PETER G. THOMPSON LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
This award is named for community leader Peter G. Thompson. Like Peter, nominees in this category have been active leaders in the Kennebec Valley region for many years. These business/professional leaders have made a lasting impression on the business climate in our area.
2022 Winner - Charles (Wick) Johnson
Wick Johnson has dedicated his life to being a positive influence on the community in which he lives. In 1984 when Wick took ownership of Kennebec Tool & Die, now known as Kennebec Technologies, he had no idea he would spend the next 40 years contributing to the growth of the company and of his local community. Wick attributes his motivation to help his community to his parent's lessons, particularly those his father passed on. One of his father's aphorisms summarizes his outlook on life; "The intensity of events measures life." From growing American Chestnut trees to helping the community with his support of the KV YMCA, The Third Bridge, a new City Hall, a New Cony, and the overall revitalization of Augusta, he is proud of all the people who have come together over a shared commitment.
LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
The Large Business of the Year recipient is a KV Chamber member that has been in business for at least four years and has ten or more employees. It has demonstrated revenue growth and job creation throughout its history in the Kennebec Valley. This business is recognized for excellence in its industry through its innovation, unparalleled customer service, staff development, and marketing practices. Its impact on the Kennebec Valley is measured through its community involvement and economic impact.
2022 Winner - Smart Eye Care
Smart Eye Care is a medical optometry practice that provides routine medical eye examinations, glasses, soft and specialty contact lenses, and emergency eye care services. Smart Eye Care has four locations in Maine, a team of 56 staff members, and seven optometrists. More than just a medical optometry practice, Smart Eye Care is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of residents they treat with reliable, quality, and local eye care. Over the last thirty years, they have engaged with their community.
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
The Small Business of the Year recipient is a KV Chamber member that has been in business for at least four years and employs nine or fewer people. It has demonstrated revenue growth and job creation throughout its history in the Kennebec Valley. This business is recognized for excellence in its industry through its innovation, unparalleled customer service, staff development, and marketing practices. Its impact on the Kennebec Valley is measured through its community involvement and economic impact.
2022 Winner - KV Tooling Systems
KV Tooling started 20 years ago when Brian Beland set a goal to produce high-quality precision tools. That same personal goal of upholding a high-quality standard resulted in KV Tooling Systems growing from a single CNC tool grinding machine in Brian's home basement to a 4200 square foot facility in Augusta. The company now caters to a broader range of services with five employees while still prioritizing producing quality products and giving back to their local community.
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
To win in this category, you must be actively bettering the Kennebec Valley. They are recognized by their peers for their integrity and performance. Throughout their history, their track record of community leadership is evident.
2022 Winner - Dave Dostie
When Dave Dostie first picked up a camera ten years ago, he had no idea it would become a passion and lead to a second full-time career. Having lived in the Kennebec Valley Community for the past 42 years, nothing is more special to Dave than documenting the changes in time. Dave sees the beauty in the place we all call home and has taken it upon himself to contribute to the more significant growth of the Kennebec Valley. Over the years, he has captured beautiful spaces and places, but most importantly, he has captured people. People who have inspired him to be the best he can be, allowing him a deeper appreciation for cultural equity and equality.
SPECIAL SERVICE AWARD
To win in this category, you must be actively bettering the Kennebec Valley. They are recognized by their peers for their integrity and performance. The winner is an example of an above and beyond contribution to the broader community.
Winner - Kennebec Valley YMCA
The KV YMCA is a charitable organization that has served the Kennebec Valley region since 1914. As a community center, they have provided a space for health and wellness opportunities and social connections for people of all ages and backgrounds for 108 years. They incorporate their values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in all they do and through their services. The KV YMCA offers many programs such as group exercise classes, swim lessons, personal training, childcare for preschool and school-aged children, organized team sports, and specialty programs like Diabetes Prevention, Pediatric Referral program, and the LIVESTRONG cancer survivors' program.
The YMCA serves as an anchor institution, makes life better for residents, and has long-standing relationships and physical presence to deliver lasting personal and social change.
PRESIDENT'S CIRCLE AWARD
Nominees in this category are KV Chamber members that have been in business for at least two years. Their impact on the Kennebec Valley is evident through their revenue growth and job creation. They are leaders in their industry and maintain a good business image in our community.
