Editor’s Note: As 2006 comes to a close, The Star-Herald looks back at some of the highlights in the business community from January to June. Part II will appear in next week’s edition.
January
• The Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce ended 2005 with a few more members than it started the year with bringing the total to 303 members. Each year, the Chamber holds a membership drive encouraging business owners in the 13 communities served by the PIACC to consider becoming part of the organization.
• Barry D. McCrum of McCrum Consulting of Mars Hill and chairman of the Workforce Investment Board Aroostook/Washington counties was named the recipient of the Nathan Cohen Award. The Honorable Nathan Cohen of Eastport graduated from the University of Maine, and served not only as mayor of Eastport, but also as a member of the Eastport City Council. The Nathan Cohen Award is presented to a person or organization that exhibits Cohen’s enthusiasm, dedication, and resourcefulness, while providing outstanding service within their local communities.
• Bob Buckley, owner of Smythe’s IGA Plus, located on North Street, praised the Presque Isle Fire Department for their prompt response to a furnace fire at the store Jan. 7. Buckley said crews were actually on the scene before he had time to call for help.
• Care & Comfort, which offers mental health services to individuals up to the age of 21 who have a primary mental health diagnosis including ADHD, depression, oppositional defiant disorder and other diagnosed disorders, announced it would be expanding its services to include outpatient services to a broader base of clientele. Headquartered in Waterville, Care & Comfort has an office on the Houlton Road in Presque Isle.
• Barbara and Doug Blackstone of Easton attended the 87th annual meeting of the American Farm Bureau Federation in Nashville, Tenn. Doug serves on the Aroostook County Farm Bureau board of directors and is the president of the Maine Farm Bureau. While at the meeting, Blackstone listened to American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman and Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn) discuss a variety of agricultural issues. In addition to attending AFBF sessions, the Blackstones had the opportunity to attend a show at the Grand Ole Opry.
• The Lane Construction Corp. recognized their Maine Division employees for working one full year without a lost-time accident with a luncheon at Jeff’s Catering in Brewer. As part of the celebration, a drawing was held for a brand new 2006 Ford F-150 XLT pickup. Over 450 Lane employees from throughout Maine were eligible for the prize. The lucky winner was Louise Philbrick of Limestone, who works out of the Presque Isle office as a Quality Control Technician.
• Dave Sowers, operations supervisor for SAD 1, announced that district mechanics were now authorized to service the Mercedez Benz 900 series engines found in local school buses. SAD 1 became only the third service center in the state authorized to repair Thomas/Freightliner school buses, Allison transmissions and the Mercedez Benz engines.
• Dan Levesque and his wife, Kathy, purchased Netherland Office Products and Aroostook Internet in Presque Isle. Having spent 27 years in the pulp and paper business, Levesque said he was “looking for a new reason to get up in the morning.” Levesque said he was considering expanding wireless Internet services in Ashland and Portage, and have more of a presence in the St. John Valley.
• Albert Hobbs retired from Katahdin Trust Co. as senior vice president and treasurer. Hobbs completed nearly 40 years of dedication to the financial services industry. Hobbs was presented with a legislative sentiment sponsored by Sen. Dean Clukey (R-Houlton) and co-sponsored by all members of the Aroostook County delegation. He was also presented with an engraved gold pocket watch from the Maine Bankers Association, and a recognition wooden rocking chair and a framed pictorial of his life in Aroostook County outlining his career, education and community involvement from Katahdin Trust Co.
• The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors announced that Arthur H. Thompson, CLU, ChFC, of Thompson Associates in Presque Isle, achieved the National Quality Award.
• Dwight Helstrom, owner of Dwight’s Barber Shop in Presque Isle, celebrated 40 years of cutting hair in the Star City. Helstrom started in August 1966 on State Street with Herman Daigle. Over the years, Dwight’s Barber Shop has been located near the Braden Theater, at the Northeastland, and now at its present location, 400 Main St.
February
• The Family Dollar, located behind Tang’s Courtyard on Main Street in Presque Isle, opened for business. The 6,600 square foot sales space will offer a variety of merchandise from cleaning supplies to party items to bedding.
• Vicki Saucier, Tammy Webber and Deborah Gray opened Wife By Design, a business based on the handyman idea. Hiring Wife By Design, based in Mars Hill, is like buying the gift of time as the owners focus on the clients’ need whether it be running errands, walking the dog, or making a meal.
• MacDougal’s Service Center on Main Street in Fort Fairfield opened under the ownership of Tharren MacDougal. The business offers a “full service” service center so motorists don’t have to get out of their cars to pump gas, as well as work in the garage on vehicles and snow sleds.
