Each August, the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce invites the community to help shine a spotlight on the people, businesses, and organizations that make our region thrive. From outstanding customer service to inspiring leadership, nominations poured in again this year, reflecting the deep pride and appreciation our community holds for those who go above and beyond.

The Chamber tallies all nominations, and the top five in each category emerge as finalists. In rare cases of a tie, the Chamber team draws names at random to complete the list. Nominees are notified by letter, but this year we’re excited to announce them publicly as well—giving the community the chance to join in the celebration from the start.

In September, Chamber members will cast their votes for this year’s award winners. Several additional awards will also be selected internally by the Chamber’s Board of Directors. All winners will be revealed at the Annual Community Awards Celebration on Wednesday, October 1st, from 6:00–8:00 PM at Bigelow Laboratory.

2025 Award Categories and Nominees

BHRCC Business of the Year
Recognizes a business that demonstrates all-around business excellence. This award should be selected based on a business that demonstrates excellence in its approach to workforce development, business growth, excellent customer service and employee satisfaction while also contributing to the local economy and helping to shape our business region.
Previous Winners: 2022 Janson's Clothing, 2023 Hannaford Bros., 2024 Pinkham’s Gourmet Market.

• Carousel Marina & Whale’s Tale Restaurant
• Cap’n Fish’s Cruises
• Pier 1 Pizza & Pub
• Coastal Maine Popcorn Co.
• E.M. Wood

New Business Award
A new business that has been around for three years or less and holds the promise of being here for many years to come.
Previous Winners: 2022 Brisetto's Second Cup, 2023 Boothbay Playhouse Events, 2024 Woodsong Market.

• Harbor Blooms
• Vera Idyllic Pizza
• Gracelynn's Flower Shop
• Barter's Island Bees
• Kelly's Café

Citizen of the Year
Recognizes an individual who, through his or her unselfish commitment to the community, embodies the best characteristics of community citizenship and serves as an example to all.
Previous Winners: 2022 Bob Hasch, 2023 Holly Stover, 2024 Alyssa Allen.

• Barbara Marr
• Julie Roberts
• Tancy Mitchell
• Bonnie Stover
• (5th nominee chose not to be voted on)

Most Notable Non-Profit
in recognition of a non-profit organization that demonstrates outstanding performance, superior dedication and positive attitude in supporting the region.
Previous Winners: 2022 Boothbay Region Land Trust, 2023 St. Andrews Aux Thrift Shop, 2024 Community Resource Council.

• Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
• Boothbay Railway Village Museum
• Boothbay Harbor YMCA
• Boothbay Sea & Science Center
• Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library

Rising Star in Business Award
This award recognizes an outstanding entrepreneur who is on the "rise". Nominees demonstrate a proven commitment to our community through their outstanding achievements, leadership, and community involvement.
Previous Winners: 2022 Nick & Kristin Page, 2023 Tyler Tibbetts, 2024 Tabor Young.

• Jie Chen
• Riley Mitchell
• Heidi Fuller
• Lisa Matthews
• Teddy Nelson

Rising Star in Community Excellence: Young Adult
This person demonstrates a proven commitment to our community through their outstanding achievements, leadership and community involvement. This individual also goes above and beyond to support the needs of local organizations and individuals.
Previous Winners: 2022 Florin Iuga, 2023 Jax Van der Veen, 2024 Grace Campbell.

• Andrew Hallinan
• Lincoln Hamblett
• Imij Armstead
• Logan Bourne
• Spencer Pottle

Rising Star in Community Excellence: Youth
This person demonstrates a proven commitment to our community through their outstanding achievements, leadership and community involvement. This individual also goes above and beyond to support the needs of local organizations and individuals.
Previous Winners: 2022 Suzie Edwards, 2023 Spencer Pottle, 2024 Hannah Hills & Nick Giles.

• Sarah Harris
• Addie Barter
• Sophia Mansfield
• Will Sledge
• Karen Higgins

Educator of the Year
Designed to encourage, reward, and publicly acknowledge sustained excellence in teaching. Recognizing 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—traits that lead to success after high school.
Previous Winners: 2022 Tricia Campbell, 2023 Kate McEvoy Rice, 2024 Lisa Clarke.

• Barbie Crocker
• Emily Higgins
• Sarah Jane Wade
• Elizabeth Tilton
• Sandy Wheeler

 
Celebrate With Us October 1st

This year’s celebration is getting a fresh new look! Instead of a sit-down dinner, guests will enjoy a lively cocktail reception at Bigelow Laboratory’s stunning new space, featuring multiple food stations, a cash bar, and plenty of time to mingle.

Dress the part in “Ocean-Themed” or “Fishermen’s Chic”—coastal elegance with a splash of sea-worthy style—or simply bring your own flair. Keep an eye out for dazzling Fishin’ for Fashion models making the rounds in their signature looks.

Awards will be presented throughout the evening, giving guests time to cheer, connect, and celebrate the honorees who make the Boothbay Region shine.

Tickets: Early Bird $65 extended through September 22; $75 beginning September 23rd. Available at the Chamber office, 192 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor. Cash and checks preferred, cards accepted. Call 207-633-2353 for details.

Mark your calendars for October 1st and join us in honoring the nominees who embody the heart, spirit, and excellence of the Boothbay Harbor Region.