behind the Maine Family Business awards, which started over two decades ago,” said Executive Director Catherine Wygant Fossett. “Maddy loved Maine, and she especially loved Maine’s family-owned businesses.”

For this year’s awards, a team of judges narrowed 500 nominations down to 33 semi-finalists and 25 finalists. Though varied in terms of industry, size and location, the seven winners announced live in front of 450 guests share a commitment to hard work, innovation, benefiting the community, building a strong company culture and caring for their employees, whom they often treat like family.

The Environmental Leadership Award went to McDougal Orchards – a family farm in Springvale since the 1770s – for their land stewardship and environmentally friendly choices, such as finding natural ways to ward off pests, choosing native plants and using biodiesel. “On behalf of my family, we are so thrilled to accept this award as a reflection of our dedication, hard work and commitment to serving our customers and our community,” said Matt McAdam, an eighth-generation farmer.

Another longtime player in York County, Hussey Seating Company – a manufacturer that has been innovating stadium seating since the 1930s – received the Innovation and Technology Award. Board Chair Letitia Hussey Beauregard said, “Being in it for the long run, we can make the right decisions for our family, our employees and our industry.”

Buxton-based Waltz & Sons, Inc. – one of the first companies in the country to source renewable propane – received a Customer Service Award for the prompt service they provide to their 4,600 customers.

The Large Business Award for a company with more than 25 employees went to R.J. Grondin & Sons, a Gorham-based earth moving company that has been at the heart of major Maine infrastructure projects for decades, including the widening of I-95.

The Small Business Award for a business with fewer than 25 employees went to Main Line Fence, a Cumberland-based company that builds and installs home fences and highway guardrails. “It’s pretty tough running a construction business in Maine, but somehow we’ve kept it going for 75 years,” said Rocky Cianchette, who took the business over from his father and is passing it on to his son.

The First-Generation Business Award went to Fisherman’s Net, a seafood market and restaurant in Brunswick. Co-owner Quang Nguyen explained that his parents had a fish market in Vietnam, and, when they came to the United States in 2017, he wanted to start a family business where they would feel at home. “Mom’s recipes basically blend Maine seafood with Vietnamese cuisine,” he said.

Finally, the Shep Lee Community Service Award – in memory of one of the founders of the Institute of Family Owned Business – was presented to Bouchard Family Farm in Fort Kent. If that sounds familiar and you don’t live in Northern Maine, check your pantry for ploye mix. The Bouchards grow and mill buckwheat, which is the primary ingredient in the French-Acadian pancake mix they sell in their country store and far beyond – thanks largely to Hannaford and the internet.

Janice Bouchard said, “I’m very proud of my family keeping the tradition of our Acadian heritage alive for the next generation and beyond.”

Amy Paradysz is a freelance writer and photographer based in Scarborough. She can be reached at amyparadysz@gmail.com.

Copy the Story Link