Bruce Harrington is busy.

Harrington is vice president of commercial lending at The Bank of Maine, serves on many boards and committees throughout central Maine, and teaches a financial management class at Thomas College.

The 32-year-old is also a husband and father of a 2-year-old daughter, with another child on the way.

“And I make sure I’m home for dinner every night,” he said.

Harrington is also the 2011 Rising Star Award winner for the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, which will be presented on March 28 at the Waterville Elks Banquet & Conference Center during the 49th Annual Awards Ceremony.

Harrington said there might be a simple reason why he was on the awards committee’s radar this year.

“I’m visible,” he said. “I’m involved in about 10 different committees and boards helping to further economic development in this area, to help make things better around here.”

Harrington serves on the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies Committee for the Kennebec Valley Council of Governments, the town of Fairfield’s Economic & Community Development Advisory Committee, the Economic Restructuring Committee for Waterville Main Street and many more.

Shannon Haines, executive director of Waterville Main Street, a nonprofit organization, said Harrington’s contributions have been invaluable.

“He brings a wealth of expertise in business and banking that has helped us develop some innovative programs,” she said.

Haines said one of the most recent programs is the Downtown Forgivable Loan Program, which allows business or property owners to start or expand a downtown business.

“The application process is set up like a traditional loan,” she said. “The difference is if the business meets its goals over the term of the loan, the principal is forgiven. It essentially turns into a grant.”

Kimberly Lindlof, the chamber’s president and chief executive officer, said Harrington has distinguished himself in the community through his involvement and leadership.

“It’s inspiring to see someone his age, who is starting a family, is so engaged in the community.”

Harrington is a 1997 Lawrence High School graduate and still lives in his hometown of Fairfield with his wife, Amy Harrington, and daughter Abigail.

He went on to earn a bachelor of science degree in marine systems engineering at Maine Maritime Academy, where he also was football team captain. He later earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Maine.

Now he is studying for doctorate in business administration from Columbia Southern University.

“I found business, and I enjoyed it,” he said.

Harrington said doing it all requires careful planning.

“Time management is key,” he said.

Ben McCanna — 861-9239

bmccanna@centralmaine.com

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