The Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce Year in Review Awards Gala and Annual Meeting took place at the Samoset Resort November 18. More than 350 Chamber member businesses, elected officials, and local community representatives were in attendance. The Year in Review Award Gala recognized those who have made extraordinary contributions to our community in the past year.

Congratulations to the following individuals, businesses and organizations that were selected as this year's Award Winners:

Community Service Award – Jason Haynes and RAYR-The Wine Shop
John Viehman presented the award to Jason Haynes, co-owner of RAYR, for his longstanding volunteer commitment to creating and sustaining Rockport's Holiday on the Harbor event.

New Building Award - Center for Maine Contemporary Art
Kathy Young presented the award to CMCA in recognition of the organization's stunning and very contemporary new building in the heart of downtown Rockland. Karen S. Brace, CMCA Board Chair, accepted the award on behalf of the organization.

Small Business of the Year Award - Eastern Tire & Auto Service
Kathy Young presented the award to Aaron and Alvin Chase, Jr., third generation owners of Eastern Tire & Auto Service in Rockland. The company was cited for its outstanding customer care and dedication to charitable organizations, in addition to its business longevity.

Heritage Preservation Award - Friends of Mount Battie Tower
Jane Merrill presented the award to Randy Stearns and the Friends of Mount Battie Tower committee in honor of their success in raising $100,000 to repair, restore and maintain Camden's WWI memorial tower.

Innovation in Business Award - Redzone Wireless
Greg Jones presented this award to Jim McKenna, President and CEO of Redzone, in recognition of the company's efforts to address Maine's broadband challenges with their 4G LTE Advanced fixed wireless network for consumers and businesses.

Environmental Leader Award - ReVision Energy
Tom Chester presented the award to company representatives Jennifer Albee and John Luft, of the Liberty office, in recognition of ReVision Energy's incredible dedication to being the trusted industry leader in solar design, installation and service in Maine and northern New England.

The top award of the evening, the Community Person of the Year Award, was presented to Cornelius "Connie" Russell, General Manager of the Samoset Resort.

Making the presentation to Mr. Russell was Greg Dugal, Director of Governmental Affairs for the Maine Innkeepers Association and Maine Restaurant Association.

Russell was cited for his fine reputation in the hospitality industry, both in Maine and across New England. Russell was named 'Maine Innkeeper of the Year' in 2010. Dugal said that through his career and his civic life, Russell has maintained a charitable spirit that reaches deeply into the region.

Russell's service on several boards of directors includes Past Presidency of the Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce, President and Chair of the Maine Innkeepers Association, State Vice President of the New England Inns and Resorts Association, Maine State Chamber of Commerce, The First Bancorp, and he is a member of the Rockland Rotary Club. A resident of Rockport, Connie and his wife, Juliet, are the parents of Jacqueline and Connor.

Upon accepting the Chamber award, Russell expressed his surprise and honor to receive the award from the organization that made him feel most welcome when he became General Manager of the Samoset in 1999. He also gave thanks to his staff members for their commitment to hospitality.

Dinner remarks were presented by Tom Peaco, Executive Director of the Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce. Peaco highlighted the Chamber's accomplishments over the past year, including the launch of a Premium Members program, renovations to the Camden Visitor Center, publication of The Jewel of the Maine Coast 2016 Visitor Guide in print and digital flipbook, and implementation of a highly successful quarterly Business Breakfast series.

The evening also included a social hour with hors d'oeuvres and cash bar, raffle items and silent auction items donated by local businesses, and a plated dinner served by the Samoset staff.

Several businesses provided sponsorship support for the Gala: Camden National Bank (Gold sponsor), Fairpoint Communications (Silver sponsor), Eaton Peabody (Bronze sponsor). In addition, Wallace Events, Fiore Artisan Olive Oil & Vinegars, and the Samoset Resort were event supporters.

The Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce represents business and tourism in the Camden/Rockland Region, comprising more than 20 communities within and surrounding Knox County. CamdenRockland.com.