LIMESTONE, Maine — The Limestone Chamber of Commerce and Limestone Development Foundation recently held a joint-meeting on Nov. 19 in which a small number of guests convened at the Loring Bunker Inn and others attended via Zoom. The organizations announced their plan to merge, elected officials and board members and discussed projects and businesses within the town.
Before the group elected officials, Limestone Chamber of Commerce President Michelle Albert said she had suggested merging the two organizations, and that Limestone Development Foundation President Greg Ward was receptive to the idea.
Albert said that while the annual November meeting always leads to the organization starting off with a full slate of officers, attendance typically falls off in the coming months. But with the LDF and Chamber combined, only one core group would be required and they could each meet once a month.
Another benefit of the merger is that, with the combined organization falling under the LDF’s 501(c)(3) non-profit status, they would have an easier time applying for grants needed for the town’s Albert Michaud Park revitalization project.
“We will come together as the Limestone Development Foundation/Chamber and work together for the common goal of bringing a little bit of change and life to the town of Limestone, along with any work that needs to be done while hosting our annual events,” she said.
The Limestone Development Foundation/Chamber recognized Valerie O’Neal, owner of the Talk of the Town beauty salon on Main Street, for 50 years of service to the Limestone Chamber of Commerce during their annual meeting on Nov. 19. (Contributed Photo | Aroostook Republican & News)
Albert said on Nov. 23 that the merger will not require any formal paperwork, and that while the Chamber typically has a good sized board, the LDF does not. As a result, the merger will allow more to be involved with the grant writing that was done under the LDF while still working to meet chamber goals, such as organizing and hosting local events.
“It will be just one board of volunteers,” she said, “but we will still be doing the duties of each organization.”
The combined group will use logos from both organizations and Albert said there will be some discussion of bylaws under the merged organization, such as whether to incorporate the Chamber’s paid membership requirement under the merged LDF/Chamber.
“We are going to review and look some things over,” she said. “We don’t want to lose that Chamber identity.”
Following a light meal, the group elected officials for the combined organization. Michelle Albert was elected president, Jo-Ellen Kelley was elected vice president, Karralena Castaway was elected secretary, and Mary Amuzzini was elected treasurer.
For the board, outgoing LDF President Greg Ward was elected for a three-year term along with Sharon Berz, and Tracie Helstrom was elected for a two-year term on the board.
In addition to those elected, Lisa Cantafio and Nancy Ward are serving a two-year term on the board while Carol Castle, Joyce Day and Valerie O’Neal are serving a one-year term.
“Congratulations to everyone,” Albert said. “Thank you for wanting to commit your time to the board for the Chamber and LDF. Moving forward with a full state, and meeting once a month, will really help us in the future and with the goals we set in place for the next couple months.”
Following the nominations and election, Albert and outgoing LDF President Greg Ward provided the group with updates on their progress throughout the year and what’s in store for the future.
For the business recognition, Kelley recognized Valerie O’Neal, owner of the Talk of the Town beauty salon on Main Street.
“She has been cutting hair in Limestone since about 1968 and she’s been a member of the chamber for 50 years,” said Kelley of O’Neal. “This is really quite something and I’m proud and privileged to be giving her this plaque.”
Kelley said O’Neal has always played an active role in local organizations, and never hesitated to volunteer for a meeting, to reach out to the community or to donate money for local fundraisers.
“We’re all proud of her, and I’d like to thank her personally,” Kelley said.
Before the meeting’s conclusion, Albert updated attendees on the town’s Albert Michaud Park revitalization project. To date, the project has raised $9,600 toward its $175,000 goal. Albert said the project committee has sent out updates to people involved and that one of their immediate goals is to seek out grant writers. Another goal is to post a fundraiser via Facebook, giving anyone interested in the opportunity to donate from home.
“We’re hoping we can find those big grants in the coming months and reach completion in spring of 2022,” said Albert.
