HOULTON, Maine – With plans starting almost two years ago and less than two years remaining until Eclipse Maine 2024, the Southern Aroostook Development Corporation’s Attraction Committee reviewed candidate resumes for the position of eclipse event coordinator. The committee is proud to announce and welcome Johanna Johnston of Houlton as eclipse event coordinator.
Heading up the interview process was Jane Torres, Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce executive director, and Jared Tapley, SADC executive director. “The individual in this role must be highly organized and adept to working with a wide variety of interested parties to include committee members, sponsors, vendors and the community and we believe Johanna has that skill” says Torres.
Johnston holds a business administration degree with a marketing concentration from California State University Monterey Bay. She has more than 15 years administrative experience as well as four years planning a large annual town event in Sebring, Florida when she held the title of president of the Heartland Young Professionals. Johnston moved to Houlton in March of 2020 to be near her parents and is currently a realtor at First Choice Real Estate, operates her own Airbnb, and does weekend weather updates as well as voices some commercials for 94.7 KiXX FM.
“I am so excited about this opportunity and the business it will bring to our hometown. The catch phrase ‘Worth a visit, worth a lifetime’ truly does apply to Houlton and I love that I’m going to help make that experience happen for so many visitors and residents,” exclaims Johnston about her new role.
Perfectly positioned to experience the total solar eclipse in 2024, Southern Aroostook Development Corporation’s Attraction Committee is moving full steam ahead in preparation for what promises to be an extraordinary event in Houlton. The committee is planning for a multi-day festival of events surrounding the eclipse.
Based on the influx of tourism experienced by towns in the path of totality during the 2017 solar eclipse, Houlton and the surrounding area businesses have the opportunity to capitalize on this rare occurrence. Some towns welcomed a surge of over 100,000 visitors. “This is Houlton’s chance to start being more involved in a shared economy. We have so much to offer and this can extend our reach and exposure” commented Chris Anderson, president of F. A. Peabody Company and chair of the SADC Attraction Committee.
Additional information on Eclipse 2024 and the local plans or sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Johnston at the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce at 207-532-4216.
