The Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce wrapped up another successful year and honored top business leaders and entrepreneurs during a gathering in Casco last week.
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| Jaime Anderson, the owner of On The Docks gift store in Windham, was presented with the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce's Entrepreneur of the Year Award during the chamber's Annual Meeting at Camp Sunshine in Casco on Feb. 26. COURTESY PHOTO |
The evening highlighted the chamber’s commitment to strengthening its member businesses while fostering meaningful partnerships throughout the Sebago Lakes Region, including Casco, Gray, Naples, New Gloucester, Raymond, Sebago, Standish, and Windham.
Participants celebrated and honored the accomplishments of the following award recipients during the meeting:
Frank Koenig Businessperson of the Year – Thomas Bartell of the Windham Economic Development Corporation. This specific award is presented to an individual who has set an example in leadership, innovation and quality, and/or has provided noteworthy economic opportunity to the people of the Sebago Lakes Region.
Volunteer of the Year – Barbara Maurais of Tick BYTES. This award is presented to someone who as a volunteer strives to foster and sustain economic growth and prosperity throughout the region by promoting commerce.
Community Service Leadership Award – David Pollard of Spring Meadows. The Community Service Leadership Award recognizes a civic-minded individual or group that has made a significant contribution to the quality of life in the Sebago Lakes Region.
Entrepreneur of the Year – Jaime Anderson of On The Docks. The Chamber’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award is presented annually to a chamber member operating in the Lakes Region whose innovation and creativity have succeeded in starting their own successful business while opening new economic opportunities for the Sebago Lakes Region.
Chamber Hall of Fame Recognition (posthumously) – Bill Diamond. This honor is awarded to an individual whose commitment of time, resources and talent has made the Sebago Lakes Region a better place to pursue one’s livelihood and dreams.
Newly elected to the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors are Ramsey Pulkkinen (A Team Realty), Kenny Cianchette (Erik’s Church), Shannon Heacock (Northista Scent Bar) and Britt Barton (Town of Gray). As his term, expired, Jonathan Priest (J Priest Insurance) becomes Immediate Board of Directors Chair. New Board Chair is Diana London (Primerica) while Dan Emerson (Allagash Waste) is Vice Chair and Sara Thomas (Androscoggin Bank) is Treasurer. Board Secretary is Barb Maurais (Tick BYTES).
The program was made even more memorable by an engaging and highly entertaining performance from local magician Phil Smith, whose dynamic stage presence and interactive illusions brought energy and laughter to the evening. His performance added a unique and memorable touch to the chamber’s signature annual event.
“These award recipients exemplify the resilience, innovation, and generosity that define our region,” said Amber Rankine, President & CEO of the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce. “Our chamber is strongest when our members are connected, supported, and empowered to grow.”
The evening also recognized outgoing leadership, welcomed new board members, and celebrated the chamber’s continued evolution toward a more member-centric, collaborative organization. Over the past year, the chamber has focused on strengthening partnerships, expanding programming, and increasing meaningful opportunities for businesses of all sizes to engage and thrive.
The Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce extends sincere appreciation to its sponsors, partners, volunteers, and host venue Camp Sunshine for making the evening possible, Rankine said.
The Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce was launched 62 years ago by a group of innovative business owners and was called the North Windham Business Association and is now made up of 14 Board Directors and seven officers whose mission is to foster economic growth and prosperity throughout the region. It is comprised of business members ranging from young entrepreneurs and “mom and pop” shops to the largest employers in the Lakes Region of Maine area.
Tourism is one of the largest industries in the chamber’s scenic region and it is the top vacation destination in Western Maine. The chamber constantly promotes the region and recommends our businesses to visitors through special events, trade publications, information centers, the internet, and by phone and mail. It is also a collective voice for local business in municipal and government affairs and is engaged in economic development and legislative issues that affect the quality of life and the business climate in the region.
As the chamber looks ahead to 2026, its focus remains clear: driving value for members, fostering regional collaboration, and creating impactful opportunities for businesses to connect and grow, Rankine said.
For more details about the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce or a list of upcoming chamber events, visit sebagolakeschamber.com or send an email to [email protected] <
