[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 14, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S610]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

          RECOGNIZING WILBUR'S OF MAINE CHOCOLATE CONFECTIONS

 Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, today millions of Americans across 
the country will be reminded of the wonders of love and romance. Some 
may receive a traditional Valentines Day card, others a perfect bouquet 
of fragrant flowers, and several lucky individuals will receive 
delectable chocolates, perhaps enclosed in a magnificent red heart 
shaped box. While today is Valentines Day, the entire month of February 
is National Chocolate Lover's month, and with these two festive 
occasions in mind, I rise to commend Wilbur's of Maine Chocolate 
Confections located in Freeport, ME.
  Tom Wilbur and Catherine Carty-Wilbur opened this small chocolatier 
in 1983, with the goal of providing the highest quality chocolate 
products to their customers. One of the highlights of Wilbur's is their 
scrumptious Needham candy, which is a unique delicacy of Maine offering 
a luxurious blend of chocolate and potato. Wilbur's uses only Maine-
farmed potatoes which are among the best in the world in making this 
delightful treat.
  Over the years, the store's charm and rich chocolate selection 
warranted an expansion and Tom and Catherine sought to move from their 
original Freeport location to a larger space where they could produce 
more candy. While garnering funds for expansion, the Wilburs consulted 
with the Maine Small Business and Technology Development Center 
regarding a seed grant from the Maine Technology Institute, which they 
were successfully awarded in 2008. This grant allowed Wilbur's to 
finish research and development on two pieces of equipment, which were 
integral in enhancing their company's candy production. Today, this 
small business has three retail store locations, two in Freeport and 
one in Brunswick. Inquisitive customers can even tour one of their 
Freeport locations which doubles as Wilbur's factory!
  Wilbur's also understands the importance of giving back to their 
local community. Recipients of their generous donations include the 
Central Maine Medical Center as well as Day One in south Portland--a 
non-profit whose mission is to reduce youth substance abuse. 
Additionally, to spread the joy of chocolate making, this small 
business frequently holds events to instruct individuals in this unique 
craft, including a summer program to turn children into junior 
chocolatiers. Earlier this month, Wilbur's even held a fun ``love bug'' 
event at their Freeport store where individuals could create a special 
Valentines treat for their loved ones, and demonstrated Needham-making 
for the Freeport Historical Society.
  In light of their delicious product and valued contributions to the 
State, it is no surprise that this small company has received several 
accolades. In both 2010 and 2011, they were honored with the Readers' 
Choice Award for Candy Shops by Downeast Maine Magazine. Furthermore, 
earlier this year Tom and Catherine received the Gowell Award, which is 
the highest honor bestowed by the New England Retail Confectioner 
Association and is only given out once every three years--a truly 
astounding achievement indeed.
  Throughout the month of February, but especially today, we celebrate 
our love of all things chocolate. Wilbur's of Maine Chocolate 
Confections is a shining example of why everyone's heart truly lights 
up at the thought of consuming delectable chocolate goods. This company 
not only produces a superior product, but continually provides valuable 
contributions as active and engaged members of the community. I am 
proud to extend my congratulations to everyone at Wilbur's of Maine 
Chocolate Confections for their dedication to excellence, and offer my 
best wishes for their continued success.

                          ____________________