Rocky’s Ace Hardware, a family-owned business with neighborhood-based stores in six states, was presented with the Spirit of Bath Award during Main Street Bath’s 17th Annual Dinner at the Maine Maritime Museum on Oct. 22.

Among the six awards presented at the ceremony, The Spirit of Bath Award is given to individuals and businesses who have supported the local community. Rocky’s store manager Ben Townsend accepted the award on behalf of Rogers/Rocky’s Ace Hardware.

“This was a great opportunity to explain the benefits of being part of a bigger entity and that Rocky’s holds the same values and wishes to support the community just as John [Hichborn] did,” said Townsend. “Main Street Bath gave me the stage to pass the torch from Rogers to Rocky’s in front of Bath’s community leaders.”

Rogers Ace Hardware, established in 1872, had serviced the region for more than 140 years. Hichborn and the Rogers family owned and operated the business for four generations, before being purchased by Rocky’s in 2016.

“We are proud to be recognized by Main Street Bath with this award,” said Rocky’s Ace Hardware President Rocco Falcone. “Since taking over for Rogers, we’ve strived to continue to live by the motto and philosophy established by former owner, John Hichborn, who believed that if you support the community, the community will support you.”

The mission of Main Street Bath is to promote and preserve the community feeling, the maritime culture and the historic charm of Bath, Maine. The “Main Street” program was originated by the National Trust of Historical Preservation, which focuses on revitalization of traditional downtowns to enhance the appearance and economic stability of the commercial district, and to improve community pride and quality of life for residents and visitors.

The awards are decided by committees and can range in recognizing efforts for projects or promotions. More than 200 people attended the event, which featured a keynote address from Dirk A. Lesko, president of Bath Iron Works Corporation, who is commissioned to build ships for the U.S. Navy.