Chamber awards RPC for community service

OXFORD HILLS — The Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce has named the staff of Responsible Pet Care the winners of the Chamber's 2013 Community Service Award.

"The staff works extremely hard with sick and aggressive animals," wrote Helen Robillard and Ellen Benner, both volunteers of RPC. 

"They truly care about the animals and have big hearts. They work so hard and no one knows."

According to the Chamber, the animal shelter is open seven days a week and the staff cares for cats and dogs, many of which are abused, neglected or sick.

In addition to Community Service, OHCC has announced the other winners of the 2013 Business and Community Awards.

OHCC has named Oxford Casino the "2013 Business of the Year."

For 36 years, the OHCC Board of Directors has recognized and honored businesses and community members in four categories: Business of the Year, Employee of the Year, Rising Star of the Year and Community Service. 

"Since opening their doors in June, the Oxford Casino has brought more than 400 jobs into Oxford Hills," said John Williams, executive director of OHCC, in the Chamber's e-blast. "Jobs this community desperately needed."

"Casino management has also been dedicated to giving back to our community through monetary donations as well as sponsoring community events and having an active presence in community service organizations," he said. 

Steve Holbrook, a teacher at Oxford Hills Christian Academy, has been named the "2013 Employee of the Year," according to the release. He was nominated by the school's principal, Andrea Lane. 

"Steve Holbrook is the quintessential team player who always goes above and beyond as a teacher at our school," Lane wrote.

"He frequently plans exciting activities for his class (of fifth and sixth graders) or for our entire school. His initiative is amazing."

ServiceMaster Fire and Water Restoration of Oxford was named the "2013 Rising Star of the Year," for the growth that's been made under new ownership, according to the release. 

ServiceMaster has more than 20 employees and 16 emergency vehicles that stand by to help clean up any damage caused by water, fire, soot and mold in a home or office building.

According to OHCC incoming chairman, Mike Godin, "While ServiceMaster has been in the Oxford Hills for quite some time, it is under new ownership. Whenever a new owner comes in, changes are made. New owners, Carl Carlson and Steve Cox, have made some positive changes and are very active supporters in the community."   

Winners will be honored during the OHCC's 36th Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony Saturday, February 23 at Four Seasons Function Center in Paris, with Allison Melangton, a Maine native and President and CEO of the 2012 Indianapolis Superbowl Host Committee, as keynote speaker. 

For more information about the annual dinner, please contact the Chamber office at 743-2281.