The award, one of the Department of Commerce's highest, is granted by Secretary of Commerce William Daley for contributions of exceptional value in support of the Department's overall goals in service to the nation.

The level and quality of customer service provided by the Gray office was outstanding in spite of the many hardships, said John Forsing, director of the National Weather Service's Eastern Region. Based on the offices advance warnings, Central Maine Power Company requested extra line crews and equipment from other states before the storm to assist with the expected power restoration effort.

The award was presented in Washington on December 10.