Castine panel floats town "concierge" to boost tourism, events

Castine's Economic Development Committee discussed creating a paid town "concierge" position that would take over visitor center duties, social media promotion, and coordination with groups that bring events and boats to town. Members also reviewed takeaways from Belfast's economic turnaround and agreed to draft a short list of responsibilities and priorities before the budget process begins in January.

Key points

• Members discussed a proposed "Castine concierge" role, possibly full-time, that would handle visitor services, social media, and coordination among the Merchants Association, yacht clubs, and tour operators.
• The visitor center is currently run by the Merchants Association with about $10,000 from the town, and a part-time paid staffer; members said the workload falls heavily on Matt, who has said he may scale back.
• Kate reported on a conversation with Michael Hurley of Belfast, who credited that town's revival to making it a nice place, supporting artists, and a three-legged structure of an economic development director, Main Street Belfast, and the Chamber of Commerce.
• Members noted Belfast subsidizes its Chamber of Commerce and Main Street program at $25,000 to $30,000 each, far more than Castine's $10,000 visitor center contribution.
• Members discussed waterfront priorities including seating, trash cans, year-round bathrooms, and a planned 230-foot public boat dock at Maine Maritime Academy, and suggested the Harbor Committee, Economic Development, and Marine and Natural Resources groups plan together.
• Members debated whether to invite a social media influencer to town through a Maine tourism program, with some questioning the value and others noting the inns already turn away thousands of people each summer.

Next steps

• Members will individually review and add to a draft list of economic development priorities and strategic framework items.
• The committee plans to meet with Matt and possibly Goody B before the next Merchants Association meeting to discuss the concierge concept.
• The group aims to bring a proposal to the Select Board before the budget process starts in January.
• Members discussed reaching out to the cruise line about next year's program and to Roberta about Castine Touring's plans.

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