Annual Chamber Awards

CELEBRATING SUCCESS WITH AN EVENING OF ELEGANT EATS & DELECTABLE DESSERTS
Including Award presentations, Catering by Delvino’s, Photo Booth, Wine Pull and a Cash Bar

Gala Celebration Sponsor: SolarLogix

Bay View Room Sponsor: MaineHealth – Waldo Hospital

Delectable Desserts Sponsor: The Northport Inn & Lodge
Photo Booth Sponsor: Maine State Credit Union

The 2024 Annual Chamber Awards Gala were held Friday, November 8, 2024 from 5:30pm – 8:00pm in the Bay View Room at the United Farmers Market of Maine.

**********************************

2024 ANNUAL CHAMBER AWARDS WINNERS

We are thrilled to announce this year’s Chamber Awards winners, voted on by our membership and the community! Their dedication and contributions to our local business community have not gone unnoticed, and this recognition reflects the impact they have made.


Business Growth Award – BELL THE CAT
Sponsored by Bangor Savings Bank
This award recognizes a business that has demonstrated outstanding growth and success within the community, contributing to economic vitality and local development.

Rising Star Award – PORTABLE PIE PLACE
Sponsored by Stanley Chevrolet and the Maine Chevy Dealers
This award recognizes a new business that has been around for three years or less and holds the promise of being here for many years to come. The new business may be creative, innovative, unique and/or fills a need in the community.

Waldo County Business Award – HEY SAILOR
Sponsored by First National Bank
This award recognizes a business located outside Belfast that have made contributions to the economic growth, community development, and cultural richness of the surrounding areas.

Health Care Partner Award – WALDO COUNTY BOUNTY
Sponsored by MaineHealth – Waldo Hospital
This award recognizes an individual or organization outside of the health care profession who through their actions demonstrates a commitment to our shared vision of making our community the healthiest in America.

Hometown Heritage Award – BELFAST CURLING CLUB
Sponsored by Camden National Bank
This award recognizes a business or organization that has been integral to the community for many years, honoring their role in preserving local culture, history, and traditions through their growth and sustainability over time.

Resiliency Award (NEW) – NAUTILUS
Sponsored by Central Maine Power
This award recognizes a business that has demonstrated exceptional strength and adaptability in overcoming challenges, such as storm damage or the long-term impacts of highway improvements. Nominees must showcase innovative strategies for recovery and growth, highlighting their ability to not only survive but thrive in the face of adversity. We seek businesses that have engaged with the community during these difficult times, contributed to local recovery efforts, and implemented sustainable practices that promote long-term resilience. This award honors those who embody the spirit of perseverance and community support.

Chamber Partnership & Community Building Award – OUR TOWN BELFAST
Sponsored by Front Street Shipyard
(Selected by Chamber/Board of Directors)
This award recognizes a member who demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering collaboration and engagement with the Chamber for the benefit of the community. This includes actively supporting local initiatives, creating meaningful partnerships with other organizations, and contributing to the overall well-being and development of the community. We seek businesses or individuals that not only excel in their industry but also prioritize social responsibility, inclusivity, and sustainable practices, showcasing a genuine investment in the community’s growth and prosperity as a Chamber partner.

Citizen of the Year – KATHY GIVEN, BELFAST HARBORMASTER
Sponsored by Mathews Brothers Company
This award recognizes a person who has made an outstanding positive impact in Waldo County, either through a single event or on a continuous basis. Nominees can be from any occupation, including business, education, services, medical, government, a charitable organization or they can be a resident.

* CLICK HERE to watch the 2024 Citizen of the Year Special Video Presentation *

2023 Chamber Awards

The Chamber Awards Gala was held November 3, 2023 at 5:00pm in the Bayview Room at the United Farmers Market of Maine.

Thank you to our Reception Sponsor Penobscot Community Health Care and to Central Maine Power for sponsoring our live entertainment for the evening!

  • Business Growth Award – STONE TREE FARM & CIDERY (Sponsored by Bangor Savings Bank)
  • Rising Star Award – FON’S KITCHEN (Sponsored by Stanley Chevrolet and The Maine Chevy Dealers)
  • Waldo County Business Award – HAMILTON MARINE (Sponsored by First National Bank)
  • Health Care Partner Awards – BELFAST FARMERS’ MARKET, EAGLE SCOUT KALEB BROWN (Sponsored by Waldo County General Hospital/MaineHealth)
  • Hometown Heritage Award – WALDO COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERS (Sponsored by Camden National Bank)
  • Chamber Appreciation Award (Selected by Chamber/Board of Directors): KATHY HAYES (Sponsored by Front Street Shipyard)
  • Citizen of the Year: COLBY HORNE (Sponsored by Mathews Brothers Company)

2022 Chamber Awards

Our celebration was held Friday, November 4th, at The University of Maine Hutchinson Center in Belfast to honor the winners. Click Here to watch the full awards ceremony, courtesy of Ned Lightner of Belfast Community Media/BCTV

Our Celebration Sponsor was Nordic Aquafarms and our Reception Sponsor was Camden National Bank.

