PARIS – Former state Sen. Rick Bennett of Norway has been chosen by the Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce to receive this year’s Community Service Award.

The chamber also named Jean Strom of Norway, a longtime bookkeeper/receptionist for Austin Associates, as its 2004 Employee of the Year.

Chamber Executive Director John Williams, in announcing the awards on Tuesday, said the honors represent “the two most prestigious awards given in the community.”

Both honorees said they were thrilled to have been chosen.

Bennett was called “a champion in addressing the needs for the Oxford Hills area” by Oxford residents Caldwell and Diane Jackson, who supported his nomination.

Bennett served two terms as a state senator, during which he served as Senate president, and one term as a state representative. He is stepping down because of term limits, and the Jacksons said this year is an appropriate time to honor his contributions to the community.

During his time as a state senator, Bennett worked to bring such services to the area as the Maine Veterans Home and a Department of Human Services branch office.

His proudest accomplishment, Bennett said, is his role in helping to fund the new Western Maine University and College Center.

“That was the most important to me personally in having a lasting long-term effect. Education is critically important,” he said. Bennett, a consultant in corporate governance, said he plans to stay active in community affairs through his role as a member of the Board of Directors of the Growth Council of Oxford Hills.

The growth council’s chief executive officer, Brett Doney, lauded Bennett for “his vision, leadership and tenacity.” He added, “Behind the scene, there are countless instances in which Rick has gone the extra mile to help make positive things happen the Oxford Hills.”

Other supporting letters were submitted on Bennett’s behalf by Suzanne Grover of Grover Gundrilling, Ted Heidrich, a former state representative from Oxford, and Scott Knapp, president of Central Maine Community College.

Strom, a 20-year employee for Austin Associates’ Norway office, has worked as a bookkeeper, junior accountant and receptionist.

In her nominating letter to the chamber board, Patty Rice, senior accountant in the Norway office, praised Strom as a “dedicated, hard-working employee from the old school’ with outstanding work ethics and values.”

Stephen Austin, president of Austin Associates, said Strom “has been the backbone of our Norway office ever since she started working for us” and has “always been more than willing to help out in any way possible.”

Both award winners will be formerly recognized at the chamber’s annual dinner Jan. 27 at Hebron Academy.