July
• The Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce annual Strawberry Shortcake Sale raised $7,875 for the organization, with plans for the entire amount to be used for operational costs.
• The Maine Potato Board approved its 2007-08 budget to the tune of $1,057,358.
• Barresi Financial/Barresi Benefits Group hired Scott Violette who will be responsible for assisting clients with their financial and insurance needs.
• Maine Mutual Group officials announced the insurance company would be expanding into Pennsylvania.
• Rent-A-Wreck opened for business at 64 Industrial Street, with owner John Harvell doing the honors at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
• The Rotary Foundation Committee presented a Paul Harris Fellow to Floyd Rockholt of Presque Isle.
• Dr. Najam Awan, a nationally-recognized board-certified cardiologist, joined Horizons Cardiology and The Aroostook Medical Center.
• Aroostook Centre Mall store maurices’ Manager Hillary Johnston presented a donation of $500 to Susan Mitchell, executive director of Homeless Services of Aroostook.
• Owners (Judith and Clifton Boudman, Jan and Roger Lucas) of Sorpreso, an eatery planned for Main Street, sought a liquor license during a Presque Isle City Council session. Council welcomed Brownie’s Taxi Service, as the cab company returned to the Star City to serve the public. Council also voted on several applications from various businesses.
• Governor John E. Baldacci honored emergency medical service providers and individuals, including Crown Ambulance Service, during a ceremony held in Augusta.
• The public was invited to an Open Farm Day July 22, with six farms in Aroostook County offering activities, demonstrations and more for visitors.
• Students from the Presque Isle Regional Career and Technical Center toured New York City.
• MMG committed $50,000 toward NMCC’s Campaign for the County’s College. The donation represented the single-largest donation to date. The money will be used by NMCC to provide an immediate source of funding for the launch of new curricula and respond to evolving community needs.
• Katahdin Trust Company promoted Brenda L. Putnam, of Houlton, to vice president of credit control and Robert J. Cawley, of Presque Isle, to assistant vice president, credit analyst.
• NMCC planned to host an information night, designed for members of the public who want to learn more about the college and what is offered.
• The Presque Isle Rotary Club learned about the Caribou Children’s Discovery Museum, courtesy of guest speaker Nancy Chandler.
August
• CES, a multi-faceted consulting firm specializing in comprehensive surveying and engineering services and founded in Brewer, opened an office at 549 Main Street in Presque Isle.
• Aroostook Beverage Company owners Peter and Betty Briggs committed $10,000 to the Campaign for the County’s College, the first-ever major gifts campaign conducted by NMCC. The funds will have a significant impact on the college and economic development efforts in the northern Maine area, allowing the college to access funds for the area of greatest need such as technology enhancements, development of new curricula to meet evolving needs of the community or assistance in the ongoing efforts to meet the needs of expanding and new business in the County.
• A Gallup Organization survey found the majority of U.S. moms believe French fries can be part of a well-balanced diet.
• Katahdin Trust Company appointed Patty A. Hersey as corporate services officer in Houlton.
• I-Care Pharmacy, owned by Jerry Tanner and Terry Greenier, held an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony at its Main Street location in Fort Fairfield, with many local and state dignitaries on hand for the occasion. The business is a mail-order pharmacy service serving clientele from throughout Maine.
• Gardiner Savings, F.S.B. (which purchased First Citizens Bank) applied for a name change with the Office of Thrift Supervision, with the new designation being “Savings Bank of Maine.”
• Maine Mutual Group was among several Maine businesses cited in “Best Places to Work in Maine.”
• A stronger Canadian dollar had more Canadians venturing to Maine for their shopping needs.
• Jones Detailing, a car detailing service owned by Nate Jones, opened for business at 110 Presque Isle Street, Suite 104, in Fort Fairfield.
• Rotarians prepared for the Presque Isle Rotary Club Golf Tournament scheduled for Sept. 15.
• Arthur H. Thompson, CLU, ChFC of Thompson-Hamel, LLC in Presque Isle, achieved membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table – the Premier Association of Financial Professionals.
• Houlton Regional Hospital supported NMCC’s nursing program offered in the Houlton region.
• Pattison Sign Group, of Limestone, contributed $15,000 to NMCC’s Campaign for the County’s College.
• Neill and Gunter signed a letter of intent to join forces with the North American design firm Stantec. Stantec has an office in Presque Isle.
• Sonja Plummer-Morgan, head librarian of the Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library, spoke to Rotary members on services offered by the library and other aspects of library life.
• Several owners and their dogs graduated from Cookies and Cuts’ third annual outdoor summer obedience classes.
• County Physical Therapy’s PI Fitness Center planned to reopen Sept. 4 at its 5 North Street location.
• Movie Gallery stores and Pizza Hut restaurants in Presque Isle and Caribou teamed up to benefit the Sister Mary O’Donnell Homeless Shelter in Presque Isle. Donations of food and money were accepted from Aug. 31 to Sept. 2.
• TD Banknorth received an award for excellence in creating homeownership opportunities.
