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These businesses and organizations, and the people who provide leadership for them, have a profound effect upon the business environment and the economy in the Capital Area and beyond. They all contribute significantly to the quality of life enjoyed in the Kennebec Valley.
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Business of the Year
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G&E Roofing Company
Norman S. Elvin
“Quality, Service and Integrity” are not just words to Norm Elvin, President and Owner of this highly successful 30-year-old Augusta business. “We have built our reputation as a total roof management company for industrial, commercial and institutional flat roofs all over the state,” Elvin says. G&E, a state leader in safety standards, provides a strong family-like work environment and promotes employee leadership training. G&E is also synonymous with public service and generosity. “Giving back to the community – Hospice, United Way, Team Cony, Youth Athletics, YMCA, etc. – is simply a way of life with us,” Elvin says. The men and women of G&E continue to set the example for excellence.
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Business Person of the Year
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Gerald O. Tyler
Wal-Mart Superstore
This 35-year-old former high school soccer star and 2005 Kennebec Journal Father-of-The-Year (five children) manages more than 460 employees at Augusta’s largest retailer – Wal-Mart Superstore. Tyler credits great mentoring and 80-hour work weeks as he helped manage stores in New York, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania before taking over the Augusta Wal-Mart in 1997. He added the Superstore in 2000 and recently was cited “most community-involved” store and runner-up “store-of-the-year” among 92 northeast Wal-Marts. As he requires of his associates, Gerald genuinely likes, and is effective with, people. He serves on the Board of Trade, YMCA, Little League and Children’s Center.
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Lifetime Achievement Award
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John C. Bridge
Bridgecorp
“Work ethic, frugality and family values” helped shape John’s lifetime of learning, building and giving. This President of Bridgecorp, a 130-year-old road building company, gives generously of his time and treasure to his community. After earning his Masters Degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Maine, John joined the family business, and became president in 1973. He was Mayor of Augusta, President of the Kents Hill School Board and a leader in construction associations. John has chaired the United Way, Children’s Discovery Museum and church fundraisers. He currently co-chairs the $10 million YMCA drive, serves on the Chop Point Christian School Board and enjoys bridge and tennis.
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President's Awards
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Beale Street Barbeque
Michael C. Quigg
The Beale Street Grill, Inc., based in Bath, Maine, operates Beale Street Barbeque restaurants, concessions, and foods in northern New England. The company is managed by Michael Quigg, President; Patrick Quigg, Vice President; and Rebecca Quigg, Director of Corporate Affairs. The business began as a roadside stand in Freeport 16 years ago and now operates three restaurants in Maine. Augusta was a natural choice for the third and most recent addition, both because the Quigg family once lived on Winthrop St. and because Augusta's developing downtown offered the right combination of opportunity and potential. Michael Quigg has worked closely with business neighbors and the city officials to promote Riverfront retail community.
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Clark Marine
Rob E. Brown and David G. Harriman
Owners Rob Brown, left, and Dave Harriman cite “excellent customer service” as key to success of this Manchester business. For three of the past four years Clark has been the nation’s number 1 dealer in Avalon (formerly Playbuoy) pontoon boats. Started in 1968 in Gardiner, later moved to Augusta, then to Manchester in 1996, Clark Marine is currently expanding into Monmouth. “With some 30 lakes in the immediate area, and Maine’s clean environment, we have great confidence in our local economy and optimism for the future,” Rob says. Clark Marine has a staff of 14 dedicated employees helping to “digest what customers want and then expertly providing it.”
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Thayer Engineering
Elliot Thayer
Elliot Thayer started this small (nine employees), but very busy, Farmingdale firm in 1982, the year he earned his professional engineer’s license. With partners Andy Dunbar and Bob Clunie, Thayer plays a major role in many development projects in the greater Augusta area. As land surveyors, civil engineers and planners, the firm serves clients ranging from residential and commercial development projects, municipalities, restaurants, utility districts, shopping centers and big businesses such as NRF Distributors and MBNA. Thayer and his team are highly regarded by both developers and regulatory agencies for their expertise and professionalism.
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Community Service Awards
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FirstPark
Kennebec Regional Dev. Authority
Craig H. Nelson
Just imagine 24 Kennebec/Somerset cities and towns coming together to create Maine’s premier technology center and new home for fast-growing T-Mobile! In 1999 the Augusta and Waterville area Chambers initiated the $5 million high-tech Oakland project that now houses a number of professional businesses and T-Mobile’s planned 700-member workforce. KRDA President Craig Nelson credits “our world class workforce” for attracting T-Mobile. “FirstPark, which shares tax revenues with member towns, will ultimately house dozens of businesses and employ up to 3,000 people, a major stimulus to our local economy,” Nelson said.
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KVYMCA Campaign
John C. Bridge and
Linda M. Gagne-Boucher
Kennebec Valley YMCA Campaign: Augusta area business leaders recognize good causes and step to the plate to ensure community success. They’ve recently come to the rescue for million-dollar-plus needs at the Children’s Center, Humane Society, Cony High and United Way. Now, in the Capital city’s largest-ever fund drive, leaders are working to raise $10 million for a state-of-the-art Kennebec Valley YMCA. The campaign committee, chaired by John Bridge and Linda Gagne-Boucher, has already raised more than $7.5 million towards the goal. Linda credits “outstanding citizen support” for the project which will serve needs of children and adults throughout southern Kennebec County.
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Special Service Award
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Harold Alfond
Few people in central Maine have not heard of the man who successfully made Dexter shoes a household name throughout the country. Harold has continued his philanthropic commitment to the State with gifts such as the University of Maine’s Alfond Arena, Waterville boys and girls club, Belgrade Golf Course and Kents Hill athletic facilities. In recent years Harold Alfond, now 91, has made a huge philanthropic commitment to the Children’s Center, to the planned new Cancer Center and to the planned new KV YMCA. His generosity continues to strengthen the quality of life in the Capital region.
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