"It always means a lot when you're recognized by your business peers," said Geiger. "When we first came to Maine from New Jersey, my father made a commitment for our company to be a good business citizen and community volunteer. It's nice to know after 50 years that Maine is our home, and to be recognized by the Chamber for our commitment to our business, and more importantly, our community."

The 126-year-old company makes promotional products and for 70 years has published The Farmers' Almanac. It employs more than 500 people at its facility on Mount Hope Avenue and has been a backbone in business and community involvement since locating to Lewiston in 1954.

Geiger pioneered a school-adoption program with Montello School in 1988 to support student aspirations and education. Since then, it has helped to organize more than 35 other business-school partnerships throughout Maine. In 1991, it was recognized by President George H.W. Bush with a Point Of Light Award for the adopt-a-school project. The company and its employees are also involved in community programs and projects, such as Junior Achievement, ShareCenter, the United Way, the American Red Cross, Abused Women's Advocacy Project, St. Mary's Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph's College, the Maine Coalition for Excellence in Education and the Girl Scouts. Geiger executives serve on countless boards and commissions as well.

SunJournal, October 14, 2004 Reprinted with permission