Terry Coffin of Poland Spring and the POPS’ Donald Tranten. KINGFIELD — The Kingfield POPS recently presented framed posters to three of the event’s top 2011 sponsors —Kingfield’s Valley Gas and Oil, Poland Spring, and the Franklin Savings Bank.

According to POPS President Donald Tranten, Kingfield’s Valley Gas and Oil Company has supported the POPS since 2006. “We are profoundly grateful to Bob Luce (the owner of Valley Gas), who has been one of the POPS’ biggest fans,” said Tranten. “His business has really stepped up to the plate to show its appreciation for what the POPS brings to the community,” he added.

Poland Spring has been a sponsor since it opened the Kingfield facility in 2007. “Poland Spring’s support gave the POPS a big boost. Although they were new to the community, they jumped right in and they have been on board ever since,” said Tranten.

POPS’ Vicky Robinson and Peter Judkins of Franklin Savings Bank. Franklin Savings Bank joined the roster of major POPS’ sponsors in 2011. Tranten said that the POPS is delighted that they have become event supporters.

Tranten noted that the Camden National Bank has been the POPS’ lead sponsor for a decade, since the first concert in 2003. The POPS recognized them for their contribution several weeks ago.

“The Kingfield POPS,” said Tranten, “fills an important niche. Not only has the concert become a beloved community tradition, it also provides unique music enrichment programs for young people in the schools, and perhaps most importantly, Kingfield POPS is a catalyst for community economic development. By creating a focal point for summer tourism, the concert and arts festival bring visitors to the area who then patronize other businesses.”

Bob Luce of Valley Gas and the POPS’ Donald Tranten. “The support of the business community is what makes it possible,” said Tranten. “Our major sponsors lead the way and help the POPS keep its foundation strong,” said Tranten. He explained that in addition to those large gifts, “hundreds of individuals and businesses —donors, in-kind donors, individual contributors and volunteers— contribute to making the POPS a success each year.

“We are grateful to every single person or business that gives money, time or talent to the POPS. Arts and music improve the quality of life for everyone, residents and visitors alike and in doing so, they can also drive community economic development and make the area an even more desirable place to visit and to live,” said Tranten.