The 2022 Kenney Award
Winners and Finalists
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In honor of our 2022 Kenney Award winners and finalists, the KV Chamber would like to take a moment to acknowledge each winner and finalist for their contributions to the Kennebec Valley Chamber and the community.
With our wonderful award show just around the corner, we could not be more excited to celebrate each one of our winners and finalists.
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Wick Johnson - Peter G. Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award |
Wick Johnson has dedicated his life to being a positive influence on the community in which he lives. In 1984 when Wick took ownership of Kennebec Tool & Die, now known as Kennebec Technologies, he had no idea he would spend the next 40 years contributing to the growth of the company and of his local community. Wick attributes his motivation to help his community to his parent's lessons, particularly those his father passed on. One of his father's aphorisms summarizes his outlook on life; "The intensity of events measures life." From growing American Chestnut trees to helping the community with his support of the KV YMCA, The Third Bridge, a new City Hall, a New Cony, and the overall revitalization of Augusta, he is proud of all the people who have come together over a shared commitment. |
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Smart Eye Care - Large Business of the Year Award |
Smart Eye Care is a medical optometry practice that provides routine medical eye examinations, glasses, soft and specialty contact lenses, and emergency eye care services. Smart Eye Care has four locations in Maine, a team of 56 staff members, and seven optometrists. More than just a medical optometry practice, Smart Eye Care is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of residents they treat with reliable, quality, and local eye care. Over the last thirty years, they have engaged with their community.
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KV Tooling Systems - Small Business of the Year Award |
KV Tooling started 20 years ago when Brian Beland set a goal to produce high-quality precision tools. That same personal goal of upholding a high-quality standard resulted in KV Tooling Systems growing from a single CNC tool grinding machine in Brian's home basement to a 4200-square-foot facility in Augusta. The company now caters to a broader range of services with five employees while still prioritizing producing quality products and giving back to their local community. |
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Dave Dostie - Community Service Award |
When Dave Dostie first picked up a camera ten years ago, he had no idea it would become a passion and lead to a second full-time career. Having lived in the Kennebec Valley Community for the past 42 years, nothing is more special to Dave than documenting the changes in time. Dave sees the beauty in the place we all call home and has taken it upon himself to contribute to the more significant growth of the Kennebec Valley. Over the years, he has captured beautiful spaces and places, but most importantly, he has captured people. People who have inspired him to be the best he can be, allowing him a deeper appreciation for cultural equity and equality. |
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Kennebec Valley YMCA - Special Service Award |
The KV YMCA is a charitable organization that has served the Kennebec Valley region since 1914. As a community center, they have provided a space for health and wellness opportunities and social connections for people of all ages and backgrounds for 108 years. They incorporate their values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in all they do and through their services. The KV YMCA offers many programs such as group exercise classes, swim lessons, personal training, childcare for preschool and school-aged children, organized team sports, and specialty programs like Diabetes Prevention, Pediatric Referral program, and the LIVESTRONG cancer survivors' program.
The YMCA serves as an anchor institution, makes life better for residents, and has long-standing relationships and physical presence to deliver lasting personal and social change.
