What: On December 4, 2013, three local Portland businesses will be recognized by the Portland Development Corporation (PDC) and the City of Portland at this year’s awards ceremony for their role in enhancing the City’s economic vitality. The award recipients are credited with making significant contributions to Portland’s economic growth, as well as increasing the City’s reputation as a center for the marine industry on its working waterfront, for its growing biosciences sector, and its world class food.
Receiving the 2013 Economic Development Achievement Award is Charlie Poole, President of Proprietors of Union Wharf and Custom Float Services. Charlie Poole, whose family has owned Union Wharf since the 1800s has been a long-time advocate/supporter/community leader for Portland's waterfront. His determination to remain on the waterfront and lease his property for both marine and non-marine uses is a testament to his longevity at the Wharf. He is also the owner of Custom Float Services located on the Wharf, which employs 15 people. The business builds floats for large marina installations, including Chandler's Wharf, DiMillo's, Town of Rockport, and a system for a "notable Kennebunkport resident," and is a niche market for Poole and Portland.
Charlie Poole is a longstanding waterfront advocate, including involvement in the waterfront rezoning effort (two years in the making), as well as active in the Portland community as a member of the Portland Economic Development Plan Task Force, Portland Business Advisory Council, Portland Harbor Waterfront Alliance, leading efforts for Portland Harbor dredging, and, most recently, a member of the interview team for filling a new City staff Waterfront Coordinator position.
Receiving the 2013 Business of the Year Award is Putney, Inc. Putney was founded by Jean Hoffman in 2006. Ms. Hoffman’s vision was to become the leading provider of high quality, bioequivalent and specialty drugs supporting the U.S. veterinary community. Located at 400 Congress Street, the company now employs approximately 75 people, with expectations to grow to 130 in two years. Putney is committed to quality pharmaceuticals, investing in programs that support the practice of high-quality veterinary medicine, while offering cost-effective medicines for pet owners. Putney's generic drugs support veterinarians' use of standard-of-care drugs to treat pets. Generics enable more pet owners to comply with the full, veterinarian-prescribed treatment, especially for chronic and frequently used drugs.
Putney was recently named by Inc. Magazine as of one the fastest growing private companies in America in recognition of its 183% revenue gain between 2009 and 2012, the second time that Putney has been named to the Inc. 5000 list. Putney also placed #290 on Deloitte’s 2013 Technology Fast 500, a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology, life sciences, telecommunications, and media companies in North America.
Human generic medicines saved the U.S. healthcare system over $1 trillion in 10 years (2002-2011). This process is only just beginning in veterinary medicine. Putney strives to increase the number of pet generics available and provide savings to veterinarians and pet owners. In fact, most recently, Putney’s efforts have resulted in two first-to-market FDA approved veterinary generics in 2013, with 20+ products in various states of development and review.
The 2013 Small Business of the Year is the Public Market House. The mission of the Public Market House carries on the vision of an in-town public market in Portland by providing a community gathering place that celebrates Maine people, food and agricultural traditions, while joining the ongoing efforts to revitalize Portland’s downtown, incubating small businesses, and involving the international community.
Market Vendors, LLC was created by four original vendors from the now-defunct Portland Public Market. After the Portland Public Market closed its doors, Market Vendors, LLC conducted a search of the Portland Peninsula for a suitable location in which to carry on the tradition of providing a public market in downtown Portland. In the summer of 2006, Market Vendors moved into 28 Monument Square, now occupying the basement, first and second floors. Monument Square is also the site of the weekly in-town farmers market, making the location ideal both in its central location and proximity to the farmers.
The street level houses three original vendors - K. Horton Specialty Foods, Maine Beer & Beverage Co. and Big Sky Bread Co. On the second floor are a number of small food businesses including Azure, Granny Burritos, Kamasouptra, La Cocina Dominica, Maine Squeeze, and Market House Coffee. The basement level houses the Community Kitchen. The Market House also leases a portion of Monument Square from the City of Portland, where it provides day tables for small business owners to sell their Maine grown, produced, or value-added products.
All three award recipients will be recognized at the PDC’s annual event. The PDC was created by the Portland City Council in 1990 to create and foster economic development within the City.
Who: Members of the Portland Development Corporation Board including City of Portland Mayor Michael Brennan and City Manager Mark Rees, will be joined by representatives of the city’s business community in honoring the awardees. “Each of these businesses has made an indelible impact on the city and its economy and it is exciting to see them get this deserved recognition,” stated Mayor Brennan. “Whether it’s supporting the working waterfront and marine industry, the City’s ever growing food sector, or strengthening Portland’s reputation as a great location for high tech businesses, it’s clear this City has a lot to be proud of.”
When: Wednesday, December 4, 2013
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Where: Ocean Gateway
Commercial Street, Portland
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