Chamber honors Gauvin
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
GAUVIN HONORED — Raynold “Ray” Gauvin was honored for a lifetime of accomplishments, including business and philanthropic, when he was named winner of the 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award during the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual event, held Feb. 24 at the Crow’s Nest. Pictured from left for the presentation are: Miles Williams, president, PIACC; and Gauvin.
PRESQUE ISLE — The recipient of the 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award, Raynold “Ray” Gauvin, has a long history of giving back to the community he calls home. His efforts haven’t gone unnoticed, garnering four nods for this year’s honor.
The presentation was made during the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual event, held at the Crow’s Nest on Feb. 24.
“It is unusual to have a person nominated by more than one person or a group, but Ray was nominated by Tim Crowley, Jason Parent, Richard Engels and Stephen Richard,” said Miles Williams, president, PIACC, who served as emcee for the evening and award presenter.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
STATE RECOGNITION — Rep. Mike Willette, (R-Presque Isle), was on hand for the PIACC annual event, held Feb. 24, to present a legislative sentiment to Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Ray Gauvin. Pictured for the presentation from left are: Willette and Gauvin.
Gauvin has worn many hats over the years, offering assistance and guidance to many along the way.
“Ray may be described as a businessman, philanthropist, life-long supporter of education and a community activist. The number of organizations Ray has supported with time and financially is too long to list but includes: Presque Isle Rotary Club, Northern Maine Community College Foundation Board, United Way of Aroostook, Central Aroostook ARC, Mitchell Institute Aroostook Advisory Board and Leaders Encouraging Aroostook Development,” said Williams.
Gauvin made the decision early in life to do what he could to improve the lives of others, beginning with education.
“Ray works tirelessly to assist students in accessing quality and affordable higher education. He determined at the age of 14 that he would give back to the community the support and mentorship that he had received. Over the years Ray, with the support of his wife Sandy, has fulfilled that promise and continues to give to many area organizations. He has served as president of the Gauvin Family Scholarship and continues to serve as president of the Lighthouse Foundation,” he said.
A Viet Nam vet, Gauvin received the Distinguished Service Award for serving his country. He’s also been recognized for his head for business.
“Ray was named one of the top 100 financial planners by Money Magazine. He retired as president of Advantage Payroll Services in 2009. Advantage Payroll Services was the first payroll company in Aroostook County to go statewide and to have multi-state licenses. It was the largest payroll processor in Aroostook County and the state,” said Williams, noting, “The Presque Isle office was recognized as the top service office in the Advantage Payroll System and was the first to have a certified payroll specialist.”
Following the presentation of a plaque noting Gauvin’s being named the 2010 Lifetime Achievement awardee, he took to the podium to express thanks.
“I was very surprised — actually silenced when I got the call. My wife looked at me and, after 39 years of marriage, couldn’t believe it. She’s never seen me speechless,” said Gauvin. “That’s something she probably won’t ever see again.”
Gauvin said he was humbled by the honor, noting much of the credit should go to his wife who’s supported his endeavors throughout the years.
“Presque Isle has always been a special place to me. Both my wife and I give back and will continue to give back,” said Gauvin.
