Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce

Category: Membership Info

Published on 20 May 2009

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INDEX

* Program Events
* Prospective Resident Referrals
* Information Resources and Services
* Committee Involvement
* Business Referrals
* Community Enhancement & Annual Events
* Publications/Advertising Opportunities
* Marketing and Promotion of the Area
* Membership Application
* Health Insurance Program

* Credit Card Merchant Services

* Rotator Adverisements on Our Home Web Page

The Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce was incorporated in 1947, as the Presque Isle Chamber of Commerce for the purpose of “advancing and publicizing the commercial, industrial, agricultural, civic and general interest of the city of Presque Isle and its vicinity.” In 2011 recognizing that the Chamber reached far beyond the boundaries of Presque Isle the Board changed the name to better reflect our area of service.

As the front door of the community, we answer thousands of inquiries yearly ranging from information requests from those who are considering relocating, visiting, and doing business in this community. We also gather and maintain a variety of information from various sources, produce an area map, membership business directory, compile and disseminate tourist information on its member communities. The Chamber plans and implements special promotions and events within the community. The Chamber is the voice for business opinions and concerns to municipal, state and federal officials. We continue to promote our area and through our affiliations with other associations, keep apprised of business issues.

Please choose if you want to be billed later or if you wich to pay now with a credit card or PayPal and click on the appropriate link below.

BI-MONTHLY NEWSLETTER: Each Chamber member receives a copy of the Chamber Newsletter. This mailing keeps you current on:

You can take advantage of the Chamber Newsletter to promote your business or organization. Consider signing up for the promotional insert program. For a small fee you reach our membership of 270 with your message or advertisement.

LANDLORD LIST: The Chamber maintains a list of landlords in the area that is used by people searching for apartments or homes for rent.

AREA MAP AND GUIDE: The Chamber publishes a street and area map of the area we serve every other year. This publication provides residents, visitors, business people and newcomers with an up to date map. Topics presented include history, Skyway Industrial Park, education, shopping, health care services, recreation and leisure, City services, and
agriculture. This publication is distributed locally through the Chamber office.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY: This Directory is a guide of the businesses in the area who are Chamber members. A great deal of thought and effort goes into the design and format of this publication. It entices people to do business in our community and lets them know what businesses we have to offer when they come into the community.

Although all Chamber members have a listing in the Business Directory many members take advantage of the opportunity to extend their market visibility through the purchase of display advertising.

MARKETING AND PROMOTION OF THE AREA

In addition to the previously mentioned advertising opportunities through the Presque Isle Map & Guide, and the Business Directory, the Chamber Association of Aroostook Chambers of Commerce markets the area in  publications such as; Maine Invites you, Discover Maine Magazine and Maine Biz. In conjunction with Aroostook County Tourism (ACT), the Chamber is represented on behalf of Aroostook County Tourism at trade shows  throughout the northeast . The Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce markets your sponsorship of events through advertising and promotion.

PROSPECTIVE RESIDENT REFERRALS

We receive letters and phone calls daily requesting information from individuals who are considering relocating to the Presque Isle area. They receive information about your business through our Business Directory.

The Chamber has information on area educational institutions, health care facilities, civic and service organizations and the areas major employers.

The Chamber office/visitor information center is located at 3 Houlton Road. Our hours of operation are 9:00am - 4:00pm Tuesday through Friday. At this location you will find brochures on tourist attractions throughout Maine, New England, and Canada.

As members of the Maine Chamber and Business Alliance and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, we can access resource information from these organizations on your behalf. We can also provide you with names, addresses and phone numbers of other Chambers of Commerce in Maine, the U.S. and overseas.

BULK MAILING SERVICE: This is a service that the Chamber offers to its membership which saves money to anyone doing a promotional mailing of over 200 pieces.

COMMITTEE INVOLVEMENT: The Chamber’s standing committees responsible for the implementation of our plan of action include:

• EXECUTIVE
• MEMBERSHIP
• POTATO BOOTH
• FINANCE
• MARKETING/TOURISM
• HOLIDAY LIGHT PARADE/DECORATION
• STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE
• CROWN OF MAINE BALLOON FESTIVAL
• ANNUAL MEETING

In addition to these, special committees are established on a regular basis to focus on areas of interest, importance or concern.

BUSINESS REFERRALS:
The Chamber actively promotes the value of purchasing products and services locally. We believe its good business for Chamber members to do business with other members. Local purchasing power not only makes your business more successful, it also ensures quality employment opportunities for are residents.

Our office maintains a file of all members, as well as an updated list of all members by product or service type. This is referred to when business or residents call needing a particular product or service.

Your Chamber is fortunate to have among its membership many persons who are dedicated to maintaining the quality of life we often take for granted. Through their participation on city committees and community boards, we are all enriched, and the networking they do with the Chamber helps to make us all better informed citizens.

Each year the Chamber is involved in the organization and of a number of events which we feel enhance the community as a whole and provide one more way our members can get involved.

• Annual Recognition Day - February
• Community Garage Sale - May
• Community Clean Up Day - May
• Strawberry Shortcake Sale - June
• Crown of Maine Balloon Festival - August
• Haunted Woods Walk - October
• Holiday Light Parade - December
  
  PROGRAM EVENTS: The Chamber sponsors a series of program events throughout the year designed to keep you well informed on business and community issues and provide networking opportunities that expand your business or organization contacts.
  
  SEMINARS: Seminars are periodically scheduled on topics of special interest to business, with date, time, and place announced in a special mailing. examples: (Work Ethic Seminar - Internet Seminar)
  
  ANNUAL DINNER: Scheduled for January 26, 2012 this major membership event celebrates what we have accomplished in the year past and what the plan of action is for the year ahead.

This information is provided to help you make the most of the member benefits. We believe that each member should use the Chamber’s programs, information resources, and publications to maximize the potential of their business or organization and expand their personal network of business and community contacts.