Chamber Connection - Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce

2010 Board of
Directors
*Carol Bell
#*Billie Brodsky
*Leah Buck,
Past President
Gail Clukey
Bill Corson
*Nola Farley,
President
*Nancy Fletcher,
Clerk
Sandy Gibson
Aaron Kouhoupt
Tanya LaPointe
David McKenney
James McKenney
Lisa Miles
Gretchen Morse
Dawn Poitras
*Floyd Rockholt,
Treasurer
Stacy Shaw
Miles R. Williams
President Elect
Ex-Officio Members:
#Michael D. MacPherson
Jim Bennett, City Manager
*Executive Committee
#Industrial Council
Chamber Staff:
Theresa M. Fowler
Executive Director
Valerie M. Lunn
Administrative
Assistant
Member communities:
Ashland, Blaine, Castle Hill, Chapman, Easton, Mapleton, Mars Hill, Masardis,
OxBow, Portage, Presque Isle, Washburn and Westfield
The 7th Annual Crown of Maine Balloon Festival Launches
Activities at Wintergreen Arts Center!
The Crown of Maine Balloon Festival activities will launch early
this year at Wintergreen Arts Center in downtown Presque Isle. A fun
day themed with hot air balloon art projects and bubble blowing
activities for kids will be held on Saturday, August 14th from 9 am 12 pm.
Kids can step inside a giant bubble, learn how to create a working tissue paper hot air balloon and decorate giant cut-out hot air
balloons with paint, sponges, and rollers. The finished artwork will be
displayed in the windows of downtown Presque Isle merchants
throughout the month of August. Young participants will also take
home a free helium balloon and goodie bag while supplies last. The
regularly scheduled Saturday Open Studio will be free of charge that
day, compliments of Eagle Hill Stamps & Coins. Activities and painting starts and 9 am and goes until 12 pm. For more information call
(207) 762-3576 or visit www.wintergreenarts.org. This is a free event
for all ages sponsored by the Crown of Maine Balloon Festival.
The 7th annual Crown of Maine Balloon Festival will be
held August 26 through 29 at the Northern Maine Fairgrounds. There will be more fun activities throughout the weekend
for this family-oriented event. New to this year's Festival will be a
Ride-Fly-Ride in which cyclists will compete with finalists winning a
balloon flight, landing and then racing back to the fairgrounds.
Children's events, music, art and the beauty of vibrantly
colored hot air balloons floating over the Presque Isle area is definitely something for the whole family to look forward to and take part
in. Please go to www.crownofmaineballoonfest.org for complete details and information.
3 Houlton Rd., Presque Isle, ME 04769; Phone (207)764-6561, Fax (207)764-1583, www.pichamber.com
Chamber Connection
Jul-Aug 2010
Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center Celebrates 10th Anniversary
By Kathy McCarty
PRESQUE ISLE – A Star City landmark is celebrating its 10th anniversary this July, complete with a
number of upgrades - in keeping with its record of exemplary service, be it dinner in Gram Russo’s newlyconstructed solarium or a night in one of its completely redecorated rooms.
The Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center has now been owned and operated by Kevin B. Simmons,
owner and president of KBS Enterprises, Inc., for a decade. The structure itself dates back nearly 40 years. Simmons said over the years, the facility has undergone a number of changes to better serve the needs of the community, business travelers and vacationers. The Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center is Aroostook County’s
largest full-service hotel and convention center.
Construction first began at the Houlton Road location in the summer of 1972. The Swamp Fox Motor
Inn was completed in June of 1973, under the ownership of Carroll Hardy, of Brewer, and Peter Benson, of
Washburn, who served as contractor.
At that time, The Swamp Fox - as it was more commonly referred to - included over 70 guest rooms; a
dining room that served breakfast, lunch and dinner; a lounge; lobby; meeting rooms and banquet facilities. The
new hotel also included a pool, saunas, fitness area and a beauty salon. The project carried a considerable price
tag for that time, exceeding its budget by over half of the original estimated cost. At time of completion, the total
cost of construction was close to $1 million.
The facility gained a reputation early on as one of the lively night spots, with Swamp Fox performances
by the likes of Rock Maple, Night Life and Hokum entertaining audiences at the Cock and Feather Lounge. Visitors could make a night of it, starting with a meal at the Coach & Eight Restaurant, before heading to enjoy music and dancing. The restaurant was known for its daily luncheon specials and famous Saturday night buffet, with
catering available for luncheon parties. The facility was recognized at that time as “Maine’s newest and most luxurious nite spot.”
The Swamp Fox was only around about five years, before it changed names and ownership.
