2024 Annual Chamber Awards Ballot

Vote For This Year's 2024 Awards Nominees!

* * * ANNUAL CHAMBER AWARDS GALA ~ FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8 * * *

BAY VIEW ROOM, UNITED FARMERS MARKET OF MAINE, BELFAST

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS ONLINE NOW

OR YOU CAN PAY VIA CHECK, PHONE,

OR IN PERSON AT THE CHAMBER OFFICE

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We are honored to present this year's Chamber Awards nominees! Please select a single nominee from each award category. Awards voting ends on October 18th at 5:00pm EST. Winners will be called and then officially announced October 22nd via membership email,

at BelfastMaine.org, and on our social media.

In keeping with tradition, the Chamber Partnership Award winner and the Citizen of the Year Award winner will be announced live at the Awards Gala on November 8th.

Congratulations to all of this year's nominees!

Please share with your family, friends, and clients!

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1. Business Growth Award: This award recognizes a business or organization that has demonstrated outstanding growth and success within the community, contributing to economic vitality and local development.

Belfast Community Co-op: After years of dedicated work, the Belfast Co Community Co-Op is thrilled to announce the completion of the Co-op’s Renovation Project, designed to meet the current and future needs of our community. Approved by the Board of Directors in July 2022, the project was supported by a successful capital campaign in January 2023, raising $1.5 million in Owner Loans. Major renovations to their store, including revamping the café, expanding accessibility, increased retail space, enhanced bulk section and infrastructure investments.

Bell the Cat: Since 1994, Bell the Cat has moved four times but continues to grow their space located at 18 Hatley Road. As Bell the Cat enters its latest chapter, Jojo and his dedicated team are excited about the future. With a growing catering business and a strong desire to spread their culinary magic to new horizons, they look forward to their new location, welcoming even more guests into their warm and inviting space.

GO Logic: A Belfast company that builds highly energy efficient homes opened a new 16,000-square-foot facility that will use an assembly line process to manufacture the walls, floors and roofs needed to construct them. The facility will ultimately be able to make 25-50 of its environmentally friendly prefabricated homes a year, reducing the energy that’s required for building them and helping the region to cut its reliance on fossil fuels that contribute to climate change. The new facility at 52 Little River Drive will also be the first manufacturing building in the nation that itself meets the “passive house” efficiency standard, which means it uses thick insulation, tight air-sealing, solar panels and other features that can result in net-zero energy emissions. For more than a decade, GO Logic has specialized in building homes that meet that same standard, as determined by Passive House Institute U.S., or PHIUS, a Chicago-based organization.

Seaport Community Health/PCHC: Serving Belfast since 2013, this Belfast health center that serves thousands of patients moved into a bigger new location that over time will allow it to provide greater access to medical, dental and other services in the region. The new location on the first floor of 29 Schoodic Dr. The health center had previously operated out of a nearby building, and the new location has nearly tripled the amount of space that it has, from roughly 12,000 to 32,000 square feet. The expansion will allow the center to hire more staff and offer a wider range of primary care, mental health, social work, pharmacy and other services.

SolarLogix: Beginning in 2015, their focus on partnering with customers and their sustainable electrification journey has led to their building a brand new 14,000 sq ft facility on 1.6 acres located at 18 Searsport Ave in Belfast. This family-owned business offers a range of services, including solar energy solutions, HVAC systems optimization, energy-efficient heat pump water heaters, battery backup systems, electric vehicle chargers, electrical service upgrades and indoor air quality and plumbing services. Now with over 45 employees, the company is growing!

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2. Rising Star Award: 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.

Dos Gatos Gastropub: Belfast’s popular new taco bar with indoor and outdoor seating, and a growing menu and expanding hours since they opened in early 2024. They explore inventive taco pairings and have a playful margarita selection, and with a well-known area chef, celebrate tradition with a twist. Their downtown space has a great speakeasy feel, with unique furnishings and stylish accents.

