Chamber Chat

This week marks the official arrival of fall! The cool crisp mornings, and the promise of a harvest moon is a sure indicator of what’s to come.     There are some exciting things happening in our community! First, the Chamber goal of reaching a membership total of 200 has been met and surpassed! It is just one indication that our community is ready and anxious to move forward, ready to explore ways together that will bring folks into our businesses, ready to be innovative and creative in how we do business and how we portray our community to the masses. Thank you to those who have realized that your membership in the Chamber is an investment in the community that you choose to live and do business in. In this week alone, Houlton has three new businesses opening or nearly to the point of opening. From an Old Port type sanctuary of beautifully created glassware, linens and home accent items, to much needed medical supplies and then a choice for those who smoke;  the diversity of the three new businesses speaks volumes to the atmosphere and energy that these new business owners see in our community. Please be sure to stop in to these new businesses to
shop or simply welcome them!  Home Accents of Houlton is located at 43 North Street; Acadia Medical Supplies is located on Green Street (the upper portion of John Ross Sheet Metal) and the Cigarette Shopper is located at 62 North Street.
The Bicentennial Celebration was just an incredible event that I know no one will ever forget. Coming in late to the planning stages,  as I did, I want to make you aware that without Chairperson Joyce Fitzpatrick, the one daring soul who took the event on her own shoulders, it may simply never have happened! In my first meeting, Joyce came to the table with her huge three-ring notebook, organized by person and proposed event. I was so impressed and grateful (as I’m sure you all are) that she had taken on this mammoth celebration. Joyce directed and encouraged everyone involved, troubleshooting and sleuthing all of the major and minor details to perfection. So, here is to you Joyce. Thank you for donating an entire year of your life to seeing that Houlton’s Bicentennial was one to remember, a homecoming event that was spectacular.
What’s next? Are you kidding? The Holiday Season is just around the corner, so gather your nuts,  button down your shelters, untangle your Christmas lights and start making your lists using the Chamber’s Schedule of Events that will be out by Nov. 1! This valuable tool will inform you about the wonderful holiday sales and open houses of our area merchants, the dates and times of the many holiday church craft sales and concerts along with the schedules of the winter sports teams and so many more community opportunities that you won’t want to miss! The Holiday Light Parade will be held on Nov. 24! This years’ parade promises to be even bigger and better than last years!
Please stop by or call us today at 532-4216.