LEWISTON – Geiger has been named “Family Business of the Year” by the Advertising Specialty Institute. The announcement and presentation of the special recognition took place March 19 at the Las Vegas Convention Center during The ASI show’s Spirit Awards.

Gene Geiger, CAS, president, Peter Geiger, executive vice president, and fifth-generation family member Jeffrey Geiger were presented the award by ASI Board chair Norman Cohn and Stephanie Cohn.

The Advertising Specialty Institute is the largest organization supporting the advertising specialty industry. The Spirit Award recognizes companies that excel in creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Founded in 1878 in Newark, N.J., and now based in Lewiston, Geiger is the largest family owned and managed promotional products distributor in the United States. Geiger operates 15 divisional offices and is affiliated with more than 500 independent sales representatives across the country.

The company is also an internationally recognized manufacturer of paper-based planners and organizers. It is also publisher of the Farmers Almanac, published continuously since 1818.

Among the company’s recent awards are the Margaret Chase Smith Maine Quality Awards, Level I and Level II, the Maine Cornerstone Award for businesses that contribute to the local and state economies, as well as to their communities, and 2006 Best Places to Work in Maine.