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In This Issue
Save the Date! Annual Dinner Auction
After Hours Information
Ribbon Cutting at The Maine Real Estate Choice
2017 Area Guides are In
Member Highlights
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Networking | Fun | Door Prizes | 50/50 Raffle
There will be a brief video showing of our robot that does welding for us as well
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One of the only things that is guaranteed in this life, is change, and we could not be happier to announce that Anne Plummer & Jocelyn O'Rourke-Shane have joined forces to create Maine Real Estate Choice! We are excited about our new team and ready for this New year!! Everything that you have come to enjoy with the amazing Real Estate Professionals associated with Anne and Jocelyn will continue as Maine Real Estate Choice under this new logo representing the team:
The Home base of operations of Maine Real Estate Choice will be located inside the expanding interior of the lovely headquarters that Anne Plummer and her team have occupied on Route 302 in Naples - directly across from the intersection of Route 11 - in recent years.
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2017 Area Guides Are In!
Stop by the Chamber and get yours today!
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Member Highlights
79 Wateine Shores Rd., Casco:
Leonardo & Co, PA
...is a modern tax and accounting firm dedicated to servicing business owners and high net worth individuals throughout Maine and beyond. Our staff is sharp and enthusiastic. Our clients expect a premium level of service and expertise from the professionals they hire. Leonardo & Co. exceeds those expectations.
At Leonardo & Co. we understand the importance of having a keen sense of urgency. If you have experience with tax preparers or PA firms, you will notice a tremendous improvement in responsiveness and speed of service. We know that concerns about financial and business matters can weigh heavily on your mind. This is why responding to your inquires quickly is so important to us.
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15 Lake House Road, Naples:
A classic 16 room bed & breakfast set on a knoll overlooking the beautiful lakefront village of Naples. A variety of activities and dining options await you a very short walk away.
Enjoy the view from our expansive front porch before retiring to a newly renovated guestroom complete with a private bath and comfy new bedding. Breakfast, cable TV, air conditioning and WiFi included.
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185 Portland Road Unit 2, Bridgton:
Huntress & Associates, P.A. is a financial firm specializing in tax preparation, book keeping, payroll, and financial planning. The business is located at 185 Portland Road in the small town of Bridgton, Maine and is run by Norman Huntress Jr., E.A. Associates include Jacob Huntress and Phil Harmon.
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32 Depot Street Harrison:
Evergreen Cleaning is a local green cleaning service.
Our commitment is to providing affordable and exceptional cleaning services, as well as outstanding reliability and customer service, every time! We are fully insured, and proudly use eco friendly products that are safe for your family, and the environment. Whether you are looking for recurring residential service, rental property cleanings, real estate showings or office cleanings, we are happy to help!
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300 Portland Road, Suite 2, Bridgton:
It is our goal as your full service real estate company specializing in the Lakes Region of Western Maine and Oxford Hills area including: Bridgton, Brownfield, Casco, Denmark, Fryeburg, Lovell, Norway, Otisfield, Paris, Raymond, Sebago, Sweden, Waterford, and other area towns to provide you with superior service at all times. Our local expertise and extensive real estate experience will benefit you whether you are buying or selling property at this time, or a returning client checking out the many homeowner resources we offer.
We pride ourselves on providing unparalleled service and look forward to developing a long-term relationship with you. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss how we can best assist you with your real estate needs
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Nancy's Sports Pub & Grill
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The Place to...Eat...Greet...and Play!
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Look who is coming to Nancy's Sports Pub & Grill
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on Sunday, April 2nd, from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m.
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Slugger! The Portland Sea Dogs Mascot
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Join us for Sunday Brunch between 10 a.m. & 2 p.m.
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to be entered into our raffle for Free Box Seats to see the
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Portland Sea Dogs Game Open on Thursday, April 6th.
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We have 3 Sets of Tickets. Slugger will pick the lucky winners!
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Photo Ops. Available!!
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March 20, 2017
HOW MAINE CAN GIVE ITS SMALL BUSINESSES A FIGHTING CHANCE
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The Bangor Daily News published my Op-Ed this week on how the 3% income tax surcharge is hurting 11,000 Maine small businesses and how we can replace the tax by leveling the playing field between brick and mortar retailers and online-only retailers on the collection of the sales tax.
I wrote, "Tax policy shouldn't give a select few special treatment nor should we be saddling our small businesses with the second highest income tax rate in the country. Maine's local merchants are ready to compete on a level playing field - repeal the 3 percent income tax and require online retailers to collect and remit sales taxes."
