“There are lots of reasons I look forward to our annual meeting ever year,” said Chamber President Chip Morrison, “but one of the most important is that the meeting gives us the opportunity to recognize individuals and businesses that help make our community what it is; that give us our unique character and quality of place.”

The roster of those recognized this year includes two recipients of the President’s Award. Jim Day and Nick Glicos have been widely credited with having saved Martindale Country Club. When they assumed ownership following the 2009 season, the unique 90-year-old community institution was on the brink of demise, faced with possible closure. The pair invested the club with new energy and excitement, along with hard work and financing, and the result has been the preservation of one of our most distinctive assets.

Two decades ago, by some assessments, it was not possible to get a decent loaf of bread in the twin cities. That has certainly changed, and in no small part thanks to the efforts of Dara Reimers, the indefatigable proprietor of the Bread Shack. The creator of award-winning artisan breads and spectacular pastries, Reimers created one of the decade’s most successful new businesses, amazed people with her energy and industriousness, and provided some of the area’s most coveted prizes and fund-raising items.

Among the most prestigious Chamber awards are two named for two stalwarts of the local business community. The Ray Geiger Award, recognizes a Chamber member who has made a “significant contribution in support of the Chamber’s mission,” and is conferred this year on Peter Murphy, of NeoKraft Signs, a member of the Chamber’s board since 2003, a major supporter of the “It’s Happening Here” campaign, past board chair and someone who answers calls to help the Chamber by quietly saying, “Yes, I’ll do it.”

The Ken Additon Small Business Advocate Award will be presented to the Maine Centers for Women, Work and Community, the only statewide comprehensive women’s economic development organization in Maine. The organization has grown from one site to 18 sites serving all 16 Maine counties. Their work in the Lewiston-Auburn area is centered at Lewiston Auburn College and many of their graduates are in businesses in the area.

The Business Leadership Award is presented jointly to the WalMart Distribution Center and to Cassiel’s Salon and Spa, one of the area’s most unique businesses. The WalMart facility was the largest earth-moving project in Maine since the creation of the turnpike, and now employs more than 600 local people and contributes more than $25-million to the local economy.

Cassiel’s was founded by Diane Dubois in 1992 and has grown into a full service, 5,000 square-foot facility with a staff of 18. Diane attributes much of her success to her staff. “I love that we have a team of providers who are as passionate about their craft and their clients as I am,” she said. Giving to the community is another essential part of her business model. The company currently donates 8% of their net income, and the goal is to achieve contributions totaling between 10 – 12%.