2024 Award Winners

See all the videos, produced by Sutherland-Weston Marketing Communications, by clicking here.

Norbert X. Dowd Award: Elizabeth Sutherland

Elizabeth’s contributions to the Bangor Region have been far reaching.  She currently serves on multiple boards and is President of the Bangor Symphony Orchestra and Vice President of the Dirigo Reads Board of Directors.  Her community service has included leadership roles for the Cross Insurance Center Advisory Board, the Bangor Convention and Visitors Bureau, Heart of Maine United Way, and Mobilize Eastern Maine.

This is not the first time Elizabeth has been recognized as a leader and contributor to the Bangor region. A graduate of the Bangor Region Leadership Institute, she was recognized for her contributions to the community with the Cliff G. Eames Award for service in 2016 and by the Girl Scouts of Maine with their Juliette Award for Leadership in 2017. She was named to the JA Business Hall of Fame in 2022.

Elizabeth Sutherland is the co-owner and CEO of Sutherland Weston, a marketing firm that helps businesses grow in Maine, beyond Maine, or expand to Maine. With more than 25 years experience in the marketing industry,  Elizabeth is passionate about helping Maine’s economy grow and supporting local businesses and organizations.  An accredited Public Relations (APR) professional, she formerly worked for Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems (now Northern Light Health), the American Red Cross and Senator George Mitchell.

Large Business of the Year: ERA Dawson-Bradford Co., REALTORS

ERA Dawson Bradford Co. REALTORS celebrates 50 years in 2024!  Owned and operated by Julie Dawson Williams and her husband Brian Williams, the Dawson Co. team looks forward to the next 50.

In 1974, Jon and Nancy Dawson took ownership of Country & Coastal Realty where they began their real estate careers, and rebranded as Dawson Co. Shortly thereafter, they aligned with Electronic Realty Associates (ERA), a franchise for independently owned and operated agencies.  In 2008, Jon and Nancy began co-operating the business with Julie and Brian, upon their return to Maine from DC; culminating in a full transition to second-generation ownership in 2013.

Throughout its 50 years, Dawson Co. has focused on best-in-class experiences for clients and team members, successfully navigating ever-changing real estate and economic climates. With an emphasis on subject-matter expertise, innovation, and diversification, Dawson has continued to grow through acquisitions and development, adding Insurance and Dawson Commercial Brokers to its portfolio.

Today, Dawson Co. operates from strategically located offices in Bangor, Orono, and Rockland, and boasts a team of expert agents. Julie, Brian, and the company remain dedicated to community engagement, trust, and the excellence that has defined Dawson’s extensive history and will shape its future.

“Spirit of the Region” Cultural Award: Waterfront Concerts

In 2023, Waterfront Concerts brought 22 acts to their newly renovated and expanded venue.  Those acts brought 161,533 concert goers from near and far.  In 2023 alone, the impact to the region’s economy has been estimated at nearly 34 million dollars.  Those dollars can be translated into spending at hotels, restaurants, shopping and more.

Further, the venue has put Bangor on the “map” as a destination for concerts, cultural events and entertainment.  This has translated into an asset for the region that attracts not only visitors, but new residents.  The venue provides opportunities for individuals and families to enjoy a variety of performances and experiences right here at home.  In addition, Waterfront Concerts has established a reputation in the industry as a venue with a positive reputation that continues to book and attract well known artists from every genre.

But wait, there’s more.  With the recent additions to the infrastructure, they are hosting groups, meetings, events, movie nights and yoga on the lawn.  Waterfront Concerts offers work experience and opportunities in event promotion and orchestration, food and beverage, customer service, facilities and more.  During the concert season, the company provides jobs for 20 full and 1,044 full and part time employees who work to provide their guests with a remarkable experience.

Small Business of the Year Award: Tiller & Rye

Tiller & Rye opened their doors in Brewer, Maine in 2015.  Founded by Sarah Morneault and Lindsey Levesque,  Tiller & Rye is the only local natural foods market in the Brewer area.  The store carries a variety of fresh produce, humanely raised meats, artisanal cheeses, wines and beers, coffees, gluten-free products and meat and dairy alternatives.

T&R carries products from Maine farmers and artisans whose love and dedication to their work carries through to creating amazing products.  These partnerships allow T&R to source and provide quality products to their customers while supporting the growth of other Maine small businesses and growers.