By March of 1978, the Swamp Fox was no more, having undergone a change to Keddy’s Swamp Fox
Motor Inn, then shortened to Keddy’s Motor Inn, the only U.S. property owned and operated by Donald Keddy
- a Canadian owned hotel company. Night life remained a popular attraction, with performances by Northern
Comfort, playing rock and roll, in the Cock & Feather Lounge and Joshua Sunshine appearing in the Olde Gaol
Tavern, with a selection of easy listening music. By the 1980s, the lounge had been redesigned and its name
changed to the Connection, featuring music by popular bands like Mirage and performers such as Mel and Ira.
Today, the Connection is still the leader in Presque Isle for entertainment, live bands and socializing.
The night club has gone through many renovations by previous owners. Moving of the Horsehoe bar from one
end to the other is just one example. Simmons has continued to update the venue, enlarging and changing the
façade of the bar, installing new bathrooms and adding 52-inch flat-panel TVs. Beer on draft was also added.
“Our clientele asked for it and we made it happen,” said the owner.
Signature Events
Strawberry Shortcake Sale—June
Tater’ & More— June - September
Crown of Maine Balloon Fest—August
Haunted Woods Walk—October
Holiday Light Parade—December
Involvement in these committees is not limited to members of the Chamber. We encourage community participation and look
forward to expanding the number of people involved and sharing new ideas.
Chamber Connection
Page 2
Crown of Maine Balloon Fest
August 26-29, 2010
The sky is the limit for the 7th annual Crown of Maine Balloon Fest.
Plans are still developing for another exciting family oriented weekend. Scheduled events include daily
morning and evening balloon launches and balloon glows Friday & Saturday, ride-fly-ride bike race,
children‟s activities, pancake breakfast at Masonic Lodge, pilot versus crew softball game, music at
Riverside Park, Ernie & The Automatics, arts and crafts, downtown activities, Paint Presque Isle, ribbon
burning, photography competition and fun for everyone. Children‟s activities will be hosted at Presque
Isle Forum again this year by Key Bank and Presque Isle Kiwanis Club.
Take time to enjoy all of the art work around town prepared by area children during Wintergreen Art
Center‟s Open Studio.
Don‟t be surprised when you see balloons floating above you before the festival dates. Some of our
returning pilots enjoy our hospitality and flying in the area so much that they are coming early. Pre-event
flights may be available. You can contact the PIACC office for details. Scheduled flights during Crown of
Maine Balloon Fest may also be booked through the Chamber office. We have already had a number of
flights booked. This is your year for a hot air balloon ride! Contact the Chamber to reserve your spot.
Part of the fun of this event is the opportunity to crew with a balloon pilot, learn a lot about the technical
side of hot air ballooning and meet some wonderful and interesting people. If you are interested in this
experience please call the Chamber office to get details and put your name on the crew list. Crew
training will be held prior to the festival to explain safety issues and procedures.
We have a new special shape coming this year that will intrigue both the young and the young at heart.
OGGY THE FRIENDLY DRAGON is 138 ft. tall and weighs 850 lbs. He was born in British Columbia ,
Canada in 1996. He has flown in many events in the U.S.A. Canada and Mexico . He has also flown in
New Zealand and Holland. He loves it when he has between 8 and 10 people to crew for him. He is
really looking forward to seeing everyone at the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest.
There will be a full field of balloons glowing both Friday and Saturday evenings (weather permitting).
Join your friends and neighbors at the Northern Maine Fairgrounds at dusk to see the magnificent colors
lit up from the inside. There will be food available and a small craft display. G-Force Laser Tag will be
set up for the young and young at heart.
The Crown of Maine Balloon Fest logo is now available and ready to be embroidered on garments and
caps of your choice at Cushman‟s Embroidery.
If you aren‟t able to go to the Northern Maine Fairgrounds, wave to the balloon passengers as they float
over the area, they will see you and wave back!
City Wide Yard Sale
Once again during the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest PIACC will make available a list of addresses where yard
sales will be held on Saturday August 28th. If you are planning to hold a yard sale on that day please have your
address to us by August 20, 2010.
Lists will be available at the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce Information Center
Chamber Connection
Page 3
Thank You To Our Renewing Members
Upcoming Events
July 23-25—County Bluegrass—Farm Park, Fort
Fairfield—Stev & Nancy Rogeski 227-6242
July 25—Northern Maine Antique Tractor Club
Pull—Starts at 12:00 pm
July 30—August 7—Northern Maine Fair & Music Festival—Presque Isle - Andy LeBlanc—7641692
July 31– August 1—Fat Tire Festival—Nordic
Heritage Center Kate Knowles:
info@nordicfattire.com
August 14—AKC Sanctioned Fun Match—
Riverside Park; Enter your dog or watch exhibitors
show their dogs in the Breed Ring, Obedience and
Rally—www.theCAKC.com
August 18—Senate Small Business Committee—
14 Business Specialists will be visiting the area and
available for a breakfast meeting. Location yet to be
determined.
