FAME honors businesses, lenders, individuals 'At Work for Maine'
File Photo / Tim Greenway
Steve Levesque, executive director of the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority, is shown in 2019 at a construction site at Brunswick Landing. Levesque, who is retiring next week, was honored by the Finance Authority of Maine.
The Finance Authority of Maine on Monday announced the winners of its annual “At Work for Maine” awards, which recognize contributions of businesses, lenders and higher-education partners to the state.
The awards are typically presented at the FAME Showcase Maine event, which was canceled for the second year because of COVID-19 concerns. Instead, the authority and Gov. Janet Mills announced the awards virtually.
In a recorded message, Mills said, “Organizations like FAME, which are able to make education more affordable, able to make good-paying jobs available, and able to support local businesses, are more important now than ever before.”
Carlos Mello, FAME’s acting CEO, added, “Although we were unable to gather in person this year, FAME wishes to thank and recognize so many of our partners for their contributions to Maine’s economic and educational well-being. We are pleased to honor these select partners who help to make Maine’s economic and educational futures brighter, especially during these challenging times.”
The authority is a quasi-independent state agency that provides financial solutions to help Mainers achieve business and higher education goals. Founded in 1983, FAME has honored some of the state’s most successful businesses and businesspeople with its annual awards.
Here are this year's winners.
Business at Work for Maine Award: Arctaris Impact Investors LLC
Saddleback Mountain ski resort in Rangeley reopened in December 2020 thanks in large part to Arctaris, a Boston-based impact investment firm, as well as multiple state and local financing agencies including FAME. The mountain enjoyed a successful first year of resumed operations and has made significant improvements to the ski lifts, lodge and trails.
Education at Work for Maine Award: Rosa Redonnett and Janet Sortor
Redonnett, associate vice chancellor for student success and credential attainment at the University of Maine System, and Janet Sortor, vice president and chief academic officer of the Maine Community College System, were chosen in recognition of their shared vision and commitment to working collaboratively to support Maine students transforming their lives through education. Redonnett and Sortor have partnered for decades to reduce barriers to higher education and help countless students succeed.
Lender at Work for Maine Award ($1.5 billion or more in assets): Farm Credit East
In recognition of its service to Maine’s agricultural industries, Farm Credit East was FAME’s top lending partner of 2021 in the category of lenders with $1.5 billion or more in assets. Over the past fiscal year, Farm Credit East partnered with FAME on 38 loans totaling $9.2 million. This investment helped to create or retain 131 Maine jobs.
Lender at Work for Maine Award (less than $1.5 billion in assets): Skowhegan Savings Bank
In recognition of its service to Maine communities, Skowhegan Savings was FAME’s top lending partner in the category of lenders with less than $1.5 billion in assets. Over the past year, Skowhegan Savings partnered with FAME on 13 loans totaling $3.9 million. This investment helped to create or retain 77 Maine jobs. Examples of businesses FAME assisted in partnership with Skowhegan Savings include: Bell Holdings, FHF Realty, MooMoo’s Playcare Center, Northern Lights Maine and Ranger Contracting.
Lender at Work for Maine Award (most increased partnership): Bath Savings Institution
In recognition of its increased partnership through innovative financial solutions and community engagement, Bath Savings Institution was recognized. Over the past year, Bath Savings partnered with FAME on four loans totaling approximately $2.5 million. This investment helped to create or retain 128 Maine jobs. Examples of businesses assisted in partnership with Bath Savings: Oxbow Brewing Co., Ray Labbe & Sons Contractors and Windham Pie.
Dirigo Lifetime Achievement Award: John Burns, former managing director, Maine Venture Fund
In recognition of his 20 years of dedicated service at Maine Venture Fund supporting dynamic businesses with potential for significant growth and impact, Burns was honored with a Dirigo Lifetime Achievement Award. To date, Maine Venture Fund has invested in approximately 81 companies, several of which have made successful exits.
Dirigo Lifetime Achievement Award: Steve Levesque, executive director, Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority
In recognition of his many years of dedicated service to successful economic development in Maine, both at the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority and as former commissioner of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, Levesque was honored with a Dirigo Lifetime Achievement Award. FAME has helped to finance some of the companies located at Brunswick Landing, including SaviLinx, Molnlycke and Blue Dog Daycare.
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