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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 (canceled)
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Dear Valued Members,
It's hard to believe Labor Day weekend is upon us. As we close out the summer and plan for the fall, we have a number of exciting things happening next month so I've opted to put out an abbreviated Executive Report today and the next one will be the beginning of October. Our 15% Early Booking Incentive for advertising is going well and we are on deadline for Maine Invites You to take advantage of the State's most powerful travel planning guide. If you haven't reserved your space yet, it's not too late... Just let me know and we'll hold the space and pricing for Sept. 1. We instituted what we feel is a more streamlined renewal process for membership and for the Region Guide. Please get your forms into us by September 14th for the Guide to take advantage of our Early Booking Discount. Now, onto the fun events: We have over 15 chefs from local restaurants vying for the title of best lobster bite at the kick-off event for restaurant week called Claw Down on Wednesday, September 19 from 6-8pm at the Opera House. Then from September 22-28, over a dozen local restaurants will be offering their fixed price menu of $24.95 for an appetizer, entrée and dessert during Restaurant Week . We thank you for your continued support and wish you a wonderful holiday weekend! Best wishes, Catherine Wygant Executive Director Catherine@boothbayharbor.com |
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Office News
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It's been a busy season and we've welcomed tons of visitors over the phone, personally and online. Below is a great testimonial we wanted to share:
Greetings! I'm sure you'll be happy to spread the word appropriately that our family greatly appreciated all the tourist-information efforts by the Chamber of Commerce (and Maine Dept of Tourism), which resulted in an absolutely wonderful vacation last month! We live in Washington State and decided last March to fly to New Hampshire in July to see an aunt for a couple days, after which we thought "someplace in Maine" for 5 or 6 days might be nice. Because of your superb marketing, we decided on Boothbay Harbor and we are delighted to have done so! My husband, our 5-year-old, and I all want to return someday (Ezra is desperate to return soon as he can't duplicate his lobster experience here on the west coast!).
I wanted to say how indispensable you (and your website) were in helping us have an amazing trip. We had everything planned ahead of time. Everything went smooth as silk because we had all the information we needed to select the perfect accommodations, cruises, restaurants, and more well in advance. Thanks again for helping make our summer fabulous! ~ Teresa Yakima, WA 98901
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 the following:
1. LCD projector so that we can make presentations
2. Cash register
If anyone has these items and would like to donate them to the chamber, please contact Catherine. Thanks!
Call for Meeting Space: We are tentatively planning our Annual Meeting, Wednesday, October 17th, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. and are putting out a request to any venue that would like to host this meeting. It is a business meeting so we will need a function room for around 100 people and a place to do a Powerpoint presentation. Light refreshments will be served. Please contact Cherie cherie@boothbayharbor.com (633-2353) if you are interested in hosting this business meeting for the chamber.
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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.
· Membership Benefits
· Chamber Statistics
· Why should I get an Enhanced Listing?
· Google Analytics - By Country
· Google Analytics - By City
Thank you to members who have been sending in their renewal forms. Please note membership renewals are due September 1, 2012. |
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Member News | |
Boothbay Region Ambulance Service & LifeFlight
Please support the Boothbay Ambulance and Lifeflight of Maine by purchasing a ticket to the 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. Click here for a poster you can display!
Marketing Cents 4u
Plans for the First Annual Harbor Fest continue to gain momentum and the response from area businesses to participate in this community effort for regional exposure and to support two very worthy causes, {Rebuilding Together Lincoln County and Lyme Disease Awareness in honor of Pam Creamer} has been outstanding thus far. The event is being advertised all over the state and creating quite a 'buzz' for our region. This effort would not be possible without the participation of these businesses and we wish to thank each and every one of them. For a complete list of supporting businesses, click here. For the most recent press release click here. There are several ways to participate in this event. FMI contact Lori or Heather at Marketingcents4u@gmail.com.
Boothbay Region Garden Club
Congratulations to the Garden Club! The Garden Club Federation of Maine's most coveted award, "Club of Distinction," was presented to the "best club in the state, Boothbay Region Garden Club, for club accomplishments in all areas of Garden Club activites," at the recent state convention. The Garden Club also won first place for the yearbook for clubs with 100 to 299 members. The Junior Gardeners Award was for its work with a garden/nature club at an elementary school. The Club also took second place for the Publicity Press Book.
