NEW YORK – At a first-of-its-kind celebration of top businesses in America, Portland-based Hewins Travel, which has an office in Lewiston, was awarded a “Stevie” in the category of Best Franchisee.

Broadcast live on National Business Talk Radio, over the Internet and before a packed house of nearly 500 business executives, Steve Hewins thanked travel company Carlson Wagonlit for the nomination. He also thanked his company’s 55 employees for persevering in an incredibly difficult business environment, and his wife of 21 years and business partner for 20, Kathy Hewins.

The “Stevie” was started by the American Business Awards to recognize business excellence. The award’s name is derived from the Greek name “Stephen,” which means “crowned.”

There were 43 winners in categories across all spectrums of the business world, from small companies to the largest global corporations.

Hewins Travel was in competition with all franchise operations, not just ones from the travel industry. In its announcement the American Business Awards recognized Hewins Travel for its 2002 Carlson Golden Legacy Award as Carlson’s top Associate, its 2002 Community Achievement Award from the MS Society of Maine for supporting over 50 non-profits, the company’s exceptional 20th Anniversary marketing campaign and contest, and Steve Hewins’ industry leadership in testifying before Congress as an expert witness on airline marketing practices.