'Buy Local' This Holiday Season
One of the easiest ways to support our community is to focus your holiday spending activity locally. This idea is often referred to as "Buy Local" or "Shop Small", with a specific focus effort around the so-called "Small Business Saturday" which follows the Thanksgiving Black Friday tradition.
The article in the link below provides more background on why shopping locally is important and how it makes such a positive economic impact.

We have an idea for all of our Chamber members to consider: what if you devoted ALL of your holiday spending this year to be exclusively with businesses in our area? We can't think of businesses and people we'd rather see supported and invested in than our own right here in Biddeford & Saco!


Welcome New Chamber of Commerce Members This Past Month
Haven Veterinary Hospice & Senior Care: This veterinary specialist provides comprehensive pet hospice services and end-of-life support and care in the comfort of your own home.

Tranquil Waters Aquamation: This Biddeford-based company offers an aftercare experience honoring pet family members entrusted to our care in an environmentally responsible manner. 

Midwest Moving Company - New England: A local and interstate household goods moving company that provides full-service door-to-door packing and moving services.

Saco Bay Trails: This all-volunteer nonprofit organization is dedicated to creating and maintaining recreational trails in the Saco Bay Area.

Schooner Mini Golf: Schooner features a fantastic 18-hole mini golf course and ice cream and is an ideal group hosting venue as well, on Ocean Park Rd. in Saco. A newly renovated course is coming next year, we can't wait to check it out this Spring.

Wicked Sweet Florals: This new business located at member Robin's Confections in Biddeford specializes in everyday arrangements, holiday specials, and event florals.

Chamber Member Spotlight:
Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center

This month our UNE Fall Marketing Intern Kevin Stolki visited with the fantastic team at Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center in Biddeford to learn more about what's happening at this critical nonprofit organization this time of year. CLICK HERE to read his latest member spotlight article.

If you are looking for ways to help this holiday season, there are a couple of clothing drives happening for Seeds of Hope, one being led by local Girl Scout Troop 1161 and one sponsored by the City Theater (see below).

 SBA Overview Session on Nov. 29th

The Small Business Administration is a federal agency that helps entrepreneurs start, grow, and expand their business. They offer a variety of services and programs to help your business succeed. On November 29th at 3:30pm, they are providing a virtual workshop to share an overview of the programs and services that the SBA has to offer. Join in to learn more by registering HERE

 Monthly Chamber Marketing Tip: Be a Thought Leader to Increase Your Reach

A great and relatively inexpensive way for small businesses to expand their reach with new audiences and potential customers is to showcase their expertise in their given field by providing insights and updates and sharing those widely. Whether as whitepapers or a blog or via short videos posted online, by demonstrating your passion and knowledge you can grow interest in your line of business and services.

For a local chamber example, Tony Paradiso of E3 Solar has created his own Youtube channel that he uses to communicate about important trends shaping the energy sector. Check it out HERE

Maine Tax Portal

The State recently unveiled a new online tax management system that will make it easier, faster, and more convenient to file, pay, and manage your state taxes.

It will replace I-File, EZ-Pay, and MEETRS, which will be deactivated next year.

Learn more about the new Maine Tax Portal HERE

Christmas My Way:
A Sinatra Holiday Bash

Get in the holiday spirit this year at the City Theater with 'Ol Blue Eyes. Complete with 40 swinging hits, nothing will be silent in this night as singers serve up cool versions of Frank Sinatra standards and holiday favorites.

Christmas My Way: A Sinatra Holiday Bash runs from December 2nd through December 18th. Tickets can be purchased online at:
https://www.citytheater.org/buy-tickets/

Click on the ads below for more information: