Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony

Celebrate the vibrant business community, dedicated leaders, and collective accomplishments that make Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island an exceptional place to live, work, play, and visit.

Each year, the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce invites members, regional business leaders, and community partners to our premier event of the year: The Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony.

Join us for an evening of networking, reflection, and celebration as we highlight our accomplishments over the past year, outline key economic initiatives for the year ahead, and honor the standout individuals and organizations driving positive impact across Mount Desert Island.

More Information

Award Categories

Business of the Year Award

The Business of the Year Award is given annually to the Chamber member business that's truly committed to top-notch customer service, positive employee relations, and superior operational excellence.

Criteria

Actively participates in the Barr Harbor Chamber of Commerce (e.g. visibility at Chamber activities, working on Chamber projects or committees, etc.).
Established a reputation for providing a superior level of customer service.
Promotes positive employee relations (e.g. awards, recognition program, benefits, etc.).
Demonstrates employment growth and/or retention over the past 12 months.
Demonstrates growth (in percentages, not numbers) over the past 12 months.
Employs programs or policies that promote good business practices/standards/ethics.
Made meaningful contributions to the local business community.
Participates in and/or supports community activities.
Utilizes ingenuity and innovation to overcome challenges to compete in the marketplace.

Business of the Year Award Recipients:

2026: Cool-as-a-Moose
2025: Window Panes
2024: Geddy's
2023: Reel Pizza
2022: My Darling Maine
2021: Acadian Boat Tours
2020: Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, Bar Harbor Savings & Loan, Camden National Bank, First National Bank, and Machias Savings Bank
2019: Bar Harbor Catering Company
2018: Kebo Valley Golf Club
2017: Oli's Trolley
2016: Friends of Acadia & Acadia Centennial Task Force
2015: Galyn's
2014: Window Panes
2013: Reel Pizza
2012: Hannaford
2011: Witham Family Hotels
2010: Atlantic Brewing Company
2009: Bar Harbor Bank & Trust
2008: Machias Savings Bank
2007: Mount Desert Islander

Neighbor Business of the Year Award

The Neighbor Business of the Year Award is given annually to a Chamber member business located outside Bar Harbor. This award recognizes a business that has significantly contributed to the local business community and consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to both its employees and customers.

Criteria

Established a reputation for providing a superior level of customer service.
Promotes positive employee relations (e.g. awards, recognition programs, benefits, etc.).
Demonstrates employment growth and/or retention over the past 12 months.
Demonstrates growth (in percentages, not numbers) over the past 12 months.
Employs programs or policies that promote good business practices/standards/ethics.
Made meaningful contributions to the local business community.
Participates in and/or supports community activities.
Utilizes ingenuity and innovation to overcome challenges to compete in the marketplace.

Neighbor Business of the Year Award Recipients:

2026: Nor'Easter Pound & Market
2025: Dennis Food Services
2024: Scenic Flights of Acadia
2023: Volta
2022: Island Cruises
2021: Edwards Brothers Supermarket
2019: Milk & Honey
2018: The Restaurant Barn
2017: Castine Kayak
2016: Beal's Lobster
2015: Downeast Transportation
2014: RM Flagg
2013: Downeast Scenic Railway
2012: Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound
2011: Great Maine Lumber Jack Show
2010: Union River Lobster Pot
2009: Seal Cove Auto Museum
2008: Gladstone's Under The Sun
2007: Narrows Too

Community Impact Award

The Community Impact Award recognizes an individual, organization, or business that has gone above and beyond to make Bar Harbor and the surrounding communities a better place to live, work, play, and visit through leadership, service, philanthropy, or community engagement.

Criteria:

Demonstrate an outstanding commitment to improving the community.
Make a measurable and lasting positive impact.
Inspire others through leadership, generosity, or volunteerism.
Foster collaboration and strengthen community connections.
Embody the spirit of service that defines the Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island region.

Community Impact Award Recipients:

2026: Linda Lunt
2025: Bar Harbor Story
2024: Witham Family Hotels Charitable Fund
2023: Open Table MDI
2022: Jeremy Dougherty
2020: MDI Hospital

Rising Star Award

The Rising Star Award recognizes a new or emerging Chamber member business that has quickly established itself through innovation, exceptional customer service, business growth, and community involvement.

