Another business closure leads councilor
to look for ways to retain and attract employers
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Another business at the Aroostook Centre Mall has closed its doors, as of Monday, Jan. 19, 2015.
Jenna Spoto, owner of The Jump, made the announcement over the weekend on the company’s Facebook page, citing rent and other issues for the decision to close. The Jump, which featured bounce houses, a slide and a party room that offered pizza and refreshments, first opened at the mall in 2012.
“It is with deep sadness that I announce The Jump in the mall will be closing,” wrote Spoto. “For those of you who have birthday parties or field trips booked, email me at jennamspoto@hotmail.com.”
“This situation is not ideal but is what has to happen. I, along with my family, staff and vendors have put so much into The Jump in Presque Isle; it makes me so sad to have to shut our doors,” said Spoto.
This is not the end of the business but rather a transition, according to Spoto.
“We will still have our rental business, so if anyone is interested in renting a unit, please continue to call via my cell phone, 768-1290, or contact me through email,” she said. “Folks can also email my aunt rjbelanger1966@hotmail.com.”
Spoto said it’s so easy to “get caught up in negativity that surrounds a closing.”
“As many of you know, the Aroostook Centre Mall is going through many changes, with businesses closing left and right (in recent weeks, Sears, Staples and Deb’s have begun or concluded the process of closing at the mall). I could post many negative things, but that isn’t who I am. Maine, Presque Isle and especially the mall make it hard for small businesses to succeed,” said Spoto, noting, “I don’t think anyone can say that we didn’t try.”
She said the cost of doing business in Aroostook is a challenge for small establishments like hers.
“The Jump is such an important thing for the community, but reality is that I don’t know many businesses that could continue to operate at the rate of rent we are expected to pay,” said Spoto. “I never set out to make money, but you have to have money to survive.”
Spoto said The Jump “is needed and has been very successful,” and that she’s been trying to sell it and continues to do so. She’d also consider opening it at a new site and welcomes suggestions on possible locations.
“But clearly a new lease or location is needed,” said Spoto.
“Again, this isn’t ideal, but it is reality. Please remember that behind The Jump is a family that tried to do and bring good things to this community. Behind The Jump are people — people who have feelings and care,” said Spoto. “Thank you all for your continued love and support.”
Recent closures have city officials looking for ways to prevent any additional occurrences, while looking for ways to bring new establishments to the city.
Presque Isle City Councilor Craig Green said recent events are unfortunate but not solely a Presque Isle problem.
“Let’s remember that we have many good and positive things in Presque Isle. I hate to see this overly dramatic response to national trends that our city is a part of. No matter the rent, the manager or anything else would have saved Sears, Deb’s or Staples. All are national chains. So let’s not get drawn into this self-pity crap,” said Green.
Green said to survive in 2015, “we need to be creative and positive.”
“You (the public) and the City Council and business owners all need ideas and concepts. These can be written, emailed or use the phone. I’m sure you have seen many things in your travels that would work here in the city. So let’s build on what is right and go after some new opportunities. Because at the end of the day, we have a special place here in Aroostook,” said Green.
“I know it is easy to get drawn into the negative and blame game; but remember, the neighbors don’t fix your house, you do. So get your thinking caps on and be a part of our future,” said Green.
In an effort to come up with new ideas to attract businesses and encourage community members to start that business they’ve always dreamed of, Green said he’d like to establish a committee to look further into the matter.
“I’m proposing we set up a committee of city government, business owners and entrepreneurs, as well as citizens, to work on this. I would like them to be tasked with courting potential businesses and industry segments to locate here. Also want them to get ideas and concepts that other communities have had success with, including tax plans, grants and loans. I’m going to bring this to the Council in the coming month,” said Green.
Green welcomes anyone with questions or comments to contact him on his Facebook page.
