The Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce announced its annual award recipients May 3.  Awards will be presented at the Chamber’s Annual Gala Awards Dinner on Friday, May 20 at the Samoset Resort. That is also when the chamber presents its the 2022 Community Person Of The Year – the Chamber’s most prestigious award that recognizes and individual who has greatly enhanced the quality of life in the region through their civic and professional deeds. 

The recipient of this award is not announced in advance, and the identity of this year’s recipient will be revealed at the event.  

Congratulations to the following individuals, businesses and organizations that will be honored with other awards at the May 20 Annual Gala:

Small Business Of The Year – Craignair Inn by the Sea & The Causeway Restaurant

This award is given to a business of fewer than 25 employees that has been in business for at least five years, that is recognized as a leader in their field, and that makes a positive contribution to communities in the Camden-Rockland region.

For the past two years, throughout the pandemic, owners Lauren and Greg Soutiea have renovated the Craignair Inn by the Sea and The Causeway Restaurant, transforming the property, the cuisine, and the guest experience.

Community Service Award – Organization – The People of Pen Bay Medical Center

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.

Covid-19 has impacted our lives in a variety of very significant ways.  Collectively, the nurses, doctors, staff and leadership of Pen Bay Medical Center have been at the forefront of caring for our communities and shepherding us through this once in a lifetime experience.  Our communities salute their dedication to keeping us safe and healthy.

Community Service Award – Individual – Shari Closter

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.

Shari Closter has been a fixture in Knox County for decades, and has dedicated herself to serving our communities both professionally and personally.  Shari is a tireless volunteer for efforts to recover lost dogs and reunite them with their families, as well as single-handedly conducting roadside clean up efforts in the area.  Shari also previously lent her talents professionally to community-serving nonprofits including the Chamber of Commerce and Trekkers.

Public Improvement Award – Rockport Public Library

This award recognizes a person, business or entity who has made a major tangible improvement to a property or program that benefits the general public.

The Town of Rockport joined together with generous donors to build a beautiful new home for the Rockport Public Library which opened in late 2020.  The new library is a true community hub to showcase the library’s collection, provide community meeting space, and expand the availability of technology.  

Milestone Anniversary Awards

Once again, the Chamber will present 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.  Due to the pandemic, this year’s Milestone Anniversary Awards will recognize those achieving milestones in 2021 and 2022.

Those being honored for milestone anniversaries include:

25 Years

Bay Chiropractic Center 

Grasshopper Shop of Rockland

50 Years

The Apprenticeshop

Coastal Opportunities

Dorr Woodcarving & Sign Co.

The Leather Bench

Maine Coast Construction

Margo Moore Interiors

75 Years

Eastern Tire & Auto Service

Graffam Bros. Seafood

Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District

Maine Lobster Festival

100 Years

Schooner Ladona

150 Years

Schooner Lewis R. French

Schooner Stephen Taber

Union Fair

200 Years
United Christian Church, Lincolnville

The Chamber’s Annual Awards Gala will be held on Friday, May 20 at the Samoset Resort.  The event is open to the public, and tickets must be purchased in advance.  Tickets are available on the Chamber’s website at penbaychamber.com.

The Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce serves as a primary business conduit for the Camden-Rockland Region, which encompasses 27 municipalities within and surrounding Knox County.  The Chamber provides a variety of platforms and opportunities for close to 800 business and non-profit members to promote themselves to residents and visitors to the region.  To learn more, visit PenBayChamber.com.