Gonya takes lead as Chamber president
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce’s annual Recognition Dinner and Auction, held Jan. 22 at the Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center, saw a change in leadership, as outgoing President Nancy Fletcher welcomed incoming President Karen Gonya.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR — Theresa Fowler, left, executive director of the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce, presents a plaque to Karen Gonya, incoming president of the CACC, in recognition of being named by fellow Chamber members as Director of the Year, during the Jan. 22 annual dinner held at the Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center. 
In her farewell speech, Fletcher thanked past president Stacy Shaw for his leadership and guidance, which “made it easy for me over the past year.” She then reviewed some of the CACC’s achievements over the past year, including 22 ribbon-cutting events, a revamped newsletter and the Chamber’s continued growth on social media, including its Facebook page.
“We became licensed to do fingerprints in 2013 and did 200 sets that year. By the end of 2014, we did 500 sets. That was something needed in the County,” said Fletcher. “Our Haunted Woods Walk was also a huge success, as was the Holiday Light Parade, with over 100 entries.”
Fletcher said all this couldn’t be done “without your support.”
“It takes all of us working hard and together to seize opportunities and focus on our strengths. Thanks go to Theresa (Fowler, executive director of the CACC), Lyn (Frederick, executive assistant at the CACC) and the 300-plus members for their dedication and support in 2014,” said Fletcher, as she turned the podium over to Gonya.
“I appreciate all Nancy’s done. She trained me for the coming year and she’ll continue on as past president,” said Gonya.
“As I step into the role as president, I’m lucky to follow in Nancy’s footsteps. Stacy and Jim (past presidents) did tremendous jobs in this pivotal role, making the Chamber stronger. I hope to be as effective as they’ve been,” said Gonya.
Gonya went on to recognize the 2015 CACC board members: Past President Fletcher; President-Elect Bill Getman; Floyd Rockholt, treasurer; Karen St. Peter, clerk; Sarah Brooks; Renee Chalou-Ennis; Marcel Daigle; Gail Clukey; Greg Doak; Nola Farley; Kim Jones; Shawn Lahey; Shelley McAtee; Laurie Nelson; Bonnie Pack; Dawn Poitras; Stacy Shaw; and Sherry Sullivan.
“Without them, I don’t know how I’d move forward in the coming year,” said Gonya.
It was announced that effective as of January, Frederick would be working full-time at the Chamber office. Jim McKenney, who has termed out, was recognized for his service to the Chamber.
“We’ll miss him. He’s been a wonderful member of the board,” said Fowler. “We’ll miss his wisdom, but we’re sure to get him to come back and volunteer.”
Fowler then went on to announce the members’ choice as Director of the Year, with the honor going to Gonya.
“As vice president and since she joined the board, she’s assisted with our graphics work, doing our invitations, advertisements and posters. Any publications we advertise in, Karen has been hands on,” said Fowler, as she presented Gonya with a plaque in honor of the occasion.