Criteria

Has been in operation for five years or fewer.
Demonstrate strong potential for long-term success.
Provide outstanding customer service.
Show innovation, creativity, or entrepreneurial leadership.
Be actively engaged within the Chamber or local community.
Contribute positively to the local business environment.

Rising Star Award Recipients:

2026: Hidden Barn Books
2025: Bar Harbor Pick-a-Pearl
2024: Bar Harbor Lobster Pound

Nonprofit Organization of the Year Award

The Nonprofit Organization of the Year Award recognizes a Bar Harbor Chamber member nonprofit organization that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to serving the community and advancing its mission. This award celebrates an organization whose programs, services, leadership, and community involvement have made a meaningful and positive impact on Bar Harbor and the greater Mount Desert Island community.

Criteria

Demonstrates a strong commitment to its mission and the community it serves.
Provides programs, services, or resources that create a meaningful and positive impact within the community.
Demonstrates strong leadership, collaboration, and responsible organizational practices.
Actively engaged with and supports the Bar Harbor and greater Mount Desert Island community.
Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with other businesses, nonprofits, organizations, or community groups.
Demonstrates continued growth, innovation, or adaptability in responding to community needs.
Actively participates in or supports the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce and its broader mission.

Nonprofit Organization of the Year Recipients

2026: 1932 Criterion Theatre

Volunteer of the Year Award

The Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes an individual who generously gives their time and talents to make a meaningful difference in the Bar Harbor community through volunteer service, dedication, and community involvement.

Criteria

Demonstrate a strong commitment to volunteering and community service.
Generously contribute their time, skills, or talents to support others.
Make a meaningful and positive impact within the community.
Show reliability, dedication, and a willingness to serve.
Support local organizations, initiatives, events, or community needs through their volunteer efforts.
Demonstrate the spirit of community involvement and service that strengthens Bar Harbor and the surrounding area.

Volunteer of the Year Recipients:

2026: Chris Vincenty

Young Professional of the Year Award

The Young Professional of the Year Award recognizes an emerging leader under the age of 40 who has demonstrated exceptional professional achievement, community involvement, leadership, and a commitment to the future of the Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island region.

Criteria

Demonstrate excellence and leadership within their profession.
Make meaningful contributions to the local community.
Serve as a role model for other young professionals.
Support local organizations, chamber initiatives, or community events.
Show exceptional promise as a future community and business leader.

Young Professional of the Year Award Recipients:

2026: Adam Fraley

Cadillac Award

The Cadillac Award honors an individual who embodies exceptional leadership, service, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of personal excellence. This award recognizes someone who has consistently demonstrated unwavering commitment to the highest standards of business practice, ethical conduct, and selfless public service within their industry, organization, or the broader community.

Criteria

Has made a commitment to exceptional business practices, standards, and ethics.
Strives toward the highest levels of professional accomplishment
Is an inspiration to the community and a credit to their business or profession.
Gives of their time and expertise to make Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island a better community.
Unselfishly puts the needs of others ahead of their own.

Cadillac Award Recipients:

2026: Stephanie Clement
2025: David Paine
2024: David Woodside
2023: Chris Popper
2022: Paul Paradise
2021: Matt Horton
2020: Chris Fogg
2019: Tony McKim
2018: Jeff Dobbs
2017: Kim Swan
2016: Ruth Eveland
2015: Dean Read
2014: Joe Murphy
2013: Earl Brechlin
2012: Dr. O. Lee Haynes
2011: Albert Merchant
2010: Marian Burns
2009: Bob Collier
2008: Jill Goldthwait
2007: Dick Cough
2006: Lenny Demuro
2005: Richard Libby
2004: Leman Smith
2003: Terry Kelley
2002: Ken Smith
2001: Gail Caruso
2000: Sheldon Goldthwait
1999: Gail Bowden
1998: Bette Douglas
1997: Deborah Dyer
1996: Sonny Cough
1995: Patricia Curtis
1994: John Reeves
1993: Les Brewer
1992: Don Allen
1991: Jim MacLeod
1990: Kip Soule
1989: Michael Curtis

Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony

​Celebrate the vibrant business community, dedicated leaders, and collective accomplishments that make Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island an exceptional place to live, work, play, and visit.

Award Categories

Celebrate the vibrant business community, dedicated leaders, and collective accomplishments that make Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island an exceptional place to live, work, play, and visit.