Tidd’s Sports Shop feted as best in state

Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
BEST IN STATE — Tidd’s Sports Shop on the Calais Road in Hodgdon has been selected as the “Best Snowmobile Dealership in the State” for 2012 by the Maine Snowmobile Association. Showing off their award are, front row from left, Debbie Flewelling, Elwood Tidd and Marie Tidd; and back, Matthew Tidd, Rick Tidd and Kyle Hall.
By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
    HODGDON — For the first time in his nearly 40 years in business, Tidd’s Sports Shop has been chosen as the best snowmobile dealership in the state.
    Elwood and Marie Tidd, owners of Tidd’s Sports Shop, were among several individuals and groups honored by the Maine Snowmobile Association (MSA) at its 44th Annual Meeting and Banquet at the Pine Tree Camp in Rome on April 14.
    The Tidds received a plaque commemorating the award as “Best Snowmobile Dealership for 2012.” That plaque now hangs on the wall of the Calais Road establishment.
    “You never know who is going to get the award,” Elwood said. “It is something that is voted on by all the directors of the MSA. I thought it was great for the whole family.”
    Tidd’s Sports Shop is a Ski-doo dealership, and is known throughout the area for their active involvement in snowmobiling and dedication to outstanding customer service. Rick Tidd, the son of owners Elwood and Marie, is also a regional safety coordinator for the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and is a frequent speaker and club safety events.
    The President’s Award was presented to Sen. Susan Collins, for her leadership in promoting the traditional model of private ownership of and public access to Maine forests and her strong opposition to the creation of a national park in northern Maine. Collins was also recognized for her efforts to end federal subsidies for corn production for the manufacture of ethanol and her leadership in preventing the introduction of higher levels of ethanol as a gas additive that has proven to be destructive to small engines used throughout the state in agriculture, forestry and recreation.
    Other award winners were: Business of the Year, Martin’s Motel in Madawaska; Club of the Year, Orrington Trail Riders, Orrington; Groomer of the Year, Darrell Cote, Ebeemee Township; and Snowmobiler of the Year, Eileen Lafland, Dedham.
    The Maine Snowmobile Association represents 28,000 individual and 2,100 business members who belong to 288 snowmobile clubs statewide.
    “Without the MSA and local clubs, there would be no reason for dealers,” Tidd said.