• More than 50 local businesses opened their doors to Presque Isle High School sophomores as part of the school’s Sophomore Career Exploration Program. The job shadow experience has been offered for more than 10 years.
• The National Republican Congressional Committee announced that Leatrice Paquin was selected to serve on the Business Advisory Council. Paquin, owner of Phantazia, opted to become a part of the committee in an effort to help other Maine businesses grow and prosper.
• Two checks, totaling $400, were presented to Green Ridge Neuro Rehab by the Fort Fairfield Knights of Columbus. Money was raised through the “Program for People with Disabilities,” which is given to organizations that provide care or service to people with disabilities, especially those who are mentally challenged.
• Janine Bisaillon-Cary, vice president of the Maine International Trade Center and senior trade advisor, spoke at the Business Associates Breakfast at the University of Maine at Presque Isle Campus Center. She spoke on Maine’s role in the global economy. In her work with MITC, Bisaillon-Cary services Maine’s composite and food industries advising in areas of market research, import/export logistics, and international finance.
• Mike and Maude’s, formerly the Village Restaurant in Fort Fairfield, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Mike and Maude’s, owned by Mary Twitchell, is a buffet-style restaurant. The eatery also features a bakeshop.
• Gov. John E. Baldacci addressed growers as part of the Agricultural Bargaining Council’s annual meeting and dinner. Baldacci told potato growers that Maine is “better positioned” to market itself and its resources, and that things are progressing both in Aroostook County and the state.
• Two members of the Maine Potato Board made plans to attend the March meeting of the United Potato Growers of America. Brent Buck and Dominic LaJoie will share their insight with the Maine Potato Board and decide whether they should join the Salt Lake City-based group. UPGA is an organization of potato growers that seeks better prices for potatoes by buying out acreage of lower production of potatoes in the country.
• Mapleton resident Heidi Graham was named the 2006 Sweetheart by her peers at Curves. Graham’s essay on how Curves has affected her life earned her the honor over eight other entrants. Graham credits the Curves Solution Diet with teaching her skills, which she has taught her family about diet and exercise.
• Dufresne-Henry announced that the firm intended to join international design and consulting firm Stantec. Both firms offer engineering, planning, landscape architecture, and environmental science services, but Dufresne-Henry clients would benefit from additional services that Stantec offers such as architecture and interior design, facilities planning and operations, manufacturing and industrial services, bio/pharmaceuticals, and energy and resources services. Through this strategic acquisition, Dufresne-Henry’s locations will supplement Stantec’s existing presence.
March
• Kris Doody-Chabre, chief executive officer of Cary Medical Center and Dana Connors, president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce and former Presque Isle city manager, joined 10 other leaders of business and industry on the governor’s Community College Advisory Council. The council will work to assess the state’s workforce needs at the two-year college level and help guide the next phase of growth for Maine’s Community College System.
• City Dry Cleaners got new owners and added Saturday hours in order to accommodate their customers’ busy lives. Bob and Julianna Palmer’s goal is to clean customer’s clothes in a timely fashion and make them want to come back. City Dry Cleaners also does king comforters and other big articles, in addition to laundering dress shirts, pressing clothes, and making alterations. They also send leather and suede items away and clean wedding gowns on-site. City Dry Cleaners is located on Main Street in Presque Isle.
• A survey revealed that more registered nurses caring for patients in Aroostook County regional facilities hold degrees in nursing from Northern Maine Community College than any other educational institution.
• Frank Bemis and Luke Rossignol teamed up to create Bemis & Rossignol, LLC, located at 454 Main St. in Presque Isle. The law firm is dedicated to providing professional, efficient, discrete and timely legal representation and trial advocacy in all legal matters using a team approach.
• Over 555 people from six central Aroostook County businesses participated in the “Go Red For Women” cause. “Go Red for Women” is a day each year when people wear red to increase awareness and show their support for women and heart disease. The Aroostook Medical Center, SAD 1, Maine Mutual Group, ACAP, McCain Foods, and the Department of Transportation participated in this year’s event.
• Fraser Timber Limited received notification from the Maine Department of Labor’s Safety Works program that both the company’s operations, located in Ashland and Masardis, were accepted into the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP). The company and all its employees were selected based on their efforts to maintain a safe working environment.
• The Irish Setter Pub, located on Main Street in Presque Isle, opened its doors in time for St. Patrick’s Day. The establishment is co-owned by Terry Greenier and Jerry Tanner. The pub features an Irish/Scottish theme with Irish and Celtic cuisine.
