The 2009 Annual Dinner was held at Black Mountain of Maine in Rumford with 120 Chamber Member guests attending. The night began with a catered meal by the Black Mountain kitchen staff, dessert was a cake donated by Marlene Bryant of Cakes by Marlene in Dixfield and guest speaker was Robert Schriver of the Western Maine Chapter of Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

The Business of the Year award was presented to Brian’s Bistro by Brad Adley, who nominated them for the award. Brad arranged a surprise “roasting” by Sheriff Wayne Gallant to Bistro Owner, Jessica Nichols.

The Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Debbie Dorr of Franklin Savings Bank by Jennifer McPherson, co-worker/1st Vice President of the River Valley Chamber. Debbie has been fighting a battle with cancer over the last few months and was able to come out and enjoy the evening.

The Customer Service of the Year award was presented to Western Maine Insurance by Jessica Nichols, who nominated them for the award. There’s never a dull moment when Jessica’s around, so I’m sure you can imagine that presentation.

The Non Profit of the Year was presented to River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition by Chamber President Cheryl Dickson of Erik Designs. Cheryl recognized them for their outstanding contributions to the River Valley.