Here are the nominees for the 2021 Annual Chamber Awards. Please click the link below to vote for your favorites or you can write in your favorite. Voting ends Sunday, October 24th.
Click Here to Cast Your Vote!
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BUSINESS GROWTH AWARD
Cornerspring Montessori School expanded to Middle School grades and added a successful Summer Day Camp program to help during the COVID-19 crisis. Cornerspring was founded 20 years ago to provide a high-quality preschool program for area children. Over the years, the school has grown and changed, adding an elementary program in 2008 and then the middle school program, making it just the second Montessori school in the state to expand to that age group. Cornerspring moved to its new digs on a wooded, 35-acre parcel on lower Congress Street just a few years ago. The highly energy efficient building offers the 90 students more room to spread out and lots of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
First National Bank – Opened a new branch in Belfast in December 2020 and immediately became involved with their Dream First Community program, lending financial assistance to area businesses, non-profits, and events, through sponsorships and donations.
Front Street Shipyard in Belfast, Maine, is now operating a five-axis 3D waterjet cutting machine that is the largest of its kind in the State of Maine and among the largest in the country. The new machine is cutting large parts for use in Front Street Shipyard’s own boat construction and refit projects and is also provide cutting services to outside businesses as part of a new division of the company. Purchased with the support of a Department of Transportation grant, the waterjet cutting machine expands Front Street Shipyard’s capabilities beyond the marine market into the manufacturing sector.
Hamlin’s Marine – Renovated a Belfast waterfront building and opened their third business location, in addition to their Hampden marina and Waterville location. Hamlin’s serves as a dealership for boat sales, service, and storage, and have also expanded their inside showroom with retail offerings.
Maine Outdoor Sportsman enjoys their new 30,000 square-foot space featuring outdoor equipment and clothing, a gun room, a basement archery range, and plenty of retail space, as well as room to expand in the future. The building next door that previously housed the original store has been closed off for offices. The expansion took three years to build and other possibilities are still in the works.
Marshall Wharf Brewing Company is a locally owned and operated craft brewpub located at sea level on Marshall’s Wharf in beautiful Belfast Bay. The brewery is housed in an historic waterfront building (circa 1890) that served as the city granary. Marshall Wharf Brewing Company originally opened in 2007 and changed ownership in 2020 when Daniel Waldron and Kathleen Dunckel became the new owners. Under the direction of Kevin Spigel (Head Brewer) their hand craft beers are made in small batches using Maine-grown and malted barley as the base grain.
GO Lab, Inc, with Belfast’s Matt O’Malia and co-founder Josh Henry, researched ways to develop and manufacture wood fiber insulation for the residential and light commercial construction markets. Wood fiber board, batt, blown-in high-performance insulation products are vapor open, renewable, recyclable, nontoxic, carbon sequestering and, when manufactured here in America, cost competitive with other popular insulation products. In 2022, GO Lab will become the first company to make wood fiber insulation in North America at its manufacturing facility in Madison, Maine.
Stone Fox Farm Creamery was founded in 2009 by Bruce and Kathy Chamberlain. In early 2020, they moved from their home in Monroe to a new Route 1 location in Searsport. The steady increase in demand for Stone Fox Farm’s ice cream has allowed the Chamberlains to expand and they have been able to build to a larger factory, purchase a second truck, and hire additional staff, putting more Mainers to work and contributing to a more robust local economy. There are over 28 locations throughout Maine selling the super-premium ice cream in addition to the storefront and Belfast Harborwalk ice cream truck.
Waterfall Arts is a community arts center that meets its mission through classes, workshops, exhibitions, community studios, events, and arts-outreach programs. The newly opened Waterfall Arts Glassworks is the only full-time, community-based public-access glassblowing facility of its kind in Maine. Founded by glass artists David Jacobson and Carmi Katsir for Waterfall Arts, this studio opens the wonderful world of hot glass to the general public. The studio will accommodate participants of all skill levels, from first timers to experienced glassblowers. Waterfall Arts is excited to note that the studio will almost entirely be powered by electricity and waste vegetable oil rather than fossil fuels.
