Gonya is CACC’s top Director
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner, held Jan. 23 at the Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center, saw a change of command, as Past President Stacy Shaw turned leadership of the organization over to President Nancy Fletcher.
Staff photos/Kathy McCarty
KAREN GONYA, at center, was named the 2013 Director of the Year, during the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner, held Jan. 23 at the Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center. Pictured with Gonya, from left, are: Theresa Fowler, CACC executive director; and CACC President Nancy Fletcher.
STACY SHAW, immediate past president of the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce, introduced the new president, Nancy Fletcher, during the CACC’s annual dinner, held in Presque Isle on Jan. 23.
Prior to the transition, Shaw took the opportunity to review some of the CACC’s accomplishments over during his term in office.
“It was a year of opportunities and challenges. The CACC exists to see businesses succeed. Over the past year, we held 13 ribbon-cutting ceremonies for local businesses,” said Shaw.
Shaw said the chamber continues to look for ways to attract interest to the communities and businesses it serves, by expanding services it offers.
“We’ve made an effort to grow our social media presence and encourage everyone to visit and ‘like’ our Facebook page. We’re now a licensed fingerprinting site and have done over 200 sets since implementing this program,” said Shaw.
Shaw said among the CACC’s many successes in 2013 were the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest and the Haunted Woods Walk.
“We moved the Haunted Woods Walk to the Nordic Heritage Center, which was a great success. Plans are underway for this year’s walk,” said Shaw.
Shaw thanked CACC Executive Director Theresa Fowler and the more than 300 members of the chamber for their continued support and recognition.
“They help us thrive and grow as communities,” said Shaw.
Fletcher spoke next, noting the chamber’s vision for the coming year.
“Our mission is to serve and publicize the commercial and civic interests of the 13 communities we serve,” said Fletcher. “We’re ready to face the challenges of 2014, turning them into opportunities for our area.”
Fletcher then introduced chamber staff and board members, including Nikita Cate, CACC office administrator, who serves as “the voice on the other side of the phone line.”
“Nikita’s our lead fingerprinter. There are four of us trained for this program,” said Fletcher.
Members of the 2014 CACC Board of Directors include: Fletcher, president; Karen Gonya, president elect; Shaw, immediate past president; Floyd Rockholt, treasurer; Karen St. Peter, clerk; and members Stephanie Caverhill, Renee Chalou-Ennis, Marcel Daigle, Sarah Brooks, Gail Clukey, Nola Farley, Bill Getman, Kim Jones, Shawn Lahey, Jim McKenney, Laurie Nelson, Bonnie Pack, Dawn Poitras and Sherry Sullivan.
Fletcher said 2014 would be a year to “seize opportunities to build communities and embrace members.”
“We need to focus on strengths. Our top challenge continues to be the economy. People are having to do more with less. We’ll continue to do more ribbon cuttings. We put on the mining meeting earlier in January. We’ll continue to promote businesses in all 13 communities and promote educational opportunities,” said Fletcher, noting the CACC has partnered with two service learning projects.
“We’re looking to partner with NMCC, UMPI and Husson,” added Fletcher.
She stressed the importance of teamwork.
“It will take all of us working hard and working together to create a working environment in Aroostook County,” said Fletcher.
Fowler spoke next, introducing the Director of the Year recipient, Karen Gonya.
“She’s difficult to describe. She has a lot of humility. She’s had a special relationship with CACC, though she has not been on the board long,” said Fowler, as she announced Gonya’s name. Gonya was presented with a gift in recognition of her contributions to the chamber.
