At its recent 56th Annual Stockholders Meeting and Banquet dinner in Bangor, full-service wholesaler Associated Grocers (AG) of Maine, Inc. presented several “Retailer of the Year” awards to independent grocers who have demonstrated leadership and innovation.

CEO Craig Burgess gave awards to Rick & Bobbi Gowell, owners of Gowell’s Store, Litchfield, Maine; John and Rhonda Wentworth, owners of J.P. Wentworth in Brooks, Maine; Steve Berry, owner of United Supermarket (Future Foods) in Mechanic Falls, Maine; and Roger Royer owner of Bourque’s Markets in Lewiston, Maine.

The President’s Award went to a pair of retailers for their longtime service and dedication: Harvard Nason, owner of Nason’s Store in Dixmont, Maine, and Kenneth “Cubby” and Sue Fotter, owners of D.L. Fotter & Sons in Stratton, Maine.

Two companies received Vendor of the year awards. Garelick Farms was singled out for its quality product and service provided to Shurfine stores across the region, and ARC Systems garnered the Retail Technology Solutions Vendor of the year for its innovative, cost-effective technology solutions for retailers.

Gardiner-based AG of Maine serves over 300 independent grocery retailers in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.