The store brings the community together through regionally-sourced foods, food-related events and a place to grab a coffee, healthy snack or sandwich. Tiller and Rye has evolved and adapted to many changes in the retail industry including the increased costs of doing business and challenges brought on by the pandemic.  With a staff of 24, Tiller and Rye are grateful to their vendors, partners and the community for their continued support.

Community Service Award: Thomas Judge

Thomas Judge is the founding Executive Director of LifeFlight of Maine/ LifeFlight Foundation. Tom began his career volunteering for the St. George Volunteer Fire and EMS Fighters as an EMT/Paramedic for more than forty years and introduced the first community paramedicine program in the state.

Thomas has worked nationally and internationally developing EMS and air medical systems with particular interest in system design, quality, patient safety, risk, organizational culture/governance, and rural health care access and equity.  He is currently leading a LifeFlight project with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, leads the infrastructure work group for the US Helicopter Safety Team, serves on the Rural Health Action Network, and state Rural Health Transformation Team.

He is a past Chair of the international Association of Critical Care Transport, Association of Air Medical Services, served on the Maine EMS Regulatory Board including as Chair and has served as a subject matter expert on multiple federal advisory committees.

Thomas has been recognized for his contributions through numerous state and national awards including a Jefferson Award for Public Service, Charlson Award for Air Medical Safety, the Governor’s EMS Award, and the Keith Kneely for leadership and science from the National Association of EMS Physicians.

Non-Profit of the Year: Bangor Region YMCA

The Bangor Region YMCA has been the heart of the Region since 1867, serving more than 12,000 people annually, employing 280 people and supported by 385 volunteers. The YMCA is recognized as a fearless champion supporting babies, children, teens, families and older adults from all walks of life in their physical and emotional wellness. It raises hundreds of thousands of dollars so ALL people have access to YMCA programs and services.

Their values of kindness, caring, honesty, respect  and responsibility guide its decision-making including opening a free Teen Center for teens at risk of suicide and substance use. The Y is one of the largest providers of licensed early education and school-age programs, summer camps, and swim lessons, as well as delivering flagship evidence-based chronic disease programs, including cancer, cardiac, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Its leadership in times of crisis was proven by its decision to stay open to provide emergency childcare for first responders, healthcare providers, and essential workers during the pandemic and supporting families with an All-Day Y Academy when schools were shut down. As it looks to the future, the YMCA is planning a state of the art and a life-changing facility that will serve the needs of all Mainers for generations to come.

Sarah Dubay Professional Service Award: David Dunning

Dave Dunning has been a leader in the Bangor region throughout his tenure with S.W. Cole Engineering, Inc.  He began his career in 1986 and was a consulting environmental scientist for 30 years while staying involved in the firm’s human resources and marketing efforts.  Since 2010 he has served as VP of Human Resources and Marketing, and part of the leadership team that expanded S.W. Cole Engineering and Seaboard Drilling across New England.

Dave is a member of human resources organizations, a past President of the Society for Marketing Professional Services.  In 2023 Governor Mills appointed him to the State Workforce Board.

Dave has served on the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Board since 2015, including as Chair of the Board.  He served with Sarah Dubay, whom this award is named after.  Dave was recognized by the chamber with the “Volunteer of the Year” award in 2015 in part for leading the chamber’s CEO search.

Since then, he continues to contribute his time and expertise to the organization.  While much of that work is “behind the scenes” he is often spotted at the chamber golf challenge with a walkie talkie in hand while driving a golf cart to ensure the tournament is running smoothly.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award: Global Secure Shipping

Volunteer of the Year: Jason Clay

Award Video Produced by WABI

Jason Clay assumed the role of Owner/Chief Executive Officer of Governor’s Restaurant & Bakery in May 2023 where he previously served as Director of Operations and Director of Marketing.  Prior to rejoining Governor’s in 2011, Jason spent time in the Boston area working for a quick service restaurant concept and in food service at Harvard Business School.

Jason was a member of the Bangor Region Leadership Institute class of 2013 and was recognized for his service to BRLI with the Gary Creaser Volunteer of the Year Award in 2022.  He currently serves on the board for the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the Bangor Region Community Council, and on the Old Town Development LLC economic development committee.

“Jason’s contributions to the chamber and our programs have spanned many years.  Jason truly shows up, digs in, helps out and offers a thoughtful and helpful approach to advance the organization forward.  It has been a delight and honor to work with him and watch him grow as a person and a leader,” said Deb Neuman, President and CEO of the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce.

A graduate of the University of Maine with a MBA from Northeastern, Jason lives in Brewer with his wife Jolene, daughter Harper, and dogs Marv and Maggie.