15 nominees considered for Aroostook’s Entrepreneur of the Year

    Leaders Encouraging Aroostook Development (LEAD) and Momentum Aroostook are finalizing plans for this year’s Entrepreneur of the Year awards ceremony to be held at Edmunds Conference Center, Northern Maine Community College, on Thursday, May 26.
    Fifteen nominations are being reviewed for Aroostook’s Entrepreneur – 2011 Award, giving recognition to creative and progressive business founders/owners/operators in northern Maine.
    According to LEAD President Virginia Joles, “The annual entrepreneur recognition program is a powerful tool to increase awareness among the northern Maine business community and is a wonderful opportunity to promote creativity, innovation, and business excellence in our region. We have received 15 exceptional applications from throughout Aroostook County; and, a panel of judges will begin interviewing candidates and gathering additional information in order to select the finalist. Each nominee is invited to display and highlight their business success story at NMCC’s Library, prior to the May 26 dinner. All of the nominees are excellent role models for others who might be looking to start or enhance their own businesses.”
    Community nominations for the 2011 Entrepreneur of the Year include: Richard Porter, Spudland Alpacas in Blaine; David Hentosh, Hentosh Bronze Sculptures and Smoldering Lake Outfitters in Bridgewater; Heidi Carter, Heidesign; and Jan and Joe Bouchard, Bouchard Family Farm, both of Fort Kent; Jessica Jewel and Scott Galibaniti, Twenty 2 Vodka in Houlton; Thom Cote, Carvings by Cote/The Artists Nook in Limestone; Terry Kelly, T.Kelly Furniture and Rhett Fox, Fox Family Potato Chips, both in Mapleton; Allison Gehring Wheeler, All Star Gymnastics in Mars Hill; Steve and Judy Sherman, Oxbow Wreath in Oxbow; Sandy Gibson and Patrick Patterson, Meet The County in Presque Isle; Kristi and Kevin Brannen, Spring Break Maple and Honey in Smyrna; Linda Howe and Kevin Quist, Heywood Kennel Sled Dog Adventure and Northern M.O.S.S. in Stockholm; Natalia Bragg, Knott II Bragg Farms in Wade; and Dan Bell, The Cribbage Board Factory in Westfield.
    The Aroostook’s Entrepreneur – 2011 Award will be given to a business leader who demonstrates excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their business and community. All nominees will be recognized and the winner will receive a plaque and a check for $500 at a special wine tasting and dinner event beginning at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 26, co-hosted by LEAD and Momentum Aroostook.
    The evening’s menu will consist of foods from around the world, with wine samples explained by ARAMARK Executive Chef Rob Ottaviano of Northern Maine Community College.
    “Momentum Aroostook is so pleased to be partnering again with LEAD and collaborating with the area’s higher education institutions on this effort to recognize local business men and women and showcase the creative and exciting ventures they have undertaken in our region. Recognition like this helps encourage the growth and success area companies have achieved, keep talent in our region and provide business owners with a sense of personal satisfaction and Momentum Aroostook is proud to be a part of this,” said Kari Wells-Puckett, vice chair of Momentum Aroostook.
    A panel of seven judges, one representing each of the sponsors, LEAD and Momentum Aroostook, and the supporting organizations, Husson University, NMCC, the University of Maine at Fort Kent and Presque Isle, will select the 2011 honoree. The other honorees will also be recognized that evening.
    Entrepreneurship is still the driving force of the U.S. economy. During the past 15 years, businesses less than five years old have accounted for about 70 percent of the net job creation in the United States. However, while America presently maintains the edge as an entrepreneurial society, there are clear signs of massive economic competition, challenge and change, said Joles.
    For reservations at $30 per person or $50 per couple, please reply to Judy Dinsmore, jdinsmore@nmdc.org, 207-498-8736. Make checks payable to Northern Maine Development Commission.