State Chamber Awards Spotlight Leadership and Community Impact

For Immediate Release                                                                                       Media Contact: Katie Clark
Thursday, October 16, 2025                                                                                Cell: 207-233-2230
 
Bangor Region Chamber Named ‘Chamber of the Year’ at Maine State Chamber Annual Awards Dinner
Representative Sawin Millett Honored with Dirigo Award for Six Decades of Public Service
 
BANGOR, Maine — Hundreds of business and community leaders from across the state gathered last night at the Cross Insurance Center for the Maine State Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Annual Meeting & Dinner, celebrating leadership, public service, and the impact of local chambers on Maine’s economic growth.
“At a time of national division, this evening is about rediscovering our shared stake in thriving communities,” said Patrick Woodcock, President and CEO of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce. “Chambers are conveners, problem-solvers, and steady presences through times of growth and challenge. Tonight, we celebrate those who lead with vision and commitment.”
 
Governor Janet Mills addressed the audience, highlighting her administration’s ongoing work to strengthen Maine’s economy. “We’ve been making investments in Maine people to create the conditions, the environment for strong economic growth,” she said.
 
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of two major honors:
 
Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Wins “Chamber of the Year”
The Dana F. Connors Chamber of the Year Award recognizes outstanding growth, innovation, and community impact among Maine’s regional and local chambers. This year, the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce earned top honors for its leadership in shaping a modern regional economy while staying grounded in community values — from investing in youth leadership programs to forging cross-border partnerships.
 
“We have a vibrant, exciting economy, and we are a place where people want to continue to live and visit and move to,” said Deb Neuman, President of the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce, upon accepting the award.
 
Representative Sawin Millett Receives Dirigo Award
The Chamber’s Dirigo Award, named for Maine’s state motto meaning “I Lead,” honors extraordinary public service. This year’s honoree was Representative Sawin Millett, whose 66-year career has spanned legislative, executive, and local government service under eight governors and nine legislative sessions. Millett was celebrated as a humble, steady, and unifying force in Maine politics.
 
“Maine has a long and proud tradition of producing public servants who lead with humility, expertise, and an unshakable work ethic,” said Woodcock. “Sawin embodies those traits. Time after time, when rhetoric divided, he dove into the details, brought committees together, and forged solutions.”
 
Senator Susan Collins, unable to attend due to the federal government shutdown, shared a recorded message honoring Millett’s legacy and his steadfast commitment to the people of Maine.
 
As the evening concluded, Woodcock reflected on the shared values that unite Maine’s business and civic communities: “Those we honored tonight remind us that leadership — whether in a local chamber or the halls of government — is about service, integrity, and building strong communities together.”
 
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About the Maine State Chamber of Commerce:
Founded in 1889, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce is Maine’s largest business association, serving as The Voice of Maine Business on behalf of thousands of employers of all sizes and sectors across the state. The Maine State Chamber focuses on three pillars - Advocacy, Access, and Awareness - to advance a positive business climate and secure a strong state economy in which Maine businesses can compete and succeed. For more information, please visit www.mainechamber.org.