August 20-22—Washburn Festival—Cindy B. 7648000
August 26-29—Crown of Maine Balloon Fest—
PIACC 764-6561
August 27-28—Westfield Jubilee—Holly Wood 769
-2361
September 3-5—County Bluegrass—Farm Park,
Fort Fairfield—Stev & Nancy Rogeski 227-6242
September 10-12—47th Annual Maine State Federation of Firefighters Convention.
September 18-19—Women’s Expo—Lisa Miles 769
-6600
September 25-26—Trash & Treasure—Presque
Isle Forum 764-0491
Griffeth Ford Lincoln Mercury Mitsubishi
Billie Brodsky
Ashland Diner Inc.
Presque Isle Fish & Game Club
Seamstress Terry Burtchell
Irish Setter Pub
Husson University
Dead River Company
Horizon Wind Energy, LLC
Neil E. Michaud Campgrounds
Caron’s Lawn Care/Groundbreakers
Time Warner Cable of Maine
Café Sorpreso
Northeast Trophy
Sure Winner Foods
Aroostook Monument
Extreme Granite
(The) Lane Construction Corp.
Mars Hill Country Club
Hampton Inn Presque Isle
Care & Comfort
Tim Hortons
Kinney’s Flowers
Duncan-Graves Funeral Homes
Star City IGA
County Financial Services, Inc.
Academy Dental, P.A.
FairPoint Communications
Chester M. Kearney, CPA
Bangor Daily News
MSAD # 1
Cushman Enterprises, Inc.
Burger King
Pine Village Homes
Arndt’s Aroostook Rover Lodge &
Campground
S.W. Collins Company
Aroostook Beverage CO.
Desjardins Builders
Colton Associates, Inc.
Well Spring Health Center
Monthly Meetings
Board Meetings, 3rd Wednesday at 3:30 Chamber Office
Crown of Maine Balloon Fest Planning Committee, 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 4:30 Chamber Office
Chamber Connection
Page 4
Welcome to our New Members
Coca-Cola Bottling Company, 1005 Airport Drive Presque Isle, ME, 764-4481; Coca-Cola Bottling
Company has been in operation in Presque Isle for many years. They distribute Coke products as
well as Dasani water, Powerade Sports Drinks, Glaceau Vitamin Water, Nestea Iced Teas, Minute
Mai Juices, Fuze Juice drinks and Tume-Yummies. They will provide your business with coolers,
sign boards and products.
Carney Family Beverages, Randy Carney, 551-2246. Carney Family Beverages, based in
Presque Isle serves our area with a selection of hot beverages, brewing machines and more. They
are the area distributors for New England Coffee in Northern Maine. If you are looking for equipment and /or supplies, Randy would be happy to talk to you.
Haunted Woods Walk
October 15 & 16
Even though we are enjoying the heat of the summer,
we will soon be raking leaves and preparing for ghouls
and ghosts.
The Haunted Woods Walk at Aroostook State Park
has become a very popular activity in the past two years and it is time to start preparing for
this event again.
We have space for 8-10 separate sites. If your business, organization or group of friends
are interested in participating please contact Nola Farley at 551-5665 or the PIACC office.
We would also like to have an afternoon party for children under the age for which the
woods walk is appropriate.
Maine State Federation of Firefighters Convention
Presque Isle will be hosting the 47th Annual Maine State Federation of
Firefighters Convention September 10-12, 2010. As part of this celebration of
those who serve our communities, will be a street parade September 11
starting at 9:30 am. The parade will start at UMPI and end at Northern Maine
Fairgrounds.
For more information or to enter call Adam Ryder, 769-0881
Please Take Note: The Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce has
changed its mailing address to 3 Houlton Rd., Presque Isle ME 04769
Chamber Connection
Page 5
Opportunities to be Involved
The Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a number of events each year that provide you
an opportunity to participate, meet people and have fun.
Check off the event (s) that you want to be a part of and we will contact you.
___ Strawberry Shortcake Sale
___ Taters & More
___ Crown of Maine Balloon Fest
___ Haunted Woods Walk
___ Holiday Light Parade
Name: __________________________________________________________
Email: __________________________________________________________
Telephone: _______________________________________________________
Fax: 207-764-1583
Email: tfowler@pichamber.com
Address: 3 Houlton Road, Presque Isle, ME 04769
We will be announcing our upcoming ribbon
cuttings! We have a number of businesses and
locations that are celebrating openings and expansions. Join us in supporting area
entrepreneurs and employers.
