LEWISTON — Ed Leveque, the former owner of an iconic Twin City business and SCORE volunteer-emeritus, was recognized for his decades of public service by the U.S. Small Business Administration as part of the observance of Veterans Day.

Marilyn Geroux, district director of the SBA in Maine, presented Leveque with a special Certificate of Appreciation for his 33 years of volunteer service to the Lewiston-Auburn small business community. “Ed Leveque is one of the longest serving members in SCORE’s more than 50-year history of service to our nation,” Geroux said. 

A Lewiston native, Leveque spent more than four years in the Army during World War II as a medical corps supply officer at the Army’s worldwide medical supply depot in St. Louis. After the war, he served in the Army Reserves, retiring after a 27-year career with the rank of major.

Upon his return from service, Leveque joined forces with Jimmy Laroux, founder of Jimmy’s gas stations and diners. Leveque took sole ownership upon Laroux’s passing in 1969. The business eventually operated 11 gas stations, a heating oil storage and delivery service and two diners, including the famous Jimmy’s Diner on Minot Avenue in Auburn. Leveque sold the business in 1981 and began his long career as a SCORE volunteer in 1982.

The award was presented to Leveque at the offices of Community Concepts Finance Corp., a lending partner of the SBA.

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