Chamber dinner honorees committed to serving others

16 years ago
By Kathy McCarty  
Staff Writer

    PRESQUE ISLE — The Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner is fast approaching but there’s still time to purchase tickets, according to event organizers.     “The dinner will take place on Thursday, Feb. 26, at the Northern Maine Community College gymnasium. Come join business acquaintances, neighbors and friends for what is shaping up to be another terrific celebration,” said Theresa Fowler, executive director of the PIACC.
    Fowler said NMCC will host this year’s event, with their gym being transformed into a 1940s USO hall.
    “The evening’s social will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m.,” she said.
    The city’s Sesquicentennial this year inspired this year’s theme. The Community Players will provide entertainment.
    “As part of the Sesquicentennial celebrations that took place in Aroostook in 2008 and those taking place in 2009, including Presque Isle’s, the PIACC thought it would be appropriate to relive a bit of the life that was, when the site of NMCC was part of an active military air base. The former air base is now the site of many businesses that contribute a great deal to the economy of the area,” said Fowler.
    As in past years, several individuals and businesses will be honored at the Chamber dinner.
    “We will be recognizing many contributions to the Presque Isle area with the presentation of Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year and Lifetime Achievement awards. Once again, the Selection Committee was challenged by the many deserving nominees,” Fowler.
    This year’s Citizen of the Year Award, recognizing contributions to the area in 2008, will be awarded to Steven Farnham.
    “Steve has made elder issues known throughout the state and across the nation, advocating relentlessly for seniors. In addition, Steve has been involved in Boy Scouts since his childhood. He is involved with Northern Maine Economic Development, Maine Winter Sports Center and the American Red Cross,” said Fowler. “Steve believes that the welfare of individuals can be positively impacted by the actions of one person.”
    Cafe Sorpreso has been selected as this years Business of the Year.
    “The four owners of this restaurant — Judy Boudman, Jan Lucas and their spouses, Clif Boudman and Roger Lucas — have brought a new dining experience to the area, use local produce whenever possible and have encouraged the production of new crops. Cafe Sorpreso has certainly added to the quality of life in the area,” Fowler said.
    The Lifetime Achievement Award winners have dedicated their lives to helping others during the most difficult times of all, the loss of a loved one.
    “The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Richard “Dick” and Maxine Duncan. This year’s very deserving recipients, Dick and Maxine, have gone above and beyond what would be considered a normal degree of generosity and service to the community. They have contributed to many aspects of Aroostook County life and touched numerous lives with their continuous generosity and service,” said Fowler.
    Two local individuals will be receiving the Economic Development Award this year for their investments and dedication to improving the community.
    “The Economic Development Award will be presented to Tony Burgess and Glenn Capps for their investment in Presque Isle and their benevolence. Tony and Glenn have invested in a number of properties in Presque Isle and have done renovations to improve their appearance and function,” Fowler said.
    In addition, contributions to the PIACC will also be recognized.
    Tickets can be purchased at the PIACC office, located on the Houlton Rd., Tuesday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information or to reserve a seat, call the Chamber at 764-6561.
    Fowler said it’s never too early to nominate a business or individual for a future dinner.
    “We’re already formulating ideas for next year’s dinner and would love to start collecting names of nominees for 2010. If someone has made a difference in your life, tell us about them. Whether it’s a business’s good service or an individual’s ability to be there for others in whatever capacity, we want to know about them. Perhaps they’ll be the ones selected for one of these awards next year,” said Fowler.