BAR HARBOR—The Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce convened its annual meeting and awards dinner on Thursday night, celebrating individuals and local businesses whose commitment, leadership, and service strengthen the Mount Desert Island community. Stephanie Clement was honored with the prestigious Cadillac Award, while Gary “Bo” Jennings received the President's Award. Other accolades presented included the Neighboring Business of the Year, Business of the Year, Rising Star, and Young Professional Awards.
Stephanie Clement, lauded for her dedication, loyalty, diligent work, and moral compass, accepted the Cadillac Award. Eric Stiles, CEO of Friends of Acadia and Clement’s boss, spoke of her "sphere of service" as a force that binds Acadia National Park and its communities. He emphasized the intrinsic interdependence between the park and the surrounding towns, a relationship Clement embodies through her empathy and a rare blend of exceptional heart and intellect. Clement’s lifelong commitment to natural resources and environmental stewardship began in childhood, exploring MDI's granite geology with her father, a geologist who visited the island each summer. In her acceptance speech, Clement thanked her father for his love and support. She also recounted her initial experience upon moving to Mount Desert Island, when Pat Stanley suggested she join the Chamber board, which helped her connect with people and feel at home. Clement extended praise to the Chamber staff and its newer initiatives, such as the young professionals group and business roundtable, for fostering valuable discussion and connection within the community.
Gary “Bo” Jennings was presented with the President's Award, an honor intended to recognize someone who "fights for the soul of the town" and upholds community integrity. Current Chamber president Rachel Crater underscored Jennings’ pivotal leadership during a particularly turbulent period. He assumed the presidency as the executive director was departing, subsequently leading the search for the next director and providing crucial support to the new leader through the inherent challenges of a public role. Crater highlighted Jennings’ steadfast presence during some of the Chamber’s most contentious years, marked by intense discussions surrounding cruise ships, funding, development, and tourism, which often led to heated exchanges between residents and businesses. She commended his staunch advocacy for local businesses, noting his consistent effort to remind all parties that, despite disagreements, they remained neighbors. Under Jennings’ guidance, the Chamber emerged with a renewed mission, a new strategic plan, and a clearer commitment to both a striving business community and a strong overall community. Jennings also conceived the recent Music Harbor festival, an event showcasing over 100 hours of music in various venues across Bar Harbor, Trenton, and Northeast Harbor. Crater described the festival as a clear example of Jennings’ vision: uniting businesses, supporting local musicians, cultivating joy, and providing residents and visitors a reason to share the town experience. Visibly moved, Jennings thanked his employers, Jeff and Jena Young, known for their ownership of the Side Street Cafe and Annex. He shared that he took a chance on the community and his employers, urging attendees to remember that "we are all stronger together" and to focus energy on positive actions instead of disagreements.
Other awards presented included the Neighboring Business of the Year Award, which was bestowed upon Fraley’s Nor’Easter Pound & Market in Northeast Harbor. Cool as a Moose, a retail staple in Bar Harbor for decades, was named Business of the Year; Ben Dunbar accepted the award and expressed his profound gratitude to his staff. Hidden Barns Books received the Rising Star Award, acknowledging Genie Thorndike’s initiative in transforming an old barn behind Reel Pizza into a community-focused bookstore and gathering space. The Young Professional Award, which recognizes an emerging leader under forty committed to the future of the region, was also presented. The recipient acknowledged the Chamber’s relatively new Young Professionals Group for organizing outings and events tailored for younger islanders.
Each year, the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce acknowledges individuals, businesses, and organizations whose dedication, leadership, and service contribute significantly to the strength and character of the community.
