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Annual Report |
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Dear Citizens of Greenville: The 1999/2000 fiscal year for the Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of Commerce certainly had its struggles, However, there were a great deal of accomplishments that we would like to share with you. Many different promotional and marketing efforts worked in favor for the region. During December 1999 and January 2000, several hundred media kits along with event calendars were sent to media agencies throughout the country. This effort contributed to the increase of outdoor writers covering the 2000 MooseMainea events as well as stories about the diverse beauty of the Moosehead Lake Region. One writer's feature was reprinted in six different publications resulting in a much higher tourism interest in the final day of MooseMainea. Articles about Moosehead Lake's moose safari adventures appeared in publications across the country resulting in a higher demand for moose related adventures. The Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of Commerce either confirmed written information for writers' storylines or worked directly with the writers - arranging tours and providing experiences that they desired. Cooperative advertisements were placed in Maine Invites You, Portland Magazine, and Discover Maine, all of which resulted in a good response from readers. During the 1999/2000 fiscal year, trying to maintain a budget with minimal income jeopardized the Visitor's Center (on a full-time basis) operation due to increased operating costs. Existing staff members felt "burned out" as they were trying to cover visitor center needs, working at events and participating in strategic community meetings. Projects that had originally been income generators, like the snowmobiling map and winter festival, ended up costing the Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of Commerce because of lack of leadership. Your Chamber took an opposing stand on increasing the number of moose hunted in the Moosehead Lake Region, against the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Big Game Advisory Committee's recommendations. It was the Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of Commerce and its dedicated members who asked for further and more comprehensive research on the moose count numbers in the region. Select members also worked together to change the opening day of the moose hunt. For the next three years, the hunt will begin the Monday after Columbus Day weekend, allowing foliage season visitors to enjoy the moose and vibrant colors longer. With help and participation from the Town of Greenville, the 4th of July was a great success. Town Manager John Simko initiated new programs, enthusiasm and coordination, making the event to run smoother than ever. The MLRCC noticed that visitors were not planning ahead as often as they had in the past. The Chamber staff observed many visitors were coming to the region for the day and at the end of the deciding to stay two or three extra days. The top six activities walk-in visitors requested were moose watching, canoeing, whitewater rafting, Katahdin steamship, hiking information and snowmobiling the Moosehead Trail. Even with decreased visitor center hours, there were over 22,000 visitor related inquiries. The Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of Commerce went through a lot during the fall of 2000. A complete changeover in staff encouraged the Board of Directors to recognize your chamber of commerce, its focus and direction. A greater emphasis has been placed in working with Chamber members and community groups to promote the region. The executive director position was reviewed and changes were made to allow the director more time to work with members and to meet their needs more effectively. The Chamber is making great strides to work together with everyone in the Moosehead Lake Region and the Town of Greenville community because Together Everyone Achieves More. |