WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today congratulated Kyle Murdock, founder of Sea Hag Seafood, Inc., on receiving the 2013 Yoshiyama Young Entrepreneurs award from the Hitachi Foundation on behalf of his leadership in business and community development. Kyle, a native of Monhegan Island, recognized the need for more lobster processing plants in Maine, and, at the age of 20, he opened his own facility in St. George to help strengthen Maine’s seafood products industry and provide stable jobs to low-income individuals. The majority of his employees come from areas with limited employment opportunities or are members of a work-release program from a local correctional facility. He is one of eight young entrepreneurs from across the country to be recognized this year.

“We are incredibly proud of Kyle and all he has accomplished with his company,” said Senator Collins and King in a joint statement. “He is a bright young man whose leadership has not only brought him success in business, but has also helped strengthen his local community and the entire seafood products industry in Maine. We could not be happier that he was selected for this prestigious award.”

The Yoshiyama Young Entrepreneurs Program recognizes individuals whose businesses address some of society’s most pressing issues including poverty, sustainability, education, community health, and workforce practices. In addition to a $40,000 grant, the award winners receive business mentoring and access to a network of peers and advisers through the Foundation and its partner organizations Investors’ Circle and B Lab.

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