FORT KENT – A husband and wife team who operate a grocery, gasoline and fast food business were named the 2006 Business Persons of the Year Friday night by the Greater Fort Kent Area Chamber of Commerce.

John and Norma Robichaud have operated John’s Shurfine for 26 years on Market Street in Fort Kent. They have 28 full-time and part-time employees.

The couple bought the business from Dana Lamarre in January 1980, and have expanded their store three times. They had expansions in 1985, 1995 and 2005.

Along with offering groceries, meat and gasoline, they also operate a sub shop at the site and lease pharmacy space.

The couple have raised two daughters, one who lives in Chicago, Ill., and one who works with her parents at the Fort Kent store.

Forest Hill Manor and Tommy D’s Pizza were the runners-up in the competition. The winner of the annual award is selected by business members of the Chamber of Commerce.

Suzie Paradis became the sixth woman in seven years to take over as president of the Chamber of Commerce. She follows Ann Robichaud in the position.

Ann Robichaud, who received the outgoing President’s Award Friday night, said the Chamber of Commerce is “strong because we work together and get things done.”

“We had a very successful year,” she said. “Devoted members and a good office staff made it happen.”

It was the chamber’s 58th annual meeting. They list 153 members from Fort Kent, Allagash, New Canada, Wallagrass, Eagle Lake, St. Francis, Cross Lake, St. John Plantation, and Winterville.

Other officers for 2006 are Nancy Thibodeau, first vice president; Angela Franck, second vice president, and Kay Paradis, treasurer.

New directors, elected Friday night, were Ray Phinney of the University of Maine at Fort Kent, Norman Robichaud of John’s Shurfine, Darlene Dumond of Bee Jay’s Tavern, Jim Majka of Fort Kent Video, Roger Nadeau of Wholistic Chiropractic and Cheryl Harvey of Shoes to Boot/Head to Toe.

They join 10 other business and professional people on the board of directors.

Gail Baker is executive director and Lucille Theriault is administrative assistant.