Jason Beever, fourth-generation owner of the C. E. Carll Insurance Agency, was named Business Person of the Year at the Gorham Business & Civic Exchange 13th annual award presentation at Crockett Interiors, May 8.
“I’m very humbled and surprised,” Beever said Tuesday.
Beever, who was away at an insurance seminar, was unable to attend the event. Donna Reinheimer, new business exchange president, told the crowd of about 50 it was the first time a recipient had not shown up. Reinheimer said the award would be presented in person at the exchange’s June 12 social at Ameriprise Financial Services.
The insurance agency with a long history in Gorham was founded in 1866 by Civil War veteran Col. H.R. Millett. Later, Beever’s great-grandfather, Clarence E. Carll, bought the business from a cousin. Beever bought the agency in 1994 from his father.
Under his ownership, C. E.Carll has grown and expanded. In 2004, it became a member of The Chalmers Group and added a Standish office two years ago.
Beever and his wife, Linda, live in Windham. He has two adult stepchildren. Beever graduated from Gorham High School in 1983. Before graduating the University of Maine, Beever served in Italy as a paratrooper with the U.S. Army.
Nominees for the honor are required to be active in the community and promote business. The exchange said Beever makes generous financial contributions to youth organizations, helps with outdoor Boy Scout activities and is an avid blood donor. Beever makes arrangements for Gorham Marketplace’s blood drive each year.
A founding member of the Gorham Business & Civic Exchange, Beever has served as a board member, treasurer, secretary, vice president and president. He is a member of Westbrook-Gorham Rotary, and serves on the interview panel for Gorham High School freshman.
It was his idea to start the exchange’s annual Golf Scramble, which he chaired for six years. It provides two scholarships for graduating seniors.
Last year, Angelo Sotiropolous, owner of Gorham House of Pizza, was named business person of 2007.
Cutline (Jason Beever) – Jason Beever, fourth generation to own C.E. Carl Insurance Agency, is the Gorham Business and Civic Exchange business person of 2008. Send questions/comments to the editors.
