Mainebiz names 2022 Business Leaders of the Year

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By William Hall

Mainebiz has named five senior executives from commercial and nonprofit organizations as the 2022 Business Leaders of the Year, a distinction that recognizes their exceptional contributions to Maine and Maine's economy.

This year's class of Mainebiz Business Leaders is:

Large Company Business Leader: Don Oakes, CEO, Sea Bags
Small Business/Entrepreneur Business Leader: Amber Lambke, co-founder and CEO, Maine Grains
Nonprofit Business Leader: Julie Butcher Pezzino, executive director, The Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine
Nonprofit Business Leader: Mark Swann, executive director, Preble Street
Small Company Business Leader: Nathan Szanton, president, The Szanton Co.

This 2022 recipients represent an array of industries and regions — from housing to handbags, from Portland to Skowhegan. The honorees were chosen from dozens of nominations submitted by Mainebiz readers and vetted by the Mainebiz editorial staff.

"We think you’ll find that the five Business Leaders of the Year demonstrate vision and a determination to get things done," said Mainebiz Editor Peter Van Allen. "They’re certainly torchbearers for Maine."

The Business Leaders of the Year awards have been presented annually since 2014, and have recognized a total of more than two dozen distinguished Mainers over the years.

Mainebiz invites members of the business community to congratulate the 2022 Business Leaders of the Year at an awards reception on Wednesday, April 6, in Portland. Click here for details.