RANGELEY, ME — Governor Paul LePage presented Saddleback Ski Resort with a 2012 Governor’s Award for Business Excellence during a reception held today at the Statehouse Hall of Flags in Augusta.

The 22nd annual awards, administered by the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) and sponsored by Fairpoint Communications, recognize companies that demonstrate a high level of commitment to their community, employees and to manufacturing or service excellence.

Saddleback’s owners, Bill & Irene Berry, daughter Faith Berry, grandchildren Martin & Adrienne Berard along with Chris Farmer General Manager, all accepted the award. The company is one of New England’s finest family ski and snowboard resorts, offering activities and events during all four seasons.

“The Berry family is honored to receive such a prestigious award on behalf of Saddleback,” said Bill Berry, owner.

Since 2003 Saddleback has increased its workforce from 66 full and part-time employees to 225 during the peak winter season. The Berry family has invested more than $40 million during that time to improve and expand mountain and resort operations. Saddleback recently became the first Maine business approved to operate a Regional Center within the federal Immigrant Investor Pilot Program known as EB-5.

“This year’s honorees represent businesses that are regional, national and international leaders in their fields,” said Governor LePage. “I am particularly pleased that each business has shown a commitment to investment, innovation, their community, and to Maine.”

Speakers at the award reception included LePage, DECD Commissioner George Gervais, and FairPoint Communications Maine State President Mike Reed.

Saddleback Maine, one of New England’s finest family ski resorts, is located in the legendary Rangeley Lakes Region of the Western Mountains of Maine. With a 2,000′ vertical drop, a 4120′ top elevation and 66 trails and glades, Saddleback offers New England’s best big mountain value and unspoiled, rustic beauty amidst the largest concentration of 4,000 foot peaks in Maine. Saddleback is committed to carefully crafting its growth with an environmental focus and support of community.

For more information about Saddleback and its year-round offerings, visit www.saddlebackmaine.com. For information about real estate investment opportunities, visit www.saddlebackrealty.com.