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READ the Op-Ed here
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AUGUSTA - Maine saw a growing number of visitors and spending by tourists in 2016, continuing a year-over-year growth trend. Approximately 35.8 million visitors came to the state in 2016 and spent about $6 billion, a 6 percent bump from the year before, according to the annual report from the Maine Office of Tourism. "It was an extremely strong year last year," especially with first-time visitors to the state, said Chris Fogg, CEO of the Maine Tourism Association. The figures were reported at the Governor's Conference on Tourism in Augusta on Wednesday. The surge continued a five-year growth trend in tourist visits and spending. Visitation grew 30 percent from the 28 million visitors that came to the state in 2012, and spending grew by about $1 billion, according to Maine Office of Tourism data.
Visitors spent the most on lodging, retail sales and restaurants and food. The visitation growth included an unexpected jump in Canadian tourists, after years of decline. The number of Canadians coming to the state grew by 12 percent to almost 4.5 million visits, an increase from the 4.1 million that visited in 2015. Canadians spent approximately $975 million in the state, a 15 percent increase over the previous year. "Frankly, that was a surprise to us," said Steve Lyons, acting director of the Office of Tourism. Canada is an important market for Maine tourism, but saw a large decline since 2014, because of a strong dollar and, more recently, concerns about American politics. The rebound last year might reflect a changing attitude toward travel and spending by Canadians, Lyons said. Some tourists had said they would still visit Maine, but likely wouldn't spend as much as they might have a few years ago. "My theory is that the Canadians are getting more comfortable with the exchange rate," Lyons said.
Tourism is one of Maine's largest industry, employing approximately 106,000 people, one out of every six jobs in the state. The total economic impact to the state from the tourism economy is estimated at $9 billion, and last year tourists paid $596 million in taxes to the state
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BREAKING NEWS:
It has been confirmed that online retailer Amazon, starting April 1, will begin to charge Maine's 5.5% sales tax on items shipped to Maine.
Amazon has been working with many states to establish sales tax standards. States and retail advocacy groups, like RAM, have been applying pressure requiring Amazon to charge sales tax as an effort to even the playing field between brick and mortar shops and the online retailer.
While this is a major victory for our members and physical businesses alike, there are many other online retailers who should also be required to collect. This session, RAM has submitted legislation looking to collect sales taxes from online retail establishments with an economic nexus in Maine instead of just a physical nexus. This would include many online retailers, not just Amazon, and would truly help even the playing field.
We're optimistic and pleased with this step in the right direction and look forward to continuing the fight for e-fairness.
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Shawnee Peak is closed for skiing and riding midweek. We wil reopen on Friday, March 24th from 11am - 7 pm with great conditions!
This weekend we look forward to hosting the Ice Coast Challenge.
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We have the month of
November
Open for After Hours
Please contact the chamber if you would like to host that month.
647-3472
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Do you have something going on in your neck of the woods? Let us know!
- We will put your event in our weekly Chamber Chatter.
- Deadline for the chatter is Friday!
- Your event will post on the upcoming Tuesday
Call me at the Chamber or email to officemanager@mainelakeschamber.com. Send me your flyers, your blurbs, your coupons or sales, your Help Wanted ads and all that good stuff. This is your space! |
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Have you used your member to member discounts
Budget Document Technology
10% discount on any laser printer toner cartridge order
One hour free after first paid hour. One time offer for a new client visit.
Bridgton Highlands Country Club
10% discount to all Chamber Members & Employees for Greens Fees, Cart Rentals and Pro Shop Merchandise
Noble House Inn
10% off standard room rates
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Sautéed Spinach and Garlic
About 20 ounces of cleaned baby spinach.
2 Tbsp cornstarch
1 Tbsp EVOO (suggest Tuscan Herb, Rosemary, Basil or whatever you like) Tasteful Things
8-10 thinly sliced garlic cloves
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes to taste (Tasteful Things)
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 tsp Meyer Lemon vinegar (Tasteful Things)
In a large bowl toss the Spinach and cornstarch, set aside for the time being. Use the EVOO and sauté the garlic until golden brown, 2-3 mins. Add the crushed red pepper to the mix for another 30-45 seconds. Add the Spinach mixture to everything else and cook until tender, 3-4 mins give or take. Salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle with the Meyer Lemon, if you need more it's okay.
