Fort selects Bosse for key positions
By Scott Mitchell Johnson
FORT FAIRFIELD – Michael Bosse has been hired as Fort Fairfield’s new economic development and marketing director and will also serve as the executive director of the town’s chamber of commerce.
A lifelong resident of Caribou, Bosse has been a principal owner and consultant for Marketing Advertising Planning, Inc. (MAP), where he has assisted northern Maine businesses for 19 years. Prior to that, he served as the interim executive director of the Caribou Chamber of Commerce and owned a family business for 15 years.
“We (MAP) were working on a project for another client which necessitated me being exposed to more people over in Fort Fairfield,” said Bosse. “Once I heard what they were doing, I thought it was kind of neat because the whole community has pulled together and said, ‘We need to work together to make the community prosper.’ I subscribe to that philosophy myself.
“When I went for the job interview, I told them, ‘I’m not really looking for a job. I love what I do and I love the people I work with,’” he said, “but I was receptive and I viewed this as an opportunity.”
As a consultant, Bosse specializes in brand development, defining the target audience and exploring what are the most efficient options for reaching and engaging that market. His work focuses on maintaining an overall perspective of companies so that proper branding remains consistent. A very important component of the process is the efficient use of limited resources, often an issue in finding an effective way to market businesses in northern Maine.
“My plan is to work away at MAP through July and part of August,” said Bosse, “and transition into the position. I’ll be over there sometime in August.”
Bosse’s plans are to continue his relationships with some of his clients and NorthernMainePhotos.com.
“I originally started MAP out of my home,” he said, “and I’m going to move my office back to my home and downsize a little bit. I’ll use freelance folks as I need them and I’ll stick with what I do as far as media consulting, video production and strategic planning for my clients. Clients’ needs vary at different times of the year. Not all of my clients need me 24/7.”
Fort Fairfield Town Manager Dan Foster is excited to have Bosse as part of the municipal team.
“Mike brings a wealth of entrepreneurial business experience, marketing and presentation skills to this position,” he said. “His enthusiasm and business acumen are a welcomed asset as we move forward on our citizen driven ‘Vision Fort Fairfield.’
“One of Mike’s responsibilities will be to connect all marketing to the town’s vision statement and our investment strategy, which is designed to facilitate a sustainable economic environment and a quality of place for citizens to live and work,” said Foster. “His county roots, experience in assisting with establishing several brands – along with his promotional skills – will help position Fort Fairfield as ‘the community’ to raise your family and start your business.”
Bosse said he will put “more of a marketing and branding emphasis” on the community.
“We’ve seen a lot of outmigration here in Aroostook County and that’s going to be one of my focuses,” he said. “One of the things that I’ll be working on is the amount of time spent on the Internet and the Web and helping keep the Web updated and current, and use it as a marketing tool through the social networks. I’ll also be bringing to the table my background in video production to promote the community.”
Bosse earned his bachelor’s degree at Husson College in business administration with an emphasis in economics and marketing.
