Old Orchard Beach Chamber announces annual awards

OLD ORCHARD BEACH — The Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce recently recognized local businesses, organizations and people who have made notable contributions to the town.

The Chamber held its annual award ceremony last week at Duffy’s Tavern and Grill.

State Rep. Lori Gramlich spoke at the event and thanked all the Chamber members and local businesses, who she said are “the heart and soul of our lovely seaside community.”

Small businesses are the cornerstone of the Maine economy and tourism is possibly the most critical industry in Maine’s economy, said Gramlich, noting that in 2018, 37 million people visited Maine.

“Here in Old Orchard Beach, the thousands of visitors who come into our town on any given summer day, are what allow our local economy to thrive,” said Gramlich. “It is the money they spend at our bars and restaurants, at our hotels, at Palace Playland and at every shop on the boardwalk, that support our entrepreneurs and workers and increase our municipal tax base. The money spent by our tourists in the summer, is largely what drives our schools and public services the rest of the year.”

The past year and a half has brought challenges no one would have imagined, but in the face of this adversity, Old Orchard Beach businesses and employees have stepped up in extraordinary ways, said Gramlich.

“Together, we worked hard to keep our doors open and to take care of each other. Our businesses innovated. Our neighbors organized to support the local economy,” she said.

 Gramlich said while it’s likely the past year will be among the biggest challenges in our lifetime, there are tremendous opportunities moving forward.

“I am excited and optimistic about the year ahead and the future of our community. We are strong. We are resilient,” she said. We are innovative. And we will ensure economic opportunity reaches every corner of our community. We are a community of businesses, but more importantly, we are a community of hard-working people.”

AWARDS

New Business of the Year Award: Red Door Market and Deli

Non-Profit Organization of the Year Award: Milestone Recovery

Volunteer of the Year Award: Pat Brown

Employer of the Year Award: Café 64/Ocean Park Sub and Grocery

Innovation and Marketing Excellence Award: Elevate Café

Excellence in Municipal Leadership Award: Fred Lamontagne

Tourism Leadership and Growth Award: Landry’s Shop N Save

Business of the Year Award: The Lafayette Group

Hall of Fame Award: Dan Blaney

Tom and Rudy Bergeron Legacy Award: Thomas R. Bayley

Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.