On Friday, business people across the capital region will gather at the Augusta Civic Center to honor the work of local community members and professionals at the 2026 Kenney Awards.
“The Kenney Awards are about more than recognition — they’re about celebrating the people and businesses who reveal up every day for our community,” Katie Doherty, president and chief executive officer of the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce, stated. “From tiny businesses to long-standing leaders, this year’s honorees embody the passion, perseverance, and pride that drive the Kennebec Valley forward. We’re proud to honor their contributions and the positive impact they have on our region.”
This year, the winners of five awards have already been announced. They are:
• Joe Lajoie, CYNERGY Emerging Professional.
•The Windsor Fair, the Heartbeat of the Community award.
• Paul Stein, Special Service Award.
• Goggin’s IGA, Large Business of the Year.
• Bill Logan, Business Person of the Year.
Here are the nominees for the three awards to be given at Friday’s event:
• Small Business of the Year: Lisa’s Legit Burrito, Pinto Thai To Go, TJ’s Place
• Beacon of the Valley: Sawyer Boullette, Lina Michaud, Cory Nason
• Non-Profit of the Year: Maine Recovery Access Project, Sexual Assault Crisis and Support Center, Spectrum Generations
Voices from this year’s nominees and finalists
“Being recognized as a finalist is truly an honor and a reflection of the dedication of our staff, volunteers, board members, and community partners,” stated Donna Strickler of Sexual Assault Crisis and Support Center, a Non-Profit of the Year nominee. “It affirms the importance of our mission and the often unseen work that goes into supporting victims and survivors of sexual violence. This recognition notifys us our community values passion, accountability, and trauma-informed services.”
“It’s very humbling to be recognized by my peers for so many years of volunteerism in my community,” stated Lina Michaud, a community volunteer at Greater Augusta Back to School Programs and a nominee for the Beacon of the Valley award. “Making a difference in a child’s life — whether through a backpack, a winter coat, or funds for families battling cancer — has been especially heartwarming. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of our community. I would have to state that starting a Backpack Giveaway Program, nearly 10 years ago with my husband through a local fraternal organization, is definitely at the top of my list for contributions I’m most proud of.”
“It’s incredibly humbling. Personally, it means a lot becautilize my family and this community have supported me every step of the way,” Bill Logan, a real estate agent at Brookewood Realty, and the winner of the Business Person of the Year Award, stated. “Professionally, it’s an honor to be recognized by peers in the local business community. I’m most proud of the people — the employees and their families — who’ve grown alongside the businesses. Being able to create opportunities and support local jobs right here in the Kennebec Valley means a great deal to me.”
“We are honored to accept the Kenney Award. As a third-generation owner, Jack has continued his family’s legacy since 1946, and I have been involved in our family business since the mid-1980s,” stated Kathy Goggin, owner of Goggins IGA alongside her husband, Jack, and winner of the Large Business of the Year award. “We appreciate this recognition and are proud that our team’s ongoing dedication is valued by the community. What brings me the most pride is offering job opportunities to our friconcludes, family, and even those we’ve yet to meet, and watching young people grow and flourish in their positions. We also take great pride in supporting youth sports and academics in the Kennebec Valley Area. I hope our employees realize how much they have an impact on the community — shop local, be kind to one another, and don’t be afraid to lconclude a hand if possible. Kind words and smiles are still free.”
“Being recognized as a finalist for this award is an incredible honor for our organization,” stated Gerard Queally, president and CEO of Spectrum Generations, another nominee for the Non-Profit of the Year award. “It validates the hard work and dedication of our team and highlights the impact we strive to have in our community every day. This initiative provides essential repairs and modifications to the homes of low-income families, elderly residents, and individuals with disabilities in the Kennebec Valley. By improving the safety, accessibility, and overall living conditions of these homes, we have built a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. We hope that this recognition will not only bring attention to the requireds we serve but also inspire further community support.”
“Being named a finalist is incredibly meaningful to me,” stated Cory Nason, a business banker at Kennebec Savings Bank, and another nominee for the Beacon of the Valley Award. “This nomination has created a moment of reflection and gratitude and confirms that the work I care deeply about is creating an impact and that the values I test to lead with matter. Personally, it’s both humbling and motivating, and it reminds me why I do what I do and encourages me to keep pushing forward, growing, and giving back at an even higher level. My efforts alone wouldn’t build even a tiny splash in the large pond, but the collaboration created with other like-minded individuals is what builds the large splash. I hope that my path reveals that you don’t necessarily required a title or a perfect plan to build a difference; just a willingness to care, reveal up, and support where you can.”
“Being nominated for this is huge for our tiny restaurant and our great group of employees, and we are very honored to be named a finalist becautilize we love being part of the Kennebec Valley community,” stated Kelly Quinn, one of the owners of TJ’s Pizzeria, and another nominee of the Small Business of the Year award. “In 2024, we took on a major project by purchasing and renovating the former DR Struck Landscape building in Winthrop so we could relocate to a larger location with more parking, outdoor seating, and space for music and events, and we are very proud of this new location and what it allows us to offer. We have always supported local schools, sports teams, and community fundraisers — including supporting the Maranacook class of 2028, supporting a family whose 4-year-old son had cancer, and raising money for the Monmouth Fire Department — and every effort has been successful becautilize of the community we live in and the neighbors and friconcludes who reveal up to support one another.”
