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Save the Dates! | |
Wed. Sept. 19
First Annual Claw Down
Boothbay Harbor Region Chef's Lobster Bite Competition & Grand Kickoff for
Restaurant Week
Sept. 22-28th
Business After Hours
We are taking reservations for our Business After Hours for the fall.
Wednesday evenings
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sept. 26
Rebuilding Together
Oct. 17
Blueberry Broadcasting (location TBD)
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Dear Valued Members,
Congratulations to Boothbay Harbor resident Ellie Logan and the rest of the U. S. Women's Rowing Team for winning gold at the Olympics in London! We're hoping we all win some gold with the warm days of summer and bustling activity in the region. One of the ways to do this is to reflect on the past year and plan for the new one. In this report we do just that! You'll find our latest statistics, membership benefits and new for 2012-2013 a year-round marketing and co-op advertising calendar (please note you will need to "zoom" to view this document). We're offering a 15% Early Booking Incentive for those members who can plan ahead. We hope you enjoy the rest of the summer and look forward to an extended Restaurant Week in September! Best wishes, Catherine Wygant Executive Director Catherine@boothbayharbor.com |
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Office News | |
As we head into renewals for most of our members, I wanted to clarify each of our staff's primary responsibilities and how they can assist our members. All our staff works with visitors and helps promote the area.
Cherie Scott - Events & Member Services Manager - Cherie@boothbayharbor.com
Cherie oversees all chamber events including planning, logistics, sponsorship, budgeting and marketing working with staff and volunteers. She will be working with members on their ads for the Region Guide, Map, Maine Invites You and other co-op opportunities.
Brooke Hubner - Administrative Coordinator - Brooke@boothbayharbor.com
Brooke is responsible for maintaining the membership database and handles all financial matters including invoicing. She coordinates the E-news and provides logistical support for all ads for the Region Guide, Map, Maine Invites You and co-op opportunities including providing payment status.
Rachel Tibbetts - Visitor Relations Coordinator - Rachel@boothbayharbor.com
Rachel assists tourists to enjoy the best our area has to offer and includes activities sheets, relocation, boating and wedding packages responding to phone and walk-in inquiries for recommendations of area businesses, restaurants, lodging, while always recommending Chamber members in a positive way. She also oversees both our office and Downtown Information Centers.
Office Wish List
As a non-profit, the chamber is always looking for creative ways to finance some of our "wishes" and on that list is a donation of an LCD projector so that we can make presentations. If anyone has one and would like to donate it to the chamber, please contact Catherine. Thanks!
Artist Mailing Tubes available at the Chamber
We have 3" x 36" mailing tubes that retail at $2.79 per tube that we are selling at $1.50 per tube. |
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Member Benefits & Renewals: | | |
Member Benefits & Renewals:
For most of our members, it is time to renew your membership with the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce for 2012-2013. The past year has been one of change and growth, and we are happy to provide each of our members the following updated information.
ˇ Membership Benefits
ˇ Chamber Statistics
ˇ Why should I get an Enhanced Listing?
ˇ Google Analytics - By Country
ˇ Google Analytics - By City
Later this week, we will be sending a mailing to members with this information and an opportunity for you to update any changes to us on your business. Please note membership renewals are due September 1, 2012 (unless your renewal date is later in the year...) |
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It is with regret that we accept the resignation of Eileen King as a member of the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors. Eileen joined the board in 2011. We appreciated her time of service to the Chamber and wish her well. Nominations to fill this vacancy will be accepted by the Nominating Committee of the Board and can be sent to their attention at the Chamber Office or submitted via e-mail to Catherine's attention at Catherine@boothbayharbor.com or Pamela Riley's attention at stay@boothbaybb.com |
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As I mentioned in my last Executive Report, The Board is reviewing the Chamber's role in advocacy of issues. We agreed to share information about various issues that come to our attention and here are two of those issues that we would like to inform you about.
Friends of Linekin Bay is a group of fishermen, small business owners and residents who are concerned about the effects a proposed experimental industrial fish farm would have on our local economy and on property taxes in Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor. To learn more please visit: http://friendsoflinekinbay.org/
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors voted to endorse Charlie Summers in the Maine Senate race and has launched a round of voter education ads in a number of states, including Maine. Please note, the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce does not engage in Federal elections, run ads, nor endorse any political candidates or the decisions of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
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Member News
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Lincoln County Healthcare & St. Andrews
We have had a number of questions regarding the changes with St. Andrews. Here is a brief summary that was provided to Catherine at the Advisory Board meeting on August 3, 2012. Please click here for a full list of Q&A's regarding the changes.
