BELFAST — On Wednesday, November 17, Rollie’s Bar & Grill hosted their Chamber Business After Hours event at the Waldo County Shrine Club in Belfast. The Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce additionally held their Annual Chamber Awards presentation, sponsored by Changing Seasons Federal Credit Union, which was very well attended by area business owners and organization leaders, according to the Chamber, in a news release.

With 1,638 votes cast this year by the public, the Chamber announces and present awards to the following:

 New Business Award – Must Be Nice Lobster (sponsored by Stanley Chevrolet Buick)

 Business Growth Award – Marshall Wharf Brewing Co. (sponsored by Camden National Bank)

 Hometown Heritage Award – Belfast Free Library (sponsored by LCI Fiber Optic Network)

 Innovation Award – Waldo County General Hospital, COVID Response (sponsored by Nordic Aquafarms, Inc)

 Waldo County Business Award – Friends of Sears Island (sponsored by First National Bank)

 Chamber Appreciation Award (Board of Directors selection) – Norm Poirier, Belfast Parks & Recreation Dept. (sponsored by Front Street Shipyard)

 Citizen of the Year Award – John Gibbs (sponsored by Mathews Brothers)

The Chamber also presented awards to the following runners-up:

 New Business Award – Dorywoman Rowing

 Business Growth Award – First National Bank

 Hometown Heritage Award – Waldo Community Action Partners

 Innovation Award – Loyal Biscuit

 Waldo County Business Award – Penobscot Marine Museum

Former Belfast Police Sergeant John Gibbs was very surprised and grateful for his Citizen of the Year recognition, stating he knew something was up when his kids were in attendance.

Ryan Otis, of Rollie’s, raffled off a number of goods from the restaurant and also drew applause donating all of the evening’s bar tips to Colburn Shoe Store’s Sock Drive.

The December Business After Hours will be hosted by Camden National Bank on Wednesday, December 15, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., at the Belfast Boathouse. For more details about upcoming events, contact the Chamber at 338-5900 or chamberoffice@belfastmaine.org.