York’s of Houlton — Business of the Year
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Karen Donato
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR — York’s of Houlton received the Business of the Year award at the annual Houlton Chamber of Commerce dinner meeting and gala held March 7.Accepting the award were from left: Jerry, Jamie, Gerard and Dick York with executive director, Lori Weston. By Karen Donato
Staff Writer
The Houlton Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual dinner meeting and awards night Saturday at the Houlton Lodge of Elks. The event began with a social hour, followed by dinner catered by Anne Callnan and Jane Torres, an awards program and an auction of donated items led by incoming Chamber President, Kent Good.
The Elks dining areas were transformed into an elegant atmosphere for the 150 guests. Round tables were covered in white linen tablecloths and folding chairs were also covered in white chair covers. Each table displayed unique flower arrangements and wide olive-green organza ribbon accented the tables and chairs. Colorful lighted paper lanterns were strung from the ceiling throughout the first floor. Tim Humphrey provided music for the social hour and Houlton High School seniors served as waiters and waitresses. Tips they received for the evening will support their Project Graduation.
Lori Weston, executive director of the Chamber led the evening giving highlights of each recipient of an award. The award recipients are selected by submissions from the 231 members of the Chamber.
The first award of the evening went to York’s of Houlton for Business of the Year. Gerard York purchased the former Ralph L. Berry Company in 1968. It was the county’s first Ford dealership and one of the oldest in the area. The company was renamed York Ford Sales.
York’s two sons Dick and Jerry joined the business in 1975. Then the York family moved the business to the North Road and built a new showroom and service area in 1979. Within 10 years of this move they added seven more franchises. They included, Lincoln, Mercury, Toyota, Buick, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile and Pontiac under the new name York’s of Houlton.
In 2004, Fresh Start Finance Company was formed as added feature to the automobile business. Then in 2005, Dick’s son Jamie joined the business, making it three generations.
Just last fall York’s of Houlton completed a major renovation/addition project that added 14,000 square feet of service area and office space. In addition they renovated 8,000 square feet for offices and showroom areas.
In 2008, York’s of Houlton was honored for outstanding sales and customer satisfaction by receiving the Toyota President’s Award.
There are nearly 50 individuals employed by York’s and many attended the award presentation at the Elks Saturday evening. The York family believes that their business is a team effort and without the dedication of their employees they would not be as successful as they are.
Leigh Cummings, Jr. was honored with the Community Spirit Award. Cummings recently retired after 22 years as Houlton’s Postmaster. He has been a Rotary member for 25 years, a past Rotary president and former town councilor. He has been a director of the Houlton Agricultural Fair for 25 years, where he and his wife, Sandy implemented the first “kids’ games”. Cummings has also organized Houlton’s 4th of July parade for decades.
He is often seen with his camera around town taking photos of local interest. These photos sometimes arrive in the mail as an unexpected gift. Since his retirement he has been busy with projects at Cary Library and pursuing other things of interest. Cummings and his wife are parents of three grown children, Leigh III, Kathleen and Matthew.
The Community Service Award went to the Houlton Lodge of Elks. Jon Bither, exalted ruler accepted the award for the members of the organization.
The Elks have been a part of the greater Houlton community since 1903 and have been in the same building on Main Street since 1907. It is one of the oldest Lodges in the state of Maine.
The members dedicate themselves to helping individuals and organizations in the Houlton area. They have hosted dinners and offered their facility for benefit suppers. They support several Elk’s programs, local sports, Project Graduation, the Cary Library, the Salvation Army, the Make a Wish Foundation, senior citizens groups and many school organizations. The door is always open for a needy cause.
Receiving the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award was Michael A. Clark. He is the third recipient of this coveted award. The prior honorees were Robert Anderson and Frank Dunn.
Clark has been a life-long resident of Houlton. His family previously owned Houlton Farms Dairy, where he was instrumental in expanding the business to Presque Isle and creating the ice cream portion of the company. He later opened the M.A. Clark’s Men’s Clothing store on Main Street.
Clark is past exalted ruler of the Elk’s Club, past president of the Houlton Rotary Club, as well as being a District Governor of Rotary International. Clark has been awarded two Paul Harris Fellows by the Rotary Club and district. He has served on several boards in the town and was named as Outstanding Citizen for the Year 1979 by former Governor John H. Reed.
Clark was instrumental in the preservation of the Boy and the Boot statue and started the Boy and the Boot pewter statue program to raise money for Houlton Regional Hospital. He helped lead the Rotary Club in building the community amphitheater and is an active member in McGill’s Community Band, He is also assisting with the new Houlton Community Arts Center project and most recently organized a small combo, The Music Men that provides entertainment for local functions. Clark is also active member of the Church of the Good Shepherd.
Houlton Pioneet Times Photo/Karen Donato
LIFETIME AWARD — Michael Clark was honored at the Houlton Chamber of Commerce awards dinner held at the Elk’s Lodge last Saturday evening. Clark, a businessman for many years in the Houlton area has devoted his life to the betterment of the community. Pictured with Clark is his wife, Debbie who works with him on many of his projects.
Clark is married to the former Debbie Sanborn and the father of five, Corris Clark-Pinette, Walter, Michael, Eric and David Clark.
Weston was thrilled with the evening overall.
“This event is the most important one of the year for me,” said Weston. “It is a time when the members of the Chamber and our guests are treated to a special night out. The transformation of the Elk’s Club, the decorations, the music and the fact that the members and guests are waited on, is a treat for everyone.”
“These business leaders have given a lot to our community,” she said. “They are selfless and everyone does their part to make Houlton a special place to live and work.”
Incoming 2009 Chamber officers besides Good are: Sam Henderson, vice-president; Ben Adams, second vice-president and Stacey Emery, treasurer.
Chamber directors are: Debbie Nisbett, Jane Torres, Karen Fitzpatrick, Barrett Potter, Wanda White-Ouellete, Andrew Putnam, Debbie Henderson and Chuck Ames. Paul Cleary is the town representative for the organization. 
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Karen Donato
COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARD — Leigh Cummings, Jr. pictured with his wife, Sandi received the Community Spirit Award at the annual Chamber of Commerce dinner meeting and gala held last Saturday evening. Cummings, a retired Houlton Postmaster, has been actively involved in the 4th of July activities for decades. He is often seen around town with his camera capturing Shiretown scenes.
