Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Businesses rely on modern technology to improve productivity and streamline operations. For the Forum in Presque Isle, computers have greatly enhanced staff’s ability to meet the needs of patrons and event promoters alike.
“When I became director in 1989, we did not have a computer,” said Forum Director Jim Kaiser.
Kaiser said the addition of the machines has streamlined his office, allowing staff to double their output, reducing the need to hire additional personnel.
“The time savings computers allow are the only reason we continue to operate with so few people. We have more than doubled our event load; without computers, we would have had to double the number of office personnel (to handle the extra work created when extra events are added to the Forum roster),” said Kaiser.
Computers allow staff to send and receive e-mails, research promoters/performers, as well as perform a number of other tasks, including bookkeeping. Gone are the days of spending hours on the phone to track down information; now everything is available with the click of a mouse.
“Setting up events took much more time and cost more with letters and phone calls. Now it’s done almost instantly by e-mails and fax,” he said.
Kaiser is pleased with the ways technology has improved his department. He said technological improvements over the years have saved the city — and therefore taxpayers — money.
“Modern technology has allowed us to lower our electrical costs with new lighting,” said Kaiser. “We have the same or better lighting but pay thousands less per year.”
“Such improvements make it possible for the Forum to keep programs like skating and concerts affordable for the public. That’s our goal, to provide the best service while keeping costs down,” said Kaiser.
Star-Herald file photo
FUN ON THE FORUM ICE — In addition to public skating, the rink at the Forum in Presque Isle is also home to the Aroostook Ice Skating School. Taking part in an 1989 Christmas program were, from left, Heather Tompkins, Sarah Duncan, Andrea Allen, Santa Claus with Erica Castonguay, Jay Serrano, Jennifer Price, Marigan Bishop, Kevin O’Keefe and Whitney Sirois.
Star-Herald file photo
TELEPHONE PIONEERS — Human operators, the backbone of the early American telephone communications system were still being used in 1973 as New England Telephone Company spent more than $1 million to upgrade its Presque Isle site with the latest in switchboard technology. The new board, with room for 18 operators, would be located in the former Woolworth store on Main St. while the phone company’s main office would remain on Second St. Eventually, said NET Manager Peter Beal, the Star City would be the hub of all long distance calls for Aroostook County.
