BaySide Shop ‘N Save Business of the Year
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| Phil Duggan, president of the Milbridge Area Merchants Association, presents a plaque and flowers to Leola Carter, the owner/operator of BaySide Shop ‘N Save in Milbridge, this year’s winner of the Business of the Year award. |
December 20, 2007. The Milbridge Area Merchants Association held their annual Awards & Christmas Social at the Red Barn Restaurant in Milbridge on December 19. Several businesses and individuals received awards, but taking the top prize was Leola Carter and BaySide Shop ‘N Save of Milbridge.
The association’s president, Phil Duggan presented Carter with a plaque and flowers and noted how much of an impact BaySide has had on the merchants association, the Town of Milbridge, and the Downeast region. The store’s move earlier this year from the old building (now NAPA Auto Parts) into the larger brand new site on Main Street has allowed Carter to stock more products and bring Ellsworth/Bangor grocery prices to the Milbridge area.
All yearlong, Carter and BaySide have contributed to the community and to the merchants association. Carter was instrumental in helping the group raise scholarship funds for two Narraguagus High School students. She and her crew also played a key role in raising funds for Milbridge Days, help highlight community events with their large Marquee on Main Street, planned and participated in such events as “Breakfast with Santa” and much more. Carter serves as Vice President of the Milbridge Area Merchants Association and is a primary factor in the association’s growth and success during 2007.
Receiving the coveted “Team Player” award was Susan Bennett of Bennett Web & Design Company. Duggan said that “teamwork is what makes a business or organization successful, and hands down, Susan Bennett takes the Team Player award.” For the past two and a half years, Bennett has designed and published the associations’ promotional brochure: “Discover Downeast.” She also designed and maintains the group’s web site (www.milbridge.org) and consistently worked with just about every association project the past two years. “Susan is a team player in every affiliation she involves herself with,” said Duggan. “Including with the Women’s Health Resource Library (WHRL) of which she serves as president.”
The Community Service Award can be awarded to any member or non-member that has made significant contributions to the Downeast region. Alice Beal, of Milbridge, won the 2007 award for her dedicated service to many area groups and projects, including the Milbridge Historical Society, Milbridge Days Celebrations Committee, local church activities and more.
Milbridge Town Manager Lewis Pinkham was presented with the group’s President’s Award for his extensive work with the association concerning area business matters and Milbridge Days.
Lisa Hylas accepted an appreciation plaque on behalf of Jasper Wyman & Son for their “steadfast support” as an association sponsor. CEO & President Ed Flanagan also gave a fascinating talk to the association back in August about the agricultural industry, including current immigration concerns, the declining population of pollinating bees, and international and environmental operations such as their efforts in Chile.
Red Barn Restaurant cook Michael Stocks was given the “Above & Beyond” award, presented to an employee of a member business.
Certificates of Appreciations were awarded to: Sunshine Strout & WHRL, Elaine Mathiason – Red Barn Restaurant, Jan Rossi & Crew – 44 Degrees North Restaurant & Pub, Brenda Duggan – Duggan Photography, Cathy Chipman – Milbridge Board of Selectmen (presented the night before during Selectmen’s meeting).
After the awards ceremony, the lively group enjoyed good food and friends and engaged in a “yankee swap” Christmas gift exchange that had some fun and hilarious moments.
The Milbridge Area Merchants Association membership area includes the towns of Steuben, Milbridge, Cherryfield, Harrington, Columbia, Columbia Falls, and Addison.