HOMETOWN HERITAGE AWARD
Anglers Restaurant, in business over 20 years, is committed to serving visitors, locals, and the community which surrounds it. By procuring local ingredients as frequently as possible, they strive to keep money within the local community. The idea for Anglers was conceived from a 1928 “Hunting and Fishing” magazine. Anglers Family Seafood restaurant is here to afford you a friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy the passion and pleasures yielded by the age-old trade of fishing. They offer an extensive list of home-made desserts, many of which are their mother’s original recipes (SO YUMMY!).
Belfast Free Library is dedicated to helping individuals of all ages pursue independent learning by providing access to timely and useful information in all formats. In the 1880’s, two Belfast residents, Paul Hazeltine and Nathanial Wilson, left to the city of Belfast, funds for the establishment of a library and for use in educational endeavors. Those bequests were combined and on February 3, 1887, the Maine State Legislature established the Belfast Free Library.
BlueJacket Shipcrafters is the oldest model ship and model boat company in the US. They have been in continuous operation since 1905. They continue to specialize in the design and manufacture of fine wooden model kits, custom built models, antique restorations/repairs, and model ship fittings.
Home Supply Center, established in 1951, opened its doors as a paint and sundries store situated on upper Main Street in Belfast in 1951. The store moved to its current location on lower Main Street in the early 60’s, expanding to a full-service home and hardware center.
Mathews Brothers began making window products for New England in 1854. Their manufacturing plant in coastal Belfast, Maine combines generations-old commitment to quality with state-of-the-art equipment and materials to build vinyl windows and doors.
Riposta Funeral Home In 1978, Mark and Pam Riposta purchased the local funeral home on Church Street and began their journey as funeral homeowner/operators. With over 40 years of experience, their business and family have grown to serve the greater Waldo County area. They have the experience required to guide you and your family through one of the hardest times in life.
Waldo Community Action Partners, founded in 1965, provides programs and services to support members of our community as they strive to lead meaningful and productive lives. Programs provided by WCAP are transportation Services, Housing Repair Services, Family Services such as Head Start, Early Childhood, Energy Services, Rent Relief and Community Services including the Neighbor for Neighbor, Heroes for Hunger and Cinderella Project.
Young’s Lobster Pound was originally established in 1930. Young’s opened a new restaurant by the wharf in 1980. It lures customers with shore dinners, an aquarium with a capacity of 30,000 lobsters from which diners could choose their own meals, and seating that could accommodate 500 diners, with a beautiful view of Belfast Bay.
INNOVATION AWARD
GO Lab, Inc, with Belfast’s Matt O’Malia and co-founder Josh Henry researched ways to develop and manufacture wood fiber insulation for the residential and light commercial construction markets. Wood fiber board, batt, blown-in high-performance insulation products are vapor open, renewable, recyclable, nontoxic, carbon sequestering and, when manufactured here in America, cost competitive with other popular insulation products. In 2022, GO Lab will become the first company to make wood fiber insulation in North America at its manufacturing facility in Madison, Maine.
Loyal Biscuit, purchased in 2010 by Heidi Neal and her husband, Joel, has grown from one location into a thriving six-location independent pet supply store. Moving into a new, large space in 2019 at 1 Belmont Ave, Belfast, Loyal Biscuit modified their business in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While their “loyal” customers sought their product, Heidi and her team offered in-store shopping, phone order shopping, or order online for in-store/curbside pick-up OR ship to home. Whatever method you prefer, they were here to help you and your pet!
Waldo Community Action Partners, founded in 1965, provides programs and services to support members of our community as they strive to lead meaningful and productive lives. Programs provided by WCAP are transportation Services, Housing Repair Services, Family Services such as Head Start, Early Childhood, Energy Services, Rent Relief and Community Services including the Neighbor for Neighbor, Heroes for Hunger and Cinderella Project.
Waldo County General Hospital, COVID response – Waldo County General Hospital and staff serves the health needs of area residents through Waldo County General Hospital, Waldo County Medical Partners, five rural health centers, home health and hospice services, public health nursing, Penobscot Shores and educational programs. Waldo County General Hospital is a 25-bed, not-for-profit, critical access, medical and surgical hospital. During 2020, WCGH was at the center of the COVID 19 pandemic, working with Maine CDC to provide information and leadership for the community.
