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Meet your 2027 Kenney Award Winners and Finalists!
The Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the 2027 Kenney Award winners and finalists!
Nominated by fellow community members, these outstanding individuals, businesses, and organizations have been recognized for their leadership, achievements, and lasting contributions to the Kennebec Valley. Their dedication to strengthening our local economy, supporting our communities, and making a positive impact deserves to be celebrated!
Please join us in congratulating this year's honorees!
Peter G. Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award Winner: Bill Sprague
CYNERGY Emerging Leader Award Winner: Jackson Ladd
Beacon of the Valley Award Winner: Al Cloutier
Heartbeat of the Community Award Winner: Aroma Joe's - Augusta
Large Business of the Year Award Finalists: Day's Jewelers, Gagne & Sons LLC, Maine Evergreen Hotel
Small Business of the Year Award Finalists: Bintliff's Corner Brew, Dance Unlimited, LLC, Soothe Medical Aesthetics
Nonprofit of the Year Award Finalists: Kennebec Behavioral Health, MaineGeneral Health, University of Maine at Augusta
Save the Date: January 22, 2027!
Join us at the Augusta Civic Center for the 2027 Kenney Awards, presented by Hammond Lumber Company! We'll come together for an evening of celebration as we recognize the people, businesses, and organizations making a difference in our region.
Ticket reservations open December 1st! Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details!
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Marketing More Efficiently: How You Should Be Using Social Media and AI
Join us on December 3rd from 8:00-9:30 AM at the KV Chamber for Marketing More Efficiently: How to Use Social Media and AI with Greg Glynn, Founder & CEO of Pliable Marketing!
Social media continues to evolve, and knowing which strategies are most effective can make a big difference for businesses. Greg will share insights on what's currently driving results, including short-form video, authentic storytelling, consistent content, and meaningful audience engagement on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Join us to discover practical ways to strengthen your social media strategy, save time, and make the most of AI in your marketing efforts!
Includes a hot breakfast and Aroma Joe's coffee and pastries!
December 3rd | 8:00-9:30AM | Kennebec Valley Chamber | $25 members, $35 non-members
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Join us as we celebrate the Class of 2026 KLI Cohort!
Join us as we celebrate the graduating class of the Kennebec Leadership Institute and watch their final presentation, showcasing what they've learned throughout their 14-week leadership journey!
During the ceremony, we’ll also proudly present each graduate with their official KLI Graduation Certificate, recognizing their dedication, hard work, and accomplishments over the past several months!
December 7th | 5:00-7:00PM | Augusta Civic Center
| | November 4th | 11:30-1:00PM | |
Serving Holiday Joy: Hosting Tips to Impress Without the Stress
Sarah McNaughton
Owner, Wicked Board Charcuterie
| |  | November 18th | 5:00-7:00PM | |
Business After Hours
Maine State Museum
230 State Street, Augusta 04330
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Showcase Your Business in our 2027 Visitor's Guide
The Kennebec Valley Regional Guide showcases our region’s culture, events, and local businesses.
With major attractions like IRONMAN 70.3 Maine bringing thousands of visitors, the 2027 Guide is the perfect way to put your business in front of both locals and new audiences — online and in print.
Reserve your spot today! Guide spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis!
| To secure your spot in the 2027 Visitor's Guide, or if you have any questions, please contact Katie Doherty at (207) 623-4559 or KLD@kennebecvalleychamber.com. | | | | WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS | | |
Edward Jones - Eliot Sergent
Eliot Sergent
(207) 220-7427
eliot.sergent@edwardjones.com
Augusta
Make-A-Wish Maine
Kerry Smart
(207) 877-4831
ksmart@maine.wish.org
South Portland
News Center Maine
Jennifer Simpson Bell
(207) 649-2771
jennifer.simpson@newscentermaine.com
Bangor
One Lincoln Ave
Katie Tuminowski
(207) 707-3144
hello@onelincolnave.com
Gardiner
One Smart Cookie
Lissa Niederer
(207) 624-1622
lissaniederer28@gmail.com
(207) 624-1622
PATRA
Paul Michaud
(207) 212-3055
paul@patracompany.com
Brunswick
| | Thank you to our New Member Sponsors! | | |
40 YEARS
Charlie's Toyota, Downeast Energy
30 YEARS
Charlie's Honda, Charlie's Motor Mall, Companion Animal Clinic, Homestead Realty, Kennebec Technologies, Inc., Manpower
20 YEARS
Augusta Crossing, Brookewood Realty, C. B. Mattson, Inc., Capitol Clubhouse, Maine Children's Trust, Mattson's Flooring & Window Treatments, McFarland Electric, Inc., MOCO - Motivational Services, Neokraft Signs, Inc., Portland Glass
10 YEARS
Augusta Colonial Theater, Black Diamond Consultants, Inc., BNI - Kennebec Networkers, Brooks Boys, CBU Benefits, Damon's Pizza & Italians, Day's Store, Gardiner Family Chiropractic, Maeghan Maloney District Attorney, Mill Park Petanque, Sargent Corporation, Snow Pond Center for the Arts, Summit Natural Gas of Maine, Inc., Valley Beverage
5 YEARS
Charlie's Chevrolet
RENEWING
Charlie's Subaru, Lunar Property Management, Maine Arts Academy
| | Local Author and Entrepreneur Bill Mitchell to Release New Book, Engage Now | | |
Bill Mitchell, local author and entrepreneur, is about to publish his book, Engage Now, which provides businesses a simple, repeatable system for turning existing customers into a company's greatest source of long-term growth and profitability.
