Kelly receives Arthur A. Comstock Professional Service Award
The Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce (BRCC) presented Renee Kelly, University of Maine assistant vice president for innovation and economic development, with the Arthur A. Comstock Professional Service Award on Jan. 25 at its Annual Awards Dinner.
The award embodies Comstock’s generous spirit for donating expertise over an extended period of time to the chamber and the community.
Kelly has been a BRCC board member for 12 years, and has been integral to its growth and prosperity. She has served in several roles for the chamber, including chair-elect, chair and immediate past chair. Her guidance and vision have been crucial for the chamber to become a statewide leader in business advancement.
At UMaine, Kelly is a liaison to the state’s economic development community and identifies opportunities for the university to partner with national, state, regional and local organizations to improve the state’s economy.
She oversees the Foster Center for Student Innovation, an incubator where young professionals nurture ideas and gain insights into solving problems. By connecting enterprising minds with resources, she empowers innovators of the region.
“Building an entrepreneurial ecosystem, or support network, throughout the region and state is critical to our success,” Kelly wrote in the BRCC awards brochure. “By creating and fostering these connections, we are able to offer diversity and opportunity.”
A BRCC video announcing the award is online.