• Unicel’s Kathy Wilson was selected to receive the Unicel ABC Award for Excellence. Wilson is retail store manager of Unicel’s Presque Isle store.
September
• Dew Raw Chop Shop, owned by Becky and Dwaine Wilcox, opened for business at 314 Main Street in Fort Fairfield, offering motorcycle accessories, clothing and more.
• Ken Arndt, director of planning and development for the city of Presque Isle, addressed the local Rotary Club, highlighting points from the city’s proposed Comprehensive Plan.
• Roger Waldron joined Mayer, Brown, Rowe and Maw LLP, a Government Contracts Practice Group, in the firm’s Washington, D.C., office.
• The University of Maine’s Cooperative Extension and several farm equipment dealers joined forces to offer free ‘Slow-Moving-Vehicle’ (SMV) signs to Maine farmers.
• Connect North America closed several call centers in New Brunswick but CEO Barry O’Donnell said the closures wouldn’t have any impact on the company’s Green Hill Drive facility in Presque Isle.
• Aroostook Custom Truck, owned by James Henthorn, opened for business at 1645 Parsons Road in Mapleton, offering a full line of automotive services for vehicles of all sizes, from painting and body work to oil changes, tune-ups and more.
• TAMC was upgrading CAT scan service to include a new 64-slice CT scanning machine for faster, more efficient service.
• An ammonia leak at Naturally Potatoes in Mars Hill was quickly brought under control, with no danger to crews working at the time of the incident on Aug. 29.
• NMCC nursing and allied health programs will benefit from $45,000 TAMC gift to the Campaign for the County’s College.
• Coca-Cola of Presque Isle gave an $18,750 contribution to NMCC’s Campaign for the County’s College.
• Dr. Charles Colgan was scheduled to present the Aroostook Labor Force Report, addressing issues affecting the economy in northern Maine during a meeting at UMPI’s Library Conference Room.
• A collection of hazardous waste materials was scheduled at the Presque Isle Transfer Station, giving local residents the opportunity to turn in harmful products for disposal rather than have them end up in the landfill.
• Hundreds turned out for the first Women’s Expo, sponsored by WQHR 96.1, operated by the Citadel Broadcasting Corporation. Appearing on Saturday to sign autographs for several hundred fans were Bob Lacey and Sheri Lynch of the syndicated “Bob and Sheri” radio talk show.
• Gardner-based Gardner Savings Bank officially changed its name to Savings Bank of Maine.
• Organizational changes were announced at Maine & Maritimes Corp. to streamline and reorganize the company into two divisions – operations and finance, reduce senior management staffing and focus on utility care competencies.
• The Washburn Trailrunners Snowmobile Club donated $5,000 toward the Mill Pond Park Project.
October
• A&J Florist, owned by David and Alice Caron, and Steve and JoAnn Caron, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the officially opening of the florist shop located at 499 Main Street, Presque Isle.
• TAMC planned to host a Lifeline thank-you dinner Oct. 5, giving those who rely on the service the chance to gather and meet with those who serve them through the Lifeline program.
• A $15,000 grant form the Gene Haas Foundation to award scholarship funds in each of the next three years for NMCC precision metal students was announced.
• The Presque Isle Mobil station on North Main Street, owned by R.H. Foster Energy LLC, neared completion, with an opening date tentatively scheduled for mid- to late October. Where once stood a small kiosk and gas pumps, now is the home to a 24-hour convenience store and eight pumps. The station will continue to serve as the bus terminal for Cyr Bus Line.
• The Senior Community Service Employment Program, a paid job-training program designed as a bridge to employment for mature workers, helped local seniors transition into the workforce.
• Katahdin Financial Services hired Bradley A. Berthiaume as vice president, financial consultant.
• Heather Kenny Dixon, a Presque Isle High School graduate, was elected president of the Autauga County Bar Association in Prattville, Ala.
• “How to Lose a Job in 10 Days,” an informative luncheon session sponsored and coordinated by NMCC’s TRiO Student Support Services program, was lauded by Campus Career Counselor – an industry publication for career counselors – as a “good idea.”
• Mobil On the Run opened for business on Main Street in Presque Isle, offering 24/7 service, from gasoline to coffee, soda and deli items.
• Ellen Michalowski, MD, a gynecology physician from Presque Isle, announced plans to open a practice at NMMC in Fort Kent.
• Small Business Administration dollars reached an all-time high in Maine, with more small businesses and entrepreneurs (just under 600) receiving financing from the SBA during fiscal year 2007.
• Star City’s Brownie’s Taxi, based in Presque Isle, began serving the community of Caribou.
• Angie Graves purchased the building at the corner of Main and Academy streets, planning to use the facility as an ‘incubator’ for budding entrepreneurs, providing space by the foot for vendors to display a variety of wares, from yarn and yard-goods to candy, artwork, books and gift items.
• The Aroostook Centre Mall received the Landowner of the Year Award during a ceremony in Augusta, after being nominated by the Presque Isle Snowmobile Club following the mall’s involvement in creating a connector trail from the recreational trail behind the mall to the mall parking lot.