What is changing? Three service areas as St. Andrews will change:
1. Surgical Services (which were suspended earlier this year) will not return to St. Andrews.
2. The 24/7 Emergency Department will be converted to an Urgent Care Center. The center will operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the summers months and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the rest of the year. Emergency and off-hours care will be provided in Miles Memorial Hospital Emergency Department or the facility most clinically appropriate for the patient, e.g. Maine Medical Center or Mid Coast Hospital.
3. Because of the conversion of the E.D., St. Andrews will no longer be a licensed hospital. Therefore, patients needing skilled/rehab inpatient care will be treated at Miles Memorial Hospital or Cove's Edge on the Miles Campus.
Boothbay Region Ambulance Service & LifeFlight
Save the date! Cabbage Island Clambake, Friday, September 7th, $100 includes boat ride and dinner; evening bake proceeds to benefit LifeFlight and Boothbay Regional Ambulance Service. Tickets are available at the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce and through BRAS. Please contact Robbie Ham from BRAS with any questions at 462-1775.
YMCA - Chair-itable Auction & Porch Party
 
The Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce thanks McSeagulls for sponsoring our chair and 12 year old twins Jake & Will Giessner visiting from Grand Prairie, Texas who helped the staff paint our chair. We love all the creativity of all the artists and thank the YMCA and the sponsors for such a fun community event! Come to the party on Friday, August 24th from 5-7:30pm at the Spruce Point Inn Resort & Spa. Cocktails & hors d'oeuvres. Purchase tickets at the Y Front Desk: $40/pp or $75/couple by Aug. 10. Click here for more details.
Marketing Cents 4u Announces the first Annual 'Harbor Fest' Event
Plans are underway for the first annual "Harbor Fest", scheduled to take place in downtown Boothbay Harbor on Saturday, September 29th. Event originators Heather O'Brien and Lori Pecor of Marketing Cents 4u created the Harbor Fest event with the intent to "Celebrate our unique harbor, showcase the businesses and artists within it, add a grand finale to the BBHR Chamber of Commerce Restaurant Week, promote the spectacular fall season on our peninsula and give back to the community by supporting those who support those in need."
The event will offer a variety of unique opportunities for businesses and community members to participate and support the effort to further expose our region beyond the summer months and is being widely promoted throughout the state of Maine and New England. Proceeds will benefit the Lincoln County Rebuilding Together and the event will also feature the local community effort "Pick up a Paintbrush", a fundraiser to help raise awareness about the serious effects of Lyme Disease, a growing epidemic in the state of Maine, in honor of local artist, Pamela Creamer.To learn more and How to get involved click here!
Boothbay Region Garden Club
On Saturday, August 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. the Garden Club is doing a Home and Garden Tour that starts at the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are $20 prepaid and $25 Tour Day and will be available for purchase at the Chamber. If any lodging or other members would like tickets or information on this event, please contact Irene Gerny at 207-633-5052.
And Candy Too!
Sara from And Candy Too! has created a one page flyer to let people know about her services. All candies are homemade one small batch at a time. They are hand cut and individually wrapped. Click here to learn more.
Ocean Classroom featured on 207
Congratulations to Ocean Classroom who was recently featured on 207. Click here to see the feature.
