It was a night for celebrating a successful tourism season and celebrating achievements in the community. Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce held its annual members' dinner Oct. 15 at Boothbay Railway Village Museum and presented awards for outstanding community achievements. 

Prior to the banquet and awards ceremony, board president Julie Roberts updated the board about the past season. She reported local businesses recorded another strong season. "I'm so proud of what the chamber accomplished this year. We have an amazing staff and the chamber serves as an umbrella to our community in building a strong and vibrant region," Roberts said. 

In the past year, 28 new members joined the chamber and two sold-out promotional events highlighted the chamber's calendar, Roberts said. The Claw Down and Fishin' For Fashion both attracted returning and new visitors, according to Roberts. She added the chamber had many successful community connection events such as Business After Hours, First Friday Art Tour, Windjammers Days Street Parade and Boothbay Lights. 

But the night's main event was the awards ceremony. Eleven awards were presented, highlighted by Business of the Year and Citizen of the Year. Pinkham's Gourmet Market in Boothbay Harbor won for business of the year. The business is owned by Russ and Cathy Pinkham. 

Other nominees were Cap'n Fish's Cruises, Brady's, Nathan's Pharmacy and Linekin Bay Resort.

Alyssa Allen of Boothbay Harbor was named Citizen of the Year. Allen is a Boothbay Harbor selectman and a business development officer at The First. Other nominees were Dan Bryer, Larry Brown, Tancy Mitchell and Steve Lorrain.

Each of these award recipients is selected through a popular vote by the chamber's 262 members. Nominations are made and the chamber places the top five on the ballot.

The New Business Award went to Woodsong Market and Cafe in Boothbay Harbor. The market is owned by Nick and Emily Mirabile. Other nominees were Kelly's Cafe, Harbor Treats, Kamala's Boutique and Maine Kayak. 

Tabor Young won the Rising Star in Business Award. Young is chief executive officer of Cap'n Fish's Cruises. Other nominees were Shannon Schmelzer, Devyn Campbell, Jordan Caron and Johnny Hepburn.

The Community Resource Council won for Most Notable Non-Profit. Other nominees were Boothbay Sea & Science Center, Veggies to Table, Boothbay Region YMCA, and Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library.

Grace Campbell won for Rising Star in Community Excellence (young adult). Other nominees were Alexis Miller, Troy Plummer and Suzie Edwards. There was a tie for Rising Star in Community Excellence (youth) category. Hannah Hills and Nick Giles shared the honor. Other nominees included Cole Hyson, Sarah Harris, Olivia Carlson and Abbie Clark.

Former Southport principal Lisa Clarke received the Educator of the Year award. Other nominees included Shawna Kurr, Amanda Cotier Cushing, Mame Anthony and Leanne Burnham.

The chamber also presents three other awards for distinguished citizen services. These awards were selected by the chamber's executive board. Ralph Smith of Mine Oyster and Boathouse Bistro received the Charitable Giving Community Award. Bristol Marine received the Chamber Appreciation Award. And Neal Baldwin received the Boothbay Region High School Community Service Award.