LIMESTONE, Maine — Business leaders in Limestone are looking ahead to a range of opportunities for the community going into the new year, said Michelle Albert, president of the Limestone Chamber of Commerce.
“We’re hoping in 2019 to do more seminars and conferences for our businesses,” said Albert, who was re-elected to serve as the Chamber’s president at its annual meeting Nov. 29.
“Between Limestone and Loring, there are 65 businesses in the town. We’re hoping to do more for them, in terms of what they want to see and what they want the chamber to do.”
The annual meeting also saw several awards given to community members. Fred and Cindy Edgecomb were named citizens of the year. The auto and equipment repair shop Poitras Service, which has been in operation for 45 years, was named business of the year.
Albert said that the Limestone Chamber had a successful year in 2018. The organization helped put on a number of community events, including celebrations for Independence Day, a fall festival in October and a winter festival. In September, a new Dollar General store opened, and there continues to be business interest in the Loring Commerce Centre, the state’s largest industrial park that currently hosts 28 employers with 800 employees.
This year also saw the hiring of Dennis McCartney as part-time economic development coordinator with both the chamber and the Limestone Development Foundation. The Limestone Development Foundation serves as an economic development organization in partnership with the town and the chamber, and the foundation pays for the part-time position.
Albert spearheaded the creation of the position and said that McCartney has been doing well promoting the town and collaborating with businesses.
“He does the meet-and-greet, face-to-face conversation with business owners. Or if someone’s interested in buying a home or starting a business,” Albert said.
Albert said that Limestone’s business leaders are looking forward to working with the town’s new manager when the position is filled and are working to promote the town’s assets, such as affordable real estate, business space at the Loring Commerce Centre, and recreation amenities like the Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge.
“The town is a nice town and we need to bring people to move in. We have a great school. It’s quiet. There’s a lot of housing available,” Albert said.
