Tasker joins Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Caribou’s Chamber of Commerce closed its doors on December 31 of last year, but they will still offer representation to Caribou area businesses as part of Presque Isle’s Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce.
Former Caribou Chamber Director William Tasker says that Caribou area businesses are going to be added to the Central Aroostook membership directory.
“Caribou businesses can join the Central Aroostook chamber,” Tasker said. “This chamber is giving all Caribou businesses the Caribou area chamber rates.”
When asked if City Council’s decision not to fund the Caribou Chamber in 2016 influenced the merger, Tasker said that “it was a large factor.”
“The one drawback is that there is no office in Caribou,” said Tasker. “The advantage is that I think Central Aroostook has long been a very effective Chamber of Commerce. They have every intention of supporting Caribou area businesses to the best of their ability.”
Theresa Fowler, executive director of the Central Aroostook chamber, welcomes the addition of Caribou.
“When the Caribou area chamber decided they could not continue to function, we reached out to them to see if they wanted to merge,” said Fowler.
Fowler says there are numerous benefits to this merger, which will help all who were formerly associated with the Caribou chamber.
“We will have better use of resources as we move forward,” Fowler explained. “I think sharing the information that the Central Aroostook Chamber receives from state and national organizations will be beneficial to Caribou businesses in many ways. For instance, they would receive information on changes in United States taxes for the year. Information like this can significantly help small businesses.”
The Central Aroostook chamber will also be working with Caribou’s Marketing and Events Coordinator Lydia Kieffer to promote area events to a wider audience.
While the Caribou Chamber, formerly located in the Nylander museum, is closing its doors, Fowler says the Central Aroostook chamber will still hold events in Caribou.
“We will be having events and activities in Caribou,” said Fowler. “Some company breakfast meetings will be held in Caribou, as well as the Customer Service Awards.”
“The Caribou area board and Central Aroostook board are looking forward to working together and attracting more people and businesses to the area,” said Fowler. “Working as a group, we can build up all the communities we serve. We are all interested in the same thing, and that is preserving the lifestyles and uniqueness of Aroostook County.”
“I’m encouraged by Theresa’s attitude toward the whole process and wanting to be a real benefit to Caribou businesses,” said Tasker. “Even though the Caribou Area Chamber of Commerce is no longer there, a strong chamber is ready to support Caribou area businesses.”