  • Business Growth Award – THE GRASSHOPPER SHOP (Sponsored by Bangor Savings Bank)
  • New Business Award – RIO’S (Sponsored by Stanley Chevrolet and The Maine Chevy Dealers)
  • Waldo County Business Award – PENOBSCOT MARINE MUSEUM (Sponsored by First National Bank)
  • Health Care Partner Award – BELFAST SOUP KITCHEN (Sponsored by Waldo County General Hospital / MaineHealth)
  • Hometown Heritage Award – ROLLIE’S BAR & GRILL (Sponsored by LCI Fiber Optic Network)
  • Chamber Appreciation Award – CHAMBER VOLUNTEER TEAM (Sponsored by Front Street Shipyard)
  • Citizen of the Year Award – SUE DUPLER, PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE (Sponsored by Mathews Brothers Company)

Congratulations to our 2022 Runner-Up Winners:

  • Business Growth – The Scone Goddess
  • New Business – Stone Tree Farm & Cidery
  • Waldo County Business – Friends of Fort Knox
  • Health Care Partner – Waldo County YMCA
  • Hometown Heritage – Belfast Historical Society & Museum

2021 Chamber Awards

Thank you to everyone who voted in 2021! A record 1,638 votes submitted!

The Chamber & Board of Directors, in partnership with Rollie’s Bar & Grill, held an in person November Business After Hours at the Waldo County Shrine Club on Wednesday, November 17th from 5:30pm – 7:30pm. The 2021 Annual Chamber Awards were also presented to the respective winners at this event.

  • Business Growth Award – MARSHALL WHARF BREWING CO., sponsored by Camden National Bank
  • New Business Award – MUST BE NICE LOBSTER, sponsored by Stanley Chevrolet Buick
  • Hometown Heritage Award – BELFAST FREE LIBRARY, sponsored by LCI Fiber Optic Network
  • Waldo County Business Award – FRIENDS OF SEARS ISLAND, sponsored by First National Bank
  • Innovation & Adaptation Award – WALDO COUNTY GENERAL HOSPITAL, sponsored by Nordic Aquafarms, Inc.
  • Chamber Appreciation Award – NORM POIRIER, Director, Belfast Parks & Recreation Department chosen by the Board of Directors
  • Citizen of the Year Award – JOHN GIBBS, Retired Sergeant, Belfast Police Dept, Keeping Belfast Maine Beautiful, Holy Mackerel Fishing Tournament, sponsored by Mathews Brothers Co.

Congratulations to our 2021 Runner-Up Winners:

  • Business Growth Award: First National Bank
  • New Business Award: DoryWoman Rowing
  • Waldo County Business Award: Penobscot Marine Museum
  • Innovation Award: Loyal Biscuit Co.
  • Hometown Heritage Award: Waldo Community Action Partners

2020 Chamber Awards

2020 marked the 60th Annual Chamber Awards! Nearly 1,100 respondents cast votes for their favorite businesses, organizations, and individuals in the community.

The 2020 Annual Chamber Awards were presented on location on November 23rd and 24th with each award winner at their respective businesses. Due to COVID-19, we decided not to hold a larger in-person awards event this year. Winners were announced daily at 4pm beginning December 1st and concluded with the full video presentation at 7pm on December 7th. A very special thank you to our Celebration Sponsors this year:
Camden National Bank, Changing Seasons Federal Credit Union, and Hannaford.

~*~ CLICK HERE to enjoy our entire virtual 2020 Annual Chamber Awards presentation ~*~

As a bonus, with nearly 1,100 people voting this year, and several of our awards being very close between the winner and the runner up, we decided it would be great to also honor those who had the second most votes this year!

Congratulations to our 2020 Runner-Up Winners:

New Business Award – North Star Adventures LLC
Business Growth Award – Among Friends Salon
Hometown Heritage Award – Young’s Lobster Pound
Waldo County Business Award – Maine Alpaca Experience
Innovation & Adaptation Award – Colburn Shoe Store

2019 Awards

Saturday, November 16th at the Hutchinson Center in Belfast ~ Major Event Sponsor – Camden National Bank

  • Business Growth Award – TODDY POND FARM (Sponsored by Bangor Savings Bank)
  • Waldo County Business Award – SEARSPORT SHORES OCEAN CAMPGROUND (Sponsored by Damariscotta Bank & Trust)
  • New Business Award – MAINE OCEAN SCHOOL (Sponsored by Bangor Federal Credit Union)
  • Hometown Heritage Award – BELFAST CO-OP (Sponsored by Nordic Aquafarms, Inc.)
  • Chamber Appreciation Award – RYAN OTIS, Rollie’s Bar and Grill (Sponsored by Maine Chevy Dealers & Dutch Chevrolet)
  • Citizen of the Year Award – MARY WEAVER, The Playhouse (Sponsored by Mathews Brothers Co.)

2018 Awards

Friday, November 16th at Point Lookout Resort in Lincolnville ~ Major Event Sponsor – Camden National Bank

  • Business Growth Award – BELL THE CAT (Sponsored by Maine Chevy Dealers & Dutch Chevrolet)
  • New Business Award – LINCOLNVILLE GENERAL STORE (Sponsored by Elm Street Marketing Essentials powered by ProForma)
  • Hometown Heritage Award – COLBURN SHOE STORE (Sponsored by Rollie’s Bar & Grill)
  • Waldo County Business Award – BELMONT BOATWORKS (Sponsored by DownEast Credit Union)
  • Chamber Appreciation Award – JIM LeCLAIR of Smart DataMap Services (Sponsored by Courier Publications & The Republican Journal)
  • Citizen of the Year – LEE WOODWARD, JR. (Sponsored by Damariscotta Bank & Trust)
    Citizen of the Year Award Video Special: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61wLNu3Txsk

For historical awards information, please contact the Chamber at chamberoffice@belfastmaine.org or call 207-338-5900