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Cynergy Professional Award Finalists |
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Victoria Abbott knew from an early age the importance of being an active community member. In her current position as the Executive Director of the Bread of Life Ministries, she is beyond humbled by the opportunity to make a difference in her community. When Victoria is not working, she is volunteering in her local community. She is the President of the Augusta Downtown Alliance, President of the Augusta Rotary Club, and she is an Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute Advisor. |
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Hillary Roberts is the Executive Director of the Kennebec Humane Society. She has always prioritized working for the betterment of the community and under her care these past 13 years, she has led the charge to reduce animal intake from 4,000 animals a year to under 2,000. She accomplished this in part by creating spray and neuter programs and increasing the organization's operating budget by over $300,000 annually. Beyond her community work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children and diving into a good book. |
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Johnny Swan is an Augusta native who graduated from Cony High School in 2013 before earning his bachelor’s degree from Thomas College. Since graduating, Johnny has pursued real estate with Brookwood Realty and seen great success. Johnny is more than just a dedicated realtor. He was a director on the Kennebec Valley Board of Realtors from 2020 to 2022 and helped start the first-ever Young Professionals Network in the State of Maine. Johnny has also been an active member of the Kennebec Valley Chamber’s Cynergy Steering Committee since 2018. |
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President's Circle Award Finalists |
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Elliott Office Products is more than just a full-service print shop. They are a family-run small business that has contributed to the community since 1985, when Charles Elliott III founded the company. Back then, the company focused on selling business equipment: copiers, typewriters, and facsimile machines. EOP can measure the success of their small business when they see their products displayed on the field, on the court, or at the job site. In addition, they take great pride in knowing they received a new business or sports team because of another happy customer referral. |
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Gardiner Family Chiropractic |
Founded in 1989 by Dr. Paul Pigeon and Dr. Kathleen Peters, Gardiner Family Chiropractic has been helping the community for the past 33 years. Gardiner Family Chiropractic offers a variety of healing services centered on one’s whole self. They are dedicated to their patients and offer chiropractic care, lifestyle advice, physiotherapy, low-level laser therapy, and many more treatments. |
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Mid Maine Generator is a locally owned and operated standby generator dealer that focuses on turnkey installations, sales, and services. In 2020, they were Kohler's Dealer of the Year and are currently the largest residential Kohler generator dealer in New England and 2nd largest in the country. Mid Maine Generator’s commitment to their customers coupled with their employee’s immense pride in their work truly makes them stand out in the community. Their drive to over-deliver in all areas of product, service, and customer relations is why they have seen such growth. |
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July 13th, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Augusta Civic Center
$20 for Members & $30 for Non-Members
Lunch Provided
Join the Chamber, Christa Johnson, and Lisa Hallee for
Empowering Women to Live Their Best Lives with Positive Intelligence
Join the Kennebec Valley Chamber for a discussion-based presentation on July 13th from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm at the Augusta Civic Center. Like all our Women's Network Luncheons, this event is a great way to connect with a community of diverse women from various backgrounds.
July's luncheon is set up in a discussion format with our speaker Christa Johnson weaving a tale of her recent encounter with understanding and finding her female power. Christa's story will evolve over the presentation to connect with her mentor and coach, Lisa Hallee. If you have any questions you would like answered, please submit them before the event by emailing IRA@kennebecvalleychamber.com.
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Thank you to our Women's Network Sponsors! |
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Thank you to our Women's Network Room Sponsor! |
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Bangor Savings Bank
July 27th, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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Bangor Savings Bank is excited to host this month's Business After Hours on Wednesday, July 27th, from 5:00-7:00 pm. Bangor Savings Bank is located at 5 Senator Way Building 1 in Augusta. Remember that every Business After Hours is an incredible opportunity to network with the business community. You also have a chance to win door prizes and participate in the 50/50 raffle.
We can't wait to see you there!
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Thank you to our Business After Hours Sponsors! |
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Brewfest Tickets Now on Sale |
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KENNEBEC RIVER BREWFEST
August 6th, 12 pm-5 pm
The Kennebec River Brewfest will feature a variety of local breweries, wineries, distilleries, and meaderies that will take your taste buds on a tour of the great state of Maine and quench your thirst for delicious craft beer and spirits. Along with a day of drinking, you'll have the chance to listen to a variety of local bands and try a variety of food trucks.
