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May 26, 2009

Portland area family-owned businesses honored

By Carol Coultas

Three Portland area companies took top honors last week at the 10th annual Maine Family Business Awards dinner, hosted by the Institute for Family-Owned Business.

Among those honored at the May 21 ceremony at the Marriott Sable Oaks were Portland's Earle W. Noyes & Sons moving company, which was formed in 1923. Today it employs 77 and logs $2.5 million in business for United Van Lines. The company, which expanded its Franklin Street facility to 100,000 square feet in 2001, took top honors in the large company category, which recognizes achievement within a family-owned company that employs 25 or more.

Taking similar honors in the small company category was The Lobster Shack at Two Lights, a Cape Elizabeth eatery that's been owned by the Porch family since 1968. The restaurant has seen its number of patrons grow over four decades, but "our goal is to remain a fixture in people's memories," said Katie Porch.

Cited for its community service was Lionel Plante Associates, the family behind the ferry service that has served Casco Bay islanders for 50 years. The company provides marine transportation, site work excavation and fuel, but its volunteer service in transporting fire equipment, assisting with Coast Guard rescues and oil spill cleanup earned special mention.

The presentations were made by former Guy Gannett Communications Chairman Maddy Corson; L.L. Bean Chairman Leon Gorman; and former CEO of Lee Auto Malls Shep Lee, all members and supporters of the institute.

The Institute for Family-Owned Business is a nonprofit organization that supports and assists family businesses to reach their full potential. The group formerly operated as a program under the University of Southern Maine, but struck out on its own last year. Family owned businesses account for 35% of Fortune 500 companies, 78% of new jobs, 60% of the nation's employment and 50% of its GDP, according the institute.

 

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