BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Observer photos/Stuart Hedstrom
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR — In two and a half of years of ownership, the Wedge family has made quite on impact on the community through Will’s Shop ‘n Save. The establishment was honored as the 2013 Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year, being named on 96 percent of the ballots cast, and on the morning of Oct. 19 the honor was presented during a ceremony by Executive Director Denise Buzzelli.
Will’s Shop ‘n Save received the award for its own operations — the store’s 30 associates have over 300 combined years in the building — as well as for giving back to the community. Among the many ways Will’s Shop ‘n Save has given back is through donations to the Living Word Food Cupboard, supporting annual events such as the Maine Maple Sunday breakfast, Dover-Foxcroft Kiwanis Piscataquis River Race, Piscataquis Heritage Hot Air Balloon Festival, Maine Whoopie Pie Festival, Dover-Foxcroft Shiretown Homecoming and more, the hot dog cart for Foxcroft Academy’s Project Graduation and countless other fundraisers. Owner Will Wedge announced a 50th anniversary celebration for the Shop ‘n Save is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 16, with the building being renamed Judkins’ for the day, many former employees coming back to work and about 500 giveaways for customers. Wedge also challenged those in attendance to purchase a $10 meal before the holidays, which will help feed a needy family through the Living Word Food Cupboard — Wedge’s No. 1 charity. Pictured are some of the Will’s Shop ‘n Save associates present for the Business of the Year ceremony as well as the Wedge family, from left, Melissa Wedge, daughters Emily and Abby and Will Wedge.
