Milt Simon, Auburn Community Band director

“Unlike most of the other aspects of his life, where he always has a leadership role, here (in the band) Chip is more rank-and-file. He calls being in the band ‘therapy.'”

“He plays third trombone, and he assures me he practices. But he’s so busy, I have my suspicions. When he misses a practice because he’s traveling, he calls to tell me he has his mouthpiece. He buzzes while he’s driving.”

Kathie Leonard, CEO of Auburn Manufacturing and board chair of the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council

“I’m amazed at Chip’s charisma. He’s a very special person capable of bringing people together and remaining Chip throughout that process. He’s done so many different things – I’ve known him since he was the labor commissioner – and is capable as a leader in so many areas, and he’s brought that all to bear as head of the chamber.

“It’s easy to underestimate a guy like that. He’s so affable, so easy to be around. You might think he’s just a hale and hearty, back-slapping kind of guy . . . but there’s a lot more to him than that. It’s part of why I respect him so much.”

Jan Barrett, owner of the Ware Street Inn in Lewiston, and past chair of the chamber board

“He sees the negative, and just doesn’t give it the weight others do.”

“I remember when the Hilton first opened, my numbers fell – nose-dived, really – and I was beside myself. He had me over and just let me talk. Then he turned it around for me, showed me a new perspective … that the novelty (of the new hotel) wouldn’t last and my customers would return.

“He was right. He’s so supportive. I can’t say enough about him.”

David Clough, executive director of the Maine chapter of the National Federation of Independent Businesses

“He’s a dedicated and earnest person. The chamber benefits from someone like Chip because of his background in government service at the state and local levels. His background enables him to understand issues from more than just a business perspective and increases his sensitivity to why some people are asking for something. He understands politics, and an issue’s effect on municipalities and their tax base.”

Dana Connors, president Maine State Chamber of Commerce

“The fundamental role of a chamber is to be a cheerleader for what’s good. Chip does that as well as it can be done.”

“He believes deeply in what he does … he brings his soul and passion to the job. It’s infectious, and that’s what a chamber needs more than anything else, because that energy transfers to the volunteers and everyone else. It’s magical.”