Nominations sought for Entrepreneur of the Year
By Scott Mitchell Johnson
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Leaders Encouraging Aroostook Development (LEAD) and Momentum Aroostook are now accepting countywide nominations for Aroostook’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The goal is to recognize business owners, operators, or those in partnerships within The County who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement.
Staff photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson
THE THIRD ANNUAL search for the region’s outstanding entrepreneur is under way. Leaders Encouraging Aroostook Development (LEAD) and Momentum Aroostook are now accepting countywide nominations for Aroostook’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The goal is to recognize business owners, operators, or those in partnerships within The County who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. This year’s search will focus on businesses in the creative economy sector. Announcing details of the award at a press conference last Thursday at the Wintergreen Arts Center in Presque Isle were, from left: Kari Wells Puckett, vice chair Momentum Aroostook and Virginia Joles, LEAD president. Nominations must be received by April 21.
According to Virginia Joles, LEAD president, the third annual search for Aroostook’s outstanding entrepreneur will focus on businesses in the creative economy sector.
“This year we’re trying to focus the award a little more and shine the spotlight on those in the creative economy which seems to be flourishing in the area,” said Joles at a press conference held last Thursday at the Wintergreen Arts Center in Presque Isle. “The term ‘cottage industry’ is also sometimes used alluding to the fact that many of the businesses are home-based.
“We’re urging people to submit applications for those who fit into that category,” she said. “If you hunt for a description of products and services you will find references to things such as art (visual and performing), crafts, design (fashion, game, graphic and software), filmmaking, floral arranging, food, furniture, jewelry, marketing, music, photography, publishing, toys, wreath making, writing and many others. What they have in common is that an individual’s creative idea — combined with talent and hard work — creates a product or service that is able to generate income. It’s a wide, wide spectrum.”
Kari Wells Puckett, vice chair of Momentum Aroostook, said the Entrepreneur of the Year Award epitomizes the mission of Momentum Aroostook.
“Momentum Aroostook’s mission is to provide opportunities to Aroostook County residents through both social and professional events to highlight the advantages of working and living in this community,” she said. “An event such as this epitomizes that mission. There are a lot of young entrepreneurs that live in this community and are a driving force in the county economy.
“The award program is also a great event to encourage young entrepreneurs to arise within the community and be recognized in this way,” said Wells Puckett. “We’re very excited about this year and encourage people to submit applications.”
The award will be given to a business leader who represents the creative economy and demonstrates excellence and success in such areas as innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their business and community.
A panel of judges representing each of the sponsors, as well as the supporting organizations — Husson University, Northern Maine Community College, the University of Maine at Fort Kent and the University of Maine at Presque Isle — will review all nominations received and select the 2011 winner.
If the judges warrant, additional information may be requested and interviews scheduled before they make their final decision. The names of the finalists will be released to the media prior to the event, and the Entrepreneur of the Year recipient will be announced at a May 26 event co-hosted by LEAD and Momentum Aroostook. The winner will receive a plaque and a $500 check, and the other honorees will be recognized that evening, as well.
2010 Entrepreneur of the Year Troy Haney, owner of Haney Building Specialties in Caribou, spoke briefly at the press conference.
“It’s a tremendous honor to become the Entrepreneur of the Year,” he said. “A lot of time in your day-to-day business as you’re working you don’t really reflect on what your accomplishments are, and it’s always nice to be recognized by the community.”
Entrepreneurship is still the driving force of the U.S. economy. During the past 15 years, businesses less than five years old have accounted for about 70 percent of the net job creation in the United States. However, while America presently maintains the edge as an entrepreneurial society, there are clear signs of massive economic competition, challenge and change.
“We are pleased to join other entrepreneurs and economic development organizations to celebrate National Entrepreneurship Week,” said Joles, “and recognize northern Maine business ingenuity and promote innovation in order to stay ahead of change and economic challenges.”
Matthew Bell of Presque Isle, founder and co-owner of Northeast Pellets, LLC of Ashland, was the first-ever award recipient in 2009.
Nominations must be received by April 21. Additional information and a nomination form are available for download at http://www.leadaroostook.com and http://www.momentumaroostook.com. Forms can also be obtained by fax or e-mail by calling Linda Smith at 764-0007. There is no fee for nominations and self-nominations are encouraged.
