Rangeley is on a roll.

Gov. Paul LePage awarded Moose Alley/Inner Eye and Rangeley Lakes Builders Supply two of the six 2015 Governor’s Awards for Business Excellence on Wednesday.

The awards, overseen by the Department of Economic and Community Development, recognize “businesses that are successful in a variety of ways and honor their outstanding commitment to their employees, their communities and to overall business excellence,” according to a news release.

They’ve been handed out for 25 years.

Moose Alley is a popular bowling alley and entertainment complex that in 2013 made Bowlers Journal International’s list of 100 places to bowl before you die. Inner Eye is a coffee shop, bakery and gift shop in the former Riddles Pharmacy. They’re both owned by Nancy Bessey. According to its Facebook page, bakery staff have a bowling team called the Eye Balls.

The news release applauded both businesses for “helping ensure that the Rangeley region and Maine’s western lakes and mountains continue to be sought after as one of the best recreational retreats in the nation.”

Rangeley Lakes Builders Supply was founded by Gary and Jackie Patnode in 1983 after the couple vacationed in the area and decided to stay. It employs 20 people.

According to the release, “A strong sense of community and caring is what attracted the Patnodes to Rangeley. Gary is extremely proud to say that in all their years of business, they have never laid anyone off. In 2006, the Patnodes’ daughter, Virginia, and her husband, Adam, moved home to join the family business, bringing the couple’s dream full circle. It is their sincere hope that the business will also pass to the third generation someday.”

Also honored were Horch Roofing in Warren, Lucas Tree Experts in Falmouth, Apothecary by Design in Portland and Plum Creek timber company.


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