Augusta, Maine — The board of directors of the Retail Association of Maine announced today that Union Farm Equipment headquartered in Union, Maine, has been named the 2018 Retailer of the Year. The award will be presented at the Retail Association of Maine’s 81st annual meeting on Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, ME.
The Retailer of the Year Award has three main criteria: continued growth in employees or sales; commitment of company resources to community projects; and creation of a positive work environment for all employees. This year encompassed a competitive field of nominations and Union Farm Equipment was chosen for its reputation as a growing family business, impressive growth, dedication to their community and industry, and support of their employees. Union Farm Equipment’s values aligned perfectly with the award criteria and they were unanimously selected as this year’s recipient.
Union Farm Equipment was founded in 1949 and Ken and his wife, Debby, purchased the business in 2004. Since taking over the business, Ken and his team have grown the business to be one of the largest Kubota dealers in the country. Union Farm Equipment employs more than 30 people with a number of employees working for Union Farm Equipment for at least twenty years. Within the last two years, Union Farm Equipment underwent a major expansion to their facility and expanded their footprint by nearly 50%. It was a huge investment, but it has paid off. Union’s sales have continued to grow and the expansion has allowed them to better serve their customers and to display their products.
The Retail Association’s board, comprised of fellow retail businesses owners, recognized the impressive growth and commitment to giving back to the community which supports them. Retail Association of Maine, President and CEO Curtis Picard stated, “This is a prestigious award and Union Farm Equipment is a very deserving company. Ken and Debby Keiran do a great job running this family business including their three kids. They are known as ‘the Friendly Folks’ and it’s true. Customer service is a priority and they deliver it by the tractor-full. Maine needs more small businesses like Union Farm Equipment.”
“It is a true honor and incredibly humbling for our company to be named as Retailer of the Year,” said Ken Keiran, owner of Union Farm Equipment. “Running Union Farm Equipment is a lot of hard work, but the support from customers and community is incredible. We have a dedicated team and family that works hard to treat people in a manner in which we hope they will treat us."
Union Farm Equipment is an involved community member. Ken and Debby have served on various boards including the local library, school board and the Union Fair board. They also sponsor area sports teams including Little League, Babe Ruth and are major contributors to the Union Fair, the Blue Hill Fair and the Windsor Fair and support the MidCoast School of Technology with expertise, advise and equipment to help train future small engine and diesel engine workers. Union Farm Equipment is the 2017 Union Area Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year, the 2017 Disabilities Commission of Maine Business Employer of the Year and the Honda Environmental Leadership Award. Ken was recognized in 2017 as an America’s Retail Champion finalist by the National Retail Federation.
The Retail Association of Maine has presented the annual Retailer of the Year Award since 1980. Other winners include Loyal Biscuit Company (2017), Day’s Jewelers (2016), Sea Bags (2015), Gifford’s Famous Ice Cream (2014), Mexicali Blues (2013), Wild Oats Bakery & Café (2012), Cool As A Moose (2011).
About the Retail Association of Maine
The Retail Association of Maine is a statewide, non-profit trade association representing over 400 businesses in the state, from large chains to small independent retailers. Incorporated in 1937, the Retail Association of Maine serves as the voice of retailers in Maine and concentrates on preserving the state's strong retail climate. For more information on the Retail Association of Maine, please visit the website at www.retailmaine.org or call the Retail Association of Maine offices at 207-623-1149.
About Union Farm Equipment
Union Farm Equipment is a Maine-owned retailer with 31,000 square foot headquarters in Union, ME. Union Farm Equipment started in 1949 as a Ford tractor dealer and is now recognized as one of the largest Kubota dealers in the country. . Website: www.unionfarmequip.com
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