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New Members | | |
Midcoast Home Designs
Teresa Simpson was born and raised on the Coast of Maine and has been an Architectural Designer since 1988. Her design projects include residential homes and remodels, small commercial projects and 3D renderings for clients including home owners, contractors, and other architectural firms. She started Midcoast Home Designs as a teenager in High School when she was professionally designing spec homes for her building contractor family members. Having more than twenty years' experience with commercial and residential drafting, designs and project management, Teresa has developed an affordable and flexible design process to meet any budget and timeline. Teresa has strong communication and project management skills and is passionate about developing new projects with clients using their ideas and her own. She has been complimented from previous clients for having a unique ability to envision a project from their verbal ideas and to give design and construction expertise on the spot. She has also been recognized for meeting strict budgets and timelines. Currently she is working on several projects in Maine, New Jersey, and Florida. Contact: Teresa Simpson, teresa@midcoasthomedesigns.com, (207) 380-9779, 168 Head Tide Road, Whitefield, ME 04535
Sail Muscongus
Come enjoy a sail on the classic wooden Friendship Sloop "Sarah Mead" - the original Maine lobsterboat! Flexible scheduling, reasonable rates, and boatloads of fun for families or couples. Whether you want to hoist a sail, take the helm, haul a trap or just sit back and enjoy the view, we offer a one on one sailing experience that you'll not soon forget! Contact: Nate Jones, captains@sailmuscongus.com
(207) 380-5460; www.sailmuscongus.com
Meadow Creek Farm
Hello we are Dwayne and Becky Durgin owners of Meadow Creek Farm, a small family horse farm nestled in the western foothills of Maine. Our business started in 1997 offering horse drawn wagon and sleigh rides and now has gone into parts of New Hampshire. Now with the growing demand of our professionalism and the beauty of Bill and Ben our horses, we have been able to acquire a horse drawn wedding carriage to do weddings, anniversaries and other special occasions. The beauty of the pure white horse drawn wedding carriage with red velvet seats is pulled by our team of Belgians, also dress for your occasion. Let their sweet kind eyes and gentle soul all dressed in their harnesses of patent leather with sliver spots and colorful flowers with ribbons in their manes and tails carry you off. We also have a horse drawn covered wagon with sides that roll up for a more of a relaxed ride and then the horse drawn sleigh of bright red for the winter when the ground is all white with snow. Contact: Becky Durgin, 58 River Road, Sumner, Maine 04292, beckyd@megalink.net, www.meadow-creek-farm.com - 207- 388-2044
Friends of the Chamber:
Jerry and Sally Pumo |
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Seminars & Workshops | | |
Smart Grid Pilot Project Workshop - Tues Sept. 11, 5-7 pm, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens Bosarge Education Center
The Maine PUC has designated the Boothbay peninsula as the location for a 3-year pilot project to demonstrate the power of a "Smarter Grid" to avoid the expense of new power line construction while lowering energy costs and reducing pollution. Under the pilot, GridSolar, the smart grid energy services coordinator, will issue a Request For Proposals next fall seeking bids from energy consumers and generators to provide solutions that either reduce energy use or generate power locally. Example solutions may include rooftop solar, tidal or wind power, energy efficient lighting and cooling, load shifting or back up generation.
This workshop will explain the project and introduce area business and institutions to energy service providers that can help them design qualifying proposals. Winning bids will be paid to save or generate power. Come learn how you can participate and enjoy hors d'oeuvres and drinks. For more information and to register, please contact Steve Hinchman, Director, Development & Public Affairs, GridSolar. LLC
207.837.8637, SHinchman@gridsolarme.com |
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Marketing & PR | | |
Huffington Post Travel - Five Reasons To Visit the Great State of Maine
"In their lifetimes, most Americans never see Maine, the sparsest populated state east of the Mississippi. Resting quietly, almost invisibly, far beyond the horizon of Boston's bustle, Maine's too northeastern to be the crossroads of commuters - unless you're heading to Nova Scotia - or Greenland. It boasts no major league sports team or metropolis of its own (it's largest, Portland, ranks only 29th amongst New England's most populous cities). All that being said, when I want to get away, I go Maine." Click here to read the whole post.
Maine Magazine: 48 Hours in Boothbay
The region was just featured in Maine magazine's August 2012 issue with eight pages of editorial. If you don't have a copy, stop by the chamber to see it!
MC3 See Life
Click here to see the latest brochure created by the Midcoast Chamber Council MC3 and stay tuned for news of their website re-launch in August.
2012-2013 Marketing and Co-op Program
The Marketing Committee has completed an overall marketing plan to help members plan their year. This includes the seven major co-op and marketing initiatives for the next year at the chamber. New for 2012-13 we are offering a 15% Early Booking Discount for members who pay and send in their ad and information by the deadline. We will also offer a final deadline for those who need more time. We are doing this to help facilitate timely production of these important marketing pieces.
We will be doing a mailing for the Region Guide that includes the sign up forms for the other co-op opportunities and the map. For complete media kits please click on the links below or contact the chamber.
1. 2012-2013 Overall Marketing Calendar
2. Restaurant Week Co-op - Portland Press Herald, Maine Sunday Telegram, Exploring Maine
3. Maine Invites You - Maine Tourism Association
4. Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber Guide 2013
5. Yankee Magazine Co-op - May/June issue 2013
6. Down East Co-op - May and June issues 2013
7. Downtown & Walking Map 2013
Call for Artists & Photos - Region Guide & Cover Contest
The Marketing Committee would like to welcome photographers to submit photos with their name and business for possible inclusion in the new guide for 2013. They are also offering a contest to design the cover with a rough design for the whole cover (similar to the 2012 cover) that is 8 ˝ x 11" folded to make the cover by October 15th. The design can be photography and/or art and cover the copy elements from this past year. Submissions will be judged by the Marketing Committee and the winner will receive a free membership to the chamber, an enhanced listing and recognition. The cover design and artwork will become the property of the chamber.
