AUGUSTA — FHC, Inc., of Bowdoin was one of seven Maine companies recently honored with the Governor’s Award for Business Excellence at a State House ceremony.

According to a news release, FHC manufactures equipment for the neuroscience community and has worked to advance brain-related research worldwide. FHC, which employs more than 100 people, is located in a 21,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility at the former Bowdoin Central School.

House Majority Leader Seth Berry, D-Bowdoinham, nominated the business to recognize its commitment to its employees and their generous community involvement.

FHC President and CEO Keri Seitz and Vice President Scott Humphrey accepted the award on behalf of FHC.

“It’s a true honor to have the opportunity every year to recognize Maine businesses that not only compete nationally and internationally, but that also help Maine keep its reputation for top-quality workmanship and innovation,” said Gov. Paul LePage. “As a businessman myself, I understand and respect the opportunities and challenges every business faces. It’s my job as governor to make state government works more efficiently so all businesses can focus their time and resources on creating good-paying jobs and quality products.”

The 23rd annual awards were administered by the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development and sponsored by FairPoint Communications. More than 120 businesses have received the award since its inception in 1991.

The other recipients were:

— Falcon Performance Footwear, Auburn. Established in 1963, Falcon began as a manufacturer of children’s shoes, and then moved to industrial footwear in the 1980s. Today, Falcon’s 55 employees manufacture 12 styles of fire boots for its partner, Globe Firefighter Suits of Pittsfield, N.H., and four styles of industrial/mining boots.

— Howie’s Welding & Fabrication, Inc., Jay. Howie’s was established in 1983 and has shown continued growth, working in all types of structural steel fabrication. In addition to welding, the 10- employee company runs a paint shop and retail store. Howie’s is also experienced in aluminum, stainless steel and brass welding.

— Lapointe Lumber Company, Gardiner. Lapointe was started in 1947 with little more than a saw mill and wood lot on North Belfast Avenue in Augusta. Today, Lapointe Lumber employs approximately 30 people and remains a family owned and operated lumber and building material retailer serving the professional contractor, builder, remodeler and retail public of Central Maine.

— Lonza Rockland, Inc., Rockland. Originally established in Rockland as Marine Colloids in the 1960s, today Lonza develops and manufactures products used in life sciences, including basic cellular and molecular biology research, drug discovery and forensics. The Lonza Rockland facility employees 59 people in a mix of engineering, manufacturing, quality and professional roles.

— Norway Savings Bank, South Paris. Norway Savings was founded more than 145 years ago with a commitment to personal values, community values and financial values that have never faltered. Over the years, Norway Savings has grown to serve a wide area throughout western and southern Maine and currently employs more than 250 full-time people.

— TD Bank, Portland. TD Bank is one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S. with deep roots in the community dating back more than 150 years. Its Maine presence now includes 54 stores, nearly 3,100 employees and several major office buildings.

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