BANGOR — Eastern Maine Development Corporation recently presented the 2025 annual awards to recognize community and staff leaders.
Board Chair Dennis Damon started the meeting with a tribute to Liz Russell saying, “We are here in Rangeley Hall on the campus of Eastern Maine Community College, so I want to remember fondly our Vice Chair, and EMCC President Liz Russell who recently passed away.”
Here are the awards:
The Community Partner of the Year was awarded to Alison Lane of the Maine Small Business Development Center. Lane provides one-on-one, no cost support for small businesses, giving advice on business planning, funding, marketing and growth strategies. While guiding hundreds of entrepreneurs in the region, she located her SBDC office at EMDC in Bangor and has become partner and a champion for EMDC APEX and Lending programs.
The Associated General Contractors was named Business Partner of the Year!
EMDC, with AGC, delivered workforce development programs in Penobscot and Aroostook counties with plans to expand. Led by Kelly Flagg, their leadership and dedication to expanding training pathways and supporting employers by growing Maine’s construction workforce make a difference every day. Together, we help students and young workers achieve industry recognized certifications and job placement opportunities.
The Bangor YMCA was recognized as the Nonprofit of the Year because of the monumental endeavor to make a positive social and economic impact on the region.
Through programs that support health, childcare, recreation and opportunity for all ages, the Bangor Y strengthens families and helps our region thrive. Presenting the award to Diane Dickerson was EMDC Board member and Penobscot County Commissioner Dan Tremble who lauded her spirit, drive and success in mobilizing others to support this $60 million dollar project.
The Tom Davis Employee of the Year Award is named after longtime EMDC Board member and Penobscot County Commissioner Tom Davis. Davis valued hard work, honesty and drive to get things done.
Jennifer King, COO and last year’s recipient, awarded Miranda Pelkey, director of the APEX Accelerator program with this year’s award. After stepping into the role of director earlier this year, Pelkey led with vision, dedication and an unwavering commitment to helping Maine businesses navigate government procurement opportunities with confidence. She excelled in having the statewide team gel with the focus on local businesses succeeding.
The Community Spirit Award was presented to Maine Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman who has served as labor commissioner for almost 16 years with two governors, Janet Mills and John Baldacci.
In this role Fortman oversees labor standards, employment and training programs, unemployment insurance, labor market information and vocational rehabilitation services to ensure they are delivered accurately with quality. Like Frances Perkins of Newcastle, the first woman presidential cabinet member as Secretary of Labor, Fortman has been a champion for social and economic justice, pay equity always with a passion and drive for defending and promoting workers.
Lee Umphrey, president and CEO of EMDC said, “EMDC’s partnership with MDOL is key to our success and the leadership of Commissioner Fortman is an essential ingredient to ensuring that all participants and clients always come first.”
Ending the ceremony Umphrey stated, “We are recognizing individuals and organizations that are making a profound impact. Given the uncertainty at the federal level, we need to work even more closely together. All of today’s winners reflect that spirit while prioritizing a practical and local approach to reach collective success.”
