The Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, which has supported the community of Fort Fairfield, its businesses, and residents since 1948, has joined forces with the Fort Fairfield Quality of Place Council.
The Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, in conjunction with the Board of Directors of the Fort Fairfield Quality of Place Council, are pleased to announce that they have merged resources and operations to form a single organization focused on improving the business climate and quality of life in Fort Fairfield. The merger, which will combine the resources of the two similarly focused non-profit organizations, provides an opportunity for the citizens of Fort Fairfield to play an active role in enhancing the business climate and quality of life of our community.
“This merger aligns volunteer efforts in our community to improve how we can deliver services while reducing the burden of operating and maintaining a physical presence,” said Phil Christensen, President of the Quality of Place Council. “The goal of this merger is to create one streamlined organization that will be more effective and impactful, while eliminating redundancies and improving outcomes for our community.”
The merged organizations will retain the Fort Fairfield Quality of Place Council (FFQoPC) name and its important 501c3 non-profit status which will allow opportunities to seek grant funding for projects and events. The FFQoPC will assume responsibility to organize the annual Northern Maine Agri-Business Trade Fair which will be held March 24th & 25th in 2018.
“I’m excited to join the FFQoPC and assist with the organization of the 38th annual Northern Maine Agri-Business Trade Fair,” stated FFQoPC Board Member and former Executive Director of the Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, Tim Goff. “We’ve seen tremendous growth and interest in the Trade Fair in recent years. It’s not only a highlight on the region’s social calendar, but also a great vehicle to strengthen the local economy which connects businesses to customers and to each other businesses in an interactive and fun atmosphere that showcases the unique flavor of Aroostook County.”
“This move helps us maximize our resources and strengthens our position to fulfill the FFQoPC mission of making Fort Fairfield the perfect place to live and work,” stated FFQoPC Board Member Kim Jones. “A key to our success is getting the community involved in the organization by both volunteering and providing direction. With active citizenship, we have opportunities to make tremendous differences in our town.”
The Fort Fairfield Quality of Place Council is a standalone 501c3 non-profit that has had tremendous success rescuing and rehabilitating distressed properties in Fort Fairfield in an effort to make them attractive to young families and save them from the wrecking ball. The FFQoPC was also instrumental in creating the Fort Kids First program which provides matching grants to children and their families to help save for college.
The Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce has a proud history serving the citizens and business community of Fort Fairfield. The Chamber was the long-time organizer of the Maine Potato Blossom Festival (which is now organized by the Town of Fort Fairfield) and has facilitated the Northern Maine Agri-Business Trade Fair, which will celebrate its 38th season March 24th & 25th in 2018, since its inception.
“The merger will create a stronger, more nimble volunteer-driven non-profit dedicated to the needs of residents with a focus on assisting our existing businesses, working to attract investment and development and enhancing the livability of Fort Fairfield,” added Christensen. “We need residents to get involved to help provide direction and the muscle to move Fort Fairfield forward.”
For more information about the Fort Fairfield Quality of Place Council, including ways you can get involved, please contact Phil Christensen at (207) 227-1644. Vendors interested in the 38th annual Northern Maine Agri-Business Trade Fair scheduled for March 24th & 25th in 2018, please contact Tim Goff at (207) 939-2440 or email agtradefair@yahoo.com
