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By Diana Bowley, Of the NEWS Staff - GREENVILLE - Even before he became acclimated to his new office, Jonathan Pratt was off visiting local merchants, introducing himself and the services provided by the Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of Commerce.Pratt, 28, of Harmony, began work Monday as the chamber's new executive director and immediately started on his first goal: increasing the nonprofit organization's membership. "We're very excited," Joe DiAngelo, chamber president, said Thursday. "His background covers a wide area in regards to us moving forward." Of the approximately 20 candidates who applied for the position, DiAngelo said Pratt stood out because of his prior work experience. Pratt was previously employed for four years by Portland in the licensing division of special events. DiAngelo said Pratt is familiar with the region and enjoys hiking and road races, among other recreational activities. Pratt, his wife Robin, and their three-year-old child plan to relocate to the Greenville area, he said. Pratt, who will receive a salary of $26,000, will work with one full-time and one part-time employee to keep the visitors center open seven days a week during summer and fall. "We've got some great things going on [to improve the chamber]," DiAngelo said. That includes a new advertising campaign, a new Web site and a plan to sponsor bigger and better activities. The chamber is in the midst of its MooseMainea celebration that ends June 7, and it plans to have one of the largest fireworks displays in the area on July 4. "This content originally appeared as a copyrighted article in the Tuesday, May 27, 2003 edition of the Bangor Daily NEWS and is used here with permission." |