Local Media Options, Member Spotlight, Member News & Updates, & More |
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Local Media Landscape Evolution
We miss having the daily Journal Tribune covering our area, but there have been a number of exciting developments recently in the region's print and online media market. The Internet has dramatically disrupted the media business over the past decade, and as a result consumers can now access a plethora of free content in both offline and online venues. The business model for local news coverage has evolved to primarily focus on advertiser revenue in support of more streamlined organizations. Here's a summary of what we're seeing as of late in the local journalism arena.
The Courier continues to provide weekly coverage of important local news, and has a number of varied opinion columnists and contributors that make each week's edition interesting and informative. As part of the Maine Today Media organization that also prints the Portland Press Herald, The Courier leverages talented writers throughout Southern Maine to bring us great content in both their print edition and online. They continue to deliver their newspaper free of charge weekly to homes that request it throughout the area.
A new local online source for news and information is Saco Bay News. Liz Gotthelf has leveraged her prior experience covering our area for the Journal Tribune to launch this website that focuses on news, business updates and community events. If you haven't seen it yet, it's worth checking out. In addition to the website, a free weekly email newsletter is sent out that summarizes the major stories of the past week. If you would like to subscribe to the service, just send an email to info@sacobaynews.com and type "Subscribe" in the subject line.
In addition, this past month Tom Aikins announced the launch of River Views, a new monthly print and online magazine focused on the Biddeford-Saco area. Covering dining, the arts, entertainment, business and area news, River Views will offer a positive, upbeat look at all of the new businesses opening, the new entertainment and cultural developments taking place, and the everyday attractions that make this area such a vibrant and interesting place. Look for the first edition coming in October. For more information, visit www.river-views.com
At the Chamber, we're fortunate to partner with all three of these media organizations and members in promoting all of the exciting things happening in our region!
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Monthly Member Spotlight: Investcomm
We recently caught up with Chamber Ambassador Suzanne McKechnie of Investcomm Commercial Real Estate to talk about the evolving real estate trends in the area, as well as Investcomm's business and focus.
From a residential standpoint, local property valuations continue to rise despite the pandemic. With record low interest rates and very little supply of available inventory, coupled with the attractiveness of Southern Maine for out-of-staters in more urban areas, home prices have gone up by double-digits in most local markets this year.
On the commercial real estate side - which is Investcomm's main focus - there are a number of additional market factors happening. The pandemic has been challenging for a number of business sectors, which has influenced space, availability and pricing. Some companies are looking for larger spaces to accommodate social distancing needs, while others are evolving by having employees work from home or smaller office spaces. But in general, Southern Maine continues to be a growth market with more people, more businesses, and more organizations looking to grow or relocate here, so demand continues to expand on the commercial side as well. Investcomm is currently involved in major multi-million dollar projects in Biddeford & Saco which is leading the way in development in York County. It is anticipated that our area will continue to see solid ongoing growth in the commercial real estate market as well going forward.
Led by President John Anderson, Investcomm Commercial Group is a full- service commercial brokerage firm specializing in commercial real estate sales and leasing, business brokerage, property management, and consulting services. Founded in 1985, they provide professional services to buyers and sellers, landlords and tenants of commercial properties and businesses throughout Maine. To learn more about Investcomm, click HERE
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Mark Your Calendars - Upcoming Chamber Events:
* 9/24 Virtual Information Session on Vocational Training - SIGN UP
* 10/1 Business After Hours at Jimmy the Greek's
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Pumpkin Patch Trolley
The Seashore Trolley Museum will hold their 22nd Annual Pumpkin Patch Trolley, coming up September 25, 26, 27 and October 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, and 11. Tickets are available for rides that depart the Visitors Center and everyone on board can select their very own pumpkin.
More information can be found HERE.
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Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center
2020 Hall of Fame Inductees
The Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center (BCHC) recently announced their 3rd Annual Biddeford Hall of Fame Award Winners for 2020, honoring those who have made significant contributions to Biddeford and/or the world at large. Banners honoring the recipients will be placed on the light poles in downtown Biddeford and plaques will be added to the display of past recipients found in Biddeford City Hall Council Chambers. Read the full press release HERE.
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