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Steve Lewis, co-founder of Friends Helping Friends food pantry in Fort Fairfield, was recently honored by the Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce as 2008 Citizen of the Year at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner held at the V.F.W. hall on Presque Isle Street.

Presenting the award to Lewis on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce was Shawn Murchison, former Chamber director, and co-founder of Friends Helping Friends food pantry.

“I’ve known Steve for about a year and a half,” said Murchison. “I’m thankful God brought us together. Steve does a lot for the community; he has a heart for Fort Fairfield and has made a difference in a lot of people’s lives.

I Care Pharmacy was recognized as Business of the Year. Janet Kelle, director of the Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce presented the award.

I Care started their mail order pharmacy in Fort Fairfield in early 2007, after taking over operations from the Penobscot Indian Nation “Although they were under pressure to keep the business downstate, they moved it to Terry’s hometown and turned a failing company around in just one year,” said Kelle. “Starting with 1,100 prescriptions per week, they have now doubled to over 2,000 and have 14 full time employees.”

Greenier, a member of the Fort Fairfield High School Class of 1986, joined the army and left the area 20 years ago. “I’ve been a lot of places and things got a little hectic for me, so I decided to come back,” he said. “I Care Pharmacy is known for its superior customer service. Since we’ve been in operation, we have not had one complaint about our service.”

Accepting the award on behalf of I Care, Greenier credits the employees the most. “I’m really proud of the employees, this award is really from all their hard work.”

Outgoing Chamber President, Sherri Clark was recognized with a plaque commemorating her service to the Chamber. “This year has gone by very fast,” said Clark, “It’s good to have Janet as director, she is a real asset to the community.”
The new Chamber president is Mike Woodman. “I want to thank Sherri for her year of service to the chamber,” Woodman told the audience. “I’ve lived in Fort Fairfield for 10 years and really love this community. Everyone is actively involved. I love the fact that so many things go on here. I’ve worked out of state in the past and have found that people all over the state and beyond know about Fort Fairfield - especially our Potato Blossom Festival.”

Woodman noted the high level of volunteerism in the community. “I’m excited to see all the volunteers in the community. The town is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year and I look forward to working with all who wish to volunteer for a committee.”

Dana Connors, president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, was the keynote speaker for the dinner. In his speech, Connors focused on attitude as the most important attribute of success.

“Attitude is what the Chamber of Commerce brings to a community. It is the base, soul and spirit of the community,” said Connors. “There is no association more important to a community than the local Chamber of Commerce. There is no statute or law requiring it to exist. Its existence is merely because people care, believe and want to make their community better.”

“We live in a society today that works too fast, too hard and too long. We don’t always stop long enough to appreciate what others do. The simple, intangible things that come from the heart is what’s important. That’s attitude. No other organization does what you are doing tonight; saying thank you to those who help benefit the community.”

In an uncertain economic time, Connors noted we should all “focus on the future, but don’t forget the past. We should understand our problems, but not forget the positives.”

This year’s dinner was catered by Scott Carlin and the crew from Hillside IGA.

A “Casino Night” was put on by the Aroostook Shrine Club and a faux auction of donated items from area businesses put on by auctioneer, Burt Winslow using artificial credits at no cost to the participants.