Thank you for joining us VIRTUALLY at Imagine Portland 2021!
Click HERE or on the video below to watch the complete event replay (and scroll down for specific segments)
Thank you for joining us to honor the individuals and organizations that have made a difference to the Portland region - through social responsibility, business adaptability, community partnership, creative entrepreneurship, and tireless advocacy.
Imagine Portland 2021 Keynote
2020 was an unprecedented awakening and this year seemed to start where it left off. But there exists an important human element - HOPE! Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Quincy Hentzel is joined by members of the business community to talk about this important human element.
Our Award Winners!
Thanks to YOUR nominations and recommendations, the Chamber staff, board of directors, and sponsors are proud to officially announce the winners of our 2021 Imagine Portland Awards!
The Champion Award:
cPort Credit Union
cPort Credit Union has strengthened the foundation of the Portland region by putting racial and social equity at the forefront of their work in the community. cPort provides financial literacy resources and programs to Maine’s immigrants and refugees - such as the INDUS fund, microloans available to small business owners within the immigrant community - and they continue to promote diversity and inclusion within their own organization through their recruitment and retention efforts within underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.
The Champion Award is presented by
The Champion Award is presented by
The Catalyst Award:
Rivalries
In 2020, Rivalries was able to adapt their business model in response to the pandemic and economic impact. Initially switching to curbside pickup, they quickly funneled their energy to be a force for change by raising funds for local food pantries and providing free meals to front-line health care workers.
The Catalyst Award is presented by
The Catalyst Award is presented by
The Collaborator Award:
United Way of Greater Portland
United Way of Greater Portland has improved countless lives by utilizing the power of a caring community. Through initiatives like Thrive 2027, the Greater Portland Works Initiative, and our work with them on the Working Communities Challenge grant from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, they have built alliances and partnerships within the region that will serve to support individuals for the next decade and beyond.
The Collaborator Award is presented by
The Collaborator Award is presented by
The Creator Award:
Cooking for Community
Cooking for Community was formed in early 2020 to address multiple community needs in the greater Portland region. They've raised funds to support restaurants by keeping workers employed who then pay it forward by providing healthy meals made with locally sourced ingredients for our food-insecure population.
The Creator Award is presented by
The Creator Award is presented by
Advocacy Volunteer Award:
Felicia Knight
The Knight Canney Group
Felicia has strengthened the Chamber's advocacy efforts with her seasoned communications and public relations leadership. Her engaged participation with our various committees and initiatives exhibit her dedicated commitment to advancing the Chamber’s voice, mission, and support of our members. She continues to leave a positive and lasting impact on the community through her leadership, distinct voice, and valuable experience.
Thank You to Our Imagine Portland 2021 Sponsors
Vision Sponsor:
Anchor Sponsor:
Award Sponsors:
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Champion Award
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Catalyst Award
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Collaborator Award
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Creator Award
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"On Location" Sponsors:
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Together Apart Sponsors:
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Production Sponsor
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Awards Created by
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Business News Partner
And thank you to the following businesses for the fabulous "door prize" donations!
- 2 Night Winter Hotel Stay at Inn By The Sea
- $190.00 Gift Certificate from Maine Foodie Tours
- $30 Gift Certificate + Brewery Swag from Foundation Brewing Company
- $50 Gift Certificate + Essential Oils Diffuser from Coastal Pharmacy & Wellness
Thank You to Everyone Who Attended Imagine Portland 2020!
It was another fantastic evening of "networking nirvana" as 850 of you joined us to honor those who have significantly contributed to the future of Greater Portland through leadership that embraced growth and cultivated community connections.
Here's to another year of vibrant regional growth and prosperity!
See the Portland Press Herald's Society Notebook coverage of Imagine Portland 2020.
Here's to another year of vibrant regional growth and prosperity!
See the Portland Press Herald's Society Notebook coverage of Imagine Portland 2020.
2020 Keynote Video
Keynote video by Knack Factory
2020 Imagine Portland Photos
Photos by Dave Dostie, courtesy of media sponsor Maine magazine
2020 Award Winners:
Champion Awards
Champion Award winners Bill Caron (left) and Rich Petersen (right) presented by Dave Wenger, Senior Vice President - Bank of America (middle)
William L. Caron, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer - MaineHealth
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Richard W. Petersen
President - MaineHealth
Chief Executive Officer - Maine Medical Center
Chief Executive Officer - MaineHealth
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Richard W. Petersen
President - MaineHealth
Chief Executive Officer - Maine Medical Center
Bill Caron and Rich Petersen were honored for strengthening the foundation of the Portland region as advocates for high-quality, accessible healthcare. Both individuals were essential in the creation of one of the nation’s top integrated healthcare delivery networks, fully committed to the health and well-being of the communities and people served.
Catalyst Award
Jeff Lind (left), COO - Clark Insurance presents the Catalyst Award to Dana Totman
Dana Totman
President & CEO - Avesta Housing
Dana was honored for enhancing the regional economic climate through pioneering thought leadership and visionary action - as a steadfast advocate for the development of healthy, sustainable communities and affordable housing options as core assets for Maine people.
President & CEO - Avesta Housing
Dana was honored for enhancing the regional economic climate through pioneering thought leadership and visionary action - as a steadfast advocate for the development of healthy, sustainable communities and affordable housing options as core assets for Maine people.
