The Damariscotta Region Chamber presents awards

The Damariscotta Area Chamber of Commerce presented awards and recognized its executive director, chamber members and outgoing board staff at its annual meeting at Sprague Point in Nobleboro on Thursday, September 16.

Damariscotta Region Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lisa Hagen presents a gift to outgoing Board Vice President Mark Doe, owner of the Louis Doe Home Center in Newcastle, at the annual meeting of the room at Sprague Point in Nobleboro on Thursday September 16. (Evan Houk photo)

John Roberts, chairman of the chamber’s board of directors, thanked Executive Director Lisa Hagen, who was promoted to the position last year, for her hard work and dedication.

“Lisa really keeps us together at the bedroom,” said Roberts. “I am convinced that the best decision the board has ever made during my tenure is to hire Lisa.

At the event’s annual board meeting, Roberts paid tribute to outgoing board vice chairman Mark Doe of the Louis Doe Home Center in Newcastle and board member Randal Manning, vice president of engineering and operations for Tidewater Telecom of Nobleboro, who was not in attendance.

“They have both served since 2015 and they have helped us in this role today. It has been an honor to work alongside them, ”said Roberts.

Members of the chamber board are permitted to serve two three-year terms before reaching the term limit.

Debbie Anderson of Bath Savings Bank, Karen-Ann Hagar of Central Lincoln County YMCA, Larry Sidelinger, President of Lincoln County Television, Angelina Waltz of Camden National Bank and Lorrie Winslow of Lincoln Home have all been confirmed as new board members administration. for the 2021-24 term.

Terri Herald has been re-appointed secretary to the board for a two-year term; Karen Ann-Hagar has been confirmed as the new Vice-President and Roberts has been reappointed President for the last year of his last term on the Board of Directors.

“Is there anyone who would like to take my place?” Anyone? ”Roberts joked.

The chamber continued a new feature of the awards ceremony that began last year by showing pre-recorded interviews with each of the winners.

Damariscotta Police Chief Jason Warlick made the crowd burst into laughter after taking the stage, so that he and Damariscotta Area Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman John Roberts were the “same size” after receiving the individual community service award at the chamber’s annual meeting. The meeting took place at Sprague Point in Nobleboro on Thursday, September 16. (Photo by Evan Houk)

Damariscotta Police Chief Jason Warlick received the Individual Community Service Award for his work in preventing substance use and with healthy Lincoln County, among others. Warlick said in his interview that he enjoyed receiving the award, but didn’t expect it.

“I’m not doing this for some reason other than it’s the right thing to do,” Warlick said.

The organization’s community service award was presented to LCTV and accepted by Sidelinger for the work of the COVID-19 update registration station and municipal government meetings in the county.

Sidelinger thanked the entire LCTV team for the revitalization of the public access station and used a sports analogy to explain the dynamics.

“I like to use the expression that Red Auerbach doesn’t win without Bill Russell and Bill Belichick doesn’t win without Tom Brady. And Larry certainly isn’t sitting here, accepting this award, without this fantastic team, ”Sidelinger said in his pre-recorded interview.

NC Hunt Lumber won the Business Enhancement Award for its active involvement in the community and it was accepted by Rob Hunt.

Hunt discussed the challenges the company faced after its sawmill fire in Jefferson in 2019 and had to be rebuilt, noting community support.

“It’s so important to be a good neighbor. You never know when you’re going to be the guy that’s down, ”Hunt said during his interview.

Jim Donovan, former president of LincolnHealth, received the CEO of the Year award. Donovan helped form LincolnHealth in 2013 after working to create the MaineHealth system as CEO of Brighton Medical Center in Portland.

Lincoln County Television President Larry Sidelinger accepts the organization’s community service award on behalf of the Public Access Station at the Damariscotta Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting at Sprague Point in Nobleboro on Thursday, September 16. (Photo by Evan Houk)

“I will speak on behalf of the entire community, that we are so grateful and blessed to have such a wonderful hospital, staff and leadership here in our community to help guide us through the pandemic,” said Roberts. .

At the end of the event, Roberts provided an update on the chamber’s plans to acquire, expand and relocate to the Damariscotta Area Information Office building, between Main and Vine streets in Damariscotta. The building would become the chamber’s first permanent home.

Roberts said the chamber would meet with the Maine Department of Transportation the next day to see the steps for the town of Damariscotta to take back ownership of the property so that Damariscotta’s chamber can become its steward.

“This is probably the most exciting project the chamber has undertaken,” said Roberts.

The Damariscotta Region Chamber of Commerce annual meeting will air on LCTV at 8 p.m. on Wednesday September 22 and Thursday September 23, and will then be available on demand.