PORTLAND – Two Portland-based businesses and the convention and visitors bureau were honored Wednesday night for their roles in helping to stimulate the city’s economy.

Nicole Clegg, the city’s spokeswoman, said about 200 people attended the Portland Development Corp.’s 16th annual business awards ceremony at the Ocean Gateway International Marine Terminal.

Recognized for their accomplishments were the Greater Portland Convention and Visitors Bureau, the VIA Agency and Planet Dog.

Barbara Whitten, executive director of the visitors bureau, accepted the 2011 Economic Development Achievement Award in recognition of the fourth annual Harvest on the Harbor event.

The event, organized by the bureau, brought more than 5,000 people to the city’s downtown over three days. Coastal Living Magazine called Harvest on the Harbor one of the top 10 seafood and wine festivals in North America.

John Coleman, president and founder of the VIA Agency, accepted the 2011 Business of the Year award.

VIA, which operates in the former Baxter Library on Congress Street, is ranked as one of the top 100 advertising agencies in the United States.

VIA was recently named Ad Age magazine’s small agency of the year – a distinction that was particularly notable because hundreds of agencies from 22 countries were considered. Among VIA’s clients are Samsung, Disney and HBO.

Alex Fisher, Planet Dog co-owner and founder, accepted the 2011 Small Business of the Year award. Planet Dog, founded in 1997, was cited for its support of local initiatives and donations to a wide variety of causes.