Apply Now for the 2023 Governor’s Award for Business Excellence

Each year, it’s my honor to recognize and pay tribute to Maine companies that are leading the way and investing in their employees, their communities, and our state through the Governor’s Award for Business Excellence.

Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.

The Governor’s Award for Business Excellence was first dedicated to Maine businesses by former Governor Jock McKernan more than thirty years ago. For decades, governors from both parties have kept this important tradition alive, paying tribute to the Maine companies that both excel in the business world and invest directly in their employees, their communities, and our state.

For this year’s Governor’s Award, I will be celebrating those businesses that strive for excellence even during global challenges.

I will be recognizing businesses in the following categories:

The Innovation Award, which celebrates and recognizes business excellence through entrepreneurship and innovation.

The Rural Revitalization Award, which recognizes contributions to the revitalization and growth of Maine’s rural regions.

The Heritage Industry Award, which recognizes business excellence in the agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, or marine sectors.

And fourthly, the Climate Leader Award. That one recognizes business leadership, innovation, or excellence in mitigating climate risks or developing new technologies to combat climate change.

You can submit an application for the Governor’s Awards for Business Excellence now through Friday, October 13 on our new online portal on the Department of Economic and Community Development’s website at Maine.gov/decd. That’s Maine.gov/decd.

In 2022, I celebrated Atlantic Sea Farms and MedRhythms, Central Maine Motors and Dirigo Solar as models for economic success at a ceremony at the Blaine House in Augusta.

This year, I am proud to continue the decades-long tradition of recognizing those exceptional Maine businesses, entrepreneurs, and employees who are working to make our state the best place to work, live, and raise a family.

If you are a business owner or you work for a business, I encourage you to apply for the 2023 Governor’s Award for Business Excellence by Friday, October 13th. Again, submit your application online at Maine.gov/decd.

You deserve credit for the work that you are doing to strengthen our economy and strengthen our state.

This is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.