Grump & Sunshine Bookshop: Belfast’s new romance-inspired bookshop continues to grow in popularity with book club events, guest author talks, craft nights, and more. Owner Cassidy Taylor has made it a bright and colorful space with options for different ages and interests. With a recent acknowledgement by the New York Times, independent bookstores are making a comeback, and this bookshop is leaving an impression in its offerings of the top-selling fiction genre.

The Healing Garden: A non-profit educational community-based organization dedicated to empowering individuals and the community to expand their self-awareness and healing through natural healing and conscious communication. Offering classes and workshops every month, they have also expanded their office into a new building near downtown Belfast. They also hold donation-based wellness classes, workshops, and retreats.

The Homeport Inn & Tavern: Built around 1861, this historic Victorian inn has welcomed new ownership that has brought luxury and life back into the inn and English-style tavern with renovations, live music, a robust menu, and a new outdoor beer garden. It can also accommodate meetings and has a function space for private events. Owners Arnaud & Allison Lessard and Chef Kip Dixon bring years of combined hotel and restaurant experience. Their hospitality makes you feel like family with every visit.

Keep it Clean Heat Pumps: Cole Ellis from Searsport is a currently studying Finance and Marketing Management at Thomas College in Waterville and a young entrepreneur, having started his own business his junior year of high school. He recognized the business opportunity to clean heat pumps as the products and industry continue to grow. He was a 2023 Mitchell Scholar recipient, helping to develop leadership skills and pursue professional development opportunities, and was also a finalist on Greenlight Maine’s College Edition for his business.

Portable Pie Place: Located in Searsport, owners Jessica & Dustin Schramm have made their specialty hand pies so popular with their new food truck, that they can now been seen traveling all over our region for public and private events, community events, and festivals. With handmade meat pies, dessert pies, specialty drinks and treats, they have a flair for the creative and enjoy working on thematic offerings to fit each location and event better. They are open for bookings and catering opportunities as well.

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3. Hometown Heritage Award: 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.

Allen Insurance & Financial: Allen Agency dates back to the year 1866 when it was organized by Wilder W. Perry. Since then, Allen Insurance and Financial, is Maine’s largest employee-owned independent insurance and financial services agency. The growth of the company over the years would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of all their employees. Each employee has a responsibility to provide insurance protection for their clients in a thoughtful, friendly, professional way, as well as to carry out the responsibility to their insurance companies by providing them with a book of profitable insurance business.

Belfast Curling Club: Founded in 1959, and the only dedicated ice facility for curling in Maine, BCC is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization committed to promoting and teaching the sport and spirit of curling. They offer a variety of leagues, host national and international bonspiels, and provide opportunities to learn to play recreationally or prepare for competition. Their curlers also regularly travel to regional, national, and world championships, representing our town and country! They also fielded the first wheelchair team to represent the US at a World competition.

Camden National Bank: Founded in 1875, Camden National is the largest bank headquartered in Maine. They are passionate about being involved in their community. They have many offerings for your personal banking and borrowing needs, as well as professional services and expertise for small business and commercial lending and management. Recently the downtown Belfast branch underwent major renovation to better accommodate and assist their customers.

Home Supply Center: Since 1965, they’ve served homeowners, contractors and businesses with quality products and service for projects of all sizes in downtown Belfast, located right on our Main Street. With a friendly, neighborhood feel and sound advice, it’s trustworthy service and experience that we’ve all come to appreciate. From homewares to hardware, local products to leading brands, this is where you’ll find what you’ve been searching for.

Macleod's Furniture: Since 1963, they continue to offer quality furniture, mattresses and appliances from leading manufacturers. They’ll assist you in finding the best product for your space and needs and for the comfort you deserve. They can make special orders, install and service many products, with free local delivery. Product knowledge and expertise makes Macleod’s a destination for anyone looking to spruce up their space or even upgrade to newer energy-efficient options.

