Chamber promotes local region
The Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce, formerly the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce, works to promote the communities and citizens it serves.
“The owners are the businesses who invest through membership,” said Theresa Fowler, executive director at the 3 Houlton Rd.office.
“We serve, advance and publicize the commercial, agriculture and civic interests of Aroostook County, with special emphasis on central Aroostook communities: Ashland, Blaine, Castle Hill, Chapman, Easton, Mapleton, Mars Hill, Masardis, Oxbow, Portage Lake, Presque Isle, Washburn and Westfield. We also operate a 24-hour tourist information center,” said Fowler.
Founded in 1947, the agency has one full-time and one part-time employee.
“We provide the service our members expect at a price they can afford and constantly search for new and better ways to support the communities and businesses that support us,” she said.
“Customer service is our business. We provide information to members, non-members and tourists constantly,” explained Fowler. “It is important that we provide this information correctly, politely and in a timely manner. In many instances, we are the first faces of Aroostook County who people meet.”
“PIACC board voted to change the business name to Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce to better reflect the area we serve,” said Fowler.
Fowler said the Chamber is seen as the central information spot by local residents and tourists.
“We can only share the information we have. We love to receive information but unfortunately don’t have time to constantly search for it,” she said.
“We are happy to support new businesses, their owners and expansions. All these businesses are eligible for a six-month trial membership to see how beneficial one is,” said Fowler.
Chamber committees are open to anyone interested.
“Our website, www.centralaroostookchamber.com, has 13,000 to 18,000 visitors monthly who are looking for information on businesses and services in the area — an efficient, inexpensive way for businesses to advertise to a target market,” Fowler said, noting how important it is to have business data in one easy-access location.
Business hours are Tuesday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Monday and Friday, hours vary. For more information, call 764-3928 or e-mail info@centralaroostookchamber.com.
