Staff Writer
CARIBOU — Great communities often reflect the efforts of great people, and the Caribou Area Chamber of Commerce is gearing up to celebrate the people who make Caribou a great place to live. During the organization’s annual Recognition Dinner on Friday, April 1, Maine Winter Sports Center will be honored as Business of the Year.
Chamber board members chose Maine Winter Sports Center as Business of the Year for its extraordinary impact on Caribou and the surrounding communities, including the organization’s efforts surrounding the World Cup Biathlon events in Presque Isle and Fort Kent
“Maine Winter Sports was selected for everything that the organization has done not only for the events organized for the Caribou community, but for the surrounding areas as well. They are a great asset that needs to be celebrated,” explained Interim Chamber Director Jenny Coon.
Two nominations for Spirit of Caribou Awards were also selected by board members, one of which will be presented to volunteers on behalf of the Halfway Home Pet Rescue (HHPR).
According to Coon, HHPR was selected for the countless hours its volunteers dedicate toward helping abandoned strays and abused animals in addition to assistance the non-profit organization offers pet owners.
“You learn something when ever you go there; they promote pet ownership responsibility and they want to educate the community concerning taking care of animals and what it is that HHPR does,” Coon explained. She also mentioned that the shelter is also a strong advocate of the spay and neuter program.
Also receiving the Spirit of Caribou Award will be Cindy and Chris Johnson, owners of local business The Cubby.
“They’ve brought a business to our community that’s more than just a business — it’s a business with a giving heart,” Coon said. “They give their profits to charity and they’ve brought business back into that corner building which has been vacant for so long [at 40 Sweden Street].”
Coon encourages community members to come help celebrate these businesses and organizations during the April 1 dinner at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center. Keynote speakers attending the event include Philip Congdon, commissioner of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, and Andy Shepard, president of the Maine Winter Sports Center.
The event’s social hour begins at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7. Individuals interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP by Friday, March 25 by calling the Caribou Area Chamber of Commerce at 498-6156 Monday through Friday or by leaving a message after hours. Admission is $20 per person.