Mathews Brothers Company: A successful window manufacturing industry since 1854, this family-owned business continues to grow in Belfast and across New England through regional dealers and distributors. They are a large employer in our region and have been named one of the Best Places to Work in Maine. Mathews Brothers Company is America’s oldest window manufacturer. It has been under ownership of the Hawthorne family for nearly half a century.

Northport Golf Club: Since 1916, this beloved, classic 9-hole course is well maintained, has an active membership and hosts numerous seasonal tournaments. They have hosted the annual Chamber Cup Golf Tournament for over a decade. They also offer a junior instructional program for area students to learn and improve on their game, at no cost. Golf Digest voted their golf pro as #1 instructor in Maine in 2024.

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4. Waldo County Business Award: 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.

Aster & Rose Restaurant: Their cozy restaurant, located at the Youngtown Inn in Lincolnville, pays homage to and supports local farms and flavor with locally sourced food and fresh ingredients. Relaxed, contemporary dining in any season. They also offer a very delicious and inspiring dessert menu. Chef/Owner Michael & Karrie Nowak have reimagined the dining space and offerings very tastefully. Guests who stay at the Youngtown Inn can also enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast.

Hey Sailor & Starboard Lounge: Keeping things vibrant in the heart of downtown Searsport, they are more than just a taco bar. They offer enchiladas, burritos, pizza, burgers, salads, and more. While growing their menu, owners Kirk Linder and Charlie Zorich have also doubled their seating capacity, purchased the building next door and created a live entertainment venue connected to the main restaurant. Patrons can now have a great meal, drinks, enjoy creative art shows inside, and listen to live music, poetry, or join an open mic night.

Maine Alpaca Experience: Since 2004, they have grown from their first large barn and three alpacas to tending a herd and farm with staff and operating two retail locations. They do annual shearing and offer educational experiences for public and private groups, farm tours, alpaca walks, Zoom tours and more. Owners Robin & Corry Pratt and staff are very knowledgeable about the history of alpacas, breeds, and the benefits and comfort of their fleece, and are always happy to share with visitors.

Wild Grace Farm: Located in Liberty, they have your favorite local market goods and homemade café food. This farm-to-table café and market specializes in Maine grown food and specialty gift items. They have many pre-made ready-to-go entrees and options, including picnic basket help and catering or baked goods. While continuing to grow their family, Alexandra & Frances Stewart have done a great job helping grow and support their community with the farm store and café.

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5. Health Care Partner Award: 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.

Belfast Rotary Club: The Club has long supported the children in Waldo County with scholarships, projects around the holidays bringing warm clothes, boots, books and toys to families, and support for food insecurity. Celebrating 100 years of service, The Belfast Rotary Club marks a significant milestone in 2025 that reflects a century of commitment to community and global betterment. Over the decades, the club has fostered connections among diverse individuals, creating a legacy of collaboration and positive change. This centenary not only honors the countless hours and resources dedicated to service projects, but it also highlights the enduring values of fellowship, integrity, and leadership that Rotary embodies.

Waldo County Bounty: Seeking to build a nourished community, their mission is to ensure that everyone has access to fresh, nutritious food by collaborating with local farmers, organizations, and community members towards an equitable food system. Their programs include farm-to-pantry, Veggies for All gleaning, and gardening. They also organize Give & Takes sites in 22 public locations across Waldo County towns where anyone is welcome to leave fresh produce or take what they can use, at no cost.

Waldo County Triad: Since 2005, this group has been a partnership of seniors, law enforcement, and local organizations dedicated to improving the safety of people 50 and older in their homes and communities through education and service. There are many free services available as well as events to get involved in or participate in, such as Senior Appreciation Day, Shred It & Drug Take Back Day, and Handcrafters Day.

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6. Resiliency Award: 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. We seek businesses that have showcased innovative strategies for recovery and growth, highlighting their ability to not only survive but thrive in the face of adversity.

Front Street Shipyard

Marshall Wharf Brewing Co.

