AUGUSTA — Biddeford+Saco Chamber of Commerce+Industry Executive Director Craig Pendleton has been named the Chamber Professional of the Year by the Maine State Chamber of Commerce.

Pendleton received the award at the state organization’s annual meeting at the Augusta Civic Center on Nov. 7.

The award is given to a local chamber professional in recognition of their hard work and dedication to their community, according to a press release from the Maine State Chamber of Commerce. 

State chamber officials in the press release said Pendleton’s accomplishments were “numerous.” The state organization said Pendleton has grown Biddeford + Saco Chamber of Commerce + Industry’s membership by more than 125 members, added the town of Waterboro to the chamber’s membership and opened a welcome center. 

“It’s an honor,” said Pendleton said in a phone interview on Monday. 

Pendleton said when he was hired seven years ago the chamber’s board of directors said it wanted the chamber to be more politically active, have better name recognition and to grow its membership. He said the chamber has accomplished all three of these goals.

Pendleton said he enjoys working with Biddeford and Saco to promote economic development in the twin cities. He said he’s happy to have the town of Waterboro as a member and hopes to work with other surrounding communities and continue to grow the chamber. 

Pendleton said he also enjoys a “a strong working relationship” with other chamber directors across the state and is able to call upon them for advice if needed. 

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.

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