Eli’s Market named Chamber Business of the Year

The Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce has announced that Eli’s Market of Guilford has been selected as the 2025 Piscataquis Business of the Year.

On Sept. 26 Executive Director Denise Buzzelli and members of the executive board dropped in to give the Eli’s Market team the wonderful news, personally inviting them to the Chamber’s annual dinner where the award will be presented.

Annually the Chamber reaches out to all communities within the county via social media, email campaigns and other media sources, asking for nominations for Business of the Year. Though any business within the county can be nominated, only Chamber members are considered for the final vote. 

“There are specific criteria we consider when making the final decision,” said Buzzelli. “We look for a Piscataquis-based business in good standing with the Chamber that shows a commitment to growth as a company, one that supports its employees and cares deeply about the communities it serves.”

“Eli’s Market has received nearly 30 nominations between 2024 and 2025,” Buzzelli said, “each citing its owner Eli Dunfee as a ‘constant contributor’ to local events, a ‘great boss’ to work for and a ‘faithful volunteer’ in the community, among other accolades,” she said, adding, “many comments focused on the associates, stating they are ‘happy, helpful, and engaged”, and highlighted the improvements made to the market and overall shopping experience since Eli took it over.” 

Long-standing Guilford residents have witnessed the transformation of the Market as it changed hands over the years from Goulette’s IGA to Whitney’s Market to Eli’s Market. Many who submitted nominations did so because of the marked changes they’ve recognized since Eli took ownership, explaining their delight and surprise that “someone so young” could make such a difference. The community is resoundingly proud and thankful to have Eli in Guilford. 

But there’s so much more to this young man, according to Buzzelli. “It’s what he does behind the scenes, when no one is looking, that makes him stand apart,” she said. 

“I have rarely met anyone who lives his faith as fully as Eli Dunfee,” said one employee. “As a business owner, he rarely says ‘no’ to requests for donations or sponsorships. He’s hosted raffle tables, car washes and has helped countless people in need, without hesitation.”

According to community members, Eli doesn’t just give — he joins in. He collects hats and mittens for local schools, donates water and gift certificates, and supports community events in countless ways — even braving the Polar Plunge for Camp Capella. 

At work, Eli quietly helps his team, who said, “he genuinely cares about us”, “he checks in on us when we’re sick”, “he’s pulled us out of ditches in the winter”, “he’s allowed store charges when one of us can’t make it to the end of the week”, “he helped someone in a domestic crisis find a safe place to stay” and “he shows us daily that he appreciates us”. Ultimately and resoundingly, Eli makes the whole community stronger. 

“I’m truly honored that Eli’s Market has been selected as Business of the Year,” Eli said. “This recognition means so much to me, but it wouldn’t be possible without my associates, who are the true backbone of the business. They’re the ones who show up every day, take care of our customers, and make sure the store runs the way it should. I’m also grateful for my family, mentors, and the community because with strong faith, hard work and great people, you can accomplish great things.” 

After spending his early teenage years renovating houses and landscaping cemeteries in his spare time, Eli began working in the grocery business at Whitney’s Family Supermarket in Corinth at 16, as a blocker, facing shelves and worked his way through every role available. He showed up, took pride in each job and kept learning at every opportunity.

After high school, Eli went on to earn his business management degree at Eastern Maine Community College while working full-time at Whitney’s, also working as a teller at KeyBank in Guilford for a short period. 

In 2017 Blaine Whitney purchased the grocery store in Guilford from Barry Goulette and converted it from the well-known Goulette’s IGA to Whitney’s Market, giving Eli an opportunity to buy into the business in 2019. 

“He mentored and trained me in the grocery business,” Eli said, “and I will always be grateful for investing in me as a young person, for equipping me with the skills and knowledge I needed to succeed.” In late 2022, Eli purchased the remainder of the business from Whitney, and in January 2023 Whitney’s was rebranded as Eli’s Market.

Whitney remembers the fateful day he met Eli for the first time, hiring him at only 16 at Whitney’s Market in Corinth, saying, “Even then, it was clear he was mature beyond his years. By the time he started high school, he had already stepped into a leadership role as an evening manager. His work ethics, trustworthiness and ability to work within a team was a tremendous strength. He always carried a sense of direction in life, and it was obvious to me that his parents had instilled in him the values of hard work, responsibility, and leadership from a young age. We have always believed Eli was destined to lead, and we have had the privilege of watching him develop and flourish right before our eyes.”

Blaine and Tammy Whitney were delighted to learn that Eli’s Market was chosen as Piscataquis Chamber’s Business of the Year, exclaiming, “It is an honor and a joy to celebrate this award with Eli’s Market; we are proud to have played a part in his journey and are even prouder to witness the man and leader he has become.” 

“Being a business owner in Piscataquis County has been a rewarding journey, but I’ve learned it requires full community support — whether that’s hiring the best people or customers choosing to shop with us instead of driving down the road,” Dunfee said. “Our slogan is We Make Shopping Simple, because we want every customer’s experience to be easy, convenient and hassle-free. I’m thankful every day for the incredible team I get to work alongside and for the loyal community that supports us; this award belongs to all of them.”

The 2025 Piscataquis Chamber Annual Dinner and Business of the Year Celebration will be held in conjunction with the Piscataquis County Economic Development Annual Dinner on Monday, Oct. 20 at 6 p.m. at the Central Hall Commons in Dover-Foxcroft. In an effort to share resources, reduce costs and as a courtesy to those who attend both meetings, both organizations opted to combine their meetings. Participants can expect an enjoyable evening of networking, great food and a cash bar. The combined awards ceremony will also include PCEDC’s winner of the 2025 Warren “Pete” Myrick Award. 

The event is open to the public, and registration is required. Event registration can be found on the Chamber’s homepage at www.piscataquischamber.com. Anyone interested in sponsoring the event should contact Buzzelli at 207-564-7533.