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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 33 N OV E M B E R 2 , 2 0 2 6 [ A C H I E V E M E N T S ] U.S. Sen. Susan Collins was named a "2026 Clean Energy Champion" by Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions. AARP Maine in Portland announced Grace McCarthy as the winner of the "2026 Andrus Award," named in honor of AARP's founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus. McCarthy is one of the lead volunteers for the organization's educational initiatives to advance aware- ness about scam and fraud prevention that often target older adults. Campfire, a marketing consulting firm in Portland, was shortlisted for a "2026 Global Campaign / Ad Net Zero Award" in e Americas: Best Practice in Sustainable Media Planning cat- egory for work it did with Allagash Brewing in Portland. e International Franchise Association named Aaron Wiswell, owner of Aroma Joe's locations across Maine, New Hampshire and Florida, as a "2026 Franchisee of the Year." Humphrey's BBQ in West Newfield said it landed a first place finish in the "U.S. SOY Combine" and placed 15 th overall in the American Royal World Series of Barbecue. It also announced that it earned a perfect 180 score in brisket and finished 2 nd in the category at the Jack Daniel's World Championship. Knickerbocker Group, a design-Build firm in Portland, was named to "Forbes' 2026 America's Best-in-State Residential Architects," recognizing residential archi- tecture firms that demonstrate excellence in design, a deep mastery of residential practice and meaningful contributions to its communities and landscapes. Tides to Pines by Casago, a female founded and owned vacation rental management com- pany in Rockland, announced that Rachel Loomis Lee, director of com- munity development, won the "2026 Vacation Rental Management Association Rising Star Award." Looking for exciting business events? Go to mainebiz.biz/calendar to view and post events. @ Visit DreamFirstCommunity.com TheFirst.com/1-800-564-3195 A lifetime of firsts led you here. First idea, first sale, first stumble. But where others see setbacks, we see steps forward. We see hard work, resilience, persistence. Dreamers, doers, and difference makers. It's why we don't just partner in the success, we partner in the work. Here for Every First. Some banks invest in plans. We invest in people. Amanda Rankin and family, Co-Owner & Manager of Wentworth Family Grocery Grace McCarthy Rachel Loomis Lee