AUGUSTA – Dragon Cement and Concrete has received a Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence for its efforts to reduce greenhouse gases throughout its operations. Dragon’s $50 million modernization is a key element of its plan to reduce emissions, according to the company

Gov. John Baldacci and DEP Commissioner Dawn Gallagher presented the award in a ceremony in Hallowell in November. They applauded Dragon’s efforts to protect the environment, citing the company’s decision to change to a more-efficient cement manufacturing process, which increases production while reducing emissions.

Portland-based Dragon is New England’s only cement manufacturing company and also Maine’s largest supplier of ready-mixed concrete. The governor’s recognition marks the second statewide award Dragon has received in recent weeks. In October, Dragon received a Maine Investor Award from the Maine State Chamber, which commended the company’s plant modernization.

Dragon has concrete plants in Biddeford, Westbrook, Portland, Lewiston, Brunswick, Augusta, Canton, Fairfield, Madawaska and Presque Isle.

Black Mountain hires leader

RUMFORD – The Maine Winter Sports Center has announced that Matthew S. Bell has accepted the position as Ski Patrol director/safety coordinator for Black Mountain of Maine.

Bell, a native of Presque Isle, comes to Black Mountain with a background in skiing and training. He has competed in several races throughout New England, including the Diana Golden Level I race series, where he remains undefeated. In addition, Bell has also competed at the national and international level, placing fourth in both slalom and super G at Eastern Regionals held in Waterville Valley, N.H.

While at Black Mountain, Bell will be working with the volunteer ski patrollers.

Bell is a dean’s list student at Northern Maine Community College, vice chair of the State Independent Living Council, chairman of the Maine Outdoor Recreation for Everyone, a member of the Presque Isle Zoning Board of Appeals and the Presque Isle Fish and Game Club, and was appointed by Gov. John Baldacci to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Disabled Hunters Advisory Council.

Bell has worked with the Aroostook Ski Patrol at Big Rock in Mars Hill, given lessons for Perfect Turn at Sunday River in Bethel, volunteered at Maine Handicapped Skiing, and has been an advocate for disability rights.