22 Oct Four Times Honored, One Exceptional Team: NorthEast Charter & Tour Celebrates Another Best Places to Work in Maine Award
Lewiston-Based Transportation Leader Earns Its Highest Ranking Yet, Placing 12th Among Maine’s Medium-Sized Employers
LEWISTON, MAINE — October 22, 2026 — Four times honored. One exceptional team. NorthEast Charter is celebrating another milestone after being named one of the 2026 Best Places to Work in Maine, marking the company’s fourth time receiving this prestigious recognition.
Previously honored in 2019, 2020, and 2025, NorthEast Charter has once again earned the distinction based on employee feedback and workplace culture. This year’s award carries special significance, with the company achieving its highest ranking ever, placing 12th among medium-sized employers across the state of Maine.
For President, Owner, and Founder Scott Riccio, the recognition is about much more than an award. It’s a reflection of the people, values, and workplace culture that have shaped the company from the beginning.
“When I founded NorthEast, my hope was to build a company where people were proud to work, supported one another, and felt valued,” said Riccio. “To receive this recognition for the fourth time, and to achieve our highest ranking yet, is incredibly rewarding. What makes this award so special is that it comes directly from our employees. Their voices, dedication, and commitment to one another are what make NorthEast such a special place to work.”
A Recognition That Comes From Within
Unlike awards based solely on business performance or industry achievements, the Best Places to Work in Maine program places significant emphasis on the experiences and feedback of employees themselves.
For NorthEast Charter & Tour, that makes the honor especially meaningful.
Following the announcement, company leadership received messages of congratulations and appreciation from multiple employees, reflecting the pride team members share in the organization’s accomplishments and workplace culture.
Among those responses was a particularly heartfelt message from longtime part-time motorcoach driver Eric Lynes, who also works full-time for the American Red Cross.
“As a proud motor coach driver, I’m honored to be part of such a great team. I believe this award reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone at Northeast Charter, from the mechanics and drivers to the office staff, wash bay team and those who work behind the scenes to keep the operation running smoothly,” said Lynes.
He continued, “I truly believe that NECT stands above the rest, and that is a credit to your leadership, the culture that’s been created and to the entire team who have helped.”
His words echo the appreciation expressed by fellow employees and reflect a sense of pride and belonging that extends throughout the organization, from full-time team members to those who choose to remain part of NorthEast while pursuing other professional careers.
A Culture of Excellence Recognized Across the Industry
NorthEast Charter & Tour’s commitment to its people is closely connected to its reputation for excellence throughout the motorcoach industry.
In addition to its fourth Best Places to Work in Maine recognition, the company was honored with the 2026 Spirit Award from the International Motorcoach Group (IMG), adding another distinction to an expanding list of industry achievements.
The IMG Spirit Award represents another meaningful recognition for NorthEast Charter & Tour and its commitment to the relationships, teamwork, and shared values that strengthen the motorcoach industry.
The company was also recognized with the 2025 BUSRide Good Stewardship Award, highlighting its dedication to responsible business practices and operational stewardship. NorthEast Charter & Tour maintains the highest federal motor carrier safety rating, reflecting its longstanding commitment to passenger safety and professional transportation standards.
Together, these honors reinforce a philosophy that has guided the company since its founding: exceptional service begins with exceptional people.
From professional drivers and maintenance technicians to dispatchers, office personnel, customer service representatives, and wash bay teams, every department plays an essential role in delivering the transportation experiences for which NorthEast Charter is known.
“Our employees are the heart of this company,” added Riccio. “They represent NorthEast every day through their professionalism, teamwork, and pride in what they do. This recognition belongs to every single one of them.”
Looking Ahead, Together
As NorthEast Charter celebrates another remarkable year of recognition, the company remains focused on the values that have guided its growth: investing in employees, listening to their feedback, maintaining exceptional safety standards, and creating opportunities for people to build rewarding careers.
For Riccio, the company’s greatest accomplishment isn’t simply being recognized as one of Maine’s best places to work. It’s knowing that the employees themselves believe it deserves that distinction.
Maine’s Best Places to Work honors. A growing legacy of industry recognition. One exceptional team.
About NorthEast Charter & Tour Co.
Headquartered in Lewiston, Maine, NorthEast Charter & Tour Co. is an award-winning group transportation provider serving Maine and the northeastern United States. Its diverse fleet includes luxury motorcoaches, mid-size coaches, minibuses, school buses, and specialty vehicles, serving schools, universities, athletic organizations, corporate groups, tour operators, wedding parties, and community organizations.
A four-time Best Places to Work in Maine honoree, recipient of the 2026 IMG Spirit Award and 2025 BUSRide Good Stewardship Award, NorthEast Charter & Tour is recognized for its commitment to safety, service excellence, environmental stewardship, and employee satisfaction.
For more information, visit www.northeastchartertour.com.
Media Contact
NorthEast Charter & Tour Co.
235 Goddard Road
Lewiston, ME 04240
207-784-3159
www.northeastchartertour.com
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