The Franklin County Chamber of commerce and over 100 of its 250+ membership celebrated in style Thursday evening at the Annual Meeting Dinner held at UMF's North Dining Hall in Farmington.

Guests were treated to music by the Smith Brothers during a social hour and enjoyed a video presentation highlighting activities of the Chamber communities in Franklin County during a buffet dinner.

A brief meeting was held with two new Directors voted in: Janet Peruffo of CSM Real Estate in Kingfield and Peggy Willihan of Verso Paper in Jay.

After the short business meeting, outgoing President Kent Wiles presented the annual awards for Large Business, Small Business and Non-Profit Service (see photos).

Video Clip: 2006-2007 Year in Review

This year's award winners are:

Large Business - Camden National Bank: Camden National Bank has provided quality community banking for Maine communities since 1875. Still headquartered in the State of Maine, Camden National Bank currently has five branchees in Franklin County and 27 branches serving the people and businesses throughout western, central, eastern and coastal Maine with innovative solutions for their financial needs. Camden National's team in Franklin County strives to provide all their customers with the best banking experience possible.

Over the years, Camden National has supported many events and agencies in the area. Some of these include The Kingfield POPS, Kingfield Festival Days, United Way of the Tri-Valley Area, Franklin County Children's Task Force, Greater Franklin Development Corp., Stratton Days, University of Maine at Farmington, The Arts Institute of Western Maine, Phillips Old Home Days, The Relay for Life, Farmington Rotary Club and their activites, The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and their activities and the Wilton Blueberry Festival.

Small Business - Harris Real Estate: Harris Realty is owned and operated by Adrian and Deb Harris. Adrian has done auctioneering for many years in the community and along with his family have donated many hours doing auctions at no charge to help with charity fundraising events. By donating his time and talents, many local groups and organizations are able to raise more money for area projects.

Non-Profit Service Award - Farmington Emblem Club #460: The Emblem Club is active in our communities with fundraising for scholarship programs, youth cheering programs and helping families in need. They provide a Thanksgiving dinner for all area nursing home patients who can make it to the Farmington Elks Lodge and perform flag folding ceremonies at many area events. The club puts $30,000 annually back into our communities and are always there to lend a helping hand to those in need.

The Chamber wishes to congratulate these great folks for their dedication and caring to our communities and the people who live here.

At the conclusion of the awards presentations, Kent Wiles introduced incoming Chamber President Matt Wotton of Webber Energy Fuels and in turn, Matt presented Kent with a plaque - thanking him for his dedication and service to the Chamber.

As a special treat, new this year - the event committee gave out chocolate dipped wine bottles to twenty-four lucky winners in attendance. Thank you to Key Bank and Mountain View Chocolate Shoppe for their help with these wonderful gifts; to Aramark for hosting the Social Hour and to a very special anonymous sponsor of the event.

Next year's event planning is underway and will be held Thursday evening, November 13, 2008. We hope you can join us!

The Chamber Team

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