The Way Forward
Perseverance. Resolve. Determination. These are some of the attitudes required for entrepreneurs and business leaders to forge ahead with their companies, especially in uncertain times. Having a strategic plan is important, but the ability to adjust when things don't go as planned is just as critical. To quote the inimitable Mike Tyson, "Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face."
It's been 18 months now of enduring this pandemic. None of us imagined back in March 2020 that Maine's case rate would be hovering near an all-time high a year and a half later. Covid has been a punch in the face that we've all had to rebound from and come up with creative new ways of accomplishing our goals. It's been tough, and heartbreaking for those that have battled the disease and their loved ones. But it's brought out the best in so many people too, especially those on the front lines that fight through fatigue every day to help keep us safe.
When public health experts talk about what it's going to take to get beyond this, it's very similar to the attitude I've seen time and again from our Chamber members. Members know they need to take care of their own business, but they also work to help the entire community as well whenever they can, since they know they are part of something bigger than just their own bottom line. It's something we all have in common, taking care of ourselves while looking out for others in our community.
That same spirit has been called on from a health and safety standpoint. And it's great to see how our community has responded - by doing the hard work required, with kindness and respect for all throughout this ordeal. Keep up the great work so we can all move on from this difficult period, hopefully very soon!
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Introducuing our Fall UNE Intern: Keegan Stanton-Meas
The Chamber is excited to partner once again with the UNE Intern program by welcoming Keegan Stanton-Meas, who recently joined us as our Marketing Intern. Keegan was born and raised in Portland, and is a senior on the UNE Football team. Keegan was recently nominated for the William V. Campbell Trophy for his performance on the football field, in the classroom, and through his leadership efforts. He is actively involved with numerous clubs and activities, including being a Resident Assistant, an Orientation Leader, and a member of the Best Buddies club. We are excited to have Keegan help us with our marketing and communication initiatives here!
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Welcome New Chamber Members
Please join us in welcoming the latest new members of our Chamber of Commerce:
Luscious Curves Boutique: This inviting new retail store specializes in women's clothing, shoes and accessories. The boutique is located at 116 Main St. in downtown Biddeford.
Market ME: This marketing firm brings client stories to life through print, digital and social media using words, photos, and design. Owner Laura Snyder Smith specializes in helping small businesses and nonprofits.
Nibblesford: This new cheese, wine and specialty gourmet food shop focuses on Maine-made goods and is located at 5 Washington St. in Biddeford.
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Chamber Member Spotlight: Robin's Confections
Our Marketing Intern Keegan Stanton-Meas recently had the opportunity to meet with the team at Robin's Confections and learn more about their retail business and production facility on Alfred St. in Biddeford. If you are a fan of amazing homemade chocolate products and candy, then you definitely should go check them out. CLICK HERE for the Member Spotlight recap of Keegan's interview.
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All Aboard the Pumpkin Patch Trolley
The Seashore Trolley Museum is hosting its 23rd Annual Pumpkin Patch Trolley on Friday-Sunday September 24th-26th, October 1st-3rd, and October 8th-11th. The event runs from 11am-3pm.
Guests of all ages are treated to heritage railway rides on antique trolleys, where they are delivered to the Museum’s pumpkin patch to select a pumpkin. Back at the Museum’s Visitors Center, families can paint their pumpkins and enjoy a Cookie Walk, Photo Scavenger Hunt, Craft-In-A-Bag, Festive Fall Photo Back-Drops, and more! On-site lunch service features finger-licking good BBQ by the Texas Grace Kitchen food truck.
This event has been re-imagined again this year to give families a pandemic-conscious experience. All activities will take place outdoors. Families will be socially distanced on trolleys and masks are required on the trolleys and indoors. Trolleys are disinfected before and after each ride.
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CyberSecurity Webinar on 9/20
One of the major risks that companies face these days in our highly networked environment is keeping their networks and data secure from hackers. Chamber member Volk Packaging has extended the opportunity for members to join in an upcoming webinar on this topic, slated for Monday, September 20th, at 12pm. Ande Smith from Deer Brook Consulting will lead a discussion about the challenges we all face from theft of our intellectual property, and steps comapanies can take to minimize risk. To register for this Webinar, please CLICK HERE
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Maine's Plastic Bag Ban Update
The pandemic impacted the timing and implementation of Maine's 2019 Plastic Bag ban, so for retailers and other impacted businesses, here is a quick status update of this initiative.
The law bans single-use plastic carry-out bags, and began to be enforced as of July of this year. If a single-use carry-out bag is provided, it must be a recycled paper bag. In addition, retail establishments must charge a fee of at least 5¢ per carry-out bag for recycled paper bags and any reusable carry-out bags that are made of plastic.
There are exceptions and compliance guidelines, so it's important to be well versed on law to fully understand how it may impact your operation. The DEP has put together a helpful Guidelines document, as well as an Online FAQ on this new law. Please let us know if you have any questions!
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Eastern Trail Updates & Upcoming Events
We had a chance to quickly catch-up with Jon Kachmar, Executive Director of the Eastern Trail the other day. The team continues to make great progress with closing gaps and extending the off-road sections of this pre-eminent recreational trail in Southern Maine. They have two upcoming fun events that will help fund ongoing efforts.
On October 7th, their Bonfire & Brews event will take place at Camp Ketcha in Scarborough. And on Sunday, October 17th, proceeds from the annual MEND 10K will go to the Eastern Trail. The graphic below provides more info on that 10K run/walk opportunity, we'd love to run into you there (metaphorically not physically)!:
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Join the Chamber's 5K Team on September 25th
The I Love Biddeford 5K event will take place on Saturday morning Sept. 25th, and The Chamber will have a team of at least 12 runners and walkers (as of this writing) participating this year wearing Chamber-branded shirts no less. It's not too late to register, so if you do go ahead and Sign-up to Participate, please select "The Chamber of Commerce" as your team affiliation. Hope to see you there!
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