POLAND SPRING – Poland Spring has named the Gulf of Maine Research Institute 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- and sixth-grade student in Maine. In 2008, the program served 86 percent of the state’s fifth- and 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
