Congratulations to first annual YPLAAward winners!

The following were nominated & received the YPLAAward for being exceptional under 40′s who live, work and/or volunteer in Androscoggin County:
Lewiston native Jeff Gosselin was nominated for his work with the United Way, serving on the Board, Campaign Cabinet, Oversight Committee and Impact Council. He is also a member of the Pathways Board, City of Lewiston Planning Board, Maine Music Society and Holy Cross School Board. Jennifer Richard of United Way of Androscoggin County Presented the award to Jeff.

Eric and Carrie Agren were recognized for their efforts in working to help revitalize downtown Lewiston. Going against conventional wisdom, in February 2007 they purchased two buildings on Lisbon Street, today their restaurant Fuel is a destination for folks from across the entire state. Adam Dunbar of A.G. Edwards & Sons Inc presented the award to Carrie & Eric.

Jen Hogan, Marketing Coordinator for Community Credit Union was recognized for her tireless efforts with the Humane Society, Autism Society and her volunteer work with Classy Lady. When nominating Jen, it was suggested that Jen is, a role model to be followed. Jonathan LaBonte of the Maine Turnpike Authority presented the award to Jen

Zam Zam Mohamud came to L-A from Somalia by way of Kenya where her two children were born. She has distinguished herself not only professionally (as a translator and CNA), but as a volunteer with the Lewiston Mayor’s Taskforce on downtown, raising money for sports teams or assisting new immigrants get acclimated to life and Lewiston/Auburn. Betty Robinson of USM LAC presented the award to Zam Zam.

Husband and Wife team Kevin and Trish Fletcher were honored for their volunteer work with various organizations including the Sisters of Charity Foundation Committee, Western Maine Transportation and the Chamber of Commerce. Marc Paquette of Androscoggin Bank presented the award to the Fletchers.

In honor of their son, Jennifer Messinger and her husband started the Ryan Alert Program; Jennifer volunteers her time as Program Director. The Ryan Alert program assists first responders with identifying special needs children in their communities and providing training and planning to assist these same service providers with how to best care for these children and their families in an event of an emergency. Clark Phinney of Central Maine Healthcare presented the award to Jennifer.

Bangor Saving Bank received the YPLAA Support Award. Through the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation, their philanthropic arm, they have supported many organizations. They financially support many of the YP groups throughout Maine. YPLAA was lucky enough to be one of the first to receive a generous $10,000 grant. Kristen Cady presented the award to Yellow Light Breen from Bangor Savings Bank.

Kristen Cady was the first chair for the YPLAA organization. Dedicated to the development of Young Professional groups across Maine she is Chair of the Communications Committee of REALIZE!Maine and helped to start Cynergy, a YP group in Kennebec County. Jennifer Moulton from the Chamber presented the award to Kristen.