Poland Spring to Be Honored at the Androscoggin Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Awards Tonight

LEWISTON, Maine, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Tonight, Poland Spring Water Company will receive the Androscoggin Chamber's first-ever Poland Business of the Year Award at their annual meeting and awards dinner in Lewiston.  The historic Maine water bottler is being recognized for its significant investments in the town of Poland, Maine - investments that are fundamental to the area's ability to succeed, grow, and prosper.

Chip Morrison, Chamber President, highlighted the company's significant contributions to Poland's economy.  "Not only does Poland Spring provide hundreds of good paying jobs in this area, they show by example how a business can be a first-class environmental steward.  Poland Spring is an invaluable corporate citizen and local partner."

Dana Lee, Poland's Town Manager, said there was never a question that Poland Spring would be the very first "Poland Business of the Year" honoree.  "Poland Spring Water Company has put our town on the map.  The company has enriched the fiber of this community economically and socially. They are always there when we need them and they are an integral part of who we are."

Ray Grady, plant manager at the company's Poland plant, will accept the award on behalf of Poland Spring.  Grady thanked the Chamber for the honor and for its work to promote a positive business climate in Androscoggin County.  "Poland Spring has a 165 year history and commitment to Poland. Even during challenging times, we're proud to invest in this community and call it home.  The 350 full-time and seasonal employees at my plant work hard to make the most popular bottled spring water in America and to make this community a great place to live and work.  We thank the Chamber for this honor and for their strong partnership," Grady said.

Tonight's Chamber awards dinner will be held from 5pm to 8:45pm at the Ramada Conference Center, 490 Pleasant Street, in Lewiston.

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, which officially opened in January 2009, 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. Currently, Poland Spring is investing $4.1 million in a new spring water station project in Fryeburg and Denmark, Maine.

Today Poland Spring:

• Employs nearly 800 full-time and seasonal workers across Maine
• Has invested nearly a half billion in capital in Maine since 1992
• Contributes nearly $40 million to the economy in annual payroll
• Spends almost $65 million directly with other Maine companies each year
• 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 Water Company