Twenty-two companies, including four from Lewiston-Auburn, have been named the best places to work in Maine.

Androscoggin Home Health Care and Hospice and Geiger were listed among the best large companies. Manpower and Oxford Networks were listed among the best medium-sized companies. All will be honored during a ceremony tonight at the Maine Jobs Council Conference in Augusta. The very best employers will be ranked first, second and third.

A Maine human resources group spearheaded the 2006 Best Places to Work in Maine list, creating it with help from a Pennsylvania-based group that designs “Best Places to Work” and “Best Employer” programs for other states.

Forty-four Maine companies applied for the honor, paying between $400 and $900 for registration and a detailed employee survey. The companies were then evaluated on employee satisfaction with salary, benefits, company communication, job growth potential and human resources. Half of the 44 companies that applied were ultimately named a Best Place to Work in Maine.

They win a crystal award and bragging rights.

“It’s one of the things that can help attract employees to the state,” said Don Doele, who helped put the project together.

Gov. John Baldacci will present the awards tonight at a celebration at the Augusta Civic Center.