By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
MARS HILL — F.A. Peabody, located at 8 Lincoln St., was the site Aug. 8 of an open house, complete with a hot dog roast and door prizes, as well as a Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce-sponsored ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the business’s many years of service in the community.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
OPEN HOUSE — F.A. Peabody Company held an open house with a hot dog luncheon and door prizes, and a Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Aug. 8 at the F.A. Peabody office in Mars Hill. Pictured from left are: Theresa Fowler, CACC executive director; CACC members Gail Clukey and Nola Farley; Brittani Suitter, customer service agent; Chris Anderson, F.A. Peabody’s president; Julie Bradstreet, branch manager; Ginger Campbell, customer service agent; Mars Hill Town Manager Dave Cyr; Nancy Fletcher, CACC member; and Mars Hill Town Councilors Frank “Sam” Mahan and Travis Kearney.
President Chris Anderson joined Branch Manager Julie Bradstreet in welcoming town officials and visitors to the free luncheon.
“We’ve had a presence in Mars Hill for 25 years. It’s nice to have a presence here, with a good client base,” said Bradstreet.
F.A. Peabody has been meeting the insurance needs of state residents for many years.
“We provide property and car insurance, life and health — for home and business,” said Bradstreet of the independent agency.
“We protect what’s important to people in Maine. We insure the people of Maine, Maine property and residences,” Bradstreet said.
The company employs a total of 90 employees.
“We have 75 in the insurance division of our eight branches in Maine,” said Anderson. “Pioneer Broadband is a wholly owned subsidiary, with a total of 15 employees. We have locations, throughout Aroostook, including Caribou, Presque Isle and Houlton.”
Bradstreet said the Mars Hill location, in operation for a quarter of a century, is a permanent resident of the community.
“The company’s 87 years old. We have a presence here and continue to grow,” said Bradstreet.
Anderson said technology helps keep the multiple branches working as one.
“It helps us keep track of forms and serve customers in the most convenient manner possible. Julie and the rest of our staff maintain many lines of business, through the use of computerized systems. It doesn’t matter which branch you signed on with, your needs can be met at any of our locations,” said Anderson.
Friday’s events served to recognize the community and the people who’ve helped make the company such a success. F.A. Peabody has a bright future in Mars Hill, according to Anderson.
“We wanted to reinvest in the community. We’re here to stay. The open house was our way of giving back,” said Anderson.
“We have a lot of longtime, loyal customers. We strive to provide personalized service, whatever the need,” said Bradstreet.
Business hours are Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 429-9187.
“We also have a website, www.fapeabody.com or look for us on Facebook,” said Bradstreet.
