“Let’s Go Green Together” is the theme at the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce’s 52nd annual awards dinner on May 30 at Fisherman’s Wharf Inn from 5:30-9 p.m.

In an effort to recognize the several green initiatives across our region, this year the chamber is introducing a “Green” award. The chamber is thrilled to announce that for the second consecutive year, the Fisherman’s Wharf Inn, will host the event as presenting sponsors together with GridSolar and Ice Energy.

“It’s a great time to gather, to celebrate our community spirit and honor several local individuals, businesses and organizations for their outstanding contributions to our community,” Executive Director Catherine Wygant Fossett said.

The chamber is excited to announce the 2014 nominees for the business improvement, community improvement, community service and the new, “Green” award categories as follows:

Business Improvement: Biovation II, Hodgdon Yachts, and Two Salty Dogs Pet Outfitters

Community Improvement: Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, and Marketing Cents 4u

Community Service: Mr. Fleet Davies, Friends of Windjammer Days, and St. Andrew’s Auxiliary Thrift Shop

Green Award: Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, Flagship Inn & Suites and Tugboat Inn

The chamber is indebted to retiring board members, former staff and key volunteers who have chosen to donate their time and talents to benefit the chamber and our community. Please join us as we thank them for all their valuable efforts and dedication to our chamber.

This year, the chamber will include two keynote speakers: GridSolar president, Dr. Richard Silkman, and Heather Chandler, publisher of Green & Healthy Maine magazine. Both speakers will present on how we can take steps towards creating a sustainable, resilient local community through green initiatives.

Silkman, founding and co-managing partner of GridSolar is also a founding partner of Competitive Energy Services, a thriving energy services firm in Portland. He is a Ph.D. economist and a nationally recognized expert in the regulation of public utilities, the development of competitive energy markets and the development, licensing and operation of power plants, including hydroelectric generating stations. Silkman will present on Ice Energy’s “Ice Bear,” a thermal energy storage system that works to reduce daytime energy demand from air conditioning.

Chandler is a voice of innovation when it comes to environmental responsibility. She has more than 15 years of experience in marketing and promoting eco-friendly and socially responsible businesses. She founded The SunriseGuide in the summer of 2006 and the Green & Healthy Maine visitor’s guide in the summer of 2012. Chandler is passionate about helping Maine’s small sustainable businesses thrive and succeed and plans to educate our membership on how to incorporate sustainable and green practices into their respective business models. Green & Healthy Maine magazine is a signature sponsor for the event.

Don’t miss the fun. Tickets for the annual awards dinner are $25 for members and $30 for non-members. The elegant three course sit-down dinner will feature two entrée options. Reservations and meal responses are strongly recommended by May 28. Limited team tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis at $175 for a team of 8 guests. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities also are available at www.boothbayharbor.com or at the chamber office at 192 Townsend Avenue in Boothbay Harbor. So, invite everyone you know, the more the merrier, and join in the fun on Friday, May 30 at the Fisherman’s Wharf Inn from 5:30-9 p.m. For more information, please call the chamber at 207-633-2353 or email Cherie Scott at cherie@boothbayharbor.com.