Fifteen being considered for
2011 Entrepreneur of the Year award
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
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.
The field of candidates has grown, with 15 nominations being reviewed for Aroostook’s Entrepreneur — 2011 Award, giving recognition to creative and progressive business founders/owners/operators in northern Maine. Past winners include Troy Haney and Matt Bell.
“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,” said LEAD President Virginia Joles.
Joles said she was impressed with the caliber of candidates for this year’s honor.
“We have received 15 exceptional applications from throughout Aroostook County. A panel of judges will begin interviewing candidates and gathering additional information in order to select the finalist,” she said, noting each nominee is invited to display and highlight their business success story at NMCC’s Library, prior to the May 26 dinner.
Joles said each candidate is deserving of recognition.
“All of the nominees are excellent role models for others who might be looking to start or enhance their own businesses,” said Joles.
Community nominations for the 2011 Entrepreneur of the Year include: Richard Porter, Spudland Alpacas, in Blaine; David Hentosh, Hentosh Bronze Sculptures & Smoldering Lake Outfitters, of Bridgewater; Heidi Carter, Heidesign, and Jan and Joe Bouchard, Bouchard Family Farm — both of Fort Kent; Jessica Jewell and Scott Galbiati, Twenty 2 Vodka, in Houlton; Thom Cote, Carvings by Cote/The Artist Nook, in Limestone; Terry Kelly, T. Kelly Furniture, and Rhett Fox, Fox Family Potato Chips, both of 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, of Smyrna; Linda Howe and Kevin Quist, Heywood Kennel Sled Dog Adventure and Northern M.O.S.S. in Stockholm; Natalie 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. at NMCC, co-hosted by LEAD and Momentum Aroostook. The menu will consist of foods from around the world, with wine samples explained by Aramark Executive Chef Rob Ottaviano of NMCC.
Kari Wells-Puckett, vice chair of Momentum Aroostook, sees the award as a way to showcase the best and brightest from the County’s business community.
“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 businessmen 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. Momentum Aroostook is proud to be a part of this,” said Wells-Puckett.
A panel of seven judges, one representing each of the sponsors — LEAD, Momentum Aroostook and the supporting organizations of Husson University, NMCC, the Universities of Maine at Fort Kent and Presque Isle, and last year’s Entrepreneur of the Year, Troy Haney — 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, reply to Judy Dinsmore, jdinsmore@nmdc.org or call 498-8736. Make checks payable to Northern Maine Development Commission.