Engage Now features five local companies and is endorsed by national and international marketing executives.
Engage Now will be available for purchase locally in early November, on Amazon or at www.EngageNowBook.com.
Email Mitchell at bill@EngageNowBook.com or follow him on LinkedIn to learn more.
| Skowhegan Savings Bank Welcomes Nick Begin to its Board of Directors | |
Skowhegan Savings Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Nick Begin, co-founder and chief operating officer of Veritas Prime, to its board of directors.
Begin brings more than 15 years of experience in technology, business operations, and organizational leadership. His expertise in strategic planning, business transformation, and technology innovation, along with his strong ties to Maine communities, will support the bank’s continued growth and commitment to serving individuals, families, and businesses throughout Maine.
| | FirstPark Highlights Available Commercial Development Opportunities in Oakland | | FirstPark in Oakland, conveniently located near I-95 Exit 127, is offering several opportunities for businesses looking to establish or expand their presence in Central Maine. Lots 4 and 5 are currently available for purchase or build-to-suit development. | | |
Lot 4 – Technology Avenue
- 10.4 total acres, including 5.4 buildable acres
- Maximum building footprint of 35,280 sq. ft.
- 504 feet of road frontage
Lot 5 – Ezhaya Drive
- 11.7 total acres, including 4.7 buildable acres
- Maximum building footprint of 30,710 sq. ft.
- 485 feet of road frontage
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Both properties offer underground three-phase power, fiber optic infrastructure from Fidium and FirstLight, public sewer, a 12-inch water main, and integrated drainage facilities.
In addition to these properties, FirstPark has 11 development sites available, ranging from 7 to 28 acres. All sites are fully permitted, with approvals from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Maine Department of Transportation, and Army Corps of Engineers.
Businesses interested in learning more about available properties and development opportunities can contact Kristine Logan at KRDA/FirstPark at KristineL@FirstPark.com or 207-859-9716.
Learn more at www.firstpark.com.
| | Grant & Associates, LLC Offers Specialized Legal Nurse Consulting and Educational Services | | |
With 25 years of operating room experience, Bobbi-Jo Grant, RN, BSN, CNOR, CLNC, founded Grant & Associates, LLC to provide specialized perioperative nursing expertise for complex medical and surgical cases.
Working with attorneys, insurance professionals, and healthcare stakeholders, Grant & Associates provides objective clinical insight to help clients better understand medical records, evaluate surgical care, and identify areas requiring further investigation.
Services include:
- Medical record review, organization, and chronology development
- Perioperative and surgical case analysis
- Standards of nursing care research and analysis
- Identification of documentation gaps
- Consulting and expert witness services, as appropriate
Beyond consulting services, Bobbi-Jo is committed to advancing patient safety through education and professional collaboration. She is available for speaking engagements, presentations, and educational opportunities for legal professionals, insurance organizations, nursing teams, and other groups interested in surgical safety, clinical documentation, and operating room care.
Guided by a commitment to excellence, integrity, and objectivity, Grant & Associates strives to help professionals better understand complex clinical situations and the lessons that can be learned from them.
To learn more about consulting services, educational presentations, or collaboration opportunities, visit www.grantlegalnurse.com.
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Lori Dube, Chair*
Sprague & Curtis Real Estate
Amy Marston, Chair Elect*
Edison Public Relations
Nicole McSweeney, Vice Chair*
MaineGeneral Health
Matthew Tardiff, Treasurer*
J.S. McCarthy Packaging and Print
Andrew Silsby, Past Chair*
Kennebec Savings Bank
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
Karen Boston
Lipman Katz & Boston, P.A
Dr. Jenifer Cushman
University of Maine at Augusta
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David Farago
Fourteen Forty Financial - A Financial Advisory Practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
Sue Grenier
G&E Roofing Co., Inc.
Casey Hynes
Cushnoc Brewing Co.
Earl Kingsbury
City of Augusta
Robbi Lockhart
Team EJP
Steven Marson
Central Maine Pyrotechnics
Stacey Morrison
Ganneston Construction Corp.
Michele Pelletier
PERFORMANCE Foodservice NorthCenter
Rebecca Pushard
MIKA
Jessika Williams
Cross Insurance
Kathryn Yates
Central Maine Power Company
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Sincerely,
KVCC Staff
Katie Doherty, President & CEO
Lindsay Corbett, Chief Operating Officer & Events
Lauren Turcotte, Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Reid Johnson, Membership Coordinator
Megan Bachelder, Office Administrator
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