LEWISTON — Rich Surace revealed Tuesday night that Lewiston had been in competition with nine other cities for Carbonite’s new tech call center before that company settled here last year.

Pressed by Mike Miclon, he also revealed that sadly, no, the company’s name had nothing to do with Star Wars.

“That is what Han Solo was frozen in and I cannot wait to meet these guys,” Miclon said, opening The L-A Tonight Show at the Ramada Inn, the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council’s annual awards dinner.

For the third year it featured Miclon as host and the Tardy brothers as co-host and band in a “Tonight Show” theme.

In front of an audience of hundreds, special guests took to Miclon’s couch between juggling performances.

LAEGC board chairman Dan Thayer said he looked forward to the work of the Future Forum, a business collaboration underway and announced at last year’s dinner.

“We have so much activity in Lewiston-Auburn but a lot of that exists as silos,” he said. “If we can bring that together, it’s powerful.”

U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud said he was keeping an eye on the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement to make sure that trade deal, in opening the door to Vietnam, doesn’t jeopardize shoe-making jobs here.

“It could put them (New Balance) out of business if it’s not done correctly,” he said.

Surace, vice president of services at Carbonite, said that company moved quickly after announcing last spring it would relocate tech call center operations from India to Lewiston. Carbonite specializes in computer data backup with customers in 99 countries.

“You were one of 10 cities in the United States — two others were in Maine, Bangor and Portland,” Surace said. “Two hours from Boston versus 17,500 miles away … We’re very proud of calling Lewiston home.”

He said 185 people work at Carbonite in the business park on Mollison Way, with room to grow.

Lewiston Auburn Film Festival spokeswoman Molly McGill shared details of a bigger LAFF planned for next year, April 5-7. The event will kick off with either an actor or singer, she said, feature more movies on Sunday, more after-parties and offer a new student film competition for young filmmakers. It will also have the world premiere of “The Peloton Project,” a documentary on bike riders whose lives have been touched by cancer making the trek from Canada to the Dempsey Challenge.

Another LAFF organizer said for every $1 spent putting on the event, $8.25 came into the community.

Miclon said he was shooting a film this summer and hoped to submit it to LAFF 2014.

Twin Cities representatives also handed out Economic Achievement Awards to Center Street Dental, Gritty McDuff’s, Lamey-Wellehan, Art Walk Lewiston Auburn, Carbonite, the Vault and the Lewiston CareerCenter.

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Economic Achievement Award winners recognized Tuesday during the annual Lewiston Auburn Economic Growth Council dinner:

Awards by the City of Lewiston:

Carbonite, a computer backup company that brought more than 150 jobs from India to Lewiston in 2011: For “putting a lot of people to work and beginning the diversification of the employment base to include computer technical support.”

Art Walk Lewiston Auburn, new last summer, a monthly, evening art experience in the downtowns: For “the transformative effect (it) is having on the community, and people’s involvement with and perception of Lewiston.”

The Vault, a wine and craft beer shop opened on Lisbon Street in 2011: For “investment in Lewiston, pioneering spirit and being a driving force for expanding retail opportunities downtown.”

Awards by the City of Auburn:

Center Street Dental, under a new owner it launched the area’s first candy buy-back after Halloween last year: For making “a noticeable and positive impression for countless people in Lewiston and Auburn.”

Gritty McDuff’s, a restaurant and brewery that’s been part of the downtown since 2005: For “investment and growth into the downtown.”

Lamey-Wellehan, a 98-year-old shoe store and local retail institution: For “strong work ethic, dedication and community involvement and attention to detail.”

Special Joint Cities Award:

Lewiston CareerCenter: For playing “a critical role in helping attract new business to the area, assist the staffing needs of local businesses and helping residents secure employment or freshen up their skill sets.”

Excerpts from award presentations.