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OXFORD HILLS — The Board of Directors for the Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the 2017 Business and Community Award Winners. The Chamber honors and recognizes businesses and community members in four different categories: Business of the Year, Rising Star of the Year, Employee of the Year and Community Service.
This year’s Business of the Year award resulted in a tie, so two businesses will share this honor. The 2017 Business of the Year is Oxford Walmart and Norway Center for Health & Rehabilitation.
“The Oxford Walmart is a larger employer in our area, and the store manager and associates give back significantly to the community,” noted John Williams, executive director of the Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce. According to the store manager, Melanie Wright, more than 100 tons of food is donated to the local food pantries each year. Store associates also adopt a family at Christmastime and provide both gifts and dinner. The store also fills backpacks with school supplies each year for the area school children. In addition, $21,000 is given to the local community through grants.
Norway Center for Health & Rehabilitation will also be honored as the Business of the Year. The center was recognized in 2016 as one of the “Best Nursing Homes” in the country for the third consecutive year by U.S. News and World Report.
“Norway Center for Health & Rehabilitation is a truly special place with caring, dedicated staff that provide outstanding care for its residents and their families,” Williams said. The center earned the U.S. News ranking through assessments in health inspections, level of care, quality of nursing staffing and a five-star top ranking from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare Services.
The Rising Star of the Year is the Norway Brewing Co. The microbrewery opened its doors on Main Street in Norway last year and has a small taproom where owners Charles and Erika Melhaus brew craft beer year-round.
“Norway Brewing Company is a great addition to Main Street,” said Williams. “The company uses local ingredients in both their beer and food menu. There is also an inviting beer garden open in the summer months which is a great gathering spot.”
Donita St. John of Community Concepts has received the Employee of the Year award. St. John has been working at Community Concepts for more than 25 years. She is the first person people see when they walk through door and always there to help people noted one of her co-workers.
“Donita is an icon in this community. If you’ve ever visited or called Community Concepts, then you’ve met Donita. She is always ready to help no matter who comes through door,” said Williams.
The Community Service award recipient is Sarah Glynn. She is a local attorney and involved in several community organizations and projects including the Norway-Paris Kiwanis Club, Paris Renewal Committee and Western Maine Addiction Task Force. Glynn is also a retired U.S. Navy commander and is very active in the South Paris American Legion post. Dawn Landis, who owns Dr. Rob’s Garage in Oxford with her husband, Brian, nominated Glynn and shared how the two worked together to create a special recognition program for graduating high school seniors that have chosen to join the military.
“Sarah took the lead and each senior receives a certificate, a pin of their branch of service and their name on a plaque that is on display at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School. Students also get up to $300 for a travel voucher or gift card when they complete basic training,” Landis said in her nomination.
All the award winners will be honored during the chamber’s annual awards banquet on Thursday, March 16, at the Silver Spur in Mechanic Falls. U.S. Sen. Angus King will be the keynote speaker. Tickets are $50 per person and include a buffet dinner. Tickets can be reserved online through the chamber’s website or by contacting the office at 743-2281.