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Brownfield Lions Dance
The dance will be held at the Lions Den on rtes.5 & 113 in Brownfield Maine on Saturday, April 8,2017 from 8 P.M.-12 A.M. with country western and 'oldies' music by Linwood Cash and "The Ridge Riders" for adults 21 and older. Admission is $15.00/person and it is bring your own beverages. We will have a 50/50 raffle and a bottle raffle. Proceeds to benefit Brownfield Lions Community Projects Fund. FMI or reservations call Richard at 207- 935-2520 or Dee at 207-935-2681
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Upcoming Events
Trail Work at Pleasant Mountain
Saturday, April 15, Denmark
Loon Echo invites you to join us as we return to the Ledges Trail at
Pleasant Mountain Preserve for our first trail work day of the spring. The Appalachian Mountain Club's Maine Chapter volunteers and Loon Echo staff will lead participants in clearing drainage, building rock steps and removing brush. This work day is open to all levels from beginner to expert. Tools and training will be provided. Meet at the Ledges Trail parking area on Mountain Road, 3 miles from its intersection with Rt. 302 in Bridgton at 7:45 AM. Appropriate work clothes, pants and boots required, Please bring plenty of water and snacks. Approximately 6 hours.
Strenuous
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Saturday, April 22 at 10am-12:30 PM
It's that time of year again!!!! AM Enterprises is hosting the 3rd Annual Earth Day Clean Up in Harrison!!!
**SIGN UP for your FREE T-SHIRT** (first 75 people) by emailing your shirt sizes to AMEINC@OUTLOOK.COM. Adult and kid sizes available.
NEW THIS YEAR!!!
The Olde Mill Tavern and Ruby Slippers Cafe and Bakery have teamed up to offer us a BBQ chicken lunch after the clean up this year!!!!
We will meet at the fire station at 10am, break up into small teams and branch out on various routes around Harrison to clean up our Community! Trash bags will be provided.
BRING WATER BOTTLES and WORK GLOVES. Kid wagons have been helpful in the previous years as well!
Last year 94 people came out and cleaned up 1,010 pounds of trash. Let's do even better this year!!!
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Town of the Week
Naples
Naples Village is easily accessible on Route 302. At the eastern end of the Causeway, a swinging bridge spans Chute River, the shortest river in the area and the connection between Long Lake and Brandy Pond. Rides on the Songo River Queen Paddleboat, six campgrounds, several residential summer camps, an indoor swimming pool, library programs for all ages, a women's football league, the Naples Community Arena for ice skating and roller blading, a walking program at the high school, mail boat and seaplane rides, golf and a seasonal farmers' market are part of what make Naples unique.
Special events include a Winter Carnival, Memorial Day Parade, Maine Blues Festival, Classic Antique Wooden Boat Show, July 4th Parade and Fireworks, Naples Main Street at Christmas and several holiday craft fairs.
Home to about 3,300 people, Naples covers 36 square miles. Clubs and organizations include the Lions Club, Sebago Lake Anglers Association, Naples Historical Society and Naples Business Association. Songo Locks Elementary School meets the needs of students in grades K-3. For grades 4-5, the children attend Crooked River Elementary School in nearby Casco. They return to Naples to attend the regional middle, high and vocational schools. Restaurants, realty, specialty shops, a golf course, driving range, two miniature golf courses and arcades, batting cages, several marinas, excavation, construction, and tourism plus a variety of retail shops and service businesses provide work opportunities in Naples.
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Now hiring:
SERVERS.
Reliable and needs to be able to work weekends, certain days and or nights!
Www.nancyssportspub.com
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2017 Maine Blues Fest Volunteers Needed!
Contact: Anita Preble, MBF Volunteer Coordinator at
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Saturday September 30, 2017 on the beach at Point Sebago!
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Dear Chamber Members
We are eagerly awaiting summer while surrounded by snow. If you like the concert programs we are presenting, purchase your season tickets today.
Season tickets include a 20 percent discount, invitations to exclusive receptions with musicians and to open rehearsals as well as select seating.
Join us for our 45th summer in the Lakes Region.
Sebago-Long Lake Music Festival - 45th Anniversary Season
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Program I: July 11 'Inspiring Mozart'
Program II: July 18 'Influential Friendships'
Program III: July 25 'A Postcard from Russia'
Program IV: August 1 'Schubert's Extraordinary Year:
Program V: August 8 'Celebration'
. Looking forward to sharing the festival with you.
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Click Here to find out what's going on at DAC
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