Key people in the auto, banking, hospitality and retail fields agreed: 2015 was an improvement over the previous year — and the best year yet for many.

Customer loyalty, community involvement, technological advances and a growing North Fork have made the past 12 months nearly record-setting for numerous local businesses.

“There’s so much more to do up here than other places — the vineyards, the restaurants, the shopping and outdoor sports and all that,” said Colin Keillor, manager of Jedediah Hawkins Inn. “I think that’s why we’re growing so significantly, and a lot of other businesses are.”

Hospitality

Colin Keillor

manager, Jedediah Hawkins Inn and restaurant in Jamesport

Mr. Keillor called 2015 a “fantastic year,” in part because of the weather. With little rain this summer and warm temperatures in the fall, the restaurant’s outside patio was more popular than ever.

Additionally, he said, the recent growing popularity of the North Fork brought more customers to the business.

“I think it’s been better,” he said. “I’ve noticed over the last three years a sort of steady increase in business on the North Fork in general. I think business is just starting to boom up here.”

Because of this, he expects next year to be even better for the inn and restaurant.

What local professionals had to say about the year in business