Dana Wedge of Peoples Named 'Banker of the Year' by Finance Authority of Maine (FAME)

Dana P. Wedge, a senior vice president at Peoples Heritage Bank, has been named the 2002 Banker of the Year by the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) for his efforts and leadership in helping Maine businesses access financing necessary to stabilize, expand and compete more effectively.

FAME presented the prestigious award to Wedge at its Annual Dinner Meeting on November 14. "Dana exemplifies how lenders can work through difficult challenges and still remain supportive of Maine companies," said Charles J. Spies III, FAME's chief executive officer. "Dana is well respected by his peers... and we are delighted to recognize him as our 2002 Banker of the Year."

Wedge, of Scarborough, joined Peoples in 1988 and currently manages a portfolio of more than 40 large substandard loans across the state. He is a 1986 graduate of Thomas College in Waterville and a 1982 graduate of Bonny Eagle High School in Standish.

The Banker of the Year recognition is a result of Wedge's creativity and innovation in developing non-traditional loan structures. Most notably, he worked with FAME on Irving Tanning to allow the Hartland company to emerge from bankruptcy and remain viable, retaining more than 300 jobs. Peoples supplied more than $16 million, backed by loan guarantees from FAME, to help the company get back on its feet.

"We're honored to see Dana recognized for the outstanding service that he provides in developing non-traditional loan structures," said Michael McNamara, President and CEO of Peoples Heritage Bank. "The success or failure of the companies that he works with touches the lives of hundreds of workers across Maine. It's an important role, and one that he thrives in."

The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) is an independent state agency that supports the start up, expansion and growth plans of Maine's business community by working with the state's lending community to improve access to capital. For more information, visit www.famemaine.com.

Peoples Heritage Bank is a Maine-based bank with more than 60 branches throughout the state, four of which operate as Oxford Bank & Trust, a division of the bank. For additional information about Peoples, visit online at www.peoplesheritage.com.

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