Collaborator Award
Bill Whitmore (left), VP Maine Market - Harvard Pilgrim Health Care presents the Collaborator Award to Anita St. Onge, Executive Director on behalf of Portland Adult Education
Portland Adult Education
Portland Adult Education was being honored for building alliances and partnerships that positively address economic challenges - through inspiring lifelong learning in a culturally diverse environment, meeting employers' demands for a skilled workforce, and supporting the immigrant community through the New Mainers Resource Center.
Portland Adult Education was being honored for building alliances and partnerships that positively address economic challenges - through inspiring lifelong learning in a culturally diverse environment, meeting employers' demands for a skilled workforce, and supporting the immigrant community through the New Mainers Resource Center.
Visionary Volunteer
Christine Emerson (left), Manager at WIPFLI presents the Visionary Volunteer Award to Paula Mahony
Paula Mahony
President & Marketing Strategist - Words@Work, Inc.
Paula Mahony was honored for the tireless energy and support she has dedicated toward strengthening the Chamber's efforts and initiatives, leaving a positive and lasting impact on the community. From serving on the Falmouth-Cumberland Community Chamber board to being the chair of one of our LINQ referral groups to her spirited participation in various ad hoc committees, Paula has helped steer the Chamber's vision ever onward.
President & Marketing Strategist - Words@Work, Inc.
Paula Mahony was honored for the tireless energy and support she has dedicated toward strengthening the Chamber's efforts and initiatives, leaving a positive and lasting impact on the community. From serving on the Falmouth-Cumberland Community Chamber board to being the chair of one of our LINQ referral groups to her spirited participation in various ad hoc committees, Paula has helped steer the Chamber's vision ever onward.
2020 Nonprofit of the Year
Over 500 event attendees participated in the LIVE voting experience of choosing our Nonprofit of the Year at Imagine Portland - thank you!
The Winner
Over 500 event attendees participated in the LIVE voting experience of choosing our Nonprofit of the Year at Imagine Portland - thank you!
The Winner
PSL Services/STRIVE received $5000 courtesy of Charity Sponsor WEX
PSL Services/STRIVE
PSL Services/STRIVE assists people with emotional and intellectual disabilities to live with dignity and respect as active members of our community through a variety of programs. Learn more HERE!
PSL Services/STRIVE assists people with emotional and intellectual disabilities to live with dignity and respect as active members of our community through a variety of programs. Learn more HERE!
Additional Nonprofit of the Year Finalists:
- Boots2Roots
Boots2Roots prepares transitioning, active-duty military members to hit the ground running in Maine by assisting with employment counseling and job placement. Learn more HERE!
- Junior Achievement of Maine
Junior Achievement's volunteer-delivered K-12th grade programs foster work-readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy skills. Learn more HERE! - Mitchell Institute
The mission of the Mitchell Institute is to increase the likelihood that young people from Maine will aspire to, pursue, and achieve a college education. Learn more HERE! - ProsperityME: The Center for Financial Education
ProsperityME helps immigrants and refugees achieve financial success through education and workshops. Learn more HERE!
- The Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center
The Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center serves as a hub of collaboration that strengthens the immigrant community through language acquisition, economic integration and civic engagement. Learn more HERE!
Additional Sponsors:
Media Partner
Awards Created By
Past Award Winners:
Leadership in the Private Sector:
Nominees for the Leadership in the Private Sector Award (formerly the Henri A. Benoit Award) must be residents of the greater Portland region who have made outstanding contributions to the greater Portland community through active leadership or individual efforts in civic or charitable activities.
2019 Winner: Deanna Sherman, Dead River Company
Leadership in the Public Sector:
Nominees for the Leadership in the Public Sector Award (formerly the Neal W. Allen Award) nominees must be either appointed or elected officials of state, county, regional or local government and have, through their public careers, made a significant contribution to the future of greater Portland. Preference will be given to projects or activities which are of a regional nature.
2019 Winner: David Brenerman, City of Portland
Economic Development:
Nominees for the Economic Development Award (formerly the Robert R. Masterton Award) can be an individual, business, agency, organization, community or nonprofit corporation which has assisted in promoting or enhancing the overall climate of greater Portland.
2019 Winner: Charlie Eshbach, Portland Sea Dogs
Nominees for the Leadership in the Private Sector Award (formerly the Henri A. Benoit Award) must be residents of the greater Portland region who have made outstanding contributions to the greater Portland community through active leadership or individual efforts in civic or charitable activities.
2019 Winner: Deanna Sherman, Dead River Company
Leadership in the Public Sector:
Nominees for the Leadership in the Public Sector Award (formerly the Neal W. Allen Award) nominees must be either appointed or elected officials of state, county, regional or local government and have, through their public careers, made a significant contribution to the future of greater Portland. Preference will be given to projects or activities which are of a regional nature.
2019 Winner: David Brenerman, City of Portland
Economic Development:
Nominees for the Economic Development Award (formerly the Robert R. Masterton Award) can be an individual, business, agency, organization, community or nonprofit corporation which has assisted in promoting or enhancing the overall climate of greater Portland.
2019 Winner: Charlie Eshbach, Portland Sea Dogs
Please Note: By attending a Chamber or Member-hosted event, you acknowledge that your photograph may be taken and could be used in marketing and promotional materials for the Portland Regional Chamber and its Community Chambers. If you do not want your photograph taken, please speak to a Chamber staff or board member before, during, or after the event.
