22nd Maine Family Business Awards Gala
Click below for a replay of last year's highlights!
Join us!
Join the Institute for Family-Owned Business (IFOB) for the 2022 Maine Family Business Awards (MFBA) (hybrid in-person and remote option following the current CDC guidelines) and the largest fundraiser of the year.
Now in its 22nd year of recognizing family businesses with the awards, we present them in partnership with MEMIC. Since its inception, 106 businesses have been recognized for various categories of excellence. Click here to see the list of finalists for 2022. The winners will be announced LIVE - like the Oscars - at the awards!
One comment, may best capture the essence of the awards, and in many ways describes the Institute: “While applying for the awards, we discovered a lot about ourselves…and that alone made the effort worthwhile.”
The gala attracts family businesses large and small with an audience of over 500 (hybrid). The Maine Family Business Awards is a celebration that pays more than just recognition; it serves as a vehicle for networking and opening up all shades of possibilities for families seeking to grow their business.
Our 2022 Guest Speaker:
Anthony "Tony" Simmons, retired President & CEO of McIIhenny Company, the makers of Tabasco Brand Pepper Sauce
Anthony “Tony” Simmons is the retired President and CEO of McIlhenny Company, the makers of Tabasco Brand Pepper Sauce. A member of the 5th generation, Tony is the great great grandson of the founder, Edmund McIlhenny. Tony serves on the board of McIlhenny Company and is the president and director of Avery Island Incorporated, a 7th generation family business with 9 generations of family shareholders. Tony also serves on the board of King Ranch, Flagship Foods and is chairman of the S Corp Association, an advocacy group based in Washington DC.
Joining McIlhenny Company in 2000 as Executive Vice President he became President in 2012 and CEO in 2013, a capacity he served in till retiring at age 68 in 2019. Prior to working for his family Tony worked either for or with The Manitowoc Company based in Manitowoc Wisconsin for 25 years. The last 6 as their independent distributor for their crane products for the southeastern US and the Caribbean. Tony graduated from Loyola University in New Orleans.
Tony lives at Avery Island Louisiana with his wife of 47 years and his golden retriever Moose. Tony has 2 children and 5 grandchildren and is an avid sportsman and golfer.
Our 2022 Host:
Amanda Hill, Weeknight Anchor, NEWS CENTER Maine
The Emmy award-winning journalist grew up in Maine and studied Broadcast Television from both ends of the camera at Northern Vermont University.
About the MFBA:
The awards celebrate the accomplishments of small and large businesses that exemplify the following criteria:
· Business success
· Positive business and family linkages
· Contributions to the community and industry
· Family participation
· Work environment
· Communication
· Innovative business practices or strategies
Awards are presented in seven categories and will be announced LIVE at the gala:
· Renys Large Business Award (25 or more employees)
· Chalmers Insurance Group Customer Service Award
· Holiday Inn By The Bay First Generation Award
· M&T Bank Innovation & Technology Award
· Shep Lee Community Service Award
· Maddy Corson Small Business Award (fewer than 25 employees)
· Geiger Environmental Leadership Award
We will also honor Frank O'Shea of Hunts Point Advisors with the BerryDunn Lifetime Achievement award.
For tickets click on the "Register" button to the top left or contact the IFOB at 207.798.2667.
*We do not issue printed tickets. Please check-in at the registration desk upon arrival to receive your name tag(s).
Attendees will receive a discounted rate for a single or double room at the Holiday Inn By The Bay. To receive that rate, you should mention that you are attending the IFOB event.
