Tourism is a major industry in the Presque Isle area, and the Chamber of Commerce has committed to developing better facilities and programs for our visitors with an aggressive Tourism Campaign. We now have the only 24 hour visitors center in Northern Maine.

The Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce (PIACC) supports the following communities:  Ashland, Blaine, Castle Hill, Chapman, Easton, Mapleton, Mars Hill, Masardis, OxBow, Portage Lake, Presque Isle, Washburn and Westfield.

MISSION STATEMENT

“To serve, advance, and publicize the commercial, agricultural, civic, and general interest of the member communities.”

General Information

Presque Isle’s climate can be classified as a typical continental type.  Winters run from early November to late March, with snowfall averaging about 110 inches per season.  The average first freeze is mid September, and the average last freeze is mid May.  Summers are temperate and have abundant rainfall which is one of the most important factors in the high yield of diversified crops.  Temperatures range from a daily average of 76 degrees F. in the summer, 52 in the fall, 19 in the winter and 46 in the spring.  The average yearly maximum temperature is 48.9 and the minimum average for the year is 29.6 degrees.

F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions)

Below is information on how to get to the Presque Isle area and where to start looking for work when you arrive.

Our Career Center, located in Presque Isle, is usually the first place to carry any job opportunities available.  Also, check out the weekly paper The Star Herald, for recent job postings.  You may wish to start with our Temp service in town, they often lead to permanent positions, or offer flexible work schedules.

• 24-hour Visitor Center – In 2001, the Chamber of Commerce was able to develop a 24-hour Visitor Information Center.  Visitors are able to access important information while traveling during evenings or weekends.  Material supplied in the Center is primarily local attractions, maps, and business member information.  This Visitor Center is one of a few offered in the state of Maine, and would not have been possible without the support of many generous donors.

• Landlord Listing – Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce maintains a comprehensive listing of all apartment and home rentals with updates made quarterly.  In addition, we maintain trailer park contact information.

• Daycare Listing – Takes initiative to maintain a comprehensive listing of all daycare providers and organizations.

The Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce:

• operates a website  linked to the Maine Office of Tourism, Aroostook County Tourism, and Maine recreation guides.  Browsers can access information relating to all communities served by this chamber. This link allows each browser to view our web page and gives access to many business-related topics.  http://www.pichamber.com
  
  
• organizes and operates a Potato Booth during the Northern Maine Fair and other community events.  This is a great way to showcase our agricultural assets.


• Coordinates area promotions and develops strategies to market the area.
  
  
• Participates in local and state driven economic development strategies.  We are involved with the Northern Maine Development Commission, Leaders Encouraging Aroostook Developers, Aroostook County Tourism, and the Presque Isle Industrial Council. The chamber participates in feasibility studies and meets with local, state, and federal representatives to address economic issues facing the region. 
  
  
• Participates in the promotion of tourism to Aroostook County.  We provide letters of support for local grants, field countless questions, and promote visits to businesses that support us. This Chamber also participates in tradeshows and presentations.  We develop an annual membership directory and produce the Presque Isle Area Map & Guide.
  
  

• Is responsible for organizing the annual Holiday Light Parade. This event continues to grow in popularity, and has been estimated to bring 10,000 to Presque Isle.

• Coordinates the annual Presque isle City-Wide Yard sale.  For a nominal fee, participants will be placed on an area map for yard sale participants.

• Is a referral service that answers a multitude of questions daily.  We use every source of networking available to answer questions travelers or people relocating have. Relocation packets and other information are sent upon request. In addition, many people will call to ask specific questions about central Aroostook businesses, telephone numbers, addresses, owners, stock, etc. 
  
  
• Allows members to post information at our facility. We also assist with distributing this information via our newsletter, The Chamber Connection.  Material is also sent to tourism centers and trade shows.
  
  
• Is dedicated to knowing products within your store so business is sent to you.
  
  
• Posts events and training beneficial to business owners. These are coordinated based on interest at little to no cost for attendees.
  
  
• Sponsors an annual meeting, which announces the Presque Isle area’s Lifetime Achievement, Citizen of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Business of the Year awards.
  
  
• Coordinates the annual Strawberry Shortcake Sale.  Deliveries are available to the Limestone, Caribou, Mars Hill, Washburn, Easton, and Presque Isle.  Businesses often use this event as an employee appreciation day.
  
  
• The PIACC is a member of the following groups- Association of Aroostook Chambers of Commerce, Maine Association of Chambers of Commerce Executives, Aroostook County Tourism, Leaders Encouraging Aroostook Development, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the Maine Tourism Association.
  
  
• It is the commitment of the Chamber of Commerce staff to remain in contact with the Chamber’s  members as much as possible. Questions, concerns, and ideas are always welcome. Please feel free to contact the following individuals at the Chamber office:Theresa Fowler and Valerie Lunn. We can be reached at 764-6561 e-mail address is  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and the mailing address is:  P.O. Box 672 Presque Isle, Me 04769. The office is located at 3 Houlton Road Presque Isle.
  
  
• PIACC is ranked 19th in the State of Maine in terms of membership size.  We serve a population of 20,430 in the central Aroostook region.

Revised 4/29/09