The holidays are now behind us and for some that means that winter has really settled in for the long haul. For those that love winter sports, that is a bonus and a happy thing. For others, it means bundling up even tighter and hoping the car starts in the morning. Whichever is your point of view, stay safe out there.
Things over here at the Chamber office have been humming. Renewal notices went out and many of our members have already renewed for the coming year. To note that our members are hearing the message and believe in the Chamber and where it is heading is certainly positive reinforcement here.
I met with Tom Stevens from the United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development Office and he outlined for me several of the ways his office can help our area businesses. This, perhaps, is a little known resource for our businesses and organizations. Whether it is businesses looking for help to guarantee a substantial loan from a local lender or businesses that own their own building and are looking for help with weatherizing improvements to their facilities, Stevens’ office can help. He can be reached at 764-4157. Many may remember Stevens for his years as town manager in Presque Isle and Limestone. He is a really nice guy too.
Many have noticed that Burger Boy on Sweden Street has a “Sold” sign on its real estate sign. The business was purchased by Spencer Ouellette, originally from Van Buren. Ouellette stopped in the office to introduce himself and walked out a new member of the Chamber. He mentioned that the menu will stay the same with a few new surprises and that the opening and end dates of the restaurant season will be extended. The popular seasonal restaurant will open for business on March 12 and stay open into October.
Mockler Funeral Home has also become a Chamber member in the past week and it is a pleasure to welcome them back into the membership rolls.
I will be the featured speaker at the Caribou Rotary luncheon on Wednesday, Jan. 9. That should be a lot of fun and I appreciate the offer extended by the club to speak.
Carol McElwee stopped in the office and will soon be heading to Augusta as she begins her term in the Maine House of Representatives. She is a very involved person as her years as an educator and avid involvement in the local Kiwanis club attests. She has a real goal of communicating with her constituents and to represent her town to the best of her abilities.
Rep. McElwee mentioned that she will be working with David Knorr once she arrives down there. Many of you may know David as he is a local and has really evolved his career in state government over the years. We wish her the best as she represents us!
Anniversary wishes go to the Dead River Company who joined the Chamber during this week back in 1973 (!) and Halfway Home Pet Rescue who joined the Chamber during this week in 2009. Thank you.
And lastly, please join the Caribou Area Chamber of Commerce in wishing our own Molly Bouchard all the best as she competes as Miss Maine in the Miss American competition in Las Vegas. The event will be telecast Saturday, Jan. 12. There is also a voting element where the viewing public can participate in the results. Let’s support her by voting for her at http://www.missamerica.org/videocontest/ You don’t have to wait until the 12th, so go support her today!
William Tasker may be reached in the CACC office at 498-6156 or e-mail him at CACC@CaribouMaine.net.