Tony van Hasselt
The Maine Art Gallery announces that Tony van Hasselt's exhibit "My studio without walls, Maine and Beyond" will be held over until September 16. Over forty of the artist's Plein Air watercolors lead the visitor along, to enjoy favorite local scenes, New England in autumn splendor and then on to various locations in the US and abroad. The Maine Art Gallery in Wiscasset is located on 15 Warren Street. Gallery hours are Thu-Fri-Sat: 10 to 4 and Sunday 11 to 4.
Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library
Suzanne Marinell is a summer resident of Maine. She is also the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library's September Artist of the Month. Her paintings are often inspired by places that she has explored here. For those who would like to view Suzanne's display, the library is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. excepting Wednesdays when they close at 7:00 p.m. Click here to learn more!
The Harbor Theatre
We're coming down to the wire regarding saving the theatre. They do have a few last-minute cards up their sleeve: A Kick Starter campaign just started:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/802263505/save-the-harbor-theatre?ref=live
AND the theatre is offering businesses the opportunity to save Big Advertising Dollars: pledge $1000 to the theatre and receive 3 years of screen advertising (an $1800 value). This offer is good thru September 27th (running alongside the Kick Starter campaign). Advertising is a tax-deductible expense, so this is a "win-win" way for local businesses to support the theatre. Money is not requested now for the three year advertising deal. If they meet their fund-raising goal, they will make the announcement and contact pledgers.
Key Bank
Mary Yokabaskas, the new branch manager in Boothbay Harbor, will be available on September 12th from 10:00 at the Key Bank in Boothbay Harbor for Key4Women educational event. Click here to learn more about this program. She will be available at all times during the day to meet with women business owners. Please contact Mary directly to let her know if they are interested and what times may be best for them. Contact: 207-633-4294 or mary_k_yokabaskas@keybank.com
October 4th for the Key4Women Forum being held in Freeport at the Harraseeket Inn called "Mixing,
mingling, and mindset shifting advice | capital | education | networking Key4Women® Click here to learn more.
Damariscotta Pumpkinfest
Calling all chefs to Damariscotta Pumpkinfest Dessert contest. New this year, King Arthur Flour Company and Hannaford Grocery will be cosponsoring Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta's Pumpkin Dessert contest. Each contestant will receive a free dough scraper and a bag of flour from King Arthur Flour. Just drop by Nails by Gail on Center Street in Nobleboro for your free flour and scraper. In addition, each winner will receive the beautiful King Arthur Baker's Companion cookbook.
Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta is pleased to again invite all chefs, bakers, and wannabe Food Network stars to enter the fourth annual Pumpkin Dessert Contest. This yummy event will be held on Saturday, October 6, 2012, at Skidompha Library in the atrium area. Click here to learn more.
Slicks
Put Slick's Basement Sale on your Bucket List! End of Season Sale. A lot of new stuff from upstairs going in the basement. Sale runs August 31, Sept. 1-3rd. 27 Townsend Avenue, Boothbay Harbor.
Coco Vivo Fine Art | Interior Design
129 Commercial St, Boothbay Harbor Me 04538
Artist reception and Show - Hours - 7 days10 Am -5 Pm
The September show is of artworks created by Roger Milinowski, of Head of The Harbor Gallery and John Caggiano. Titled, Monhegan Island ;Strength and Beauty , this collection of new works betrays the artists interpretations of Monhegan and its unhurried pace. The Show will open Friday September 7,with a reception for 5-8 and will be on display until September 30th. |
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New Members | | |
Creative Canvas
Creative Canvas specializes in custom marine canvas fabrication: dodgers, biminis, cushions, weather cloths, enclosures, and custom stainless frames, including rails, ladders, t-tops, dodger frames, bimini frames, and retractable awnings. You name it, we can cover it!
Contact: Sarah Conner, 207-633-2056, creativecanvas@live.com, www.creativecanvas.us
Captain Mike's Yacht Service
Mike Requa is American Boat Yacht Council Master Marine Technician with 4 decades of experience in the Marine Business. Captain Mike has a 100 ton Near Coastal USCG Licensce and specializes in Boat Deliveries, Marine System Upgrades, Diesel Repair and Boat handling training.
