AUGUSTA – Ford S. Reiche, president of Safe Handling of Auburn, has been named the Maine Small Business Person of the Year for 2008.

“Ford Reiche exemplifies the business expertise, commitment, creativity and community involvement sought in the selection of the Small Business Person of the Year,” said Maurice Dubé, district director of the SBA.

Reiche has been recognized for his entrepreneurial skills and environmental stewardship since founding Safe Handling, an industrial transporter, on Rodman Road in 1989.

The company transports about half a million tons of product every year using rail and trucking facilities, and serves most of the paper producers in Maine. In December, it opened the state’s first ethanol terminal, following its fleet conversion to biofuel in July. It also took top honors in the Governor’s Carbon Challenge last summer, reducing the emissions of its toll products by 75 percent.

The U. S. Small Business Administration recognizes outstanding small business owners and business advocates for their personal achievements and contributions to the nation’s economy.

Maine’s winners will be honored at a luncheon at the Ramada Inn in Lewiston on May 16.