CAMDEN  — The Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce year in review awards gala took place at the Samoset Resort on Wednesday, Feb. 10. More than 400 Chamber member businesses and local community representatives were in attendance. The year in review award gala evening included dinner, award presentations, and organizational and individual tributes.

Award winners include:
Small Business of the Year award
FIORE Artisan Olive Oils and Vinegars
Awarded to a business of fewer than 50 people which makes a positive contribution to the community, has a commitment to excellence and is recognized by peers as a leader in what they do. The recipient must have been in business for a minimum of five consecutive years.

New Building award
First Congregational Church of Camden & Coastal Opportunities
Awarded to a person, organization or business that builds a new structure that enhances the community image.

Beacon award
Center for Furniture Craftsmanship
This award will recognize a business or organization that has attracted significant positive regional or national attention to the Penobscot Bay region that results in a rise in economic activity for the local business community.

Public Improvement award
Sussman House
Awarded to a person, organization, public or private corporation who makes a major improvement that benefits the general public.

Economic Enhancement award
CruiseMaine, USA
This award recognizes a person, business or organization that has made a major economic investment or enhancement that has resulted in a significant improvement to the region's economy in the preceding year.

Community Volunteer of the Year award
John Anders, New England Mountain Bike Association
This award recognizes a person who exemplifies the spirit of community service. Makes an outstanding contribution to the community through volunteer service. Demonstrate exceptional commitment, service, creativity, cooperation, or leadership. Serve as a role model for others in their community. Inspire others to engage in volunteer service. Must not be paid for their activities.

Special Recognition award
Johann Strasberg, Grasshopper Shop of Rockland
This award recognizes a person, business, or organization that demonstrates outstanding services in one area, which may be job elated. If given to a person they must be a non-Chamber director.

Innovation in business award
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This award will recognize an individual, business or organization that produced advancements in a product or business method that has resulted in renewed economic vitality of its business or the local community in the previous year. This business shall have demonstrated a proactive and innovative approach toward finding solutions to business challenges and embraced change as an opportunity for growth.

Community Person of the Year Award
Richard "Sandy" Cox
Awarded annually to an individual who, through his/her professional and civic deeds, has greatly enhanced the quality of life in our community.

The year in review gala lead sponsor for 2016 is Camden National Bank.