CAMDEN – Rendle Jones probably would like George Bailey.

Bailey, the character played by James Stewart in the classic holiday movie “It’s A Wonderful Life,” believed people could make a difference in their towns.

Jones, a Camden lawyer who has served on civic, school and business committees and boards for more than 30 years, was recognized Tuesday night as Townsperson of the Year by the Camden-Rockport-Lincolnville Chamber of Commerce.

Jones, 60, said Wednesday that unlike those in the central Maine town where he grew up, who tended to grumble about the futility of change, he has always believed improvement is possible.

And the Camden area is full of that spirit, he said.

“There’s a ‘can-do’ attitude here,” Jones said. Even though locals may differ sharply on issues, “at least they care,” he said.

A graduate of the University of Maine School of Law, where he served as managing editor of the Maine Law Review, Jones did a short stint with Pine Tree Legal in Bangor, then settled in Camden with his wife, Pat. He has been with Harmon, Jones, Sanford & Elliott since 1968.

That first year, Jones coached the Camden YMCA’s swim team, then found himself on the organization’s board of directors. In the early 1970s, he served on the SAD 28 board, and in the early 1980s, served on Camden’s comprehensive planning and budget committees.

Jones also has served on the boards of Northeast Health, Coastal Mountains Land Trust, and the Camden Public Library, among others.

But his passion – besides law – has been banking. Jones has been affiliated with Camden National Bank for 30 years, he said, and a board member since 1989. For the last five years, he has been chairman of the boards of Camden National Bank and its parent company, Camden National Corp.

In his acceptance speech at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, Jones said he was honored, but felt there were many others who were equally deserving. “I know this to be true,” he said, “because I see you at the same meetings I attend.”

The Chamber’s Community Spirit Award was given to Barbara Tarantino of Lincolnville, who donated a parcel of land to help raise money for the new Lincolnville Central School. A committee sold raffle tickets for the land, which raised $100,000.

Other awards presented at the dinner were:

. Public Recreation Award: the town of Rockport for Walker’s Park.

. Student Community Service Award: Elizabeth Conrad.

. Chamber Volunteer Award: Jean Freedman-White.

. Special Recognition Award: Camden-Rockport Animal Rescue League.

. Small Business Development Award: Maine Boats & Harbors magazine.

. Public Improvement Award: the town of Lincolnville for the Breezemere Park bandstand.

. Education Award: Community School in Camden.

. Building Improvement Award: Camden Riverhouse Inn.

. Commercial Building Award: Farmstead conference center.

. Economic Enhancement Award: Farley & Son-Hoboken Gardens.

. Environmental Award: Coastal Mountains Land Trust for Beech Hill Preserve.