Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce (BBHCC) held its annual dinner meeting and awards ceremony Oct. 12 at Boothbay Railway Village Museum to a crowd of over 100.

A brief membership meeting in the Village church was held prior to the cocktail hour. Angelo DiGiulian was elected treasurer and all other board positions stayed the same. “I’ve been involved on and off with the Chamber for over 30 years and within the last couple years, getting back in our stride after COVID, the effort and quality of this event is fantastic,” he said.

Guests enjoyed train rides to the cocktail hour in the antique car building, followed by dinner and award presentations in the former Boothbay Town Hall. Catering for the event was provided by Mine Oyster.

Board President Julie Roberts gave opening remarks before turning the awards presentation over to Lisa Walby, BBHCC executive director. Acknowledgements began with thanking the evening’s sponsors: Bangor Savings Bank, Bath Savings, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Conley’s Garden Center & Landscaping, First National Bank, Freedom Boat Club, Gracelynn’s Floral Studio, Harbor Pine Hospitality and Events, HarbourSide 1901, Midcoast Hospitality Group, Mid-Town Motel, Mine Oyster, Newcastle Realty, Pedego Electric Bikes, Ports of Italy, Topside Inn, and Boothbay Railway Village Museum.

The nominees for each award, 11 in all including a new award this year, were voted on by Chamber members.

Hannaford won Business of the Year, for demonstrating excellence in workforce development, business growth, excellent customer service and employee satisfaction. Nominees included HarborSide 1901, Carousel Marina, Cap’n Fish’s Cruises and Coastal Maine Popcorn.

State Rep. Holly Stover won Citizen of the Year, being recognized for unparalleled commitment to the characteristics of community citizenship and serving as an example to all. “I’m humbled and honored to be recognized by people from my community. Being born and raised right here in Boothbay, there is no greater compliment than to be recognized and appreciated by my peers,” said Stover. “I want to recognize all the other nominees who exemplify these traits every day.” Other nominees were Angie McLellan, Julie Roberts, Alyssa Allen and Betty Maddocks.

Boothbay Playhouse Weddings won New Business of the Year, for “demonstrating excellence in their field, contributing to the business community, and holding the promise of being here for many years to come.” Other nominees included Carousel Marina, The Helm House, Thistle Inn Restaurant, and Pedego Electric Bikes.

The Rising Star in Business award was given to Tyler Tibbetts of William Raveis Realty. The award recognizes an outstanding professional entrepreneur who is on the rise, and demonstrates a proven commitment to the community through their outstanding achievements, leadership and community involvement. Nominees were Shannon Schmelzer, Metehan Sahin, Jax van der Veen, and Emma Dickinson.

St. Andrews Auxiliary Thrift Shop won the Most Notable Nonprofit Award in recognition of a non-profit organization that demonstrates outstanding performance, superior dedication and a positive attitude in supporting the region. Other nominees were Community Resource Council, Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, Boothbay Region Student Aid Fund, and Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library.

Jax van der Veen won the Rising Star in Community Excellence – Young Adult Award for demonstrating a proven commitment to the community through their outstanding achievements, leadership and community involvement, going above and beyond to support the needs of local organizations and individuals. Other nominees included Tory Paxson, Breanna Davis, Edward Bernard and Grace Campbell.

Spencer Pottle won the Rising Star in Community Excellence – Youth Award which honors local youths by the same criteria as the above award, just younger. “I’m proud to be part of this community and humbled to receive this recognition,” said Pottle. Nominees included Colby Allen, Hannah Hills, Piper Carleton and William Sledge.

Kate McEvoy Rice won Educator of the Year, which honors excellence in teaching practices that reflect the highest standards within and outside the classroom, the ability to inspire, promote and sustain the intellectual development of students and to guide them to become problem solvers and collaborative workers. Other nominees were Emily Higgins, Skyler Davis, Caroline Ivens and Cindy Casey.

Roberts presented the final three awards after a heartfelt recognition of Walby. “I don’t know anyone who loves our community the way Lisa does,” she said.

First National Bank won the Charitable Giving Community Award for outstanding achievements in philanthropy, community involvement and giving of their time and talents to better the Boothbay Harbor Region. “I can’t think of a single event, fundraiser, or community need the First National Bank is not first in line to offer assistance (to),” said Roberts.

The Chamber Appreciation Award went to Brian “Buzz” Makarewicz and Mark Osborn of Topside Inn for their constant work and volunteerism with the Chamber, helping to advance what makes the community special and unique.

The final award of the evening was a new award, the Boothbay Region High School (BRHS) Student Community Service Award that honors a student with proven commitment to the community, including individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and municipal organizations. This award will continue annually in perpetuity, with the inaugural recipient being Colby Allen. “It’s important to recognize youth for their contributions and community service. We live in a tight-knit community, everyone is connected. I hope we can get every student involved and engaged in this special place.”