BOARD OF DIRECTORS MESSAGE: As 2014 comes to a close, it is time for the chamber to ramp up for our premier annual event, the Annual Meeting and Awards Presentation. Nominations for the awards listed below can come from a variety of sources: employers, employees, private citizens, business groups, board members, municipal leaders, or legislators. Awardees, selected for honors by the previous year’s winners, will be highlighted during the chamber’s Annual Meeting on Friday, Jan. 23, 2015.

The board of directors invites you to take the time to nominate an outstanding Mid-coast business or individual. Here are the categories:

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARDS — large and small. Awards are based on the following criteria (please provide information on each of the criteria on the nomination form): business growth and improvement, good financial health, quality customer service, staying power, overall excellence in the marketplace, and community contributions.

NEW BUSINESS VENTURE OF THE YEAR AWARD — This award is presented to the owners of a new business start-up in the Mid-coast region, or the owners of an “old business made new again.” For award nominee purposes, the definition of a “new” business is any business that began or came under new ownership since Jan. 1, 2013. Criteria for the award are demonstrated business growth, quality.

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR AWARD — This award recognizes an up and coming young chamber business professional under the age of 40, either business owner or employee. Nominations should include the person’s position, what makes them good at it, and how they have used their skills and abilities to make the Mid-coast region a better place to live, play and work.

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD — Initiated in 1958, this award recognizes an individual who, through his or her unselfish commitment to the community, embodies the best characteristics of community citizenship and serves as an example to all. This award can be given for a single, prestigious accomplishment, but is more typically given for sustained service over an extended period of time. Please provide examples of organizations and positions the nominee has held, achievements and other awards and letters of recommendation on the nomination form.

HARRY C. CROOKER LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD — Initiated in 2004, this award recognizes an individual for a lifetime of consistent community contributions that reach beyond their hometown. Their actions, achievements and contributions evoke admiration and respect. The nominee should have an exemplary community service record in one or more of the towns and their influence and contributions will have made a tangible impact on the lives of those around them, their communities, and their place of business. This award is not typically given for a single event, rather a sustained period of achievement to community. This award is our most prestigious award and the highlight of the evening. Awardees will be selected by a panel of past recipients. Please provide comprehensive list of accomplishments, as well as prior community awards.

Nominations will be accepted until 5 p.m., Monday, Jan. 9, 2015. Please submit to SMMC, P.O. Box 33, Brunswick, ME 04011.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

— Holiday Chamber After Hours is Wednesday, Dec. 17, 5 to 7 p.m. The location and hosts are Coastal Performance Training Center and CrossFit Fire of the Gods, 14 Thomas Point Road, Brunswick. Employees of chamber members are encouraged to attend this “Best in the Region” networking event. It’s a place to meet new business people, reconnect with colleagues, all the while building your business network. Refreshments provided by Big Top Deli, Flipside Pizza, Pat’s Pizza and Joshua’s Tavern. Tours of the facility will be conducted. Please register for this free networking event.

Watch our scrolling calendar at www.midcoastmaine.com for more information and to register for all events. For some, the seating is limited. Don’t miss out.

Thank you to our 2014 annual sponsors: Mid Coast Health Services, Mechanics Savings Bank, Bar Harbor Bank and Trust, Burgess Computer, RE/MAX Riverside, The Brunswick Hotel & Tavern, Electricity Maine, Coastal Ortho Performance Training Center, FairPoint Communications, Southern New Hampshire University, Parkview Adventist Medical Center, Atlantic Regional FCU, TownSquare Media, The Cryer, WCME Radio 9 and The Times Record.

The chamber proudly serves 750 businesses and organizations in the following communities: Arrowsic, Bath, Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Brunswick, Dresden, Edgecomb, Georgetown, Harpswell, Phippsburg, Richmond, Topsham, West Bath, Westport Island, Wiscasset and Woolwich.