Business of the Year Nominees:

Phoenix Fine Wines

Since buying her building in 2020 Laura Stanczyk has invested in bringing to life that flagship building. She lovingly restored the gorgeous mahogany facade.  She operates 2 vacation rentals, leases to the wildly successful Horn Run Brewing and has created a beautiful, 2 level wine shop with a wine bar below and a wine shop and music room upstairs, complete with baby grand piano. She hosts live music, trivia and scrabble events year round. Plus, Laura serves on the board of the Tides Institute and actively supports many community activities.

She recently opened a kitchen and with the creations of Chef Philip creates a farm-to-table experience to complement her wonderful selection of wines.   Each year the downtown scene thrives and grows, largely in part to Laura and Phoenix Fine Wines.

Sweeties Downeast

Lisa Stephen’s shop is always so vibrant and eye-catching.  One of the few businesses bringing children/families into town, no business is featured more in social media posts and videos. In addition, she created many of the festivals and continues to be fully involved in all of them throughout the year.

Lisa has taken over the holiday lights and has planned events through weekends this upcoming December to promote Eastport in the winter months as well.  She takes care of Overlook Park making sure it is clean and invests in potted flowers caring for them through the seasons for all to enjoy.  For the 4th of July she was hiding rocks around for the contest.  She serves on the marketing committee and has many fresh ideas promoting Eastport. Lisa is the go to proprietor for advice, ideas, and mentorship.  She welcomes and supports the new business owners with open arms.

Without Lisa Stephen’s tireless work, constant research and reaching out to vendors and the community our downtown would not look as great as it does.

Rosie's Hot Dog Stand

Rosie's has been a summer fixture in Eastport for over 50 years! Rosies offers tasty dogs and fries at low prices. Paula also opens and maintains the public restrooms at the Port Authority, a comfort feature that visitors appreciate.

Ye Ole Hookers

Shabby chic lounge with a nautical theme serving cocktails and daily dinner specials. This past year, they raised the culinary bar for pub food; owner Sherilynn went to culinary school and came back with some unique, tasty menu offerings including her signature seafood towers.

Polar Treat

 A 70 year icon with the Curtis family acquiring it in 2019.  The community, tourists, and people passing through thank them for being the only ice cream parlor within an hour drive.  We appreciate their consistency, extended hours, food menu, and range of sweet treats while keeping their prices fair.  

They started making their own ice cream cakes!  They opened early in the season and closed later.  They had major renovations building an indoor pavilion where you can escape the elements and added more seating areas.  An ATM has been added for customer convenience.  They are a family business and instill values of hard work on their children and how it pays you back in return.  Always friendly and amazing service!

Thank you Michelle and Judson Curtis and family!

Harry Mattin Award Nominees:

Cynthia and Michael Morse

Michael and Cynthia Morse opened their gallery in 2009 marking their 16th year in business! The business survived Covid in 2020, bounced back with record numbers, and continues to be one of the first shops to open in spring and stay open through the holidays. Michael and Cynthia are both artists and feature over 35 artists and craftspeople focused on Maine, you will also find works from New England and New Brunswick and beyond. The Morses are a great team and do so much for our community behind the scenes year after year. They are mentors to many and deserve to be awarded the Harry Mattin award, an award that is long overdue!

Individually Cynthia is a long standing member of both the School Board and the Eastport Art Center board. She helps coordinate the Festival of Trees for the EAC, the Raffle for the Salmon Festival and is on the Cruise Ship Committee.

Michael now serves as Chamber President, is on the Budget and Marketing Committees and makes the welcome posters for the cruiseships. He volunteers his time to the Eastport Arts Center, contributes a regular column to the Quoddy Tides, and assists with many of our annual festivals. A prior code enforcer, he has written ordinances for the City of Eastport and recently worked on the ATV ordinance. He serves on the Economic Development Committee, the Planning Board, and the Energy Commission Committee for the City.

This dynamic duo have quietly contributed so much to this town over the years and their work shows in the quality of our life here!

Chris Gardner

Chris, for all he does as port director not only for the port but for the city of Eastport and the community.   

He has helped to build the business of the Port Authority with the guidance of the elected board. We now have more cruise ships coming to Eastport, the breakwater has been rebuilt, we have a beautiful Welcome Center/Port Authority office. The assets of the Port Authority include the Coast Guard Station and the two tour busses, income generating assets.Chris is welcomed as an emcee to events because of his silver tongue and wit. He can hold an audience’s attention and make the event fun.

He and his wife have rehabilitated several houses in Eastport, making the housing stock better for renters and new homeowners. Most recently they have taken on the house with the Kemper Elm at the corner of High and Shackford. It is a challenging project but will soon restore a fine old home.

Chris has networks across the state and is often asked to comment on situations here in Washington County. He represents us well!