ROCKPORT — The Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce Year in Review Awards Gala took place at the Samoset Resort, November 14. Approximately 350 Chamber member businesses, elected officials, and local community representatives were in attendance. The Year in Review Awards Gala was an opportunity to recognize those who have made extraordinary contributions to our community in the past year. 

All award recipients, except for Community Person of the Year, had been announced in September. The top award of the evening, the coveted Community Person of the Year Award, was presented to Gordon V. Page, Sr. of Owls Head.

“Gordon has passionately promoted Rockland and the surrounding communities since moving to the area in the early 1980s,” said the chamber, in a news release. “ In January, he will be retiring from his role as Executive Director of Rockland Main Street, Inc.,  a position he has held since 2014.  Gordon has held a variety of professional roles in the area over three plus decades, including as Director of Passenger Operations of the Maine Eastern Railroad excursion train from Rockland to Brunswick for seven years. Gordon has a very long list of community service accomplishments, including local and district leadership in Kiwanis, board member and past President of the Chamber of Commerce, Selectman in the town of Owls Head (current), a past volunteer firefighter, and many more. Gordon and his wife, Janet, live in Owls Head.”

Once again, the Chamber presented Milestone Anniversary Awards to Maine-based businesses and organizations with local ties (or a local office of a company based outside Maine) celebrating anniversaries in 25-year increments. Honorees celebrating 25 years in 2019 included Appleton Creamery, Mainebiz, Saltwater Farm Campground, Southend Grocery, and Trekkers. Lobster Buoy Campsites was honored for reaching the 50-years-in-business mark. Prince’s Furniture and Winslow Holbrook Merritt American Legion Post 1 were both recognized for their 100-year anniversary. The Camden Herald and Machias Savings Bank were vetted for reaching their 150-year milestone in 2019.

Congratulations to the following individuals, businesses and organizations that were celebrated as the Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce Year in Review Award Winners:

Beacon Award – Nebo Lodge/The Turner Farm

This award recognizes a person, business, or organization that has attracted significant positive regional or national attention to the Penobscot Bay Region, resulting in a rise in local economic activity.

The restaurant at Nebo Lodge has captured the attention of locals and visitors from far and wide for the unique experience of farm to table dining on an island in Penobscot Bay.  

Community Service Award – Dr. Paul Klainer

This award recognizes a person, business, or organization whose activities have resulted in a significant community enhancement and/or positive contribution to the quality of life among local community members.

Dr. Klainer and his wife Jeanne started the Knox County Health Clinic in 1999.  Dr. Klainer has been President and Medical Director throughout, providing free care to those in need in Knox County.  The clinic has provided millions of dollars worth of free care and medication during this time.

Economic Enhancement Award – Lyman-Morse

This award recognizes a business or organization that has made a major economic investment or enhancement which has resulted in a significant improvement to the region’s economy.

Cabot Lyman purchased the Morse Boatbuilding Co in Thomaston in 1978, and in those 40 years, the company has evolved beyond boatbuilding into marina services, brokerage, fabrication and more.  The company, now led by Cabot’s son Drew, employs close to 150 people in Thomaston and Camden.

Environmental Leader Award – ScrapDogs Community Compost

The Environmental Leader Award recognizes a person, business, or organization that has worked diligently to protect our environment using sustainable practices.

Founded just over a year ago, ScrapDogs has already been highly successful in establishing a customer base for their innovative business model of home and business pick-up of composting materials.  

New Building Award – Earth Flow + Fire/Earth Candy

This award recognizes a person, organization, or business that builds a new structure, or substantially renovates a structure, that enhances the community image.

The Fillnows invested in a long-vacant space in the basement of a downtown Rockland building, converting it into a hot yoga studio and juice bar.  The business has blossomed in the renovated space.

Small Business of the Year Award – Gartley & Dorsky Engineering and Surveying 

This award honors a business of fewer than 25 employees that is making a positive contribution to the community and is recognized by peers as a leader in what they do. This business demonstrates a commitment to excellence and has been in business for at least 5 years.  

Founded in 1992, Gartley & Dorsky has grown to 20 employees and provided thousands of dollars in donated services to a variety of community projects in the Midcoast and beyond.

Special Recognition Award – Bernice Berger

This award recognizes a person, business, or organization that demonstrates outstanding service in one area.

Bernice has been a stalwart leader of the downtown Camden business community for over three decades.  She was a founder of the Camden Downtown Business Group that created events and partnerships to benefit downtown Camden merchants.  

The evening also included a social hour with hors d’oeuvres and cash bar and a plated dinner served by the Samoset staff.

The Year in Review Awards were created by Maggi Blue of Warren, and the Community Person of the Year Award was created by Richard Remsen of the Foundry & Glass Studio in West Rockport. Proforma Marketing Essentials of Camden produced the Milestone Anniversary Awards. Gala photography was provided by Aidan Kaczynski/AKZ Photography of Camden. Video productions were created by Marc Batholomew (Zebulon Films) and John Viehman.

Several businesses provided leading sponsorship support for the Gala: Camden National Bank (Gold sponsor), Eaton Peabody (Gala Reception sponsor), and LCI (Wine sponsor). Honoree sponsors included Ballou & Associates, Damariscotta Bank & Trust, First National Bank, and Pen Bay Medical Center. Supporting Sponsors were Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, Gartley & Dorsky Engineering and Surveying, J. Edward Knight Insurance, Maine Lobster Festival, Maritime Energy, Once a Tree, Penquis, and Rockland Main Street. In addition, Camden Herald/Courier Gazette/Village Soup, Fiore Artisan Olive Oil & Vinegars, Wallace Events, and the Samoset Resort were recognized as Event Supporters. 

About the Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce: The Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business and tourism in the Camden/Rockland Region, encompassing more than 20 communities within and surrounding Knox County.  To learn more, visit www.CamdenRockland.com.