2024 Kenney Awards

Kenny Awards STARS 1 1 1 1

January 26, 2024 | Augusta Civic Center

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Congratulations to our 2024 Winners and Finalist!

Peter G. Thompson Lifetime Achievement- Charlie & Nancy Shuman

Charlie Shuman is the Founder and President of Charlie’s Motor Mall, the largest new car dealer group in the state of Maine. Charlie and his loving wife Nancy have spent much of their lives giving back to various community organizations such as the Kennebec Valley Humane Society, the Children’s Center, MaineGeneral Medical Center, the United Way of Kennebec Valley, and more. Coming from humble beginnings, Charlie and Nancy are passionate about giving back to those in need and the community that has been so good to them. They credit their ability to give to their incredible success in business, growing from a 17-person company to over 240 employed.

Large Business of the Year- J.S. McCarthy Packaging & Print

J.S. McCarthy Packaging & Print is a folding carton packaging and commercial print company that has been operating in Augusta for over 75 years. They are now employee owned and run by 3 siblings, Jon, Amy, and Matthew. The business was founded and passed down by their father, Rick. They are known for their award winning quality, advance technology and their industry leading services.

The Special Service Award- Kennebec Cabin Company & The Woodshed

Kennebec Cabin Company is the home headquarters for the hit television show, Maine Cabin Masters. It is a tourist destination for fans from around the world. Located in Manchester, the store features Maine Cabin Master’s merchandise, art and other items made by Maine-based artists and craftsmen. Chase, Ashley, Ryan, Dixie, and Jedi also own The Woodshed located ‘out back’ of the Kennebec Cabin Company. Customers can enjoy Maine micro-brews, house-smoked food offerings, and live music at The Woodshed.

President's Circle Finalists:

Gallant Therapy Services was established in 2008 when owner, Ryan Gallant, recognized a need for services to assist adults with disabilities who wanted to learn employment skills. In 2012, Gallant Therapy Services added therapy services for children with disabilities to their offerings. The business that started with 2 employees has grown to employ over 120 amazing people, has 3 bright and spacious pediatric therapy clinics, 4 adult community support programs, and serves over 1200 children and adults throughout Maine.

Statewide Towing Inc. is owned by Toby and Trisha Watson and was established 30 years ago. The business started with Toby and 2 trucks and has since grown into a company with 10 employees and fleet of 20 trucks. They have expanded their offerings beyond towing to include 24-hour roadside assistance, auto repair, hazmat clean up, and more. Toby and Trisha credit their success to the mindset they’ve had since the beginning: to exceed customer expectations.

The Weathervane Restaurant & Lounge, located on Maranacook Lake in Readfield, is a family business passed down through generations. Originating as an ice cream shop in the 1950’s, the Weathervane was converted into a full service restaurant in the 1970’s. Current owners June and her husband, John, purchased the restaurant from June’s parents 2 years ago. The Weathervane is a place of comfort for many locals and tourists to eat, talk, laugh, sing, celebrate, support, and enjoy the beauty that surrounds the restaurant and lounge.

Community Service Finalists:

Christine Durgin is the Director of Community Arts for Snow Pond Center for the Arts. Within her role, she launches and facilitates impactful community-based music and expressive arts programs at Teen Centers in Augusta, Gardiner, and Waterville. She also manages programming for group and individual music lessons on the Snow Pond campus. Christine volunteers her time with many nonprofits including the Augusta Kiwanis Club, the United Way of Kennebec Valley, and Capital Area Federal Credit Union.

Dr. Kieran Kammerer is a Pediatrician at Kennebec Pediatrics and the owner of Hallowell Woodworks. Kieran has devoted a large part of his life to giving back to the community through his volunteer efforts. He is a member of the Hallowell Board of Trade, has volunteered with the Augusta Children’s Museum, the Kennebec Valley Humane Society, Hallowell’s Pride events, and has mentored students at Hall-Dale High School. He has also donated various hand made creations that he has made to local organizations and towns.

Lonney Steeves is the Director of the Winthrop Area YMCA and the Director of the Winthrop Recreation Department. He has worked to create and operate programs for families in the Winthrop area for the past 40 years. Lonney believes in the importance of being involved and giving back to the community. He is grateful for the many people who have come into his life and made activities feel special for him growing up. He now works hard to have that same impact on the youth of the Winthrop area.

Cynergy Professional Finalist:

Amanda Cooley is the Vice President and Marketing and Communications Officer at Kennebec Savings Bank. Amanda is passionate about giving back to the community and feels blessed to oversee the charitable giving initiatives of Kennebec Savings Bank. She is grateful to work for an organization that puts people and community first. Throughout Amanda’s career, her mission has been the same; to help Maine people thrive.

Benjamin Coolidge Gagnon is a Client Account Manager with Serra Public Affairs. He works with various corporate and nonprofit clients, assisting them with things like video production, state house lobbying, advising on corporate charitable giving, and crisis communications. Ben considers himself blessed to have found the incredible Kennebec Valley community where he works doing what he loves, and has many wonderful friends.

Heather Hemphill is the Executive Director of the Travis Mills Foundation. Previously overseeing the finance and administrative departments for the Travis Mills Foundation, Heather was promoted to her current role at the age of 32. Heather has integrated her lifelong passion for horses into her work through the Warrior PATHH program which helps combat veterans and first responders shift their post-traumatic stress into post-traumatic growth.

Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors!

HEADLINING SPONSORS