“Having the opportunity to select those organizations or individuals I consider to be especially worthy of recognition each year is one of the greatest perks of the presidency of the Chamber,” stated Chip Morrison, Chamber president. This year, there will be two recipients of the President’s Award. “I only confer this award when I deem there is someone especially deserving,” Chip explained, “and I am excited by the winners selected this year.”

Northeast Charter & Tours, and owner Scott Riccio, have been selected both for all they do in support of the Chamber and the community, and also for the incredible growth the company has experienced in the past decade. The mission of Northeast Charter & Tour Inc. Co. is to provide customers with safe, reliable and affordable transportation with exceptional customer service and a commitment to protect the environment. In addition to its specialty tours throughout New England, the company will transport Mainers anywhere from Portland to Presque Isle. Customer service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. If it’s an unexpected trip or an important emergency, Northeast can provide you with “one less thing to worry about.”

The Library Cafe, and owners Daphne and Bill Berta, have been chosen for the second President’s Award. The cafe opened in December 2009 in the historic Carnegie library of Auburn. Since then, it has served library patrons, the business community and general public. They provide catering off-site and on-site in library meeting rooms. They have volunteered valuable support for a growing number of community events and organizations.

The Chamber’s New Member of the Year is Center Street Dental, in Auburn, offering cosmetic and family dentistry in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Center Street Dental serves the communities of Lewiston and Auburn and all of Androscoggin County. Dr. Rosemarie Sheline, Dr. James P. Dunn and the rest of the Center Street Dental staff strive to provide the most advanced and gentle dental care possible. They provide checkups, cleanings, implants, porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, digital X-rays, root canals, tooth-colored fillings, dentures, night guards, extractions, crowns, and bridges. They have demonstrated significant support for the Chamber and many other community organizations, including The Franco-American Heritage Center, Central Maine Community College and the Lewiston-Auburn Film Festival.

Pike Industries, with more than 35 locations throughout northern New England, is the 2012 recipient of the Poland Business Award. Founded in 1872, Pike Industries has developed through five generations of family leadership. After a small — but determined — beginning, the company has evolved into one of the largest asphalt and aggregate materials producers in New England. The company is committed to the values of “quality, customer satisfaction, innovation, safety, environmental stewardship, integrity and community.” They deployed a new, state-of-the-art asphalt plant which allows the company to produce warm, mixed asphalt that is easier to use by paving crews and saves fuel in the process, and they continue to research better products, techniques and training methods.

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