The Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce the winners of this year’s Community Awards which will be presented at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner on Thursday, June 9, 2016, at 5:30 p.m. at the Carousel Music Theater located at 196 Townsend Avenue in Boothbay Harbor.

This year’s Business Improvement Award will be presented to Don and Liana Kingsbury of 2 Salty Dogs Pet Outfitters. 2 Salty Dogs has been voted “Best Pet Store in Maine” for the years 2013, 2014 and 2015 by DownEast Dog News’ readers. In addition, their monthly newsletter “The Salty Paws” provides a wonderful pet-centric slant on life on the coast of Maine. Their website, www.twosaltydogs.net, does a wonderful job of listing pet-friendly business and resources for visitors to the Region and you can stop any time and pick up your free bumper sticker (they have other free swag, too!). They are currently in the process of refurbishing the house at 36 McKown Street, which will feature rental units as well as retail space on the first floor, all of which will be a fantastic addition to our downtown area.

The Community Service Award is going to the Boothbay Harbor Police Department for the fine work they do, year in and year out, protecting and serving the people of our region. This past year has been especially trying for small police departments all over Maine but Chief Bob Hasch and his staff have done an incredible job of stretching their resources and manpower.

Boothbay Region Health and Wellness Foundation’s Meadow Mall Community Center is receiving this year’s Community Improvement Award, and anyone who has walked through its doors into its homey interior can understand why. Beginning only a year ago, spurred on by the efforts of Jane Good, Margaret Perritt and Shawn Lewin, among others, the Center in the old Gardner Savings space in the Mall has transformed itself from an empty suite of rooms into a beehive of activity for our Region’s citizens. All are welcome! From games, arts and crafts and genealogy groups to classes in Tai chi, meditation, mental well-being and Lyme disease awareness, members can find a multitude of things to keep them healthy and productive. And, though its lucky benefactors are “members,” in the truest sense of the word, the Community Center charges no fees and no dues!

The Customer Service Award this year is being presented to Harbor-Tech Solutions where Russell Brackett, Leisha MacDougall, Tom Dewey and the rest of the fine staff truly are exemplars of what customer service should be. Beginning in 1984 as the Video Loft, they expanded over the years into photo processing, wireless phone technology as a U.S. Cellular store, a full-service Radio Shack outlet and now stock home and office products in addition to the other fine products and services they are known for. Care for the community is at the core of their business philosophy, and it shows in everything they do.

Last, but not least, this year’s Environmental Leader Award is going to Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences. In addition to the far-reaching work they do in marine biology, much of which has direct implications in the preservation and continued viability of ocean eco-systems, they have shown a continued commitment to treading as gently upon the land as they would have us do on the sea. This commitment continues as they undertake the construction of their new residence hall. The new building will feature a partial green roof that will help absorb rainwater and provide insulation. A mixture of glass, natural wood, aluminum, and preformed concrete construction materials will promote longevity and easy maintenance, while allowing the building to blend into the wooded acreage of the waterfront site. A 75 kW array of photovoltaic cells will provide energy to meet all electric needs, including heating and ventilation. Windows, doors, and insulation will all be energy efficient and provide maximum R-value rating.

The recipients of this year’s 54th Annual Community Awards were nominated by the Chamber board and voted upon by Chamber members, and we are proud to honor them not just as fellow Chamber members, but as valued members of our larger community. As an homage to current and former Chamber members, past and present, we will be displaying a slide show running throughout the event, featuring pictures taken at Annual Dinners dating back decades. Boothbay Register Editor Kevin Burnham has culled through the Register's photo archives to take us on a fascinating trip down memory lane.

The evening will also feature a delicious barbecue buffet; songs by the cast of the Carousel Music Theater; BRCTV’s new regional promotional video; a cash bar; dessert by Starlight Custom Cakes; and, a silent auction. Every year the Chamber honors members of the community that have made a significant business contribution to the Region. Join the Chamber as it goes back in time to honor and celebrate the business leaders and community members who have made our region such an exceptional place to live and work.

Everyone is welcome and invited to attend, however, seating is limited and tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are available online through Eventbrite.com, or stop by the Chamber at 192 Townsend Avenue between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Special thanks to the sponsors who have signed on so far: Paul’s Steak House, Carousel Music Theater, Starlight Custom Cakes, and Perry, Fitts, Boulette & Fitton CPAs.

We still have sponsorships available, for more information, contact Patricia Royall at the Chamber, 633-2353, or via email at: patricia@boothbayharbor.com