• The Maine Potato board reported Maine potatoes were a big hit at the Big E, held in Massachusetts earlier in the year, grossing over $379,000 at the event.
• Father and son Charles and Craig Cormier joined forces in Fort Fairfield to create a design studio called c3 creative.
• Washburn’s Craig Sjoberg offered clients common sense solutions at a New England value with the opening of Maine Business Associates Inc.
• A QuickBooks seminar was scheduled Nov. 2 at NMCC.
• Maine Mutual Group promoted Terri Hallowell to assistant accounting manager.
• Spudland Alpacas opened a store at their Bubar Road, Blaine, location, selling a variety of products made from alpaca fibers, including sweaters, socks, blankets and toys.
November
• Hunters’ Point Lodge, located in Ashland on the Wrightville Rd. – formerly Deer Point Lodge – opened under new management, offering accommodations for up to 20 people and space for parties and other celebrations.
• Advantage Payroll Services planned to sponsor its seventh annual complimentary CPE/CLE seminar, with CPAs and attorneys attending eligible to earn 3.5 credit hours toward maintaining their certification.
• Katahdin Trust Co. was recognized for its work with veteran-owned businesses.
• MMG celebrated the completion of its $7 million expansion.
• Overhead Door of Aroostook opened for business on the town line between Westfield and Presque Isle, with the owner warning property owners not to “get caught with their doors down.”
• A bilateral agreement between the U.S. and Canada had Maine Potato Board officials indicating growers would benefit from the trade agreement.
• H.O. Bouchard Inc. of Hampden contributed $10,000 to NMCC’s Campaign for the County’s College.
• Frenchie’s Domestic Services, Inc. opened for business, offering services in a variety of fields, including running errands and cleaning.
• Ashland’s Diner II opened for business at 11 Exchange St. Mother-daughter owners Amy and Serena Collins, along with several family members, worked hard to create a place suitable for the whole family to enjoy a meal, be it breakfast or lunch.
• About 400 students from 23 Aroostook County schools attended a day-long workshop hosted by Maine Public Service to develop awareness of energy resources.
• Cary Medical Center pledged $45,000 to NMCC’s Campaign for the County’s College.
• Slopes’ Sports Bar was unveiled by the facility’s new manager, Hachem Messaoudi. Improvements include three pool tables, nine televisions, updated menu and other changes.
• NMCC Foundation celebrated an impressive year at the annual dinner, surpassing the $1 million mark for the first time in history.
• Circle of Learning, a developmental preschool, opened a facility in Fort Fairfield on the South Caribou Road.
December
• Café Sorpreso opened for business at 415 Main St. in Presque Isle, under the ownership of Clifton and Judy Boudman and Roger and Jan Lucas, offering a variety of meals for lunch and dinner.
• Katahdin Trust Co. announced the promotion of Mark W. King to assistant vice president and retail services officer in the Houlton area and Jeffrey M. Pangburn to assistant vice president and commercial services officer in the Central Aroostook area.
• Jason A. House joined TD Banknorth as a vice president in the Commercial Department in Presque Isle.
• A yoga class was offered at the Quest Center on the Caribou Road, taught by Linda Rowe, a certified yoga instructor.
• Crippled Indian Tattoo & Body Piercing opened for business in Fort Fairfield under the ownership of Glenn Mersereau, at 314 Main St.
• City Council awarded bids to Percy’s Auto Sales, of Presque Isle, for a V-6 2008 Dodge Charger, valued at $22,510; and Quirk, of Bangor, for a 2008 Ford Explorer, valued at $23,490 – both vehicles for the Presque Isle Police Department. Milton Caterpillar was awarded a bid of $355,656 after trade-in for a compactor for the Solid Waste Department for use at the landfill.
• Thompson-Hamel, LLC, hired Melissa Graham as its newest associate.
• Caron’s Equipment Sales and Service Inc., of Presque Isle, donated $10,000 to NMCC’s Campaign for the County’s College.
• The sixth Maine Ending Hunger Walking tour broke a record, raising and contributing $25,000 to the cause of ending hunger.
• Northern Maine Bottling Company, LLC announced CEO Charlie Beck had passed the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) Certified Plant Operation (CPO) exam.
• Professional Home Nursing, based in Caribou, was named to the 2007 HomeCare Elite, a compilation of the most successful Medicare-certified home health care providers in the U.S. The review identifies the Top 500 of agencies, ranked by an analysis of performance measures in quality outcomes, quality improvement and financial performance.
• Tim Mahon was honored by UPS for completing 20 years of service with the company.
• The Aroostook County Action Program honored several employees for longevity milestones, from five to 35 years of service with the organization.
• Winter plowing costs had municipalities scrambling throughout Aroostook County, following the state’s turnover of several roads to local departments, increasing the number of miles needed to be cleared with each nowstorm.
• Mary Williamson of Houlton was promoted by Unicel to store manager for the Presque Isle retail store located at 765 Main St.
• The Regional Planning Commission in Aroostook County was the recipient of a $90,000 grant to develop an instructional CD-ROM to help train local planning board members in their work to improve their communities.
