Staff Writer
They say that you can’t stop progress, and not even the recession could stand in the way of a few business openings of 2009. The creativity and tenacity of Aroostook County business owners was shown through their achievements during this past year, including awards, large accomplishments, and smooth transfers of ownership.
Aroostook Republican photo/Natalie Bazinet
Among those who celebrated the opening of AL-BEAR’S in December included Julie Corey, Northern Maine Development Commission (NMDC) loan officer, AL-BEAR’S owners Jamie and Michelle Albert, Limestone Town Manager Donna Bernier and NMDC Director of Business Finance Duane Walton. In back are: Vice President of the Greater Limestone Chamber of Commerce (GLCC) Joe LaPierre, President of the GLCC Scott Caldwell and Director of the Limestone Recreation Department Jamie Labreck.
The Maine Community Foundation (MaineCF) elected two members to its Board of Directors. They were Brian Hamel, of Presque Isle, and George Shaw, of Newcastle.
On August 7, the House voted to add $2 billion to the program, which was good news for dealerships like Griffeth Ford of Caribou, who have received about 30 vehicles through “Cash for Clunkers” between their Ford and Honda stores.
– On June 29, “Headwaters,” by Caribou native Craig Richardson, was published through Outskirts Press. The book, written under the pen name of John Creek, can be found through a number of book retailers, particularly Barnes and Noble or Amazon.com.
– Off the Grid Energy Alternatives erected an ARE (Abundant Renewable Energy) 10 KW turbine on an almost 100-foot tall self-supporting tower at W&W Farms in Connor.
– Troy and Jen Haney purchased Spud Speedway with hopes of revamping the race track to return the speedway to its former glory and beyond.
– Hope Recovery Services, owned by Substance Abuse Counselor Lela Lyons, was scheduled to open in Caribou on Sept. 28.
– Formerly the Flightline Café, Jo Jo’s opened at the Loring Commerce Centre. The business was founded by Jo Jo Ouellett.
– Edgecomb Farms in Limestone opened the Crop Circle Corn Maze just in time for autumn.
– It was the36th year of the Annual Arts and Crafts Fair. Over 130 vendors attended the event at the Caribou High School.
– Richard Chandler, the vice president and general manager of the Channel X Radio Network was named Broadcaster of the Year, 2009. Chandler was nominated by a special committee of past Broadcasters of the Year and selected by the Maine Association of Broadcaster Board of Directors.
– The Greater Limestone Chamber of Commerce held their annual dinner, during which Rep. Bernard Ayotte gave a presentation.
– Progressive Reality in Caribou celebrated 20 years of operation in Caribou with an open house. The business is owned by Joanne Cyr.
– The Expect More Dollar Store relocated from Bennett Drive to Sweden Street in Caribou.
– The Rendezvous of Limestone celebrated 50 years of operation. The business is owned by Wayne Langley.
– Jamie and Michelle Albert of Limestone opened the restaurant AL-BEAR’S PLACE. Formerly known as Paul’s Sub Shop, the Alberts purchased the restaurant from Mary and Carl Morin.
– Gary Dernlan, a Florida real estate investor, explained in an article why Aroostook County was appealing for property investment.
– J. P. Martin and Sons Construction Corporation of Caribou has stepped forth with the first private business contribution to the 2014 World Acadian Congress that will be hosted by the region of Maine, New Brunswick and Quebec now known as Acadia of the Lands and Forests.
