By Joshua Archer
Staff Writer
CARIBOU — The Caribou Area Chamber of Commerce honored local businesses and citizens during their annual recognition dinner at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center on Thursday, April 16.
Aroostook Republican Photo/Joshua Archer
Caribou Chamber of Commerce members, local business owners, and family and friends listen to Chamber Director William Tasker present the evening’s honorees during the chamber’s annual recognition dinner held last Thursday at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center.
After a social hour and dinner, emcee and Chamber Director, William Tasker, took to the podium to honor Caribou’s Shear Precision Hair Styles, County Sports Inc., Reno’s Family Restaurant, and Russell’s Motel. Each business took home a Special Business Achievement Award.
Shear Precision Hair Styles and County Sports Inc were recognized for their 25 years of business in Caribou, and Reno’s Family Restaurant and Russell’s Motel celebrated fifty years.
Tasker then presented Aroostook Republican with the Spirit of Aroostook Award for its 135 years in business.
The Thursdays on Sweden Committee received the Community Revitalization Award. The committee includes Caribou’s Fire Chief Scott Susi, Police Chief Michael Gahagan, Superintendent of Parks and Rec Gary Marquis, Public Works Director Dave Ouellette, and is chaired by City Manager Austin Bleess. Many volunteers have made Thursdays on Sweden a success over the past two years.
Echoes Magazine, hailed as the unofficial ambassador of Aroostook County, received the Community Spirit Award, and Goughan’s Berry Farm brought home the coveted Business of the Year Award.
Caribou native, Bryan Thompson, was selected by the chamber as this year’s Citizen of the Year. Thompson was honored for his commitment to area fundraising over the past year. Woodland resident, William Thomas, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for all of the remarkable contributions he’s made to the surrounding area.
“I think that we really featured a lot of worthy people for these awards,” Tasker said. “And we had a good crowd. To have this many people come out I’m really pleased.”
The evening was capped off with a quick round of “Let’s Make a Deal” where donated door prizes were handed out to honorees and those who purchased raffle tickets.
