Poland Spring Honors Gulf of Maine Research Institute With 2009 Natural Leader Award

GMRI receives award at reception for the 50 causes funded by Poland Spring in 2008

POLAND SPRING, Maine, July 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Poland Spring has named the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) as its 2009 Natural Leader Award recipient. The award was presented to the Portland nonprofit at a luncheon reception for Poland Spring Good Neighbor Grant recipients from 22 communities across Maine.

Poland Spring honored GMRI for its LabVenture! program, an immersive science experience offered free of charge to every fifth or sixth-grade student in Maine. In 2008, the program served 86 percent of the state's fifth or sixth-graders - 12,400 students in all - who came from 220 schools and all 16 Maine counties. To date, Poland Spring has donated $900,000 to LabVenture!

The Natural Leader Award is given annually to a Good Neighbor Grant recipient in recognition of accomplishments that make Maine a better place to work and live.

Alex McIntosh, Director of Corporate Citizenship, presented the award. "Poland Spring is pleased to acknowledge GMRI's leadership in teaching the next generation about Maine's extraordinary and abundant marine resources. GMRI's dedication to science, education and community is commendable and Poland Spring is proud to partner with this outstanding organization."

Blaine Grimes, GMRI's Director of Development and Community Relations, received the award. "Poland Spring has been a great partner, making it possible to transport kids from every community in Maine to experience a working research facility. Poland Spring's commitment to Maine and to the scientific study of Maine's renewable resources is tremendous."

In 2008, Poland Spring gave more than $750,000 in Good Neighbor Grants to nearly 50 Maine causes and organizations. The company is committed to giving back through donations, sponsorships and volunteering. Grant recipients from communities where Poland Spring invests were invited to the luncheon event, including:

    4 on the Fourth Road Race, Bridgton
    American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Kingfield
    Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice, Lewiston
    Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments (Maine Recycles Week)
    Auburn Land Lab
    Brownfield Public Library
    Camp Sunshine, Casco
    Carrabassett Valley Academy (CVA Biathlon)
    Ferry Beach Ecology School, Saco
    Franklin Community Health Network Foundation, Farmington
    Franklin County Chamber of Commerce
    Fryeburg Academy
    Fryeburg Community Giving Tree
    Fryeburg Rescue
    Good Shepherd Food Bank
    Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce
    Gulf of Maine Research Institute
    Indian Cellar Conservation, Hollis
    Kennebec Valley YMCA Capital Campaign
    Kingfield Days
    Kingfield Pops
    Kingfield Sno-Wanderers
    Maine Businesses for Social Responsibility
    Maine Cancer Foundation (Sugarloaf Fundraiser)
    Maine Lakes Conservancy Institute
    Maine School Administrative District 58 - Avon, Eustis, Kingfield,
     Phillips, Strong
    Maine School Administrative District 6 - Buxton, Hollis, Limington,
     Standish
    Maine State Chamber of Commerce
    Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program
    Maine Wilderness Watershed Trust
    Poland Recreation Department
    Rangeley Lakes Regional School
    Saco River Corridor Commission (Saco River clean-up)
    School Union 29 - Mechanic Falls, Minot, Poland
    Susan L. Curtis Foundation (Conservation Camp)
    The Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce
    The Trust for Public Land
    Town of Dallas Plantation
    Town of Denmark Fuel Assistance Program
    Town of Kingfield
    Town of Poland
    Weymouth Park, Buxton

ABOUT POLAND SPRING: Since 1845, Poland Spring has been investing in Maine and creating good jobs using an abundant, renewable resource. Today, Poland Spring operates three bottling plants in Poland Spring, Hollis and Kingfield. The Kingfield facility, opened in February of this year, represents a $60 million investment and 40+ new jobs in western Maine. Poland Spring operates additional spring sources in Fryeburg, Poland, Dallas Plantation, Pierce Pond Township and St. Albans. Today Poland Spring:

• Employs 800 Maine people across the state
• Has invested over $439 million in capital in Maine since 1992
• Provides about $40 million to the economy in payroll
• Spends $65 million directly with other Maine companies
• Has invested over $2.5 million in community giving since 2000 to support schools, fire and rescue, environmental conservation, and many local and statewide causes.
  

SOURCE Poland Spring