Chamber announces 2017 award winners

6 years ago

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Presque Isle Elks, Kiwanis and Rotary clubs and the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce the award winners for 2017 who will be honored at the annual awards dinner in January.

Larry Park and Larry Clark will be recognized as Lifetime Achievement Award winners. The committee received many nominations and were unable to narrow the recipients to one. Both Park and Clark have made numerous and various contributions to the area.

Gina LeBlanc Egbert, nominated by the Presque Isle Rotary Club, will receive the 2017 Citizen of The Year Award. She served as Rotary president, and volunteers in a number of places in addition to her professional and family commitments.

The President’s Award goes to Karen Gonya. Gonya served on the CACC Board of Directors for two terms, continues to serve on the Public Relations Committee and gives of her time and talent continuously. Chamber Board President Shawn Lahey selected her to recognize her constant support of the organization and himself, personally,  during his terms on the board.

The chamber will recognize Smith’s Farm for the economic impact they have on the area, through their agricultural, technology and employee investment strategy.

Big Cheese Pizza will be recognized for their role as supporters of many nonprofit organizations, their willingness to provide their stores as fundraising locations, and support of volunteers.

Additional information on the nominees will be presented during the award presentations. The chamber’s annual dinner is slated for Jan. 25 at the Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center. Tickets are now available through the chamber. Please book your seats by Jan. 18.

Heath Bartley will provide musical entertainment. The event will feature a social hour, dinner, award presentations, mystery boxes and a live auction. Donations are being received from member businesses as well as some unusual donations that will create excitement through the year.

The community is welcome to join in to help honor the award recipients for all they do and have done to improve the lives of area residents.