Contact: Capt.mike@tidewater.net, 207-633-2588
Newcastle Publick House
Newcastle Publick House features organic, natural, wild and local produce. With excellent meets and seafood, and gluten-free options, there is something for everyone here to enjoy. The Newcastle Publick House has been Certified Green, and is an Environmental Leader, offering best practices for a healthier environment. With seasonal outdoor seating, they are open year round and are family friendly. Musical entertainment is offered in the pub several nights each week. The pub always has at least 12 beers on tap, and offers an extensive wine list. A full bar features specialty drinks, as well as a mug club night.
Contact: Alex and Rachel Nevens, 207-563-3434, newcastlepub@roadrunner.com, www. newcastlepublickhouse.com
GridSolar, LLC
GridSolar, LLC, is the coordinator designated by the Maine Public Utilities Commission to operate the Boothbay Smart Grid Reliability Pilot Project. GridSolar's mission is to develop a Smart Grid Platform that will allow Maine to achieve higher levels of efficiency in the generation, transmission and use of electricity through increased use of distributed and renewable generation, energy efficiency and conservation in lieu of building expensive new high-voltage power lines.
The Boothbay Smart Grid Reliability Pilot Project is a 3-year pilot project involving the development (through a solicitation to third-party providers) and operation of up to 2,000 kW of smart grid projects located in Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, and Southport. Each qualified project must reduce the amount of power imported into the region at periods of peak use.
The Pilot Project is designed to test both the cost and effectiveness of ensuring grid reliability using a range of smart grid solutions, including energy efficiency, demand response, renewable distributed generation (at least half of which shall be photovoltaic solar energy), and non-renewable distributed generation (with preference given to resources with no net emissions of greenhouse gases). For more information: info@gridsolarme.com or www.grisolarme.com |
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Seminars & Workshops
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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
Top Gun Prep Coming in September Registration is now open for Top Gun Prep, an online course developed by the Maine Center for Entrepreneurial Development, the Target Technology Incubator and the Foster Center for Student Innovation. Top Gun Prep enables any Maine entrepreneur to learn how to dramatically increase speed and decrease risk building their startup. Beginning September 19th, weekly webinars and interactive discussions will focus on topics including Customer Development, Revenue Streams and Business Model Innovation.
Participants will use the latest textbook of Silicon Valley's top entrepreneurship educator Steve Blank, carefully chosen selections from the very best free Internet resources for entrepreneurs and the world-class, Maine-grown techniques of Innovation Engineering®. Online interactions will be supplemented by several planned face-to-face networking events.
The course is particularly well suited for entrepreneurs building scalable innovation-based companies, but 75% of the Top Gun Prep curriculum is also helpful to entrepreneurs building small or micro-enterprises. The content will combine important basics with advanced concepts. College students contemplating entrepreneurship will get a great start, while more experienced entrepreneurs will be connected with some of the leading edge thinking on how to build large, successful, groundbreaking companies. The cost for the course is $300. The highly selective Top Gun Maine program will accept about 20 companies, largely from the Top Gun Prep graduates, for intensive mentoring and coaching beginning January 2013.
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Marketing & Co-op Opportunities
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Banner ads on www.boothbayharbor.com
The Marketing Committee is pleased to announce that we now can offer members a banner ad on the chamber website the in the directory searches in all categories, hot deals, job postings, etc. The banner size is 480 x 60 pixels and costs $399 for a year. Our website has over one million page views and is up 10% year over year. Please contact Catherine or Brooke if you are interested in taking advantage of this new marketing option.
Maine Office of Tourism's Regional Cooperative Advertising Program
The MC3 has just issued a call for an opportunity for local tourism businesses to be included in a Mid-Coast package for the State by donating the following items:
- Accommodations (Prize must include a minimum of 4-nights' accommodations. Please specify name of hotel/ resort/ B&B, # of nights, # of rooms and # of guests).
- Experiential Component (Prize must include some type of unique regional experience component, i.e. tour, attraction, etc... Please specify name of experience, provide a description, # of guests or certificate value)
- Other Inclusion (dining, coupons, etc... Please provide details on any other inclusion in the prize package)
Need images 2-4, logos, URL's and Certificates for all of the items. The deadline is September 5th if you'd like to participate. Click here to see how this package will be marketed.
2012-2013 Marketing and Co-op Program
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 have sent out a mailing for the Region Guide and extended the Early Booking discount to Sept. 14th. 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
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.