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12:00-12:45: The Tourmalines
1:00-1:45: Rob Burnell
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2:00-3:15: Ellis Falls
3:30-5:00: Country Roads
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Standard Ticket Price $40.00 (July 1 - August 5)
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Unlimited 4oz beer tastings and 1/2 oz spirit tastings from 12 pm-5 pm
- Souvenir Tasting glass
- Live music
At-Door Price $55.00
- Unlimited 4oz beer tastings and 1/2 oz spirit tastings from 12 pm-5 pm
- Souvenir Tasting glass
- Live music
Designated Driver $5
- Access to the Brewfest
- Complimentary water
- Live Music
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*Must be 21 years of age or older. |
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Thank you to Our Brewfest Sponsors! |
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TENT SPONSOR
Markham Tent Rental
DISTILLERY SPONSOR
Fairway Mortgage Corporation
BEER SPONSORS
A Partner In Technology, Augusta Fuel Company, Day's Jewelers,
Wipfli LLP
SWAG SPONSORS
Central Maine RV Rescue, cPort Credit Union, Pine State Beverage, Sprague & Curtis Real Estate, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Augusta
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Thank you to our 2022 Kenney Award Sponsors! |
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Cape Air | Cross Insurance | G&E Roofing | Lajoie Brothers | MaineGeneral Health | PERFORMANCE Foodservice |
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- Augusta Fuel Company
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Kennebec Valley
- CGI
- Day's Jewelers
- D.R. Struck Landscape & Nursery
- J.S. McCarthy Printers
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- Macomber, Farr & Whitten
- Oakes & Parkhurst Glass
- Sprague & Curtis Real Estate
- Summit Real Estate
- The Collective
- Union Office Interiors
- Wipfli LLP
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All Seasons Yard Care | C&C Realty Management | C. Caprara Food Service Equipment | Gardiner Federal Credit Union | Ledgehill Photography | Lipman Katz & Boston | Longfellow's Greenhouses | Maine Department of Economic and Community Development | Maritime Energy | Snow Pond Center for the Arts | The Mendall Financial Group LLC
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Be a part of the oldest leadership program in Maine!
The goal of KLI is to assure a continuing flow of able, committed, and resourceful leaders to serve our communities. KLI draws prospective leaders from a broad cross-section of businesses, organizations, and the community. Its purpose is to inspire these promising individuals to work more effectively within their spheres of influence while expanding their civic and community participation.
Apply Now and join the 2022 Class of future leaders!
To apply complete the online application by clicking the button below.
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Thank you to the Kennebec Leadership Sponsor! |
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Monday, September 12, 2022
The Meadows Golf Club
10:00 AM SHOTGUN START
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Registration @ $130 per golfer/$520 per foursome
Register as an individual or as a team. Registration includes the following:
- Complimentary tournament gifts
- Greens fees and cart
- Outstanding men's AND ladies' division prizes
- Hole-in-one & closest-to-the-pin prizes
- Longest drive prizes
- Lunch is provided on the turn
Please contact the Chamber for sponsorship opportunities!
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Thank you to the Kennebec Leadership Golf Sponsors! |
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Augusta Natural Gas | Day's Jewelers | Gosline Insurance | The Collective |
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Connected Credit Union | Cross Insurance | D.R. Struck Landscape & Nursery | Fairway Mortgage Corporation | PERFORMANCE Foodservice | Vickerson Appraisal |
Woodlands Senior Living
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Augusta Civic Center|Sprague & Curtis Real Estate |
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1st Choice Storage LLC
Trisha Watson, (207) 213-4726
Chelsea
Grey Goose Gourmet
Sandra Dwight-Barris, (207) 685-3252
greygoosegourmet@gmail.com
Wayne
Kennebec Creeps & Crawls
Jodie Hendsbee Bennett, (207) 542-3701
Hallowell
Maine Savings FCU
Donna Martin, (207) 862-6500
North Vassalboro
Sweet Dreams Bags
Michelle Bourque, (207) 445-8239
South China
Washburn Carpentry Services LLC
Luke Washburn, (207) 441-3381
Litchfield
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40+ Years
Pine State Beverage
30+ Years
Augusta State Airport, Relocation Rental Services, WABI-TV
20+ Years
BONNEY Staffing Center, Cives Steel Co., FirstPark, Homestead Realty, Pinkham Insurance Agency, Skowhegan Savings Bank
10+ Years
Aerus, Augusta Downtown Alliance, Augusta Trails, Beneficial Technologies, Bryant Dental Care, Camden National Bank, Cape Air, Family Violence Project, Fowler's Roofing & Construction, SERVPRO of Augusta/ Waterville, Woodlands Senior Living
5+ Years
A2Z Computing Services, Inc., Augusta Elks Lodge #964, Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration Inc. Community Productions LLC, Fedcap Inc., First Amendment Museum, J.F. Scott Construction, Magnusson Balfour Commercial & Business Brokers, Stained Glass Express, Winthrop Area Federal Credit Union
Renewing
Hello, Good Pie Bakery & Café, Modern Woodmen, Pouliot Real Estate, Inc., River Road Variety, The Meadows Golf Club & Doolin's Pub
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IRONMAN Volunteers Needed |
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The Kennebec Valley YMCA is partnering with Ironman to find hundreds of volunteers for the event, and we want your help! Click on the button below to become a volunteer or learn more. |
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What is Ironman?
