Chamber honors The Mill Inn & Café
Community’s redeveloped site named New Business of the Year
DOVER-FOXCROFT — For many years, the Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce has asked the community to nominate its favorite businesses. There are certain criteria that must be met for those nominations to make it to the board of directors for a vote. At the Chamber’s annual meeting, the Business of the Year is honored by the board and membership, community members, legislative representatives and congressional delegates. The award comes with bragging rights, lots of free press surrounding the celebration and a promotion package including free advertising for the winner.
One of the requirements for Business of the Year is that those nominated be in business and members of the Chamber for at least two years. The directors felt it was time to introduce a secondary award for businesses which do not meet the two-year mark, but have had a substantial impact on the community.
The Mill Inn & Café has just celebrated one year in business. It was evident from the number of nominations that came in and the comments from the community that residents and businesses alike consider it a favorite.
Chamber Executive Director Denise Buzzelli explains, “The DF Mill, in general, has had an incredible impact on this region. I have sent out more relocation packages and visitor mailers this past summer than ever before, families wanting to move to this ‘really cool town,’ many of them citing the school system and the redevelopment of the downtown, specifically the Mill, as the reasons for their interest. Ultimately, the Arnold Development Group could have chosen a project like this anywhere in the nation, but they chose to come to a rural county, even with our challenges, they stayed committed, and it happened. There are apartments and business offices, and there’s an event space, but the Mill Inn and Café is at the forefront of it all, offering an eclectic café with great views and a six-room boutique hotel. Now, more and more people want to be here, to be a part of this ‘forward movement.’”
Community members absolutely love what is happening in downtown Dover-Foxcroft, as do visitors. They describe the Mill Inn & Café as a really great place to hang out, watch the river, enjoy the food and connect with friends and other residents. Tourists coming through town who have lodged at the Inn have had nothing but positive remarks when they leave the area.
“I am not certain any of us thought the Mill would actually become a tourist destination, but it really has,” Buzzelli said. “This means that our other businesses benefit from their success; if you come to Dover-Foxcroft and stay at the Mill, you might check out a show at the Center Theatre or stop in to one of our local stores on your way through the county. Having them here has increased tourism and traffic through the town, and has most definitely had a positive impact on economy and in the way we are seen by the rest of the state. It’s quite remarkable.”
The Mill Inn & Café will be honored as the Chamber’s New Business of the Year at the annual meeting and dinner on Thursday, Oct. 6 at 6 p.m, at the Mill Event Space. To register please check the Chamber’s Facebook page or www.piscataquischamber.com.