Compiled by Natalie Bazinet
Staff Writer
Though 2011 didn’t have the most friendly economic climate, businesses of the region continued putting their best foot forward by positively impacting their communities and receiving recognition for their efforts.
January
• Co-owners of C&J’s Service Center of Caribou won an American Towman ACE Award for achievement in service performance; it was the third time the business has earned the award for outstanding performance and customer service.
• Members of the Loring Development Authority entertained the possibility of installing a small-scale solar farm on some of the Commerce Centre’s limited-use land, an idea they discussed with representatives of Maine Energy Performance Solutions.
February
• Borderline Redemption Center opened for business in Caswell, located at 2033 Van Buren Road.
• The Greater Limestone Chamber of Commerce kicked off their first “Chamber Connection” at the Rendezvous, aimed to get community members mixing and mingling with town, business and organizational officials. Chamber representatives agreed that the event was a success.
March
• Options RTO opened in Caribou, owned by former Web Impressions owner Dave Bell. The store aimed to sell brand name computers, televisions, appliances and furniture.
• Control of the LDF Regional Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund for the town of Limestone was given to NMDC officials; Limestone representative on the NMDC board C.P. Harris expressed that the transfer of LDF control would mean good things for the towns of Limestone, Caswell and Connor.
• Cary Medical Center Pharmacist Robert Lester, RPh. was awarded the Maine Society of Health-System Pharmacists’ highest and most prestigious award, the Marco Gasbarrone Lifetime Achievement Award.
• Students from Limestone, Caswell, Connor, Woodland, New Sweden and Caribou put together an award-winning issue of Newspapers in Education.
• Gloria Goughan, of Caribou, was named as “Woman of the Year” by the Maine Agri-Woman at the Maine Potato Board’s annual dinner and meeting.
April
• During the Caribou Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Recognition Dinner, Spirit Awards were given to representatives of The Cubby and Halfway Home Pet Rescue. The Maine Winter Sports Center was named Business of the Year.
• The Cubby owners Cindy and Chris Johnson opened their second location in Presque Isle.
• Catholic Charities opened its newest facility, a thrift store in Presque Isle located at 11 Davis Street.
May
• A five-member Rotary Group Study Exchange Team from District 4110 in Mexico were guests of the Caribou Rotary Club from April 26 through April 29. The Mexico-based Rotarians experienced the northern Maine sights and culture while experiencing job-shadow training at a number of Caribou and Presque Isle locations.
• To raise funds for their annual Fourth of July Festivities, Limestone Chamber of Commerce officials successfully held their first wine tasting event. The tasting, paired with a silent auction, took place at the Limestone Country Club.
• The Caribou Area Chamber of Commerce orchestrated another tremendously successful City Wide Yard Sale; one vendor estimated that over 500 shoppers stopped by her sale location during the event’s two days.
• Caribou’s Municipal Airport was awarded a $268,500 grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation; the funds will be used to begin removal of potential obstructions near the airport’s runway.
June
• Grammie’s Treasures opened in Limestone. The gift shop owned by Patsy Poitras opened its doors on June 7.
• Paradis Shop ‘N Save Store Manager Dana Corbin presented a $1,480 check to Principal Mark Jones, representing the Caribou High School, as the school accumulated the highest amount of dollars through the Hannaford Helps Schools Program.
• Lisa Woods of Caribou opened Home Away from Home Daycare center.
