Finalists named for Aroostook’s top entrepreneur

    PRESQUE ISLE — Representatives of Leaders Encouraging Aroostook Development (LEAD) and Momentum Aroostook are narrowing their final decision in their search for Aroostook County’s second annual most outstanding entrepreneur. In February, during National Entrepreneurship Week, the call for applications went out and opened a search for individuals who own, operate, or are involved in a partnership within Northern Maine and who inspire others with their vision, leadership, and achievement.     Nominations for Aroostook Entrepreneur – 2010 were accepted from across the County, resulting in the following seven candidates being consider for the title: Danny Collins, owner of Riverside Inn Restaurant, Presque Isle ; Scott Galbiati and Jessica Jewell, co-owners of Northern Maine Distilling Co. (dba Twenty 2 Micro Distilled Vodka) , Houlton; Terry Greenier, owner of I Care Pharmacy, Fort Fairfield; Troy Haney, owner of Haney Building Specialties, H&M, LLC, and Spud Speedway, Caribou; Joey Lapierre, owner of BLVD Graphix, Limestone; Floyd Rockholt, co-owner of Eagle Hill Stamp and Coin, Presque Isle; and Darick Williams, manager for Dow, Herbert and Plourde, Inc, Caribou.
    A panel of six judges will select the 2010 final winner, one representing each of the sponsors: Virginia Joles, Leaders Encouraging Aroostook Development; Erica Quinn-Easter, Momentum Aroostook, and the supporting organizations represented by Jennifer Flynn, Husson University; Pam Crawford, Northern Maine Community College; Roger Roy, University of Maine at Fort Kent; and Clare Exner, University of Maine at Presque Isle.
    The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with light hors’ devourers and the first wine tasting, allowing time for guests to visit with the nominated entrepreneurs at their individual display tables. Erica Quin-Easter, microenterprise coordinator for Women, Work, and Community in Aroostook County, will speak about essential ingredients for encouraging entrepreneurship and taking dreams to reality. The highlight of the event, the announcement of the judges’ selection for 2010 Aroostook Entrepreneur of the Year and the award of a check for $500 to the winner, will be made following a dinner featuring Aroostook County foods and accompanying wines.
    The public, along with family and friends of the nominees, is encouraged to attend this special evening beginning at 6 p.m., on Thursday, May 27, in the Library and Edmunds Conference Center at Northern Maine Community College. The cost of the dinner is $25 per person. Reservations may be made now through May 21 by contacting Judy Dinsmore at 498-8736 or jdinsmore@nmdc.org.