Editor’s Note: The following is the second of two articles highlighting some of the top business stories from 2014. This article highlights the events from July to December. The months of January to June appeared in last week’s paper.
Compiled by Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
The second half of 2014 was full of promising economic developments and positive business stories, including the opening of many new businesses in southern Aroostook County, while many established companies earned accolades.
July
Madigan Estates received the recognition of a five-star rating in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The award is the highest recognized rating a facility can receive.
Shelley’s Café and Bakery, owned by Michelle and Danny Williams, opened for business at 23 Market Square. Michelle Williams’ father, Harold McCarthy, was the inspiration for the restaurant. The shop featured the usual menu of breakfast and lunch, including bagels, toast, assorted muffin flavors, cinnamon rolls, breakfast sandwiches, waffles and English muffins and even a breakfast meal to the traditional lunch of subs, and sandwiches, salads and of course, dessert, as well as Saturday night baked beans.
One of the iconic business in the Shiretown, Aroostook Milling, was under new ownership as Mark Crane and his sons, Ian and Nick, officially took over the company from Mike and Stephanie Harris. The Harris family had run the operation for five years after taking the reins from Doug and Ann Callnan.
Beals Variety reopened for business in Market Square after losing their inventory when a water pipe burst in May. Beals Variety was forced to close for about two months while the store was dried and refreshed with new floors.
Working together again, 32 years later, at Peg’s Place in Linneus were Val Stewart, Peggy Longstaff and Cathy Bither. The three had previously worked at Bither’s Country Inn 32 years ago.
Furthering the eating options in downtown Houlton, the County Co-op and Farm Store Café, also known as “The Co-op” was in the first phase of its business plan. The Café portion of the store opened July 28 and was a hot spot for customers looking for locally grown products.
August
Erica Rockwell, owner of Mother 2 Mother, a business aimed at helping mothers with breastfeeding, was enjoying success at her 5 Bangor St. location.
The Varney Agency celebrated its grand opening Aug. 6 at 76 North St., with an open house. Town officials and representatives from the company’s corporate office were on-hand for the grand opening.
There was a new vendor at Riverfront Park as The Camp, operated by Mike Farrar and Larry Williams, opened for business. All proceeds of The Camp, a snack shack featuring burgers, fries and more, went to the Maine Wilderness Camp Foundation.
Business was booming for Dan Soucy, proprietor of Soucy’s Auto Repair and Auto Electronics. In fact, business was so good that Soucy moved to a new, larger location on Bangor Street.
September
Bangor Savings Bank unveiled a new “intelligent” ATM machine at the corner of Court and Military streets in Houlton for the convenience of its customers. The “intelligent” ATM allows Bangor Savings Bank customers to get immediate credit for cash deposits when deposits are made before 6 p.m.
The Northern Lighthouse Inc. held a grand opening of its new Houlton office located at 40 Market Square. The Northern Lighthouse is a non-profit organization and was established in 2001 as a children’s residential facility in Mars Hill. In 2004 The Northern Lighthouse Inc. expanded to offer outpatient services. In 2012 they expanded again and opened an office in Presque Isle to better serve their Section 28 clients and in 2013 opened up an office in Caribou.
October
Chickadee Realty owner Beth Bates and associate broker Dale Lynch opened a new location at the Red Moose, Suite B, 14 Main St. in Patten.
Samantha Robinson was enjoying her first year operating “The Bus” in Monument Park in Houlton. Robinson of Benedicta purchased “The Bus,” a popular mobile eatery from Ruth Suitter in June.
Hannaford Supermarkets reached an agreement with Paradis Shop ‘n Save to purchase supermarkets the company operates in Houlton, Caribou and Calais. The Houlton and Caribou locations will become Hannaford supermarkets, both with full-service pharmacies. Hannaford expected to offer all associates at those stores positions with the grocer.
The F.A. Peabody Company (FAPCO) retained its status as part of an elite group of independent insurance agencies around the United States participating in the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) “Best Practices” Study Group.
Vacationland Estates Resort was enjoying its 30th anniversary of providing people with a chance to get away from the hectic pace of touristy resorts by offering rustic, log-style cabins with spectacular views of Mt. Katahdin.
Craig Hartsgrove of Hartsgrove Appraisal Services in Patten ventured out on his own after years of working with Beth Bates at Lakeview Appraisals.
Mini Music and Tack Shop, owned by Cheryl Lovely opened in the Dunn Block at 73 Main St. where QED was formerly located. The ivory-colored stucco building also houses Dr. Goodwin’s office.
November
David and Debbie Henderson retired from Maine Fire Prevention Services full-time, while new owners, James and Amanda Folsom, took over the business. The Folsoms planned to relocate the business from Hodgdon to the North Road in Littleton.
Donahue’s Investment Property Management, along with Donahue’s Maintenance and Masonry companies, opened in their new location on Bangor Street in Houlton.
The Aid For Kids organization held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate renovations to its distribution center on Military Street in Houlton. The renovations included new wiring, insulated bay doors, windows, a water heater, shelving, new energy-efficient lighting, a heat pump, a new roof, flooring, rain gutters and partial paving.
December
After spending several years working with Dr. Robert Ellis, Dr. Jessica Philbrook has announced she is opening her own practice. Dr. Philbrook said she was excited about her new business venture, Precision Eye Care, which is located at 29 Military St. in the State Farm Insurance building at the corner of Military and Kendall streets.
Seventeen-year-old Cody Gould, son of Danny and Alison Gould, of Hodgdon was helping people find unique holiday gifts with his handmade deer calls. What started as a hobby two years ago turned into a profitable small side business.
Open Road Press published an ebook titled “Hedging Commodity Price Risk: A Small Business Perspective” by Houlton native Tim Bishop.
Coffee News Printing, located on 2 Grange St. in Houlton, became a fully licensed Federal Express authorized shipping center.