Taters & More
For many years the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce Potato Booth has served the
community by bringing high quality baked potatoes to local events.
As times change so do we and while we are in the process of expanding our service to all of
our communities we have taken a permanent location at Northern Maine Fairgrounds. An
expanded menu is being planned and the space will be open during more events.
We look forward to serving our signature dishes from taters and more at the
Northern Maine Fairgrounds. Look for us in the Medway building!
Chamber Connection
Page 6
For Healthy Living In
Eastern and Northern
Maine Communities
www.what you do matters.org
It Takes More Than Duct Tape
Breathe Easy This Summer
Mainers are known for being ready for
anything. Let‟s make sure we are.
An emergency or illness, like flooding,
ice storms or the „flu‟ can
Keep you home for several days ~
Sometimes without power, heat or clean water.
Take these simple steps to help keep your children,
pets and the older adults in your life safe during
emergencies or illness.
Get a Kit. Make a Plan. Be Informed.
Get ready for the unexpected by creating a kit
of essentials, including:
 Food
 Water
 Medicine
 Safety Supplies
Getting Ready for an emergency does not have
to take a lot of time or be expensive. Find out
what you need, what you already have, and how
to build your emergency kit without spending a lot
of money by visiting: www.getMEready.org.
Maine has many great
Parks and outdoor public
Areas to enjoy. Help keep
them smoke free this
summer so everyone can
enjoy them.
Help everyone breathe
easy this summer by
not lighting up in parks
and playgrounds and
asking anyone who is
to respect your right to
breathe air free of
hazardous chemicals.
For help quitting tobacco call the Maine
Tobacco Help Line at 1-800-207-1230 or
Youth Tobacco Help Line at
1-800-639-2464
What You Do For You!
When was the last time you got lost ina good book? Whether it is an
epic novel, a page turning mystery, something funny or a book that
teaches you something; reading is a great way to relax and take
time for yourself. Visit your local library for great summer reading
ideas or go to National Public Radio‟s website: www.npr.prg and
click on “Summer Books 2010” for a list of titles that could make a
day at the beach even more enjoyable. It is important to take time
for you every day and to treat yourself to new and interesting
experiences. Reading is one of the best ways to do both.
Chamber Connection
Page 7
Make the Most of Your Chamber of Commerce Membership!
The Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce is constantly looking for ways to benefit our
members by offering new opportunities. We thought we should take this opportunity to remind
you of the benefits that you are entitled to as a member of PIACC.
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BULK MAILING SERVICE: This is a service that the Chamber offers to its membership which saves
money to anyone doing a promotional mailing of over 200 pieces.
HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM: Anthem Blue Cross offers Chamber members Health Insurance options not normally available to individuals to small business owners.
ROTATOR ADS ON OUR HOME PAGE: An inexpensive method of making the 10,000 visitors to our
home page every month aware of your business.
EVENTS: In addition to the public events sponsored by PIACC, there are also periodic social gatherings.
PROSPECTIVE RESIDENT REFERRALS: PIACC receives requests for information from people who are
interested in relocating to the Presque Isle area often. Included in the packet of information we send is a membership directory so new residents will be able to locate services they will need.
INFORMATION RESOURCES AND SERVICES: PIACC cooperates with Northern Maine Development
Commission, Leaders Encouraging Aroostook Development, Maine State Chamber of Commerce, Women,
Work & Community and many other organizations to provide our members with information.
COMMITTEE INVOLVEMENT: Our numerous committees allow individuals interested in being active in
the area, but unable to serve on the Board of Directors, an opportunity to learn more about the PIACC while
meeting new people and enjoying a variety of experiences.
BUSINESS REFERRALS: PIACC receives requests for business information daily. We refer customers to
Chamber members if possible.
COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT & ANNUAL EVENTS: PIACC works with our member communities
and other organizations to promote the area and events that are hosted. In addition PIACC is responsible for a
number of annual events .
PUBLICATIONS/ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES: PIACC issues a bimonthly newsletter with information for our members and information on our members. In addition we arrange opportunities for cooperative advertising by arranging special prices for our members. PIACC produces and issues press releases and
written articles regularly covering events and activities occurring in the area.
Members Grapevine
Jacob Plavnick who operates G-Force Laser Tag now has an inflatable jousting ring that can be rented
for parties. In addition to G-Force Laser Tag your guests can get in the inflatable ring and joust or box.
Billie Brodsky will have the
first solo exhibition of her
photography at Wintergreen
Art Center during the month
of August. The opening reception will be August 6th from 7-9. This exhibition runs through August!
