Finding candidates to fill open jobs continues to be a significant challenge for many of our local businesses. In speaking to a member recently, we were somewhat surprised to also learn just how expensive it has becomes to use many of the online job board sites. Companies routinely spend thousands of dollars now to post their openings.
We have two FREE ideas for you to supplement your existing hiring efforts that can potentially help with this challenge:
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Maine Career Center is the state-run service of the Maine Dept. of Labor, providing FREE services for employers, including access to their Job Link system. If you don't already have an account or relationship with them, you should reach out to them asap, they have a lot to offer employers as their recent info session for our members exemplified.
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The Chamber has a FREE Job Postings page on our public website as a benefit of your membership. We often get calls here at the office from people asking about available local jobs, and we always point them to the Job Postings page on our website in addition to other resources. It's easy to add your Job Postings to our site via your online portal access. If you need more information about this or need your account access details, please reach out to us.
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Welcome New Chamber of Commerce Members This Past Month |
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Please join us in welcoming our most recent new members:
Binnie Media: The home of 99.9 THE WOLF, THE BONE and many other local radio stations, New England’s largest locally-owned media company reaches over 580,000+ weekly radio listeners in New England.
Breakthrough Physical Therapy: This new locally-owned and operated physical therapy practice on Main St. in Saco will offer patient-focused, evidence-backed rehabilitation services when they open in June.
Dirigo Hearing Center: This new audiology practice in Biddeford specializes in providing diagnostic hearing evaluations and personalized treatment plans for hearing loss. Their grand opening ribbon cutting is on May 24th.
Everest Recover Center: This new Saco-based startup is run by seasoned veterans in the substance use treatment field with a mission of providing comprehensive services for persons affected by substance use disorder.
OTTO - Biddeford: OTTO provides a unique and well-loved pizza experience at this cool new location on Elm St., with in-house dining, take-out, and delivery options available seven days a week. Their grand opening ribbon cutting is this Thursday May 18th at 4:30pm.
Recycle: This Biddeford Mill-based Spin, Movement and Meditation Studio will focus on physical and mental health. With a target opening date in early June, look for more information about the grand opening celebration to be announced soon.
The Garden Bar: This new restaurant in the Pepperell Mill lobby created by our friends at Pepperell Provisions lets you build your own salad, noodle or rice bowls with fresh & healthy ingredients.
The Nail Spa by Thao: This new nail studio at 469 Elm St. in Biddeford specializes in manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancement. Join us for the grand opening ribbon cutting celebration on May 30th.
The Spa at Saco Mills: This beautiful new spa in the 110 Main St. Mill building in Saco offers Therapeutic Massage, Couples Massage, Specialty Body Wraps, Facials and more for a uniquely rejuvenating experience.
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Monthly Member Spotlight:
Dizzy Birds Rotisserie
We enjoyed having our spring intern Colin Watt from UNE. As we congratulate him on graduating this week, here's one more member spotlight he participated in. You can read this month's spotlight feature of Tom Peacock and Dizzy Birds by CLICKING HERE
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Forgivable Loan Funding Available Again
Thrive Maine is launching a second round of forgivable recovery loan funding. The application period is May 23-June 23, 2023. Applications will be competitive (NOT first-come-first-serve) and Businesses or Non-Profits who received the first round of Thrive funding are NOT eligible to apply. Applicants must explain the remaining negative pandemic-related economic impact of at least $10,000 that has not been covered by other programs. To learn more about this opportunity and to apply, please CLICK HERE
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Oceanwood Summer Availability
It was great recently catching up recently with Ronda Ferreira at member Oceanwood Camp & Conference Center. They have many groups scheduled to come once again this summer, but she also indicated they have space available for local community groups or families as well. If you are looking for a beautiful, relaxing spot in Southern Maine for a family getaway or a group retreat, Oceanwood is just steps away from Ocean Park Beach and minutes from the OOB Pier and amusements. They have a variety of cabin and lodge options that can accommodate families and groups of all sizes. Please visit oceanwood.org for more information.
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SBA Business Basics Class on June 14th
The Chamber is excited to be hosting a class on June 14th at 9am for anyone thinking of starting a business or someone who has started one recently. Brad Currie of the SBA will be providing a high-level overview on several topics such as Paths to Business Ownership, Market Research, Economic Model of a Business, Types of Legal Entities, Where to go to Obtain a Business License, Access to Capital, SBA Guaranteed Loan Programs, Business Plans, Exporting Assistance, Selling to the Government, Disaster Assistance, and Free Advising from SBA Resource Partners. Join us for this very informative workshop to start finding out. To register for this session, please CLICK HERE
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Amtrak Summer Service to OOB
The Amtrak Downeaster’s Summer Schedule is now live! Train service to Old Orchard Beach is now available once again. Take advantage of affordable fares, on-board amenities, and dozens of destinations that connect you and your family to the people and places you love - including the beach!. For more information, please go to: https://bit.ly/Schedule2023
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Climate Change Task Force Survey
Biddeford Residents and Stakeholders: please help guide Biddeford’s Climate Action Plan. The Biddeford Climate Task Force has been working hard to create a Climate Action Plan focused on changes that will have the biggest impact. Take this Quick Survey to share your concerns about climate and how you think Biddeford should respond.
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The First Biddeford Art Walk of 2023
is THIS Friday from 5:30pm-7:30pm
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Click on the ads below for more information: |
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