NEW BUSINESS AWARD
DoryWoman Rowing – A new recreational harbor offering, for both guided instruction and personal fitness. Row a traditional wooden boat in beautiful Belfast Bay with a licensed Maine guide. Private lessons, group lessons, and tours offered.
Must Be Nice Lobster – Local lobsterwoman and staff opened a new food truck on the Belfast Harborwalk and a gift shop in downtown Belfast that have become wildly popular. Voted 3rd Best Lobster Roll in the State of Maine in 2020 by DownEast Magazine.
The Club Marina & Bar – Opened a new restaurant and bar in the former Stockton Harbor Yacht Club building, offering delicious food, craft cocktails, organic wine, and local beers.
The Scone Goddess – After perfecting a gluten free scone mix for the sake of the health of her daughters, The Scone Goddess family baking time has quickly grown into the retail/wholesale market, a food truck, and is now breaking ground on a new shop in Northport.
Unity Kitchen – New local market, community space, and café, with a menu full of locally sourced items from across Waldo County, including produce, meats and cheeses, and gluten free baked goods.
Wild Grace Farm – With a mission to build & sustain healthy community through agriculture, good food & great experiences, Wild Grace Farm has built and opened a new farm store and café and enjoy holding community events for the whole family.
WALDO COUNTY BUSINESS AWARD
Chase Toys, Inc. – Founded in 1967, they are central Maine’s leading outdoor power equipment dealership located in Unity, ME. They offer the best lines in the industry and back it up with the best sales, service, and finance team in the state. Part of the growth of the Unity area, they have added a new, expanded showroom to better serve their customers and honored the original owners by displaying vintage memorabilia. They also have raffles and support Mt. View High School’s Project Graduation.
Edward Jones – Lincolnville – Thomas Griffith leads the Edward Jones office in Lincolnville, Maine. The practice focuses on individual/family financial strategies, business retirement plans, insurance solutions and estate legacy strategies. The mission to foster growth and improve lives is built on a foundation of inclusivity, kindness and appreciation for diversity within the practice and the community. Thomas enjoys working closely with the community by helping folks prepare for what’s ahead and achieving goals. He gladly contributes time and talents to Rotary, PAWS and Lincolnville Business Group.
Friends of Sears Island (FOSI) – Committed to the dual purposes of protecting the natural & cultural resources of Sears Island and maintaining public accessibility for recreation and education. To this end, FOSI accepted the responsibility for stewardship, in partnership with Maine Coast Heritage Trust when the Conservation Easement was placed on 601 acres in 2009.
LCI Fiber Optic Network – A family-owned business, LTC Family of Companies has been helping the citizens of Maine stay connected since 1904. Today the company is led by one of Maine’s fastest growing fiber optic broadband providers, LCI Fiber Optic Networks, with more than 50 full time employees. Together the LTC Family of Companies serves more than 12,000 customers in 36 towns across the state, including seaside cities and more remote areas where they deliver voice services, high-speed broadband, high-definition digital TV and more. The company has come a long way from its humble beginnings in Lincolnville, Maine nearly 120 years ago, and it has focused on expanding technology and meeting community needs in every decade.
Northport Golf Club – Established in 1916, NGC is a classic nine-hole, par 36 layout featuring some alternate teeing grounds for a full eighteen-hole round. The course is well maintained and is very walker friendly, with short distances from green to tee. There is a driving range, a chipping green, and two practice putting greens. The course is open to the public and has an active group of members.
Penobscot Marine Museum – Located in Searsport, Maine, it is the State’s oldest maritime museum and is designed to preserve and educate people regarding the rich and unique maritime and shipbuilding history of the area. It was founded in 1936 and brings Maine’s maritime history to life on a campus of beautiful historic buildings. Exhibits throughout the campus tell unique stories of ship captains and their families, the industries of Penobscot Bay, global maritime trade, and today’s fisheries.
Stockton Harbor Yurts – Created an authenticated Maine experience for vacationers and locals that visit the area. The yurts are nestled in the perfect spot along the treeline of Stockton Harbor. Just a short walk through a private path and you are on the beach where you can walk the shoreline or borrow a kayak. The yurts are spacious, relaxing and have just what you need.