• Aroostook Partnership for Progress “showcased” Aroostook County to six representatives from The Staubach Co., a global real estate advisory firm as part of the APP’s strategic business plan.
• Maine Mutual Group donated more than 90 computer monitors to the Loring Job Corps Center. The donation, which impacted six complete classrooms, was made as a result of the insurance company purchasing in excess of 250 new, 19-inch flat screens for employees at the Presque Isle and Concord, N.H. sites.
• maurices opened at the Aroostook Centre Mall. The Minnesota-based company operates over 500 stores in 39 states. maurices specializes in clothing for the 18-34-year-old customer ranging in sizes from XS to XXL, casual to dressy styles, and exclusive brands for men.
• The 26th annual Agri-Business Trade Fair, sponsored by the Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, was held March 24-26 at The Forum in Presque Isle. Turnout to the trade show, featuring tractors and RVs to building supplies, banking, and sources of heat, was good.
• Maxine LaJoie of Van Buren was honored with the Maine AgriWomen’s annual Woman of the Year Award at the Maine Potato Board’s annual meeting and dinner held in Presque Isle. LaJoie has been involved in farming her whole life.
• The USDA moved into their new 8,600 square foot location behind Tang’s Courtyard in Presque Isle. The site will be home to the USDA’s Rural Development Department, the Farm Service Agency, and National Resource Conservation Services. The new site provides more space for the 29 employees than the former Fort Road location.
• Aroostook Partnership for Progress, together with its chosen consultant team, Global Resorts Incorporated, announced that a conclusion had been made to undertake the creation of a tourism-related development and economic growth plan for Aroostook County. The plan is to convince developers and investors that Aroostook County has the attributes for successful emergence as a viable regional destination resort area.
April
• Maine potatoes gained national recognition during an episode of “The Simpsons,” which aired Feb. 26 on FOX. Homer Simpson was seen reaching into a bag of Maine potatoes, pulling one out, and taking a bite.
• The Maine Potato Board decided not to send representatives to the United Potato Growers of America’s April meeting. United Potato Growers of America was formed in March 2005 by growers to match supply to demand.
• Canterbury Royale, a Fort Fairfield gourmet restaurant, was selected as an Editor’s Choice by editors from Yankee magazine. The distinction appeared in the 2006 edition of the Yankee Magazine Travel Guide to New England.
• Citi Financial, a financial services company specializing in personal and home equity loans, held its grand opening April 10. Citi Financial is located at 733 Main St. in Presque Isle.
• The Aroostook Medical Center received an $85,000 grant to help further develop its Telehealth Access Plan. Telehealth is the use of video conferencing technology to provide health care services. TAMC was one of only 13 hospitals in the nation to receive U.S. Department of Health and Human Services funding.
• The precision metals manufacturing program at Northern Maine Community College earned national exposure in two industry publications – Esprit de Corps and CNC Machining. Both magazines are highly recognizable and widely read in the metals manufacturing sector. The articles focused on the reproduction of a small team engine from a photographic model and sketches to work from by a team of NMCC second-year students.
• Associates from Graves Shop ‘n Save presented a $1,000 education grant to the Presque Isle Middle School for raising the most dollars through the Hannaford Helps Schools program.
• Tru Designs Hair & Tanning Salon held its grand opening in April on Main Street in Washburn. Owner Kristie Jackson-Hall has been a licensed hairdresser for over eight years.
• Non-perishable items were bagged up at Curves in Presque Isle as part of their annual event sponsored by the business to assist local food banks. Curves collected 1,500 pounds of food for area soup kitchens and food pantries.
• David Cambridge and Tammy Wheeler, of Katahdin Trust Co., were recognized as the Bank’s 2006 America’s Promise Volunteers at a special recognition luncheon held at the State House during Banker’s Day at the Legislature. Cambridge is vice president and commercial services officer, and Wheeler is a commercial loan assistant at the Presque Isle office of Katahdin Trust Co.
• Employees from First Citizen’s Bank and Katahdin Trust Co. joined thousands of bankers across the country as part of “Teach Children to Save Day” in local schools. Bankers, on April 25, educated youth on the basics of personal finance through assisting teachers and making personal presentations in schools across the state.
May
• Karin Gilbert, Patrick Patterson and Brock Price combined their talents and resources to create My Digital Tours, a premium virtual tour provider.
• Allstate Insurance Co. recognized the Drew Allstate Insurance Agency for high standards in customer satisfaction, customer retention, and profitability. The Drew Agency, located on North Street in Presque Isle, is among the top Allstate agencies in the nation in auto property, commercial insurance, and financial service sales.
