Central Maine Motors Receives Governor's Award for Business Excellence

During a ceremony held today, Dec. 12, at The Blaine House, Governor Janet Mills presented four Maine businesses with her Governor’s Award for Business Excellence.

Since 1991, the annual award has recognized and celebrated Maine businesses with a high level of commitment to their community and employees, as well as exemplary performance in the manufacturing or service profession.

From Gov. Mills:

This year’s award recipients are creating innovative new technologies, strengthening our rural communities, creating new opportunities in our heritage industries, and helping our state combat climate change. They are shining examples of the countless Maine businesses, entrepreneurs, and employees that make our state the best place to live, work, and start a business. I congratulate each recipient on this well-deserved honor.

Heather Johnson, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Economic & Community Development said:

The Governor’s Award for Business Excellence has become one of Maine’s most prestigious business recognition awards. I congratulate each of this year’s award recipients and look forward to following their continued contributions to Maine people and the Maine economy.

Central Maine Motors Auto Group was the recipient of the Rural Revitalization Award, which recognizes contributions to the revitalization and growth of Maine’s rural regions. Since 1935, Waterville-based Central Maine Motors has prioritized customer support and satisfaction, championed rural economic and community development, and sustained innovative hiring and workforce development practices. More than 80 years since the company’s inception, and now owned and operated by third-generation business owner Chris Gaunce, Central Maine Motors has been a steadfast supporter of numerous community giving campaigns, capital fundraising initiatives, and has developed a forward-focused apprenticeship program, both with the State of Maine and the Mid-Maine Technical Center in Waterville.

The 2022 Governor’s Award for Business Excellence were presented in three other categories:
The Innovation Award, which celebrates and recognizes business excellence through entrepreneurship and innovation. 
The Heritage Industry Award, which recognizes and celebrates business excellence in the agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, or marine sector. 
The Climate Leader Award, which recognizes business leadership, innovation, or excellence in mitigating climate risks or developing new technologies to combat climate change.

Other winners were: MedRhythms, Inc., the Innovation Award; Atlantic Sea Farms, Heritage Industry Award; Dirigo Solar, Climate Leader Award.