FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

entreverge Director Johann Sabbath

Contact: entreverge Communications Director Will Thomas

Phone (207) 523-0519

Email: will@tri-maine.com

entreverge Awards Local Entrepreneurs at a Packed Port City Music Hall Celebration

Five local entrepreneurs receive the first-ever entreverge Awards in a packed celebration at the Port City Music Hall

PORTLAND, ME – June 25, 2009 – Five Portland-area entrepreneurs were honored with the inaugural entreverge Awards at a packed ceremony at the Port City Music Hall on Thursday evening, June 25. Over 300 local business leaders, notable entrepreneurs, and community supporters came together to celebrate emerging innovators’ contributions to the Maine business community.

Director Johann Sabbath announced the winning business leaders to an enthusiastic crowd. The Award Winners were: Emilie Inc. – a multifaceted wedding photography business; Topline Marketing – a leading natural foods and products marketing company; Atayne LLC – a high performance sportswear company whose clothes are made exclusively from recycled materials; Pemaquid Communications – a web design studio and local leader in the growing co-working movement; and Turtle Love Committee – an alternative wedding jewelry business focused on the growing niche of financially conscious consumers seeking alternative wedding jewelry options. (A detailed summary of winning companies is attached, and profiles of the winners can be also found on www.entreverge.com.)

Each of the five winning companies will receive a comprehensive package of in-kind business services and face-time with several Portland-based business leaders to support current successes and propel each business to the next level. Packages include pro-bono consultation, business services, and products volunteered by local artistic, finance, IT, legal, marketing, web experts.

Winners were selected from among 52 nominees based on a number of criteria, including coachability, impact, and scalable vision for their business and their commitment to a triple bottom line—the people, place, and prosperity of Maine.

Notable attendee and Portland City Councilor Dory Waxman said: “It is wonderful to see so much support for such an important initiative taking place in Portland. The winning entrepreneurs are very deserving, and entreverge’s vision to bring the business community of Maine together in such a unique way is remarkable.”

“Tonight’s event was a huge success,” said Sabbath. “From the turnout and the enthusiasm of the community, it is clear that there is great support for the upcoming entrepreneurial leaders of Portland.”

Live performances by The Jason Spooner Trio and Adam and the Waxmen closed out the evening’s celebration.

The entreverge Awards Party event was produced and direct by PROPEL, a group of young business leaders associated with the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, and sponsored by University of Maine Farmington, Swardlick Marking Group, Bangor Savings Bank, MaineBiz and WYCC.

For more information visit www.entreverge.com or contact Will Thomas at 207-523-0519.

About entreverge

entreverge is a new model of business organizing that leverages the leadership of greater Portland’s business community to build supportive relationships around local businesses–with a scalable vision and a long-term commitment to the people, place, and prosperity of Maine. It culminates in an exciting celebration and awards ceremony that recognizes and honors the spirit of entrepreneurship. www.entreverge.com

About PROPEL

PROPEL is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing opportunities for greater Portland’s young leaders, entrepreneurs, artists and professionals. Inspired by the REALIZE!Maine network, PROPEL was formed in 2006 as an affiliate of the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce to promote and cultivate the next generation of business and community leaders. PROPEL is Portland’s premier young professionals networking group.

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Entreverge Public Relations:

Warehouse Creative

Portland, Maine

Contact: Amy VanHaren

651.303.8777

amy@urban-epic.com

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