WASHINGTON, D.C. – F. A. Peabody Company of Houlton, Maine has been honored as the eastern regional finalist for the Small Business of the Year Award by the U. S. Chamber of Commerce.  The Small Business of the Year contest was designed to select and honor the very best business that showed excellence in a variety of selection criteria, including financial performance and business history, staff training and motivation, community involvement, customer service, and business planning.

After competing with hundreds of applicants across the country, FAPCO was first honored in March as a Blue Ribbon qualifier.  “Winners of the Small Business Blue Ribbon Award have served their employees, customers, and communities with a consistent dedication that exemplifies America’s spirit of enterprise,” said Tom Donohue, Chamber president and CEO.  “Small businesses are the backbone of America’s economy, representing more than 99% of all employers, creating three-fourths of all new jobs, and accounting for more than one-half o the nation’s gross domestic product.”

The Blue Ribbon award winners were narrowed further to only seven regions in the U. S.  FAPCO was selected as the finalist for the Eastern Region comprised of businesses from New Jersey north to Maine.  The winner of the Small Business of the Year was selected during the 2007 U. S. Chamber Small Business Summit held May 23rd – 25th in Washington, DC.  Hundreds attended the conference with speakers and panels on business and politics.  Christopher Anderson, president of FAPCO, traveled to Washington to attend the Summit and accept the regional award.  “What an incredible experience for FAPCO to be honored among the many applicants.  I am proud of our dedicated employees that helped put Maine on the national map for success,” said Anderson.    “Although we did not win the top award, I feel honored that FAPCO made it to the finals standing among other top businesses recognized for their contributions to America’s economy.”    My Chef Catering from Naperville, Illinois took the first place. 

F. A. Peabody is a leading insurance agency in Northern Maine with 7 total offices (Caribou, Presque Isle, Mars Hill, Houlton, Sherman, Lincoln, and Hampden.)  They employ 62 people in the insurance operations for property/casualty insurance and life/health/employee benefits.  They also have a mortuary trust division and a wireless internet service (Pioneer Wireless.)  F. A Peabody is celebrating 80 years in business in 2007.