Eager to keep the attention off themselves and on the business and its employees, the Fells were quick to acknowledge the role of Maritime's crew in the company's success. Maritime employs 13 year-round positions in Homer and Kodiak, including two full-time staff. Its ranks grow to 40 full- and part-time employees in the summer. Providing employment "for an indefinite future" is high on the Fells' list of priorities.

"Every individual is important to the business," Mary Ann said.

The Fells began the company in Homer in 1973, with business partner Pete Vanden Eynde. Incorporated as "Totem Helicopters," they bought Vanden Eynde's share of the business about a year later and changed the company's name to Maritime Helicopters.

In 1978, they built their first hangar; in 1980, they added a second helicopter. Don's background in aviation includes flying for Reeve Air and 24 years with Pan American Airways. He retired from Pan Am as a captain.

Maritime Helicopters provides support to the marine, petroleum and construction industries, as well as state and federal agencies. The National Science Foundation is one of its many clients, it has worked with the U.S. Coast Guard, and it provides air support for Homer Electric Association. Maritime also offers 24-hour medical evacuation to local communities and supports search, rescue and firefighting efforts.

Maritime also is in the tourism business. Offering helicopter tours, the company makes it possible to visit some of the area's more remote locations, including Augustine Island, the Barren Islands, Fossil Point, Kodiak and out-of-the-way fishing holes.

Although small, the Homer-based business has definitely kept up with technological advancements, giving it a place in a global industry.

"We have some forward-thinking people," said Don, who, from his computer and phone, has an unlimited range for tracking and contacting his pilots, thanks to state-of-the-art equipment. The use of Satellite Com/Nav offers a safe environment for customers and crew.

Hangar facilities in Homer and Kodiak, as well as an operation site at Dutch Harbor, aid Maritime's service to clients across the state. Complementing its fleet of helicopters is an 86-foot research vessel, the Maritime Maid, based in Homer.

In addition to running a successful business, the Fells also are recognized for their community involvement. Mary Ann is involved with Rotary and is a member of Wells Fargo Bank's Homer branch advisory board. Don helped establish and continues to support the local mariculture association.

Maritime Helicopters supports Homer Animal Friends, the Boys and Girls Club and Special Olympics Team Homer. For years, Maritime Helicopters also has been the Easter Bunny's favored mode of transportation, allowing the guest of honor to make a grand entrance at an annual celebration for area youngsters at the Elks Lodge.

"(The Fells) do wonderful things for the community, but it's almost always behind the scenes. I don't think a lot of people know what a great company they run and all they do," said Julie Woodworth of Wells Fargo Bank.

"They're very humble people with everything they do. The business they operate is high-quality in safety, they have very loyal employees and they're very committed to the company employees and the community of Homer."

Woodworth and Rearden, who has been with the company 29 years, nominated Maritime Helicopters for the chamber award.

"They are such decent people and excellent employers," Rearden said. "They care for their employees. They want to provide a good service. They're the kind of employers who work with you and encourage you to learn."

Determined as the Fells are to emphasize employees and local support, Mary Ann said, "We wouldn't be here without certain key players in our business. They've helped us build a business.

" No company stands by itself. We're only as good as the people we hire. The finest people in the world are right here in this area."

The award was presented during the chamber's fall conference in Homer last week. The Bill Bivin award was established in 1993 to honor businesses exemplifying leadership, ethics and organization, as well as those that consistently demonstrate community involvement, have an excellent business reputation and have established leadership in their fields.

"Maritime Helicopters fully embodies all of these qualities," the chamber said in a press release.

Also recognized during the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce fall conference were:

* John Shively, 2009 Outstanding Alaskan of the Year William A. Egan Award;

* Kodiak Chamber of Commerce, 2009 Chamber of the Year.

McKibben Jackinsky can be reached at mckibben.jackinsky.@homernews.com.