Aroostook Centre Mall has
added a new eating establishment. Koko’s Kafe can be found around the corner from the food court. Yet another reason to visit the
array of stores to be found at the mall.
Chamber Connection
Page 8
Meet The Faces of the Presque Isle Area Chamber of
Commerce Board of Directors
Aaron Kouhoupt is a Caribou native and is a graduate of Caribou High School, the University of Maine Presque Isle with a BA in Political Science, and has obtained his Juris
Doctor Degree from Rutgers School of Law in New Jersey. He is currently a licensed attorney in the State of Maine and works as the Compliance Officer for Katahdin Trust Company. Prior to joining Katahdin he was employed for two years with the Law Offices of Lee
M. Perlman in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Active in community activities, Kouhoupt currently presides as the President of the Board for Helping Hands of Aroostook and is a Board
Member on the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce. He resides in Caribou with his
daughter Cailyn.
Gretchen R Morse, Financial Advisor, EdwardJones, .455 Main St,Presque Isle, ME 04769,207-764-0802
2006-Present Financial Advisor, EdwardJones. Prior to this, Gretchen worked in several positions at an area bank.
Houghton College, New York Member, Presque Isle Rotary Club. Past Member, Presque Isle Downtown Revitalization Committee In her spare time, Gretchen may be found watching her two boys play soccer, baseball and basketball. She may also be found biking on one of the many area roads with her husband.
Nola Farley grew up in Mars Hill before moving to the PI/Mapleton area. She is currently working
with FairPoint Communications as Business Account Executive, previously with U. S. Cellular for
14 years. Nola has been very active in the community as Past Fund-raising Chair for Presque Isle
Youth Hockey; Past President of Mapleton Daze Committee; Current Co-Vice President of Wintergreen Arts Center, ACAP Board of Director. She also is in her third year on the Board of Directors
for the Presque Isle Area Chamber, and served as Clerk, President Elect and is current President of
the Board. Nola’s vision is to see the Chamber continue to strengthen relationships with our outer
communities, represent and promote area business, provide informative and educational opportunities
on current events and areas of interest and host fun and exciting events and activities in the area
which will serve as entertainment for our local residents and become a tourism draw to Presque Isle
and the 13 communities that we serve.
"THE SNOW HAS MELTED!!....and the sunny warm weather brings plenty of activities for all ages at
the Nordic Heritage Sport Club. Come and check out the summer outdoor fun, from the beautiful
mountain bike trails to hiking and bird watching. NHSC will have lots to offer this summer, from
the youth mountain bike programs for ages 8-14, a Dualthlon run/walk/ride, and the ever popular Fat
Tire Festival. Get involved and become a member of the Nordic Heritage Sport Club today, it's the
best value in Aroostook County! For more information on how to join, contact membership chairperson
Paul Towle (ptowle@maine.rr.com). Check out our website: www.nordicheritagecenter.org. for the
most up-to-date information of programs/activities and be sure to join in the fun this summer!
Chamber Connection
Page 9
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
3 Houlton Rd.
PRESQUE ISLE, ME
PERMIT NO. 4
Presque Isle, ME 04769
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
The Final Word
By Theresa Fowler
We are enjoying the longest spell of warm weather that I remember. The summer of 2010 will surely be
one we will refer to for years to come. The beautiful weather has been good for all the area festivals and celebrations. Most weekends there are multiple events being held in our area so I hope everyone is taking time to enjoy
the many things there are to do. .
July has flashed by; trucks carrying the rides are arriving in town; the Northern Maine Fair is just a few days
away; Summer is in full swing!
As I write this I am watching someone taking a picture of the Venus model outside my window. There is
hardly a day goes by that someone doesn‟t stop there. We are fortunate to have this attraction ending at UMPI with
the “star” of our world housed at UMPI. How appropriate for the Star City of Aroostook County.
Many people from here to Fort Kent are preparing for the 2011 Biathlon World Cup. There will be athletes
from about 30 countries visiting the area for two weeks, one based here, one based in Fort Kent. There will be several camera crews from Europe in the area during these events. This is an opportunity to highlight our region to
much of Europe without purchasing advertising. We have everything people interested in the Biathlon enjoy so let‟s
use this opportunity to really show off what our area offers along with our traditional Aroostook County hospitality.
Thanks to all the companies and individuals who will be helping at our new facility -Taters & More - at the
Fair. It will be exciting to be in this space serving an expanded menu. Stop in to see us!
If you would like to be involved in any of our events or like us to help spread the word about events your
organization is planning please contact me. My email address is tfowler@pichamber.com