Ironman is a world-renowned lifestyle brand and the ultimate endurance challenge consisting of a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, and a 13.1-mile run. Athletes from all over the world will spend multiple days at the event. What an excellent opportunity to showcase our fabulous capital city.
Over 900 Volunteers Needed!
One of the most rewarding experiences in the sport of triathlon comes from giving back to your community through volunteering. The people you will meet throughout the weekend and race day will touch your heart two-fold. First, there’s nothing like cheering on an exhausted, grateful athlete to inspire and motivate you in more ways than you can imagine. Their race would not be possible without the fantastic volunteer community.
Volunteer Groups Welcome!
Teamwork is more fun! Do you have a group looking to sign up together? Then, opportunities are available just for you! Choose from activities such as environmental crew, bike course nutrition aid stations, gear bag drop, athlete food, and run course aid stations; the list is limitless!
Funding for your Organization!
The Ironman Foundation provides grant opportunities to nonprofit or school groups/sports teams who commit designated levels of volunteers. You do not have to hold a 501c3 status to be applicable, but it must be for a charitable cause.
How does the process work?
1. Sign up with the volunteer coordinator as a group, with one or two of your members serving as team captain/co-captains. These people will serve as your liaison between the volunteer director and your group.
3. Apply for an Ironman Foundation Grant online before race day. It is a straightforward application process, just a few easy questions!
4. After the race, funding will be awarded based on three criteria:
-Number of volunteers, number of hours the group worked, and the jobs worked.
5. If all criteria are met, you will quickly receive a check from the Foundation.
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The Maine Osteopathic Association (MOA) held its 111th Annual Convention at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, ME the weekend of June 10-12th. The hybrid event allowed osteopathic physicians and guests to gather in person or virtually via live stream online to partake in continuing medical education sessions. During the convention, the association also held its Awards Luncheon to honor the contributions of osteopathic physicians in Maine on Saturday, June 11th. MOA 2022 Award recipients were as follows:
• John Diefenderfer, D.O., was selected as Young Osteopathic Physician of the Year.
• John A. Taylor, D.O., was honored with the 2022 Louis Hanson D.O. Physician of the Year Award.
• Robert (Rob) Stevens, D.O. of Oakland, ME was recognized with the Roswell P. Bates, D.O. Public Service Award.
• Kenneth Baker, D.O., was chosen as the 2022 recipient for MOA’s highest honor - the Distinguished Service Award.
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The City of Augusta's Fourth of July parade will begin at the State Capitol Parking lot at 10:00 am and proceed down Capital Street. The theme for this year's parade is "The Year of the Fort: Celebrating the Gannett Legacy" Following the parade Mayor O'Brien will read the Declaration, then those gathered are invited to enjoy in an Independence Day Cake and lemonade toast. Darling's Ice Cream Truck will be parked outside the fort from 1pm to 3pm, Fireworks will commence at 9 pm. |
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Pliable Marketing in Augusta recently announced that Caleb Manuel and Alyssa Bourque have signed with Pliable for athlete branding and name, image and likeness (NIL) representation. The full service, marketing PR and broadcasting company will help each athlete build their athlete brand and secure NIL opportunities, including endorsement partnerships, social media content creation as well as appearing in TV and radio commercials.