2022 Winner - Elliott Office Products
Elliott Office Products is more than just a full-service print shop. They are a family-run small business that has contributed to the community since 1985, when Charles Elliott III founded the company. Back then, the company focused on selling business equipment: copiers, typewriters, and facsimile machines. EOP can measure the success of their small business when they see their products displayed on the field, on the court, or at the job site. In addition, they take great pride in knowing they received a new business or sports team because of another happy customer referral.
2022 Finalist - Gardiner Family Chiropractic
Founded in 1989 by Dr. Paul Pigeon and Dr. Kathleen Peters, Gardiner Family Chiropractic has been helping the community for the past 33 years. Gardiner Family Chiropractic offers a variety of healing services centered on one’s whole self. They are dedicated to their patients and offer chiropractic care, lifestyle advice, physiotherapy, low-level laser therapy, and many more treatments.
2022 Finalist - Mid Maine Generator
Mid Maine Generator is a locally owned and operated standby generator dealer that focuses on turnkey installations, sales, and services. In 2020, they were Kohler's Dealer of the Year and are currently the largest residential Kohler generator dealer in New England and 2nd largest in the country. Mid Maine Generator’s commitment to their customers coupled with their employee’s immense pride in their work truly makes them stand out in the community. Their drive to over-deliver in all areas of product, service, and customer relations is why they have seen such growth.
CYNERGY PROFESSIONAL AWARD
Nominees in this category are Kennebec Valley professionals between the ages of 21 and 40. For at least the past two years, they have shown exemplary leadership throughout our region. These individuals are recognized for their long-term commitment to the betterment of the Kennebec Valley.
2022 Finalist - Victoria Abbott
Victoria Abbott knew from an early age the importance of being an active community member. In her current position as the Executive Director of the Bread of Life Ministries, she is beyond humbled by the opportunity to make a difference in her community. When Victoria is not working, she is volunteering in her local community. She is the President of the Augusta Downtown Alliance, President of the Augusta Rotary Club, and she is an Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute Advisor.
2022 Finalist - Hillary Roberts
Hillary Roberts the Executive Director of the Kennebec Humane Society has always prioritized working for the betterment of the community. Under her care these past 13 years, she has led the charge to reduce animal intake from 4,000 animals a year to under 2,000. She accomplished this in part by creating spray and neuter programs and increasing the organization's operating budget by over $300,000 annually. Beyond her community work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children and diving into a good book.
2022 Winner - Johnny Swan
Johnny Swan is an Augusta native who graduated from Cony High School in 2013 before earning his bachelor’s degree from Thomas College. Since graduating Johnny has pursued real estate with Brookwood Realty and seen great success. Johnny is more than just a dedicated realtor. He was a director on the Kennebec Valley Board of Realtors from 2020 to 2022 and helped start the first-ever Young Professionals Network in the State of Maine. Johnny has also been an active member of the Kennebec Valley Chamber’s Cynergy Steering Committee since 2018.
Presented by Skowhegan Savings Bank
Headlining Sponsors
Entertainment Sponsor
Photo Booth Sponsor
Bar Sponsor
Care and Comfort Sponsor
Live Voting Sponsor
Platinum Sponsors
Cape Air, Cross Insurance, Everett J. Prescott Inc., G&E Roofing, Lajoie Brothers, Maine Evergreen Hotel, MaineGeneral Health, PERFORMANCE Foodservice
Reception Sponsors
Augusta Fuel Company, Boys & Girls of the Kennebec Valley, CGI, Day's Jewelers, DR Struck Landscape & Nursery, J.S. McCarthy Printers, Macomber Farr & Whitten, O&P Glass, Sprague & Curtis Real Estate, Summit Real Estate, The Collective, Union Office Interiors, Wipfli LLP
Bronze Sponsors
All Seasons Yard Care, C&C Realty Management, C.Caprara Food Service Equipment, Gardiner Federal Credit Union, Ledgehill Photography, Lipman Katz & Boston, Longfellow's Greenhouses, Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, Maritime Energy, Snow Pond Center for the Arts,