Chamber director charts new course for the organization

‘Our goal is to add value to your membership’

By Mike Lange
Staff Writer
    DOVER-FOXCROFT — When Denise Buzzelli took over as executive director of the Piscataquis Valley Chamber of Commerce in August 2013, the position had been vacant for quite awhile.

   Observer photo/Mike Lange
Piscataquis Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Denise Buzzelli

    So one of her first goals was to meet as many members as possible to see how the chamber could best serve them. “Some people didn’t see any value to their membership,” Buzzelli said, “and we’re going to change that. Our primary goal is to add tangible benefits to being a Piscataquis Valley Chamber member.”
    Buzzelli’s goal is to “shine a light on Piscataquis County and highlight to the rest of the world.” While the county has its scenic beauty and serves as a gateway to tourist attractions like the Katahdin and Moosehead Lake regions, it also has its problems, Buzzelli said.
    “We have high poverty rates and unemployment. We also have a huge senior citizen population with many more reaching retirement age,” she noted. “At the same time, our young people are graduating from high school and leaving. We need to reverse that trend. The old way of thinking isn’t working anymore.”
    A new initiative has been launched that Buzzelli hopes will add some “fresh vision and renewed energy” to the organization: The Piscataquis Junior Chamber of Commerce (PJCC).
    This would be the only organization of its kind in the state and one of the few in the country, Buzzelli said. “The chamber would provide mentoring, educational workshops and support to students in order to make them see the value of staying in their hometown,” she explained. “We want to give them the tools to be successful.”
    Buzzelli is contacting marketing directors, entrepreneurs, accountants, economic development specialists, web designers, social media experts, workforce development representatives and community leaders to set up classes in the near future. “We’d like to partner with the Penquis Higher Education Center (PHEC) to see if classes can be held there,” Buzzelli said. “These kids are the future of Piscataquis County.”
    Dues for the PJCC are only $25 per year, which will help pay for the expenses of the class facilitators. The chamber is also starting a scholarship fund from “zero,” Buzzelli said. “We’re pulling away from asking for donations just to keep the chamber running. Any funds we raise will be for a special cause.”
    The new executive director is also increasing the organization’s social media presence. “We’re going to be working with the local media as well as statewide and national magazines and use YouTube, Facebook and blogs to get our message out,” Buzzelli said. She has also opened her own Twitter account: @denisebuzzelli.
    More information and updates are also posted at www.piscataquischamber.com. “We have so much to offer,” she added, “Now it’s time to broaden our reach.”