PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — A new networking organization for professional Aroostook County women launched earlier this week, with 65 people attending the inaugural meeting in Presque Isle.
The Aroostook Women’s Network is led by Kiersten Purington, president and CEO of Aroostook Partnership, a local economic development organization.
Purington joined the partnership about a year ago and quickly grew to appreciate County people and their dedication to hard work and entrepreneurship. At the same time, she saw the need for a networking group to help other women in the area connect.
“When I asked whether a women’s professional networking group existed in The County, I was told that one did not exist but that there was genuine interest in creating one,” she said. “I kept hearing this from women across The County and decided to form a steering committee to help launch this.”
The steering committee includes representatives from throughout the region, including Kristen Henry, economic and community development director for Madawaska; LeRae Kinney, CEO of Ignite Presque Isle; Laurie LaFleur, owner of the Best Western Caribou Inn; and Johanna Johnston, executive director of the Southern Aroostook Development Corporation in Houlton.
At the first meeting, leaders clarified the organization’s purpose, which is to connect with and complement existing groups in the region, focusing on professional networking and programming. It is not a formal membership organization and does not have dues or required commitments. It’s also not tied to any other employer, industry or institution, nor is it a political advocacy group.
The organization operates as a nonprofit under the Ignite Presque Isle fiscal umbrella, but it is not an Ignite Presque Isle program. A $5 member registration fee goes toward marketing, event fees and speaker travel costs.
Brooke Demerchant, student records and data integrity manager at Loring Lob Corps in Limestone, attended the first meeting with a few women enrolled at Job Corps. Attendees also included professionals, entrepreneurs, civic leaders and executives, ranging from teens to seniors, she said.
Demerchant found it an “incredibly empowering” experience, she said. She added that it was particularly meaningful to see students engage in the networking opportunities and to be exposed to local women leaders across several local industries.
“I’m grateful to have been part of such a meaningful and inspiring event and look forward to future opportunities to stay involved,” Demerchant said. “I would encourage women across all careers and experience levels to attend.”
Shawn Cunningham of Presque Isle, national director of the U.S. Minority Chamber of Commerce, said attending the inaugural meeting felt like watching a long-awaited spark finally catch fire. She left feeling empowered by the professional women in her own community, and is excited to network and stay connected to the people she met, she said.
“There is an incredible, untapped power in bringing together talented and driven women of The County, and seeing that energy in one room was electric,” she said.
The group’s meetings will rotate throughout The County from Houlton to Fort Kent, so women throughout the region can participate.
The next meeting will be held on Monday, April 20, at the Best Western Caribou Inn and will focus on leading with confidence. Following that, the group will meet at the Mad Town Pub in Madawaska to talk about marketing on a shoestring budget. Speakers have yet to be determined.
After the first meeting, Purington is optimistic about the network’s future.
“Overall the energy was very positive and the feedback we received was wonderful,” Purington said. “This included genuine thank yous for creating this opportunity, a desire to participate even if it means driving to other parts of the County, and excitement about being able to connect with other women for business and personal needs.”
