Digital Destination Capacity Program

Monthly workshops for Presque Isle businesses that serve visitors.

October 2026 to August 2027 · Ignite PI ~ Northeastland Hotel, Presque Isle

About the Workshops

If you run a business in Presque Isle, you know a lot happens before a visitor ever pulls into your parking lot. They look you up on their phone. They check your hours, flip through your photos, and read a few reviews. Then they decide whether to stop.

The digital destination capacity workshops are about getting that part right. They’re for the folks who handle their own marketing at the kitchen table after closing, or squeeze it in between everything else.

We’ll meet once a month at the Northeastland Hotel, starting in October and wrapping up in August. Each session runs two hours. You’ll spend the first 90 minutes working on your own business, and the last 30 minutes are for questions. Bring your laptop or phone, because you’ll be using it.

There’s no charge to take part. The program is paid for by a generous grant from the Maine Office of Tourism. All we ask of you is your time and a willingness to put some work into your business.

This series is put on by Ignite Presque Isle and Visit Aroostook.

What You’ll Have by the End

By next August, you’ll have:

What You’ll Do

This isn’t a lecture series. At each session, we’ll cover one topic in plain language, using examples from real Maine businesses. Then you’ll work on your own listing, website, or social media while help is right there in the room.

The last half hour is open for questions. Ask about your own situation, even if it feels basic. Chances are someone else is wondering the same thing.

You’ll go home with something finished every time, plus a short list of what to do next.

All sessions run from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at the Northeastland Hotel in Presque Isle. Come to all eleven, or just the ones you need. Each session stands on its own. If you can’t make it in person, you can watch the recording later.

Kickoff Info Session on Zoom

A quick online hello. Meet your trainer, see the plan for the year, and ask anything before we get started.

Maine Tourism Landscape and Baseline Scorecard

We’ll look at how visitors find and pick a place to go these days. Then we’ll take an honest look at how your business shows up online right now.

You’ll leave with: your starting scorecard and a short list of priorities.

Google Business Profile Lab

For most visitors, this is the first thing they see. We’ll claim it, verify it, and fill in every piece.

You’ll leave with: a complete, live listing and an easy way to keep it current.

Website Essentials for Tourism

What does someone need to see in the first few seconds on your site? We’ll go through yours together.

You’ll leave with: a checklist scored for your site and a fix list you can handle.

Social Media Without the Pressure

You don’t need to post every day. We’ll build a simple plan around the photos and posts you already have.

You’ll leave with: a three-month posting calendar and a faster way to get posts done.

Email and a Mid-Year Check-In

Email is still one of the best ways to bring people back. We’ll set up a welcome email and look at your numbers so far.

You’ll leave with: a welcome email template and sequence, and an updated scorecard.

Photos and Video Outdoors

We’ll head outside with our phones and practice getting good shots before the busy season starts.

You’ll leave with: a shot list for your business and at least ten photos or clips you can use.

Bookings and Reviews

We’ll make it easier for people to book with you and work on answering reviews well.

You’ll leave with: reply templates for reviews and a checklist for your booking setup.

Collaborative Experience Packaging

Visitors stay longer when there’s more to do. We’ll pair up with other local businesses on itineraries and referrals.

You’ll leave with: a draft plan with at least one partner business.

How To Make Sense of Your Numbers

We’ll look at your listing, website, email, and social media numbers to see what’s working.

You’ll leave with: a simple tracking sheet and the two or three numbers worth watching.

Your Off Season Marketing Strategy

It’s easier to plan for the slow months while it’s still busy. We’ll make a plan to stay visible year-round.

You’ll leave with: an off-season plan and a posting schedule that fits.

The Cohort’s Year-End Showcase

We’ll celebrate what everyone built this year and talk about how to keep it going.

You’ll leave with: a one-page summary of your year and your before-and-after scorecard.

How It Works

Kristin Fuhrmann-Simmons leads every session in person. She’ll also be available for private, one-on-one meetings in November 2026, January 2027, and May 2027. That’s your chance to sit down together and work on whatever you’re stuck on. Email kristin.f.simmons@gmail.com

Between sessions, you can get one-on-one help from Chris Thompson of Ignite PI. Call or email him anytime here: chris@ignitepi.org

Every session is recorded. The recordings and handouts all go into a library you can use whenever you want, even after the program ends. So if a snowstorm, a sick kid, or a busy weekend keeps you home, you won’t fall behind.

Businesses that stick with the program can apply for a free, private photo shoot at their location with a professional photographer from the Maine Office of Tourism. You’ll end up with photos of your business at its best that you can use for years. Spots are limited and go to the businesses that take part most actively, so showing up really does pay off.

Is This for You?

If people visit your business, it probably is. That includes places to stay, restaurants, shops, outfitters, attractions, event spaces, and service businesses that visitors rely on.

You don’t need any marketing experience. If you can use a smartphone, you can do this. This series is also a good fit if you’ve been meaning to get your online presence in shape but never seem to find the time. The monthly schedule helps with that.

You’ll also get to know other business owners in town, which may turn out to be the best part.

Download the Info Sheet

Want something to print or pass along? The info sheet has the whole year on one page.

Sign Up for the Workshop

To save your spot, email Chris Thompson at chris@ignitepi.org or call (207) 694-3237.

Free to attend. Your only cost is your time.

About the Program

Ignite Presque Isle is focused on community-driven economic development and supporting local businesses. We are passionate about helping our region thrive and bringing new opportunities to Aroostook County. This training is a great opportunity to do just that

LeRae Kinney
CEO, IgnitePI

There is an audience and group of people out there who are so hungry to experience Aroostook County, the way information and stories active customers has changed and businesses must be proactive to control the message being delivered.

Tourism Developer
Aroostook County Tourism, ACT

Maine Office of Tourism. Thank you to the Maine Office of Tourism for covering the full cost of this program through a Maine Destination Planning and Development Grant. Because of that support, local businesses can take part for free.

Meet Your Trainer

Kristin Fuhrmann-Simmons has worked in marketing for more than 18 years, including 14 years with the Belize Tourism Board. She taught at the University of Southern Maine for over a decade. She lives in Kennebunkport, where she runs her own consulting business and a small art business. That means she knows what it’s like to do your own marketing on top of everything else.

Thank You

A big thank you to LeRae Kinney, Jacob Pelkey, Chris Thompson, and everyone at Ignite PI and Visit Aroostook who worked to bring this program to Presque Isle.