Manuel, age 20, recently finished his sophomore season at the University of Connecticut. The Topsham, Maine native recently competed in the 2022 U.S. Open and the Live + Work and Maine Open. His goal is to play professional golf on the PGA Tour. He has started building his athlete brand with Greg Glynn, Founder & CEO of Pliable.
Bourque, age 19, recently completed her freshman year as a javelin thrower on the track & field team at the University of Vermont. With the support of Pliable, she is now a brand ambassador for SEAAV, an athletic clothing company that creates athlete apparel from recycled materials. Bourque receives a percentage of the clothing she sells. To support Alyssa Bourque and help her protect the environment, visit https://seaavathletics.com and use the promo code ALYSSA15.
Kaylyn Bourque, age 15, is also a Pliable athlete and was the first athlete in the country to complete Pliable's 10-Step Athlete Branding Playbook. Bourque was the top high school goal scorer in the state this season with 33 goals this season for the Winslow/Gardiner/Brewer/Messalonskee/Lawrence/Erskine Academy Black Tigers. She was a 1st Team KVAC All-Star and was selected to the New England District All-Star team.
To learn more about how your business can partner with Pliable athletes, visit PliableMarketing.com.
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Please join us for the Impact2032 Launch Block Party on July 21 on Front Street in Augusta from 3:30 - 4:40 pm. We will be announcing the community-wide visions for health, education, and financial stability for all of Kennebec County.
Impact2032 is not a program--it is a driving movement that will accelerate change over the next decade. It is a deeply coordinated and collaborative effort, led by United Way of Kennebec Valley and driven by community leaders from the business, nonprofit, and government sectors.
UWKV will be offering a free summer BBQ and Impact2032 swag to those who join us!
RSVP at: bit.ly/impact2032launch
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The Augusta US Cellular will be hosting a Local Business Craft Fair at Mill Park featuring over a dozen local vendors showcasing unique and locally made items. USCellular will be onsite during the event to engage with the community and take donations for the LYME Warriors supporting the fight against LYME Disease. A food truck will also be onsite to provide local eats and delicious treats. So show your support and find a locally made treasure you won't find anywhere else!
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Earl Kingsbury, Chair*
Augusta Civic Center
Tim Walton, Chair-Elect*
Walton External Affairs
Michele Pelletier, Vice Chair*
PERFORMANCE Foodservice - NorthCenter
Matthew Tardiff, Treasurer*
J.S. McCarthy Printers
Alec Rogers, Past Chair*
Quality Inn & Suites Maine Evergreen Hotel
Cathy DeMerchant, Human Resources*
Capital Area Staffing Solutions, Inc.
Katie Doherty, President & CEO*^
Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce
* Executive Committee ^ Full-Time Executive
Randall Anderson
The Meadows Golf Club
Joyce Blanchard
The University of Maine at Augusta
Karen Boston
Lipman Katz & Boston, P.A
Nathan Cotnoir
Camden National Bank
Lori Dube
Sprague & Curtis Real Estate
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Sue Grenier
G&E Roofing Co., Inc.
Robbi Lockhart
Team EJP
Amy Marston
Central Maine Power Company
Nicole McSweeney
MaineGeneral Health
Stacey Morrison
Ganneston Construction Corp.
Rebecca Pushard
MIKA
Lynn Quirion
Macomber, Farr & Whitten
Andrew Silsby
Kennebec Savings Bank
Special Counsel
Dennis Carrillo
Cloutier Carrillo, Capitol Law, PLLC
Emeritus Member
Eric Jermyn
Cross Employee Benefits
Steven Marson
Central Maine Pyrotechnics
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KVCC Staff

Katie L. Doherty, President & CEO
Lindsay L. Corbett, Chief Operating Officer
Melissa L. Walden, Membership & Development Manager
Iris R. Alexander, Marketing & Events Manager
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