Michael McClellan, a resident of Raymond and executive director of the Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, was recently honored as Chamber Executive of the Year by the Maine State Chamber of Commerce.

McClellan has led the Greater Bridgton chamber for the last four years and in that time has expanded existing events and helped launch new events. His hard work and dedication and the growth of the chamber were cited as reasons why he won the award.

“I’m humbled. But I think it speaks more to our organization,” McClellan said. “We have a good team approach, phenomenal volunteers and great membership. It’s definitely not about me; the award is a reflection of our team.”

McClellan also singled out staff member Janet VerPlanck, whose full-time work at the chamber’s main office on Route 302 in Bridgton allows McClellan to “get away from the building” and visit businesses and attend events.

He also said the chamber board of directors has allowed him wide latitude when thinking up new events, many of which have either started or thrived under his leadership.

“We like to try off-the-wall activities like the Brew Fest, which has been a real success. This year we’re expanding the Musher’s Bowl to two weekends and a biathlon,” McClellan said.

Under McClellan’s leadership, the chamber has also beefed up its annual Business Showcase, convinced the state chamber to hold one of its two annual conferences in the Bridgton area, taken over operation of the Maine Blues Festival in Naples and expanded the Musher’s Bowl event from one weekend to an eight-day winter carnival.

When introducing McClellan for the award at the Maine State Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting and awards dinner Oct. 24 at the Bangor Civic Center, McClellan was described by President Dana Connors as having “transformed the (Greater Bridgton) chamber from the depths of financial desperation to a self-sufficient and vibrant chamber with the doubling of membership, creation of profitable events and integration of municipal economic development.”

According to Connors, McClellan was nominated by the board of directors of the Greater Bridgton chamber, members of which described McClellan as “unselfish, hard working, dedicated to both the businesses and communities he serves, and a man of high integrity.”

In addition to seeing his award as validation of the team approach, McClellan also sees his award as a sign that the Lakes Region is gaining in stature.

“Bridgton is on the upswing. Businesses are flourishing. There are a lot of assets in the Lakes Region. Volunteers are awesome. Tourism is up substantially. It’s just great that other chambers have recognized how well we are doing,” McClellan said.