Maine Tourism Association: Another Internet Myth Exploded - Why you need print & online!
Perhaps the greatest marketing challenge for print-oriented organizations today is countering the nearly ubiquitous client objection of "All of my business comes from the internet." The recent focus groups organized by the Maine Office of Tourism in the MetroWest Boston area and in New York City went a long way to bringing insight into the marketing challenges faced by the tourism industry. About 40 frequent travelers, ranging in age from their 20s to late 60s, spanning levels of incomes and education, and predominantly female, described in considerable detail their process in selecting both a vacation destination and then planning the details of their trips. All of them involved the internet, and all of them involved printed travel planners. And they followed a similar path where one media complemented the other. Click here for more details. |
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Boothbay in Bloom | | |
We'd like to thank everyone who participated in this fun event including co-chairs Lindy Bragg, Sarah Wilcox and Dianne Gimbel. Please click here for news all about it!
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Restaurant Week | | |
Board members Peter Robison of Central Distributors, Pamela Riley of Hodgdon Island Inn, Dorothy Freeman of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and Doug Roberts of Oak Street Provisions are heading up this event which has been expanded to ten days of fun in the Region. Click here for complete details.
Kickoff Event: First Annual Claw Down Chef's Lobster Bite Competition - Sept. 19
The event kicks off with the First Annual Claw Down Chef's Lobster Bite Competition on Wednesday, September 19th from 6-8 p.m. at the Opera House at Boothbay Harbor sponsored by the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce. Ticket Price: $35 per person includes lobster bites and wine.
Join local restaurants as their chefs vie for an award winning "Lobster Bite" in a blind judging competition with industry renowned judges including:
ˇ Lynn Archer, (a.k.a. Queen of Clubs) owner of the Brass Compass Café and winner of the "Lobster Dekkah" challenge on the Food Network Show: Throwdown with Bobby Flay
ˇ Meredith Goad, Portland Press Herald food writer "Soup to Nuts" column
ˇ Dane Somers, Executive Director of the Maine Lobster Promotion Council
And cast your vote for the "People's Choice Award" while you savory lobster bites from participating chefs and Central Distributors will showcase its wines.
Restaurant Week - September 22-28
Will feature $24.95 (Tax, Tip, Gratuity not included) menu inclusive of an appetizer, dinner & dessert from participating restaurants. Restaurants, activities and lodging can all participate. Click here to sign up!
Grand Finale: First Annual 'Harbor Fest' - Sept. 29
This event is scheduled to take place in downtown Boothbay Harbor on Saturday, September 29th. Event originators, Heather O'Brien and Lori Pecor of Marketing Cents 4u created the Harbor Fest event with the intent to 'celebrate our unique harbor, showcase the businesses and artists within it, add, promote the spectacular fall season on our peninsula and give back to the community by supporting those who support those in need. Click here for more details.
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Business News: | |
Governor LePage and the DECD Survey
Nearly 500 Maine businesses have registered for the 2012 Maine Business Survey and we'd like you to participate if you haven't already. The feedback generated over the next several weeks will help drive future economic policy decisions which will have a direct impact on your bottom line. "Businesses are being given a unique opportunity to influence Maine's future business climate and their very own profitability," said DECD Commissioner, George Gervais. The online survey, consisting of approximately 40 questions, asks businesses to rate everyday challenges from attracting and retaining employees to overall infrastructure needs. The questionnaire also digs deeper into specific policy areas such as workforce development, regulation, access to capital and incentives, workers' compensation and marketing. Individual responses to the survey will be confidential and included in an overall summary. To participate in the survey go to http://www.maine.gov/decd/survey/
Attention Employers: Hiring veterans can save you thousands through a tax credit
Hire a veteran and save thousands of dollars with the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. On February 9, the IRS issued a news release containing guidance and forms that employers can use to claim a newly expanded tax credit for hiring veterans. The Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 (enacted Nov. 21) provides an expanded Work Opportunity Tax Credit for businesses that hire eligible unemployed veterans and, for the first time, makes the credit available to certain tax-exempt organizations.
