September 18, 2008

Maine Development Foundation presents award to Maine company.

AUGUSTA, Maine, September 18, 2008 – Poland Spring today received a 2008 Champion of Economic Development Award from the Maine Development Foundation (MDF) at the 30th annual meeting. The historic Maine water bottler was recognized for its investment in Maine’s economy and creation of jobs in rural communities. In particular, Poland Spring was nominated for its contribution to the economy of Franklin County, building a new $60 million bottling plant in Kingfield, scheduled to begin bottling spring water at the end of 2008.

Maine Development Foundation CEO Laurie Lachance highlighted Poland Spring’s contribution to the economy of rural Franklin County, as well as the company’s partnership with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute and Hannaford, supporting the LabVenture program, which brings 4th and 5th graders from every part of Maine to a working marine research facility.

“Poland Spring is investing in Maine’s future,” said Lachance. “Since 1992, this company has invested $439 million in new facilities built to the highest environmental standards.” She also cited Poland Spring’s leadership in supporting statewide science and technology literacy and numerous community initiatives.

Tom Brennan, Natural Resource Manager for Poland Spring accepted the award on behalf of the company. He thanked the community of Kingfield, site of the newest bottling plant, for their commitment to an open and respectful dialogue throughout the permitting and development process. Greater Franklin Development Corporation was also singled out for their dedication to bringing new clean jobs to western Maine.

“Lately we’ve been working especially hard to create good jobs in a tough economy. Thanks to the support of the communities in which we operate, we have added 200 new jobs in the past two years,” said Brennan.

“Poland Spring has been an outstanding new addition to our town. They demonstrate the highest environmental standards and have already become a caring and conscientious member of our community,” said John Dill, selectman in Kingfield.

Poland Spring’s 800 Maine employees bottle the healthiest of all beverages in lightweight, recyclable containers and have achieved a 91% recycling rate at the bottling plants. Since 1845, Poland Spring has been using a rapidly renewable resource to make the most popular spring water brand in the United States.