Chamber of Commerce closing in on 100 years

The current executive director, Lori Weston, was hired for this position in October of 2006. Her assistant is Cyndi Scott, and in Weston’s words, “Cyndi is a gift to this office.” “I am able to get out into the community and meet business owners and fulfill my obligations to committee meetings and events all year long, knowing that the office is open and everything is being taken care of at this end.”
Previously, the office would close when the director had to be at a meeting or other event.
The current mission of the Chamber is to advance the general welfare and prosperity of the Greater Houlton area so that its citizens and all areas of its business community shall prosper. All necessary means shall be given to the economic, civic, commercial, cultural, industrial and educational interests of the area.
Every day is busy either by answering e-mails, regular correspondence, phone calls, greeting visitors, and of course, meetings and planning events. There is not much downtime, if any.
“We send out a lot of pre-packaged material that includes a variety of literature on Houlton and the surrounding areas,” said Weston. “People interested in moving to Houlton request information on schools, churches, medical facilities etc. Others call, looking for housing information or seasonal rentals. And some want to know more about a certain event that is scheduled,” she added.
Since Weston has taken the position of executive director, the Chamber has been concentrating on bringing people into Houlton by providing a wide variety of events.
One of the first events is the ever popular, Moosestompers’ weekend. It is scheduled for Feb. 6, 7 and 8.
In March, the Chamber hosts its annual dinner. At this function, the Chamber recognizes individuals, groups or businesses that have contributed to the betterment of Houlton.
The focus in April is the annual Trade Fair, which has grown each year with participants and spectators.
After that comes the infamous Midnight Madness, that continues to draw thousands of people to downtown Houlton with sales, entertainment and a chance to meet old friends that have returned for the 4th of July celebration. The Chamber also hosts the annual Arts and Crafts fair in the park to coincide with the 4th of July events.
The Potato Feast Days are next, near the end of August. The inclusion of the annual quilt show, craft fair, and potato related activities, continues to draw more and more people from all over the state and beyond. Potato Feast Days are beginning to rival the 4th of July events, drawing high school classes and families to schedule their own events the same weekend.
The fall season promotes a variety of forums, the last one being, The Candidates Forum.
Then in November comes the annual Holiday Light Parade and this year drew several thousand into the downtown to see the lighting of the Christmas tree, a visit with Santa Claus and music with Tim the Tune Man. Many businesses stayed open for some early holiday shopping.
Weston said, “I am always looking for new events. I am hoping to expand events that we have and to make them better and grander. My goal and the Chamber’s goal is to promote Houlton. We want to develop events for families to shop in Houlton, and have fun in Houlton.”
Weston is thrilled with the encouragement and support from the members and the townspeople. She said that it is very rewarding to hear how enthusiastic people are about what is going on in Houlton now.
Since Weston’s appointment the Chamber has increased its membership from 146 members to the current enrollment of 225. They have hosted 17 ribbon cuttings for new businesses or businesses that have relocated.
The increase in membership clearly shows that under the leadership of Weston, Houlton is on the map and businesses are benefiting from a chamber membership. By joining the Chamber, your business will be more visible and the word will be out on what you have to offer. With more members the sky is the limit.