[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 16630]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING GEIGER BROTHERS

 Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, today I recognize an outstanding, 
family-owned small business from my home State of Maine that recently 
received the Gannett Family Business of the Year Award from the 
University of Southern Maine's Institute for Family-Owned Business. A 
promotional products distributor, Geiger Brothers of Lewiston has been 
in operation since 1878. Incredibly, the Geiger family has been in 
charge of the business for the entire time--a total of four generation.
  Geiger Brothers was originally founded in Newark, NJ, with a staff of 
four, two of whom were Geiger brothers. Since then, Geiger Brothers has 
undergone dramatic transformations, moving to Maine over half a century 
ago, and expanding to 500 employees between the Lewiston office and 
several field offices. While the Geiger name may not jump out at people 
from outside of Maine, the name ``Farmers' Almanac'' is universally 
known. Published yearly, the ``Farmers' Almanac'' is famous for its 
weather forecasts, gardening tips, and recipe suggestions. It is a 
source of great pride for my home State of Maine that Geiger Brothers 
publishes the ``Farmers' Almanac.''
  It is no surprise that Geiger Brothers has won the Gannett Family 
Business of the Year Award. In fact, there is no lack of accomplishment 
or recognition in Geiger's history. The recipient of the Margaret Chase 
Smith Maine Quality Award, the FedEx Gold Level Supplier, and the Maine 
State Chamber of Commerce Maine Investors Award, Geiger's list of 
commendations recently grew to include the Advertising Specialty 
Institute's Family Business of the Year and a 2006 Best Places To Work 
In Maine award.
  In addition to publishing the world-renowned ``Farmers' Almanac,'' 
Geiger Brothers has consistently lived by a philosophy of community 
service. When, in 1988, the company ``adopted'' the Montello Elementary 
School in Lewiston, then-President George H.W. Bush awarded them with a 
``Point of Light'' in celebration of their service and volunteerism. 
Since then, Geiger Brothers has continued to organize similar 
partnerships across Maine, and the company's employees have donated 
their time to worthwhile causes all across the Lewiston-Auburn area. In 
addition, employees live by ``The Geiger Way,'' a set of values focused 
on respect for all involved in the business, from employees to clients 
and everyone in between. The generous and benevolent spirit of Geiger 
Brothers is assuredly a shining example to all small businesses.
  Congratulations to Gene Geiger, CEO and president; to Peter Geiger, 
executive vice president; and to all of Geiger Brothers' accomplished 
employees on their most recent honor, and all of the awards they have 
received. It is no wonder that Geiger Brothers has been recognized so 
consistently throughout the years with their dedication and willingness 
to serve. I wish them continued success and many more editions of the 
``Farmers' Almanac.''

                          ____________________