January is renewal season for the Chamber as renewal notices were sent out to our members. Dozens have already been pouring into the office and I am very thankful to each and every member that believes in the Chamber’s potential value to what they are trying to accomplish. Such an outpouring inspires me every day to find new ways to serve the member base.
Speaking of that, our Facebook page (http://www.face book.com/cariboumainechamber) has featured stories on members: Brambleberry Market, Freme’s Jewelry, Caribou Automotive Repair Service (CARS), Russell’s Motel, Chadwick-BaRoss and Reno’s Family Restaurant along with other news in the last couple of weeks. These stories are read by 1,500 to 2,000 people and have really been a successful way to promote those we serve. Check it out! And “Like” us while you are there!
Meeting with members has brought to my attention that our current Caribou map is no longer helpful to them and their out-of-town customers. The current map does not include the new connector road and that is causing people to get lost. We need to create a new version and that mission has been explored this week. I have sent some feelers to NMDC and will meet with Leslie Jackson of that office on Wednesday, the 23rd. More to come on this subject in the coming weeks.
How much of a coincidence is it that two of Caribou’s oldest businesses started in 1965? Both Russell’s Motel and Reno’s Family Restaurant came into being that year. Both have done much for the well-being of Caribou area citizens and those who visit from away. Reno’s is celebrating its anniversary the rest of this month with specials as a way to thank their customers.
The Chamber placed an ad in RideMaine, a free guide to touring Maine by motorcycle. RideMaine is all over the state and beyond and is gobbled up by motorcycle enthusiasts. The ad will hopefully do two things. First, the Maine State Hog Rally will be in Caribou this year in July and that will be a huge deal for our city. When I visited Russell’s Motel, Donna told me that she was already booked for that weekend (July 18-20)! The other thing is that touring Aroostook by motorcycle has become a growing tourist attraction we should exploit as much as possible. It has the potential to rival snowmobile tourism. Our wide open and scenic roads are heaven for the two-wheel set.
I have had two inquiries from out-of-towners this week asking for information packets as they will be moving here soon. That felt like a positive thing.
One of my strategies for growing our membership is to convince some of our member businesses to offer discounts to other members. This “Member-only” benefit could be a powerful tool in helping the Chamber to benefit us all – the giver in sales and the receiver in savings. In all fairness, I have to credit our new mayor, Gary Aiken, with giving me the idea. So far two of our members have agreed to begin such member discounts and I can’t wait to announce the details.
Our school superintendent, Frank McElwain, gave a fascinating presentation to Rotary this week on where the country is with our education system and why it is not working. It is wonderful to know that Mr. McElwain is not grounded in traditions that may not work anymore and is such a progressive thinker.
Happy Anniversary wishes go out to Highway Tire, Inc., which joined the Chamber on Jan. 26, 1999 and Key Bank, which became a member on Jan. 24, 1983. Thank you so much.
Lastly, a Chamber membership meeting is schedule for Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013 at nine in the morning at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center. Postcard invitations are heading out to our members encouraging them all to come. I have an urgent message to deliver and I hope the attendance will be overwhelming.
