New Member Update, Member Spotlight, Annual Chamber Golf Tournament, Climate Session & More |
|
|
Every year is different, but this year has been unique for obvious reasons. We've lost a lot in grappling with this pandemic, in so many ways. And yet, we've gained a hard-won appreciation for everyone's above-and-beyond efforts to overcome our challenges. Perhaps most of all, we have been reminded once again how important it is to work together.
Nationally, multiple efforts have been made to keep our businesses moving forward, critical support to keep the backbone of our economy afloat. So many new acronyms and words like PPP, EIDL, Covid, etc. have unfortunately become part of our 2020 lexicon, but many of these represent welcome relief. The state announced last week that $200m in CARES Act relief will be distributed as grants to many Maine small businesses and non-profits via the Maine Economic Recovery Grant program, which is great to see.
Locally, many events have been cancelled, but we've been able to provide virtual activity and also emphasize outdoor events in getting together live. We're excited that our annual scholarship golf tournament will be held on September 17th. More information on that fundraiser, as well as information on Southern Maine Health Care's tournament on September 10th, can be found below. Community and Chamber member support for these and many other important initiatives is very much appreciated, especially this year!
So yes, most things are different this year, but one thing will never change - our desire to see our businesses and our area continue to grow and thrive as we support one another ... Thank you.
|
|
New Member Update
* Hancock Lumber - For generations Hancock has been a Maine leader in building supplies and home design services. Looking forward to welcoming them to the area when their new location on Route 1 in Saco opens on August 31st!
* Between the Tides Gift Shop - Located in the village of Biddeford Pool, this unique gift shop specializes in coastal themed items perfect for any gift giving occasion.
* Gloss Hair Parlor - This new hair salon on Main St. in downtown Biddeford features a variety of non-toxic styling and haircare services.
* Casco Bay Hemp- Casco Bay Hemp provides high quality products naturally sourced to enhance mind, body, and soul. This Maine-based company offers retail, manufacturing, & industrial services.
* Paper Trails - Paper Trails is a full-service, Maine-based payroll, human capital management and bookkeeping provider.
* Saco Bay News - Local news website covering Saco, Old Orchard Beach and Biddeford.
* SPC Benefits Solutions - SPC Benefit Solutions is a newly formed division of Senior Planning Center, offering all lines of individual and group Employee Benefits.
* Total Mortgage - Jim Frechette has nearly 20 years as a real estate veteran and has worked on a wide array of real estate transactions. For raw land purchases, first-time home buying, vacation homes, or multi-family dwellings, he can guide you through your complete mortgage transaction.
* McAllister Machine Inc. - This manufacturer offers CNC Machine Shop expertise from their location at 7 Pomereau Street in Biddeford.
* Athena's by Danni - A total body wellness consultant offering luxurious spa products and spa parties.
* Vieux - Located at 160 Main Street in Biddeford, Vieux features antiques, vintage, collectibles and other quality secondhand resale.
* Port Property Management - Port Property manages more than 100 residential properties across southern Maine, including the new Riverdam complex located at 24 Pearl Street in Biddeford.
|
|
Monthly Member Spotlight:
Apex Youth Connection
We recently had a chance to speak with the team from Apex and learn more about the evolutions they have made in the last several months to continue to serve youth in our community.
Read this month's Member Spotlight HERE.
|
|
Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition Update
We recently received updates on two important topics from the CHCC and wanted to pass them along. Scholarships are available to cover registration fees for online Maine Alcohol Seller-Server training courses. The course covers the laws and best practices involved in servings drinks, and helps participants recognize signs of intoxication and how & when to refuse service. More information can be found HERE.
Also: The Safe Homes for Healthy Families program has recently launched in Biddeford. This initiative is designed to reduce the hazards associated with lead paint, specifically in multi-family dwellings. Free inspections and interest-free loans are available as part of the program offerings. More information is available HERE.
|
|
Maine DOL Resources Update
The Maine Department of Labor continues to work hard to help those affected by the pandemic's economic impact. They recently distributed a helpful resource document that details the many ways they can help with services for unemployed workers. That information can be found HERE.
|
|
CCL Climate Change Educational Session Update
The Chamber recently hosted Peter Dugas of the Citizens Climate Lobby to share information virtually with members about their work and focus on the issue of climate change. As part of the presentation, Peter reviewed the MIT En-Roads Climate Simulator which illustrates the challenges and opportunities involved in combating global temperature rises. The CCL is a proponent of a carbon tax on fossil fuel producers that would then be distributed as a dividend to consumers to offset energy cost increases. The Chamber certainly lauds this and all efforts aimed at helping to minimize the pressing global challenge of climate change. More information on the CCL can be found HERE. Thank you Peter for your time and energy on this important effort!
|
|
Aging in a Covid-19 World - Virtual Event
Thursday, September 10th at 1pm
The Southern Maine Agency on Aging presents "Charting the Future: Aging in a Covid-19 World", a virtual event that will highlight the present challenges that seniors in Maine face due to the spread of the Coronavirus. Nursing homes, healthcare facilities, and caregivers have had to face the challenge of protecting those they care for. Maine, and many other states with older populations, has scrambled to introduce social distancing and other safety precautions to ensure that the curve is flattened and those most at risk are protected from this virus.
Dr. Nirav Shah, MD, JD, the Director of the Maine Center for Disease Control, and Judy Johanson, Clinical Research Ambassador at Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Massachusetts General Hospital, are the main speakers at this event.
|
|
Create a Video for your Business for multi-media usage! Call us for more information and options ... |
|
Click on the ads below for more information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
