Small Business of the Year

Franklin-Somerset Federal Credit Union
Quick, someone try to name an event in town that didn’t involve a volunteer from Franklin-Somerset Federal Credit Union. You can’t, can you? That is one of the most admirable things about Franklin-Somerset FCU is that they do all that they can to be involved and clearly it is a company-wide philosophy that is preached from the top-down. Beyond that, they have been great sponsors over the years helping provide necessary support to many of the Chamber events, and the Chamber is very grateful for the relationship that has been built over all of these years. Not only does their volunteering show great support for their community, but you can see it within their branches as well with smiling faces always willing to give a hand. They’re in a people first business and they show it with pride in all that they do. Congratulations on your nomination.

Heritage House Restaurant
Quality and consistency is the goal of any small business, a few businesses embody that like the Heritage House restaurant. For years Heritage House restaurant as been synonymous with fine dining and excellence with an ambiance that caters to intimate gatherings for friends and families. With their function room and catering that is suitable for a variety of events, they have put themselves on the map a reliable restaurant that can suit anyone’s needs. Additionally, they are always willing to give back to the community with support through gift certificates and the hosting various functions as seen through their hosting of the weekly Rotary Club meetings. What’s more is the staff that is always kind and courteous highlighting the presentation of the elegant food the kitchen prepares. That service is a credit to Cheri and David who have always believed in giving back to the community, and being the best that you can at what you do ever since they started the restaurant and it is still very visible today. Congratulations on your nomination.

Lynch Landscaping
Sometimes you need to get your hands dirty to make the world a little more beautiful, so is the essence of Lynch Landscaping. ‘For those that desire quality’ is their mantra and through their custom plans for landscaping for each individual customer its easy to see how they have become so successful so quickly. John Lynch began the company while still in high school and designed his college work to the Wentworth Institute and USM to cater to his customers and build a strong business model focused on providing the highest professional care to his customers. Going above and beyond the call of duty, John, along with his staff, bring high energy and professionalism to every job as their customer base continues to grow. Lastly, Lynch Landscaping has been supportive of not only the Skowhegan Area Chamber of Commerce for any of our needs when it comes to special events but is also extremely giving of their time and energy to other area organizations including the Skowhegan Rotary Club and Lake George Regional Park. Congratulations on your nomination.

Skowhegan Farmer’s Market
Nothing says community-minded quite like the cooperative that is the Skowhegan Farmer’s Market. One of the most visible entities in town, the market has not only helped the local communities but it has spotlighted a culture that thrives in this area and has brought it into the mainstream. Through the collaboration of different farms, area residents and restaurants can get a wide array of fruits, vegetables, meats chesses and more in what has become the definition of shop local. Beyond that the market has been influential in working with area events like the Kneading conference and the Chamber’s own Bike Night providing food and alternative options to the area. The Skowhegan region has long since prided itself on having some of the best farmers around and now every Saturday in the Summer, and half of them in the Winter, we all get to enjoy the fruit of their labors. Congratulations on your nomination.

York Signs
Being in business for decades takes more than just a good business plan and finding a niche in a market, it takes conviction, building relationships and having a high-quality products and presentations that people recognize immediately. York Signs work is evident on nearly every street corner in town with their classic hardwood designs and state of the art lighted signs. The work is handmade and designed by Gary York and his professional staff that are skilled in both the time-honored techniques as well as cutting edge design. Whether its car detailing, reflective signage, a placard for a storefront or a sign to say that you and your business have arrived York Signs has it all. Also, with their great support for the Skowhegan Chamber, which can be seen, above our front door, on the kiosk and on specialty decals inside, their support is overwhelming. Congratulations on your nomination.

And the winner is the Skowhegan Farmer’s Market