Events improve local economy
By Kathy McCarty
Word is quickly spreading that Presque Isle has many amenities suitable for hosting special events, such as next year’s biathlon festivities. Most recently, it was the Maine State Federation of Firefighters Convention that attracted hundreds of firefighters, family members, friends and spectators to the city for three days of activities
FILLED TO CAPACITY — Vehicles overflowed onto Greenhill Drive from the Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center’s parking lot during the Maine State Federation of Firefighters Convention Banquet, held Sept. 11. Festivities like the convention prove beneficial to the local economy as participants seek accommodations, dine out, shop at local businesses and purchase gas for vehicles.
While here, tourism dollars were spent with local businesses, from restaurants and retailers to rooms at various hotels and motels. The Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce was kept busy responding to inquiries in the days and weeks leading up to the event.
“Prior to the convention, we had many calls asking about accommodations. We also had several calls about the parade,” said Theresa Fowler, executive director, PIACC.
Fowler credited Grant Spinney and his crew for “doing a great job of getting information out to the attendees” on lodging and other points of interest.
“An event of this size has a great impact on the local businesses. Of course, the hotels and restaurants were very busy and benefited but there was also a lot more traffic at the gas stations, grocery stores and all of the local businesses,” said Fowler.
She indicated special events are good not just for the hosting community but other towns and cities along the travel route.
The Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center served as a focal point for the convention, with many firefighters staying at the facility that also served as the site for their annual banquet.
Although the Inn wasn’t sold out, owner Kevin Simmons said business was up considerably that weekend, with 90 percent of the bookings occurring within three to four days of the announcement that the annual convention would be held in Presque Isle.
“While we didn’t sell out due to some cancellations prior to the event, we saw a significant increase in room revenue and bar sales,” said Simmons, noting that due to the banquet filling the parking lot, restaurant sales were down for the weekend. “It made a down weekend at Gram Russo’s but a true boost to other County businesses.”
“We received a number of positive comments in regard to the facility, function, meals and overall impression of the area,” said Simmons, noting, “Many people had never been this far north and indicated they will be returning.”
The Inn coordinated the opening of the Connection lounge to coincide with the convention, as well as hosting the convention banquet and awards ceremony, as well as the chief’s breakfast.
Simmons said looking at an event like this, that was “perfectly planned out, with events and fundraising,” that brought people from all over the state, gave Aroostook communities, and especially Presque Isle, a chance to show “how much we have to offer.”
“Yes, for some in the very southern part of the state it is a long distance to travel, but this past event was evidence that they will come,” said Simmons. “We need to look at other local businesses/municipalities to get more of these types of conventions. Here in Aroostook County we can do a large convention at a lower cost to attendees and help promote repeat business to County establishments.”
Fowler said summer activities, including the Crown of Maine Balloon Festival, were also well-received.
“Businesses noted there were more people around for this year’s festival. Participants in the COMBF were all very pleased with the reception they received and the friendliness of the people they met. The same seems to be the case with the Firefighters Convention. It appeared they were all pleased and enjoyed their time here,” she said.
According to Fowler, COMBF pilots have expressed interest in returning after yet another successful event this summer.
Simmons said such activities as the festival and convention are “absolutely vital to increasing awareness” not only of his facility but the area as a whole.
“While the event only lasts a couple days, and participants give us (area businesses) a boost in our revenue stream, the more important factor is a positive experience that the attendees take with them and, hopefully, share,” said Simmons.
“We’ve been fortunate to have consecutive large events in Presque Isle. The increase in visitors has a positive impact on the local economy. All businesses benefit,” said Fowler, noting the next Chamber-planned event will be the Haunted Woods Walk at Aroostook State Park this coming weekend.
“Of course, Christmas shopping will start soon and traditionally that attracts visitors from New Brunswick and a larger than normal section of Maine,” said Fowler.
Fowler said making larger events work is all in the planning.
“Hosting a large group of people takes some extra effort but the benefits outweigh the energy invested. Of course, we are in full planning mode for the 2011 World Cup Biathlon,” said Fowler. “This will be an opportunity to host people from many different countries with different cultural expectations.”
In addition to the “huge economic impact of this event,” Fowler said it will also “provide us all with an opportunity to learn about other cultures.”
Every event serves as an opportunity to showcase what the region is capable of, said Fowler.
“We never know where an investor may be found and, given the work ethic that Aroostook County is known for, the development of new businesses and employment opportunities is always a possibility,” said Fowler.
The PIACC encourages organizations “to consider the Presque Isle area for conventions and meetings constantly,” said Fowler. “We also provide information to those hosting meetings.” For information, contact the PIACC at 764-6561.