The credit can be as high as $9,600 per veteran for for-profit employers or up to $6,240 for tax-exempt organizations. The amount of the credit depends on a number of factors, including the length of the unemployment period before hiring, hours worked and the amount of first-year wages paid. Employers who hire veterans with service-related disabilities may be eligible for the maximum credit. For more information, including how to claim the credit, go to IRS.gov. In the Search box use the following search terms; Work Opportunity Tax Credit or VOW to Hire Heroes Act.
Maine Health Workforce Forum 2012 Regional Meetings
SAVE THE DATE SAVE THE DATE SAVE THE DATE
Oct. 3, 2012 - 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM, USM - Lewiston Auburn College, Lewiston
Oct. 16, 2012 - 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM, Husson University, Bangor
Nov. 27, 2012 - 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM, University of Southern Maine, Portland
Nov. 29, 2012 - 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM, Rockland Public Library, Rockland
Purpose
- Meet and network on a regional basis
- Receive a brief update on health workforce initiatives at the state and regional level
- Identify and discuss health workforce data and employer health workforce needs
- Identify and discuss barriers for students/workers to receiving training
- Develop strategies and determine next action steps for ways to identify and address workforce needs and barriers at the regional level in 2013 and beyond, and how to connect those strategies to the Forum, work at the state level and other regions Who: Healthcare professionals and employers, policymakers, educators, and economic development, labor, employment specialists and anyone involved in training, hiring or employing health professionals. For more information click here or contact: Sally Sutton, USM Muskie School of Public Service, 207-228-8158, ssutton@usm.maine.edu or go to the Forum's website: www.mainehealthworkforceforum.org
Want extra money off your taxes? See if your business qualifies for the new Health Care Tax Credit...
The Small Business Health Care tax credit, which takes effect this year, is designed to encourage small employers to offer health insurance coverage for the first time or maintain coverage they already have. In general, the credit is available to small employers that pay at least half the cost of single coverage for their employees in 2010. If you think your business might qualify, find out for sure by visiting the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit for Small Employers page on IRS.gov, at: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=223666,00.html
It contains information on all the eligibility requirements, the amount of credit available, frequently asked questions, and more. A video is also available and explains the; who, what, why and how of the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit that can be viewed in minutes.
Maine Made 2012 Show!
Maine Businesses of All Sizes Invited to Be Part of the First Maine Made 2012 Show. Maine businesses, farmers, entrepreneurs and creative types are invited to join the Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Maine Food Producers Alliance for a celebration of Maine's food, furniture makers, small manufacturers, artists, artisans, and more Saturday September 8th 2012 at the Samoset Resort in Rockport.
What: MAINE MADE 2012. A celebration of Maine Food, Artisans, & Creativity
When and Where: 10am-5pm, Saturday, September 8, 2012, Samoset Resort, Rockport.
Sponsored by: Down East, the Magazine of Maine, and Eaton Peabody
With supporting sponsors: Bangor Savings Bank & Skaar Design
Produced by: The Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce & the Maine Food Producers Alliance. Click here for more details. Deadline for booth space is August 24th.
SET FOR SUCCESS - THE BIG BACK TO SCHOOL EVENT
Thank you to all in the community who have rallied for "Set for Success" which will give every Boothbay Region Student ages four through Middle School FREE required educational supplies on Sunday, August 19th 1-4 p.m. at the YMCA. Click here for more details.
Maine Sports Commission
The Commission will be looking to launch the new website in fall 2012 which will highlight the seven unique regions around the state and what they have to offer for sports venues and sporting events. If you have any sporting events or photographs, please contact Catherine Wygant so she can relay this to the Commission. Click here to learn more. |
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Committee Updates | |
Planning & Policy
The Planning & Policy Committee has started the "In the Know" section of this report and are working on other issues and policies for the future.
Marketing (MARCOM)
The Marketing Committee has completed an overall marketing plan to help members plan their year. This includes the six major co-op and marketing initiatives for the next year at the chamber. New for 2012-13 we are offering a 15% Early Booking Discount for members who pay and send in their ad and information by the deadline. We will also offer a final deadline for those who need more time. We are doing this to help facilitate timely production of these important marketing pieces.
Volunteers Committee
Sheri Gordon from Midcoast Clock & Music Box Company continues to work on our volunteer program with three basic areas of service for our volunteers: 1) Concierge 2) Office Support 3) Information Centers. Please contact Sheri Gordon sheri.gordon@midcoastclock.com or 633-9965 if you or anyone you know is interested in volunteering.
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