SKOWHEGAN -- Peter Schultz, president of Dirigo Stitching, in Skowhegan, was presented with the Allied Member of the Year Award by the Maine Innkeepers Association at the group's 87th annual conference recently at Sebasco Harbor Resort, in Sebasco Estates.

The award is presented to an allied member of the Maine Innkeepers Association who is active in the hospitality industry and has made a significant contribution to the lodging industry in Maine.

Peter Schultz and Chic Schiraldi incorporated Dirigo Stitching in Skowhegan in 1979, and began building their business using employees from Sunrise Drapery.

Together with Starla Fortin, Dirigo's VP and contract-operations expert, Schultz and Schiraldi have guided the company to success as a supplier of bed and window treatments, all made in Maine, to the lodging industry.