WATERVILLE, MAINE, May 2025 — Thomas College’s Vice President of Human Resources Michelle Joler-Labbe recently received the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce’s Elias A. Joseph Award for exceptional community service.
Joler-Labbe was presented the award at the Chamber’s 62nd annual awards ceremony in April.
The award reads: “In honor of Elias A. Joseph, for dedication of over 28 years of volunteer and loyal service to the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce and for professional achievement and unselfish devotion to his community, effectively developing, coordinating and supervising programs and projects that greatly enhanced all the people of mid-Maine for over a quarter of a century, and acknowledging his exceptional initiative, that includes over 10,000 hours of volunteer service to this Chamber of Commerce, we of the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors hereby proclaim and declare that henceforth the Elias A. Joseph Award shall be awarded to those most worthy to bear the name and having displayed similar service to the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce.”
Joler-Labbe’s involvement with the Mid-Maine Chamber began over 15 years ago when her mentor, Beth Gibbs, introduced her to business events and encouraged her to join the Board of Directors in 2019. Inspired by the Chamber’s mission and the vibrant community it fosters, Joler-Labbe eagerly took on leadership roles. She has served two terms as the Board Chair, chaired the Business Breakfast Series for the past six years, and volunteered at numerous Chamber events, including the Festival of Trees, The Taste of Waterville, and the Chamber Golf Classic.
“It has been wonderful working with Michelle over the years – and I hope that it continues into the future. She follows through on her commitments in a timely fashion. Michelle is knowledgeable in her area of expertise, human resources, which has helped align the Mid-Maine Chamber’s practices and policies successfully. Michelle’s leadership is steadfast and effective. And I love her laugh; it lights up a room!” said Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Kim Lindlof.
Joler-Labbe has worked at Thomas College for 22 years and is the Vice President of Human Resources.
“Michelle is an asset to Thomas College and its employees. She is very dedicated to the college and compassionate and caring to everyone she encounters. She gives 100% to everything she does. The community is a better place with Michelle in it,” said Thomas College HR Generalist Lisa Nolon.
“Michelle always has a smile that is warm and welcoming to everyone; making her office a warm and welcoming place. She’s dedicated to Thomas and the community and always goes above and beyond for both,” said Thomas College’s Controller Nina Brickett.
About Thomas College:
U.S. News and World Report consistently ranks Thomas College as a top college in Maine for social mobility. Our clear career focus and one-of-a-kind Guaranteed Job Program™ makes it possible to advance faster in the arts and sciences, business, and education. Earn an undergraduate degree in three years and then choose from a variety of in-person or online graduate degree programs that can be completed in one-year or two. Located in Waterville, Maine, Thomas College is your pathway to a promising future, guaranteed. For more information visit thomas.edu or contact MacKenzie Riley Young at [email protected] or 207-859-1313. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok.