LEWISTON – The Lewiston Auburn Economic Growth Council announced its economic achievement awards at its annual meeting Tuesday.

Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce

The top award, a joint recognition by both cities and the growth council, went to the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce and its president, Chip Morrison.

The Androscoggin Chamber of Commerce is arguably the most dynamic and engaged chamber in the state, according to LAEGC. Since 2000, the chamber’s membership has increased 40 percent. With 1,225 members, it is the second-largest chamber in the state. Morrison’s leadership is credited for the growth.

The chamber has a very active Business Advocacy Committee, Education Committee and Regional Image Committee.

Recognized by the city of Lewiston, the Lewiston Development Corp. and the LAEGC are:

The Hartford Agency is a rapidly growing, locally owned insurance agency that serves both a local and a national clientele. Lucas and Justin Hartford are the third generation of Hartfords to own and run the family business.

Eastern Fire Protection is actually two companies. Eastern Fire Protection designs and installs all types of water-based fire sprinkler systems; Eastern Sprinkler Services pursues the periodic service and testing required for fire sprinkler systems. Today the combined Eastern companies are the largest fire sprinkler systems contracting and service group based in Maine.

Jim Pittman, born and raised in Maine, not only operates auto and rental businesses, but is passionate about commercial real estate development throughout the area. He has been a longtime supporter of a host of local organizations, spreading the philosophy “You get as you give in life.”

The following three companies were recognized by the city of Auburn, Auburn Business Development Corp. and the LAEGC:

Central Maine Orthopaedics, P.A., a private orthopedic group practice started by Dr. Wayne A. Moody in 1986 and joined by Dr. Paul Cain the following year. The current facility houses a state-of-the-art physical therapy program operated by HealthSouth, an MRI service run by Central Maine Imaging and a clinical laboratory satellite of St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, with 11 orthopedists and approximately 85 clinical and administrative staff..

The Gendron family has been active for more than 20 years developing residential, retail, commercial and industrial projects. The Gendrons’ commitment to Lewiston is long-standing and strong. They have consistently seen opportunity and acted upon it.

Central Distributors Inc. has been owned by the Barriault family since it was founded in 1934, distributing beverages all over the state. Central Distributors today employs 100 people year-round, has a $3.6 million payroll and has 29 trucks on the road. The company also has a long history of supporting many community organizations and initiatives.

The complete comments honoring the award recipients will be posted on the LAEGC’s Web site Thursday. The address is: www.economicgrowth.org.