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AUGUSTA, Maine — The Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce honored outstanding businesses, organizations, and professionals at the 2026 Kenney Awards, presented by Hammond Lumber Company. Held on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Augusta Civic Center, the annual gala celebrated leadership, innovation, and community impact across the Kennebec Valley.
Hosted annually by the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Kenney Awards brings together hundreds of business and community leaders for an evening dedicated to recognizing those who make a meaningful difference in the region. The 2026 event featured a cocktail hour, red carpet arrivals, award presentations, and live audience voting for three signature honors, with the evening emceed by Dennis Price of Capital City Improv.
2026 Kenney Award Recipients
Business Person of the Year: Bill Logan Large Business of the Year: Goggin’s IGA (Randolph) Heartbeat of the Community Award: Windsor Fair (Windsor) CYNERGY Emerging Professional: Joseph Lajoie Special Service Award: Robert Stein
Live Voting Award Winners
Small Business of the Year: Pinto Thai To Go (Augusta) Non-Profit of the Year: Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center Beacon of the Valley: Sawyer Boulette
Finalists for the live voting categories included:
Small Business of the Year Finalists: Lisa’s Legit Burritos (Augusta), TJ’s Place (Winthrop)
Non-Profit of the Year Finalists: Maine Recovery Access Project (Augusta), Spectrum
Non-Profit of the Year Finalists: Maine Recovery Access Project (Augusta), Spectrum Generations (Augusta)
Beacon of the Valley Finalists: Lina Michaud, Cory Nason
“The Kenney Awards are always a powerful reminder of the passion, leadership, and commitment that exists throughout the Kennebec Valley,” said Katie Doherty, President & CEO of the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce. “We are grateful to everyone who joined us for this special evening, to our generous sponsors who make the event possible, and to the finalists and winners whose work continues to strengthen our communities. It was an honor to celebrate so many individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact across our region.”
The 2026 Kenney Awards were made possible through the generous support of our sponsors. The event was presented by Hammond Lumber Company, with headlining sponsorships from Central Maine Power, Central Maine Pyrotechnics, Cross Insurance, Headlight Audio Visual, and MPowered, LLC. The VIP Reception was sponsored by PERFORMANCE Foodservice – NorthCenter, the Red Carpet was sponsored by Dave’s World Heating & Cooling, and the Award Videos were sponsored by Serra Public Affairs.
About the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1932, the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce is a key part of the business community and a driving force in the economic development of the Kennebec Valley region. Serving more than 600 members across 23 communities, the Chamber enhances quality of life by supporting businesses, advancing workforce development, hosting community events, and fostering regional growth.