• Richard Wood, plant manager of Naturally Potatoes in Mars Hill, presented a check for $5,000 to Carl Hagan, president of the Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum. The funds will be put toward the upcoming “Build a Barn Project” at the museum in Littleton.
• Rocky Mountain Sports, located in the Aroostook Centre Mall in Presque Isle, opened for business. The sporting goods store, owned by Tom Chasse and Travis Kearney, offers merchandise such as ski packages, snowboards, mountain bikes, climbing gear, clothing and accessories, in addition to in-house servicing on equipment.
• Executive Chef Greg Nigh joined Slopes restaurant in Presque Isle. Nigh had plans to incorporate some of his specialties into the regular fare offered at the restaurant and brewing company.
• Attorney Matthew Hunter opened a law office, which handles any legal matter except real estate. The office is located above Harding Law Offices on Main Street in Presque Isle.
• Fraser Timber Limited, with plants in Masardis and Ashland, was recognized during a ceremony in Ashland for continued safety in the workplace. Maine Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman presented the Safety and Health Achievement Award to the company.
• Local business leader and advocate, Patricia Rathbun, was elected vice president of membership of the American Association of University Women’s (AAUW) Maine Chapter at the annual convention. Rathbun is the co-owner and vice president of Rathbun Lumber Co. in Presque Isle and an active volunteer in the community. The Association seeks to promote education and equity for women.
• The Aroostook Medical Center was named a national award winner in healthcare service quality for Exemplary Service Most Improved Inpatient Care for 2005 by Avatar, International, Inc. TAMC has been working with Avatar for years collecting information to better serve its patients. The award is based on results from a 2005 survey on inpatient care at the hospital, which was compared to data from over 500 hospitals nationally.
• Crystal Compass Books, located next to the Northeastland Hotel on Main Street in Presque Isle, opened for business. Owner Wendy Koenig plans to display works by local artists, open mic nights, book signings with local authors, and a children’s story time. The bookstore features good quality used texts, as well as well as new books at used prices.
• Work progressed at Pineland Farms Natural Meats located on the Murphy Road in Fort Fairfield. Pineland Farms was readying itself to receive its first head of cattle, as well as feed and machinery. Buildings had been repaired and fence put up in preparation for the cattle operation.
June
• Rita Bouchard was presented as the guest honoree at The Aroostook Medical Center’s (TAMC) General Medical Staff meeting held at the Nordic Heritage Center in Presque Isle. Bouchard was honored for her display of leadership in both nursing and commercial business.
• Goldmasters, owned by Gary Holcombe, opened at 551 Main St. in Presque Isle. The veteran jeweler repairs jewelry and also offers a section of one-of-a-kind pieces designed to meet customers’ needs.
• AMHC’s Adult Crisis Stabilization Unit in Presque Isle was renovated to make it easier for counselors to work with consumers. ACSU is a 5-bed, 24-hour, short-term residential program for adults 18 years and older experiencing psychiatric stress. The ACSU offers stabilization through one-on-one client care and supervision to help clients develop achievable short-term treatment goals.
• As an alternative to paying high gas prices, many people purchased scooters from local businesses like Dick’s Transmission. Scooters get approximately 98 miles per gallon and have minimum insurance and maintenance costs.
• Steve and Paula Reynolds worked craft fairs for years, but the couple decided to open a store at the Aroostook Centre Mall. The Olde Rustic Attic has charming gifts from cupboards to birdhouses to candles – everything to make a home a more inviting place to be.
• Village Square got a little cozier when Cozy Corner II and Cozy Corner Casuals opened on Main Street in Fort Fairfield. Owners Linda and Gene Senechal moved the business from the Aroostook Centre Mall in an effort to refurbish the area. Cozy Corner II features giftware and antiques, while Cozy Corner Casuals sells clothing for women.
• A group study exchange team from the Metz-Lorraine region of France visited Rotary Clubs in Aroostook County and New Brunswick to present information on their country and the observations they made during their North American tour.
• Caregivers at The Aroostook Medical Center developed a new food service program to help patients make healthy and delicious dining choices. Many mouthwatering entrees make up TAMC’s new room service menu for inpatients at the hospital. TAMC provides room service associates, as well as registered dieticians, to help with healthy meal strategies and nutrition planning.
• Curt Paterson of Paterson Financial expanded his accounting business to include payroll processing. Paterson can meet all financial needs from cutting checks to 1099 forms to monthly and weekly reports. Paterson offers free, competitive quotes for all of his services. Paterson Financial is located on the Houlton Road in Presque Isle.