Guide Cover: We are offering a contest to design the cover with a rough design for the whole cover (similar to the 2012 cover) that is 8 ½ 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.
Windjammer Days Poster Competition: We will be running our Poster Competition for Windjammer Days again this year, so please be thinking about how you'd like to best represent the area. Details to follow.
Carving and/or Painting for Pumpkinfest: Sam Kaler is busy growing another pumpkin for the area and we welcome artists to join us in decorating the pumpkin. Last year Carol Reeves and Adele Bielli created an amazing design with a turtle for the popular Damariscotta Pumpkinfest slated this year from September 29th - October 8th. We welcome them and others to join in to help decorate for 2013! Please contact Catherine if you would like to join this creative team!
Maine Tourism Association: Maine Invites You print & ePlanner
The on-line ePlanner version of MIY has been posting some truly amazing numbers. As of August 16, 2012 - 40,517 visits, 2,607,834 pages viewed, 9,138 Clicks to advertiser Web sites, 109 Countries have viewed the MIY with 6,126 users have viewed the MIY from an iPad. MIY's stats in 2012 have already equaled those from all of 2011! This is one of the best places to advertise in the print and then e-Planner. Click here for more details.
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Restaurant Week | | |
Over a dozen restaurants are participating in Restaurant Week this year from September 22-28th. Click here to learn more. Our banner ads for Restaurant Week start on September 2nd. It's not too late to advertise in this marketing program. It includes online advertising, the Sept. 9th issue of the Maine Sunday Telegram and the Sept. 16th issue of Exploring Maine. Sept. 3 is the final deadline. Click here for a sneak peak on the banner ad. Thanks to all our participating restaurants and sponsors!
http://addemo.mainetoday.com/pressherald-v2010-sections/boothbay-restaurant-0
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Business News: | |
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. |
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PR in the Region
| | | 207 Call for Chefs!
If you have entered the First Annual Boothbay Harbor Region Claw Down Competition, the pot is only getting sweeter each day and the competition more fierce. One lucky Claw Down Chef contestant will have an opportunity to do a taped cooking demonstration on Channel 6's "207" show on September 11th, at 3p.m. If you have signed up for the Claw Down contest and think you've got what it takes to be on TV - then send in a brief bio, picture, immediate contact information and a description of your Lobster Bite to:
cherie@boothbayharbor.com by 5p.m. on Tuesday, September 4th. Click here for a list of criteria for the "207" segment.
Maine Magazine: 48 Hours in Boothbay now on Channel 6
Maine magazine does a regular segment on the Ch. 6 morning show (which is a statewide broadcast reaching up to Bangor and Presque Isle) for their 48 hours article they do each month. Click here to hear them talking all about their trip to Boothbay Harbor which was featured in their magazine.
Downeast - September 2012 issue
Downeast magazine asked their readers to pick "the prettiest villages" in Maine with the broad parameter set by Merriam's Webster's dictionary definition of a village "larger than a hamlet and smaller than a town." With more than a thousand entries, Boothbay Harbor was voted #2!
New York Times - There is a fantastic article in theNew York Times about Rachel Carson and her ties to our area.
San Antonio Express News - Freelance writer Kathleen Scott published an article about her visit to the area.
Miami Herald gives excellent advice on visiting Maine for First-Timers.
The Scene
Two Boothbay Harbor Region businesses were featured in the August edition of The Scene: Gold/Smith Gallery's new gallery called Goobies...nice things Ltd and Sprucewold Lodge received a nice write-up.
Premier Golf Guide 2012-2013 edition of New England Magazine:
The Boothbay Country Club get top billing on the front cover with a great write up on the area.
Boston Globe
The Linekin Bay Resort was featured in the Boston Globe. Click here to read the entire article online.
Kennebec Journal - August 20
Spruce Point Inn was featured in "TRAVELIN' MAINE(RS): Spruce Point Inn in Boothbay Harbor: A weekend here is one you won't forget." Click here to read the entire article online.
Seatrade Insider
August 10 online SeaTrade Insider featured an article "Maine beckons cruise planners for 'eye-opening' look at excursions" where Cruise executives from lines with ships of all sizes and demographics are being invited on the fam trip, Sept. 8-14. Click here to learn more.
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