Social media plays big role in Chamber outreach

By Mike Lange
Staff Writer

    DOVER-FOXCROFT — A new logo, the re-launch of the organization’s newsletter and a greater use of social media are playing a major role in the growth of the Piscataquis Chamber and Junior Chamber of Commerce, according to Executive Director Denise Buzzelli.
    In addition, the “Peek into Piscataquis” blog in the Bangor Daily News is drawing renewed interest in the county, its people, businesses and social events. “The reaction from the blog has been amazing,” Buzzelli said. “It’s also quite a learning experience. There are many small, successful businesses in the county that many people haven’t heard about.”

    For example, Buzzelli recently wrote about Jemma Gascoine in Blanchard, who not only creates works of art out of her studio, but “is a wonderful supporter of the talent in our area … such as Bruce Towl of Dover-Foxcroft, Alan Bray of Sangerville, Michael Kagan of Sebec, Lisa Laser of Dover-Foxcroft, and Milt Christanson of Wellington.”

Observer photo/Mike Lange
    Denise Buzzelli, executive director of the Piscataquis County Chamber of Commerce

    Buzzelli anticipated a “long drive” to Parkman to visit Chloe’s Collections — it was actually about 20 minutes — and wondered “what special qualities I would find about Chloe’s Collections that would make a resident of Dover, Milo, or Guilford want to drive there, especially when those towns offer wonderful flower and gift shops. Well, it didn’t take long before my question was answered.”
    Chloe’s, founded by Joy Gregory in 2009, is the perfect spot “for anyone who appreciates sweet, beautiful, handmade gifts … plan to stay a while when you visit,” she added.
    How important is social media to marketing nowadays? Buzzelli’s business card pretty much sums it up.
    In addition to the standard name, phone number and email address, it has logos for Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google Plus, YouTube and Blogger.
    “These are the tools people are using to get their message out,” she said, “and we need to make use of them.”
    Traditional media isn’t being ignored, however. Buzzelli, who has been on board since August 2013, is reviving the Piscataquis Chamber’s newsletter. “The last one came out in the third quarter of  2012,” she said.
    The Piscataquis Junior Chamber of Commerce (PJCC) is a new initiative that Buzzelli hopes will add some “fresh vision and renewed energy to the organization. The chamber will provide mentoring, educational workshops and support to students in order to make them see the value of staying in their hometown.”
    So far, 13 students — all from Foxcroft Academy — have joined the Junior Chamber and many of them plan to attend “Epic: Maine” at Eastern Maine Community College in Bangor later this month. (See separate article).
    “Piscataquis Community High School and Penquis High School have shown interest as well,” Buzzelli said. “We’re hoping to have an official launch of the organization later this spring.”
    Dues for the PJCC are only $25 per year, which will help pay for the class facilitators. 
    With more than 180 members from “A” to “Z” — A.E Robinson to Zone Radio Inc. — Buzzelli is looking for even more growth this year.
    “Even if you’re not a member, you’re welcome to be on our newsletter email list,” she added.
    Just drop a line to exdir@piscataquischamber.com.
    “Living and working in Piscataquis County is such a pleasure,” Buzzelli said, “And I want to tell the whole world about it.” 

Executive Director — Denise Buzzelli    
President — Sherry French; Zone Radio, French Construction
Vice-President — Will Wedge. Will’s Shop ‘N Save   
Treasurer — Rose Durgin, Pleasant River Lumber Company
Clerk — Diane Sharrow, Charlotte White Center
Board of Directors
Ethan Annis — Lary Funeral Home, Piscataquis Monumental Co.
Debra Boyd — Piscataquis Regional YMCA
Rosalie Durgin — Pleasant River Lumber Company
Sherry French — French Construction, Zone Radio
Amy Guyotte —Town of Dover-Foxcroft
Amy Heywood-Smith — Key bank, Guilford Branch
Janet Sawyer — Piscataquis Cty Economic Development Council
Diane Sharrow — Charlotte White Center
Gail Stutzman — Stutzman Business Services
Tony Marshall — Lifesavers Insurance