Will’s Shop ‘n Save named 2014 Maine Family Business of the Year

By Denise Buzzelli 
Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce Executive Director

    The Institute for Family Owned Business held the 2014 Maine Family Business Awards on May 19 at the Marriott  Sable  Oaks in South Portland. This was the 15th annual awards ceremony for the 20-year-old organization.
    The judges, made up of successful business people, CEOs, VPs, and more, have the difficult task of sifting through lengthy submissions from those nominated, searching for nuggets that help to separate the winners from all the others.

Melissa and Will Wedge

    This year, there were 18 finalists and seven award categories, which include Large Business, Small Business, Community Service, Customer Service, First Generation, Innovation, and Technology.  The finalists were Acadia Lending, Cape Shore, Chalmers Insurance Group, Chebeague Island Inn, Corsetti’s, eco-kids, Lamey Wellehan, Lucy’s Granola, Maine Coast Kitchen Design, The Meadomere, Messer Truck Equipment, Nappi Distributors, Northeast Coffee Company, R.E. Lowell Lumber, Inc., Ray’ Mustard, The Animal House, Tumble Tikes & Athlete’s Training Solutions, and Will’s Shop ‘n Save of Dover-Foxcroft.
    Will and Melissa Wedge of Will’s Shop ‘n Save in Dover-Foxcroft received the Family Business of the Year Award for Community Service and were presented with the Shep Lee Community Service Award. Shep Lee, who died in 2010, developed Lee Auto Malls into one of Maine’s largest, and through 60 years created a corporate culture based on respect and concern for customers and employees, which continues to inspire many family-owned businesses across Maine.
    Will’s Shop n’ Save is known well in the Piscataquis region, specifically the Dover-Foxcroft area, for continual support and involvement in the community and is also a huge supporter of other local businesses in the area. Will Wedge tirelessly provides his customers with the best service, listens to suggestions and requests and acts on them promptly. Will is a member of the Dover-Foxcroft Kiwanis, serves as VP for the Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce, and is active on the Homecoming committee. Will and his lovely wife Melissa and their two daughters Emily and Abby help with a number of community events including the annual Whoopie Pie Festival, Homecoming parade, Hot Air Balloon Festival and Maple Sunday Breakfast. They also have a wonderful reputation for stepping in to help families who have experienced tragedy and loss.
    The Institute for Family-Owned Business seeks to recognize and reward businesses who have found success in integrating family, business, and community. The Wedge family is a perfect example of how to do this well. Congratulations to the Wedge Family of Will’s Shop n’ Save, Family Business of the Year.