Staff Writer
FORT FAIRFIELD – A little over three weeks on the job and Janet Kelle is finding the Fort Fairfield community to be very supportive.
Kelle is the new executive director of the Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce. Her first day on the job was Oct. 22.
Staff photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson
JANET KELLE is the new executive director of the Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce. Kelle, who is already busy planning the Maine Potato Blossom Festival and other summer events, started her new job Oct. 22. She resides in West Chapman with her husband, Mike, and her 16-year-old daughter, Logan.
“The town has been extremely supportive, and people in the community have welcomed me. I was kind of worried that people would have a concern because I don’t live in Fort Fairfield, but that hasn’t been an issue,” said Kelle. “People have been very supportive and have welcomed me to the community, and made me feel like I’m part of the town.”
Kelle resides in West Chapman with her husband, Mike, and her 16-year-old daughter, Logan.
“They both have been extremely supportive,” said Kelle. “The last two weeks alone there’s been a lot of evenings, but before I took the job, we sat down and talked because this job is going to take up my summer with the various festivals, so I wanted their input. Their response was, ‘Well, we’ll be at the Potato Blossom Festival,’ so they’ve been really supportive which makes a big difference.”
A native of Ashland, Kelle has lived in Aroostook County her entire life. After graduating from Ashland Community High School, she attended Northern Maine Vocational Technical Institute where she received her associate’s degree in business administration. Kelle later attained her bachelor’s degree from Husson College.
Prior to accepting the chamber position, Kelle was the human resources manager at Professional Home Nursing in Caribou.
“I’ve been in human resources for 17 years,” she said. “I was there for four years when the company downsized. After hearing about the chamber position by word-of-mouth, I thought it was something I’d enjoy.
“I’m president-elect of the Presque Isle Kiwanis Club and I’ve been really active in that club doing community service projects and fund-raising. I found that I really enjoy it and was good at it, so I felt this job would be a good match for me,” said Kelle. “It was a chance for me to do something that I really enjoy and get paid for it.”
Kelle said she welcomes a challenge and keeping busy.
“I like working with people,” she said. “I’ve been introduced to a lot of business and community leaders, and I’m already starting to plan for the Agri-Business Trade Show, which is in March. I’ve begun planning the Maine Potato Blossom Festival, the County Bluegrass Festival and the County Gospel Music Festival. I’ve jumped right in. Anyone interested in serving on any of the planning committees should contact me.”
Next year is also Fort Fairfield’s sesquicentennial, so Kelle is doing her part to plan a celebration.
“I’m really surprised how active the community is,” she said. “There’s a lot of community support whether it be the community bandstand, town clock or swimming pool projects.”
Having heard that “chamber directors typically last five years,” Kelle said she has more long-term plans in mind.
“I’ve heard horror stories,” she said, “because there’s a lot of pressure and after-hours works, but the fortunate thing in Fort Fairfield is we have strong town support. The town manager, the Town Council and the chamber work really closely together and that helps a lot. The town sees the importance of the chamber.
“I can see myself staying longer than five years,” said Kelle. “My husband, daughter and I just love it here, and as college looms for my daughter, we don’t really plan on venturing too far away. I like doing this type of work, so I’m planning on sticking around.”
Kelle has two primary goals she hopes to fulfill.
“I’d like to increase and formalize chamber membership,” she said. “I want to look for not only businesses in town, but businesses from outside that do business in Fort Fairfield. There are businesses out there that aren’t based in Fort Fairfield but provide services to the residents of Fort Fairfield. I’d like to tap into those businesses to become members of the chamber and support the community that they’re making their living from.
“I’d also like to bring more businesses to town by finding our niche,” said Kelle. “To me, Fort Fairfield has one of the prettiest Main Streets and there’s really no reason why we can’t have more businesses downtown. We’re not going to have the Wal-Marts and stores like that, but if we can find some specialty shops … some unique ideas for businesses that people can’t find in Presque Isle or Caribou, I think that would help greatly.”
Kelle said she’s extremely happy to be working in Fort Fairfield and is looking forward to spur activity in the community.
To contact Kelle, call 472-3802, fax 472-3886, or e-mail fortcc@mfx.net.
