Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Annual Awards:
On May 5, 2026, the Wiscasset Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its 15th Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner, an evening dedicated to celebrating the organizations and individuals who lead our local economy and community. This year’s event featured a distinct local flavor with the theme “A Taste of Wiscasset,” showcasing the area’s culinary vibrancy alongside its professional achievements.
True to its theme, the dinner highlighted Wiscasset’s varied food scene. Attendees enjoyed a reception and dinner catered by a collaborative team of local favorites: Back River Bistro, Panacea, Sea Basket and Westport Island’s D-Zerts by Daphne. The event, held in Chapin Hall at Chewonki, brought together local business owners, civic officials, and community leaders to recognize excellence in four categories.
Patrcia Cloutier was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her career and her instrumental role as a founding member of the Wiscasset Area Chamber of Commerce. Her professional impact includes roles at the Morris Farm, MSAD 40 Adult Education, and the Maine Mid-Coast Chamber Council, where she earned a reputation as a tireless resource for the region. Recognized as a community champion – alongside her husband Russ – Pat’s decades of selfless service and relentless “can-do” attitude have left a lasting mark on the area’s professional and civic landscape.
Since its founding in 2024, Dave’s Disposal has quickly transformed from a local waste removal start-up into a regional fixture serving communities from South Bristol to Augusta. The company earned the Growth and Development Award by significantly scaling its operations this spring to include material hauling and equipment transport, proving its versatility and ambition. By combining a strong social media presence with a reliable “yes, we can” attitude, Dave’s Disposal has built a trusted reputation for helping the community grow cleaner and stronger.
The Garden Club of Wiscasset was recognized with the Unsung Hero Award for their decades of quiet, volunteer-led efforts to beautify public spaces across the community. Beyond tending gardens, the club hosts an annual plant sale, which funds scholarships for Lincoln County students and supports environmental youth programs from preschool through high school. By fostering both local horticulture and social connections, the club’s membership has become an essential pillar of Wiscasset’s civic life.
The Wiscasset Branch of First National Bank received the Community Impact Award in recognition of its unwavering support for local traditions, ranging from Holiday Marketfest and Wormfest to the Cooper-DiPerri Scholarship fundraisers. The bank’s long-tenured staff members are familiar faces across Wiscasset, volunteering countless hours to support local organizations and fund important projects like the middle high school’s scoreboard and the Old Jail gazebo. By championing everything from the “Alive on the Common” concert series to “Casual for a Cause” initiatives, the bank has proven to be a cornerstone of local philanthropy and civic pride.
Although Pat Cloutier and Dave Kelley were unable to attend the awards dinner, they were honored at private ceremonies prior to the event. Representatives from The Garden Club of Wiscasset and First National Bank were present to accept their awards in person, and all recipients were sent official commendations from Maine Senators Collins and King. The evening concluded with an auction of desserts donated by local bakers. Over $1,200 was raised to support scholarships for graduating seniors at Wiscasset Middle High School – underscoring the evening’s spirit of giving back to the community.
Thank you to our Sponsors:
Edward Jones Investments, Matt Crane
Chewonki Foundation
First National Bank
Chewonki Campground
Red’s Eats
Patron Member: Steele’s Landscaping