Nautilus

Young's Lobster Pound

Town of Searsport (including all businesses affected by construction/storms)

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7. The Chamber Partnership & Community Building Award winner is selected by the Chamber and its Board of Directors. This award recognizes a member who demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering collaboration and engagement with the Chamber for the benefit for 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. The nominees are:

Come Boating
Our Town Belfast
Senior College at Belfast
Waterfall Arts
WBFY Belfast Community Radio
Waldo County YMCA

8. Citizen of the Year: 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.

Kim Fleming, Waterfall Arts: Kim joined Waterfall Arts in 2019 and leads the organization with ambitious visions for its future as an art center in Midcoast Maine. Fleming’s role is increasing accessibility, expanding programming, and ensuring the overall sustainability of the organization. With the team, Waterfall Arts is transforming into a fresh, beautiful, self-sustaining and accessible home for experiencing and producing art; a place where all are welcomed; a community arts space like no other.

Kathy Givens, Belfast Harbormaster: Kathy is a remarkable leader and dedicated Harbormaster in Belfast, Maine. Her passion for the maritime community is evident in her tireless efforts to ensure safety, sustainability, and effective management of our local waters. Kathy fosters strong relationships with boaters, local businesses, and community members, promoting collaboration and open communication. Her proactive approach to problem-solving and her commitment to preserving the natural environment make her a true steward of our harbor. Kathy’s leadership not only enhances the boating experience in Belfast but also inspires others to engage actively in protecting our waterfront. Kathy’s true leadership was evident during the 2023 winter storms which damaged our harbor.

Mary Mortier, Belfast City Councilor: Mary is a dedicated and inspiring community leader in Belfast, Maine, whose passion for service and advocacy has made a profound impact on the local community. Her tireless efforts to promote inclusivity and engagement have brought people together, fostering a strong sense of belonging and collaboration among residents. She has served in various capacities on local boards, The City Council, and most recently as an Our Town Belfast Board Member. Mary was the core organizer in 1996 of New Year’s by the Bay, a musical event where thousands of people gathered downtown to ring in the New Year with more than 10 hours of food, dancing, music, marching, drumming, activities and a bonfire. A retired real estate agent, Mary has also served tirelessly with the Belfast Rotary Club and is known for the pancake breakfasts she organizes.

Megan Pinette, Belfast Historical Society & Museum: Megan is an inspiring leader at the Belfast Historical Society and Museum, where her passion for preserving and sharing local history shines through in every initiative she undertakes. Her innovative programs and community outreach efforts have significantly increased public engagement and appreciation for Belfast’s rich heritage. Megan's ability to connect with diverse audiences—schools, families, and history enthusiasts—has revitalized the museum and fostered a sense of community pride. She actively encourages collaboration with local organizations and artists, creating a vibrant cultural landscape in Belfast.

Bob Richards, City of Belfast: Bob has worked for the City of Belfast for over 33 years, in several capacities, in recent decades as the Department Head for the Belfast Public Works Department. He is an exemplary leader as the head of Public Works, known for his unwavering commitment to enhancing the community’s infrastructure and services. His strategic vision and hands-on approach have resulted in significant improvements to roads, parks, and public facilities, ensuring that the needs of residents are met efficiently and effectively. Bob fosters a culture of teamwork and accountability within his department, inspiring his team to take pride in their work. His proactive communication and collaboration with local stakeholders demonstrate his dedication to transparency and community engagement. Bob is also a longstanding volunteer with the Belfast Fire & Ambulance Department.

J.B. Turner, Front Street Shipyard: J.B. exemplifies exceptional leadership at Front Street Shipyard in Belfast, Maine. His vision and commitment to excellence have transformed the shipyard into a hub of innovation and craftsmanship. J.B. fosters a culture of collaboration, empowering his team to take pride in their work while prioritizing safety and quality. His dedication to sustainability and community engagement reflects a holistic approach to leadership that inspires those around him. Under his guidance, Front Street Shipyard has not only achieved remarkable success but has also become a model for industry best practices. J.B.'s unwavering passion and integrity make him a deserving candidate for this leadership award.

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Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce | 33 Main Street | Belfast, ME 04915 US

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