Our annual dinner meeting was held Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the UMF North Dining Hall. The Chamber was please to announce the winners of this year’s Business of the Year awards.

Awarding the business of the year winners is a process that begins in October when the Chamber sends out nomination forms to every Chamber member, and also advertises it to the community. Here are the winners and nominees from each category, along with quotes from the nominating person:

Non-Profit Nominees:

Winner — “United Way of the Tri-Valley Area does so much for the Franklin County residents and is always willing to go above and beyond for their organization. Some of their hands on programs that directly benefit residents include: Energy challenge workshop which builds window panels that help tighten up area homes and Buttons for Babes program that raises money for children in need.”

“Healthy Community Coalition operates a mobile unit that is a very vital part of health for people who live in rural areas. They have worked to find ways to keep the mobile unit operating. A grant was awarded to Healthy Community Coalition which is allowing them to expand and develop youth physical activity opportunities and nutrition education in local schools.”

“Franklin County Animal Shelter does a good job in taking in strays and finding homes for them. They host several events in the community to reach out to people to adopt the pets and educate about animal welfare.”

Small Business Nominees:

Winner — “Calzolaio Pasta Company supports the Chamber by catering most Business After Hours events. Other events that have benefited from Calzolaio’s generosity include the Button for Babes brunch and the Wilton Blueberry Festival entertainers.”

Foothills Management was nominated for their continued effort in developing the greater downtown commercial area and retirement living. They support the community and individuals to bring economic success to the area.

Robin’s Flower Pot supports her customers by sharing her knowledge and offering free classes, the staff is friendly and helpful and take the time to answer your questions. Robin’s supported [the awards] dinner by providing the beautiful centerpieces on your tables.

Medium Business Nominees:

Winner — “Comfort Inn and Suites not only gives great attention to their guests but also to the community. They sponsor and participate in many community events. Through financial, materials and time donations they have supported the Franklin County Animal Shelter, the Homeless Shelter, The Children’s Task Force, United Way and more.”

“U.S. Cellular provides excellent customer service by focusing on their customers’ needs. They support business growth in the area by providing the latest equipment and technology, as well as holding free workshops to teach and inform people on how to utilize it.”

“Tranten’s Market is a family business that brings reliable service to the community. They are generous with their donations and involvement in local activities.”

Large Business Nominees:

Winner — “Wal-Mart shows their dedication to the community in large ways such as sponsoring the new “Field Goal Challenge” at Mt. Blue High School, to less noticeable ways such as giving leftover flowers after Valentine’s Day to the hospital and nursing homes. They are committed to the success of the Chamber of Commerce as they believe a successful chamber is crucial to benefit all businesses in Franklin County, small and large.”

“LEAP provides quality service to adults with intellectual or cognitive disabilities. They support other non-profits in the community including the Animal Shelter, Buttons for Babes, Relay for Life and JWL Therapeutic Riding Club. They are working on a community project, the Stone Soup Gardens and Fitness Trail which provides fresh produce and a fun place to walk in the woods.”

“Franklin Community Health Network does a lot to benefit the community, especially those financially disadvantaged. The Franklin Health Access Project Since its inception just a few years ago, has served over 2,500 area residents who lack health insurance and the funds to pay for health care.”