MaineBusiness.com

For Immediate Release

Shelley Doak 207-622-4461
Maine Grocers Association OR
sdoak@mainegrocers.org
Valerie Geredien 207-623-4883
Maine Food Producers Alliance
vgeredien@mainetomorrow.com

Maine Grocers Association Announces Grocer of the Year, Vendor of the Year and
Food Producer of the Year

HALLOWELL, Maine - The Maine Grocers Association is pleased to announce that Scott Carlin, WSC, Inc. is the 2009 Grocer of the Year. Scott and his wife Rena, along with their two sons, Christopher and Chad own and operate three grocery stores in Aroostook County: Hillside IGA in Fort Fairfield, Mars Hill IGA, in Mars Hill, and Star City IGA in Presque Isle. Scott began his 30-year grocery career as Store Manager at two IGA stores before purchasing the three stores in 1999. In 2002, Scott received the prestigious 5-Star IGA Award for Excellence in all three stores. In recognition of increased sales, display performance, promotion, and community service, Star City IGA has been a Beef Stampede Champion for SuperValu New England. The Carlin Family takes great pride in their dedication to their family, employees and their community. The Carlin’s are supporters and sponsors of multiple community events, and Scott serves on the Business Advisory Board for Northern Maine Community College and the Board of Directors for both the Presque Isle and Mars Hill Rotary Clubs. “Scott has served on the MGA Board of Directors since 2007 and takes every opportunity to promote the values of the Association, “stated Troy Plummer, P. W. Plummer & Sons and MGA Board President.
D. Dean Williams, Maine Beverage Company is the 2009 Vendor of the Year. Since its inception in 2004, Maine Beverage Company has proudly been the wholesale supplier of liquor to Maine’s growing number of Agency Stores, forming what has become a very successful public-private partnership. The core of this partnership is the continual sharing of information, which has helped us improve our services and better serve the stores. This partnership has helped Maine Beverage Company show strong operating performance, provide significantly enhanced services to all of the Agency Store retail outlets and increase revenue sharing and tax payments to the State. The positive impact goes beyond financial measures as Maine Beverage Company promotes responsible drinking through television, newspaper, and Internet advertising, without using any taxpayer money. Maine Beverage Company works closely with Maine’s Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages & Lottery Operations (BABLO) and the Department of Public Safety in their service of the citizens of Maine. “Maine Beverage Company is a valuable Association member. Their outstanding support of the Association’s scholarship program is unprecedented allowing us to grant ten $1,000 scholarships over the last two years,” said Troy Plummer, MGA President.
C. Waite Maclin, Pastor Chuck Orchards is the 2009 Food Producer of the Year. Waite Maclin, Episcopal priest and former private-practice psychotherapist is the creator of organic, apple-based products.
In 1985, Pastor Chuck started an orchard in his home state of Maine. When the trees began to bear fruit, the annual harvest resulted in too many apples to eat fresh, so he experimented in making apple butter and applesauce. Today, Pastor Chuck Orchards offers several forms of apple products that are certified organic, and most are kosher. One percent of profits are donated back to the community.
Pastor Chuck Orchards is a small-scale producer making food the way it should be made — with care, good ingredients, and concern for future generations. The company motto is reflected of his profession and the apples association with the Garden of Eden, “One taste and you will know the difference between good and evil!”
“Waite should be commended for his enthusiastic leadership in working with other food producers to form the Maine Food Producers Alliance where he serves as a Board member,” Plummer stated.
These awards were presented at the Maine Food Means Business 2009 Summit held on Tuesday, October 20, 2009. This event launched the collaborative initiative by the Maine Grocers Association and Maine Food Producers Alliance organizations dedicated to meeting the interests and needs of Maine’s food trade and industry. Designed to spur new partnerships and relationships and enhance the business prospects for its members the 2009 Summit brought over 150 Maine based food buyers and sellers together for a day of introductory meetings, information sessions and business exploration, development and exchange.

The Maine Grocers Association was formed in 1935 and serves as the principal business trade association representing retailers, wholesalers and distributors in the Maine food industry. The Association provides its members a full range of services covering communications, governmental affairs, education and networking. For more information on the Maine Grocer Association, services and memberships call 1-888-821-3335 or visit www.mainegrocers.org.

The Maine Food Producers Alliance is a new organization representing Maine based food and beverage value-added manufacturers and producers that is committed to creating and sustaining a collaborative environment for the development and growth of markets for Maine food products. It is estimated that the value-added food industry in Maine includes over 200 food manufacturers and employs over 6,000 workers throughout the state. For more information on the Maine Food Producers Alliance call 207-623-4883 or email mainefoods@mainetomorrow.com.


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