UniTel – A Maine company that offers state-of-the-art telecommunications services while maintaining its traditional commitment to quality and community. The best in data and voice services from people you can talk to, UniTel serves local residents and businesses, offering products and solutions to meet their changing technology needs. They have been operating on an Enhanced Fiber Optic Network for years and continue to upgrade equipment and facilities at a faster pace than many others in the industry to ensure customers are getting the latest and greatest in telecommunication services.
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Bob MacGregor had an idea five years ago that ended up changing his life and warming the homes of hundreds of Mainers. His idea, which became the Waldo County Woodshed, took root as he read an op-ed in the Bangor Daily News about Maine’s need, and potential, for wood banks. A wood bank is similar to a food pantry, but has a focus on distributing firewood, rather than food, to low-income and fixed-income people.
Maine is the most heavily forested state in the nation, with 90 percent of its land covered by trees, and many of its residents rely on wood to heat their homes in the wintertime. It didn’t take long for Bob, who has a background in lumber and forest products, to decide that the wood bank was an idea that could work in Waldo County.
Bryant Dutch worked in the family-owned business Dutch Chevrolet Buick for more years than can be remembered, since ‘retirement’ wasn’t really retirement. 62 years of membership in Belfast Masonic Lodge #24, a past master of that Lodge and in the Scottish Rite Bodies. He joined Anah Shrine in 1957. 17 years and past president of Anah Chanters. Later he joined the Provost Guard, Aides, and was Ceremonial Master in 1990. He is a past President of the Belfast Rotary Club (60 years a Rotarian), Northport Golf Club, Belfast Curling Club, Maine Auto Dealers and past board member of Waldo County General Hospital where he had continued to volunteer until COVID-19. Bryant possesses a wonderful sense of humor and great smile!
Erin Herbig – Having served as state senator and representative for Waldo County for years, Erin made the decision to dedicate herself as Belfast city manager to work at the front lines of community development for our area. Erin graduated from Belfast Area High School in 1999 and from Boston College in 2003. Running the Maine House seat in District 43, Erin was first elected and served four terms in the House, including one as House majority leader. Then she made a successful bid for Senate District 11. While in the Senate, Erin was the chair of the Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business Committee. She and her family have deep roots in the community and led the City through the pandemic with skill and compassion.
John Gibbs grew up in Monroe and has served the communities in Waldo County his entire life. In 1989, he began working as a Reserve Police Officer with the Belfast Police Department. Prior to that John had been working in corrections and dispatch at the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office. Shortly thereafter, John was hired as a full-time officer with the Belfast Police Department, promoted to the rank of Detective, then to Sergeant. His dedication to the community didn’t stop with his career in the police force. He is part of the team behind Keeping Belfast Maine Beautiful, hosts the annual Holy Mackerel Fishing Tournament, which supports Operation Reboot Outdoors, and participates in many Belfast events.
Ned Lightner has been a stalwart of our community and is always “Somewhere in Waldo County,” consistently showcasing people, places, businesses, and even Chamber activities, that celebrate and contribute to what we love about the area. His contributions to BCtv, our area’s local access television station, have been unmatched and are valued greatly by the community.
Mary Mortier has been a long-time member of the Belfast community. In 2019, Mary was selected as Rotarian of the Year by the Belfast Rotary Club. Mary has served as a City Councilor, a board member of Our Town Belfast and has hosted the New Year’s by the Bay for over 24 years. She is tireless in her volunteer efforts to make Belfast a place where we want to live work and play. Mary is always available to talk to anyone about the Belfast community!
Rob Newcomb has owned Swan Lake Grocery for 44 years, providing a much-needed service to the residents in the area. When the building was damaged by an auto accident and fire in October 2020, there was no doubt in Rob’s mind that he would rebuild and reopen. He, and his wife Deb, have been committed to the community, supporting many volunteer efforts. Swan Lake Grocery is much more than a grocery store – it’s a place where locals meet, shop, and share information. The parking lot is always full and the staff welcomes you as you shop. People realized what a large void there was in the community while the store was closed during the renovation. All of Waldo County was happy to welcome them and the store back!