Weston named town planner

Lori Weston
By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — The Houlton Town Council bid a fond farewell to its community development director and welcomed his replacement during Monday evening’s meeting.
    Wade Hanson resigned from his position to take a similar role with the Houlton Band of Maliseets. His final day with the town is Sept. 30.
    At Monday night’s council meeting, the town formally accepted his resignation and also selected his replacement when it named Lori Weston to the position. Weston has served as the executive director for the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce for the past five years.
    The position of community development director was not advertised locally. Town Manager Doug Hazlett, who thought Weston would be a perfect fit for the position, approached Weston for the job. The town council at Monday’s meeting unanimously approved her.
    “We all know Lori from her great work at the Chamber,” Hazlett said. “I’m thrilled she has accepted the offer.”
    Hazlett said the town was looking for a candidate who had an intimate knowledge of the business community, a wide knowledge of the citizens of Houlton, strong writing skills and excellent people skills.
    “It’s hard to find somebody who has all of those attributes, but I think Lori certainly does,” he said. “I am very anxious to have her start with us on Nov. 1.”
    Weston did not speak at Monday’s council meeting. In a follow-up interview she expressed excitement for her new position and appreciation to the board of directors at the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce for making the past five years a positive experience.
    “I have worked closely with Wade (Hanson) on several projects and see this transition as one that will hopefully allow me to contribute more to the community at large,” Weston said. “Wade’s knowledge and skill sets are incredible. I can only hope to have a positive impact and keep our community moving forward on the path that Wade has so carefully helped to create and lay out for our future success.”
    Weston has a wealth of business experience. She managed a retail business for more than 15 years with budget and financial responsibilities associated with that business that included marketing and management of staff, interaction with state and federal authorities, and rules and regulations.
    As the Chamber’s executive director, Weston has worked to build a strong and viable Chamber of Commerce by developing marketing opportunities for the local business community as well as for the town of Houlton and Aroostook County.
    “The Chamber works on an extremely tight budget that requires vigilance and the determination to grow and create new avenues for events and promotion,” Weston said. “Being an ambassador for the community for those looking to visit or relocate to our community or the County makes it possibly the best job in town.  Describing our local businesses, the quality of life and all that we have to offer is a wonderful thing.”
    Councilor Nancy Ketch, who once served as the chamber’s executive director, spoke highly of Weston.
    “I know it is going to be difficult for the chamber, but this is a great gain for the town,” Ketch said.
    “I’ve known Lori my whole life,” added councilor John White. “She has a passion for our community and you’d be hard-pressed to find a nicer person. I think she will be great for the job.”
    In other agenda items, the council approved a bid of $7,908.16 from Gervais Fence and Guardrail of Limestone for the installation of a new backstop and fencing to continue renovations to Porter Field in Community Park. The town will use loan funds in its 2011 budget to cover the cost. Renovations to Porter Field have been held in cooperation with SAD 29 and Houlton Little League.
    The next regular council meeting will be held Tuesday, Oct. 11, at 6:30 p.m. due to the Columbus Day holiday on Oct. 10.