Lots to Get Excited About ...
Now that the nicer weather has (kinda) arrived, the frequency of interesting events and fun activities ramps up significantly around here. There is a lot going on over the next 3-6 months for you to participate in and enjoy!

First, we always love it when our seasonal members open up again, so it's time once again to play golf/mini-golf, get some ice cream, and eat outside at one of our many awesome seasonal businesses that have recently reopened.

Secondly, there are some classic events that are returning in bigger-and-better formats this year. The Biddeford Ball will take place on April 29th - we can't wait. And plans are currently in the works for a return of the Camp Ellis Festival later this summer.

Just as exciting, we have some new events that are brewing. The Chamber is working with Blaze Brewing and others to host a "Biddeford Beach Bash" on May 27th to kick off the summer beach season with a bang - more details to come shortly. And we hear an OctoberFest is also in the works, showcasing the amazing brewery scene we have here locally, slated for later this fall.

And of course all the more familiar annual events will be happening as well: ChamberFest on July 13th, our annual Golf Tournament on Sept. 12th, the amazing schedules of music, parades and events put on by our two awesome Main St. programs Heart of Biddeford and Saco Main St. and so much more. So start getting these events on your planning calendar and give us a call if you have any questions or if you want to help with and/or promote these and other events and activities!
Welcome New Chamber of Commerce Members This Past Month
Please join us in welcoming our most recent new members:

BitOfur pet grooming - This new dog and cat grooming service located at 469 Elm St. in Biddeford strives to create a low-stress environment where furry friends leave feeling as good as they look.

Brookfield Renewable U.S. - A leading owner, operator and developer of renewable power solutions that accelerate the world towards a more sustainable future, with a Saco hydropower facility locally.

Mainely Insulation - This business specializes in home insulation and ventilation, for new or existing homes, with complete insulation capabilities from spray foam to air sealing.

Olympia Snow Women's Leadership Institute - The institute raises the confidence and aspirations of high school girls by helping them develop skills required to be leaders in their lives, families, careers, and communities.

Super Sub Shop - Under new ownership and recently renovated, this sub shop on Jefferson St. in Biddeford makes Italians, cold subs, hot subs, lobster rolls, soups and chowders, homemade meals and more, from breakfast through dinner.
Monthly Member Spotlight:
Staples Advantage

Our spring intern Colin Watt met recently with the local team from Staples Advantage. As a separate component from the Retail Store side of their business, this program provides office supplies, technology, cleaning & break room supplies, and so much more, delivered directly to your business. Learn more about how they can help you save money on many of your business purchasing needs in Colin's monthly spotlight feature by CLICKING HERE
The Biddeford Ball on April 29th

We are excited about the return of the Biddeford Ball fundraiser. After a few year's hiatus, the Ball is back and will be raising funds this year for a downtown playground. The event is being held upstairs in the Pepperell Mill and will feature many cool and memorable aspects including a fashion show! For more information on the event and to buy tickets, CLICK HERE
SBA's T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders Program

The Small Business Administration recently provided details about their 2023 Emerging Leaders program designed to provide free, comprehensive business coaching and education to CEOs of small businesses looking to take their businesses to the next level. The curriculum is taught by experienced Subject Matter Experts, and participants will have the opportunity to learn from a cohort of accomplished peers with diverse perspectives and life experiences. The T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders training series is open to small business owners and executives who have annual revenues of at least $250,000, have been in business for at least three years. There is an info session on April 27th and you can register for this webinar at: https://2023-Maine-Thrive-Recruitment.eventbrite.com.
Biddeford Art Walks Resuming Again

Biddeford Art Walks are back and better than ever! Brought to you by local arts non-profit Engine, Art Walks are free monthly events celebrating local arts and creativity. They will happen on the third Friday of the month from 5:30pm-7:30pm, starting in May and running through October. These self-guided walks lead you to some of Biddeford’s working artists, local businesses, and restaurants and cafés exhibiting local artwork. Different every time, an ArtWalk evening may include opening receptions, street performances, and visits to open studios. You can view works in progress and even participate in hands-on workshops. For more information about the Biddeford ArtWalk, CLICK HERE
Tobacco Free Maine Works

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in Maine. It's also bad for business--smoking drains nearly $1.5 billion out of Maine's economy every year due to associated health care costs and lost productivity. The Tobacco-Free Maine Works coalition is a group of business leaders who are working to educate the public and decision makers about how reducing youth tobacco use now will promote a healthier workforce for the future. That includes supporting LD 1215, legislation that would end the sale of flavored tobacco products in Maine that attract kids and start them down the path of tobacco addiction. To learn more, go to: tobaccofreemaineworks.org 

3rd Annual Seeds of Hope HERO 5K

Join in this virtual 5K in celebration of Seeds of Hope's 15th Anniversary. Their goal is to raise $15,000. Choose your day, time and location to complete your 5K on or before 6pm on Saturday, June 3rd. Walk, run, bike, row, paddle or roll your way through the 5K - it's up to you how you choose to complete it. Sign up by Wednesday, May 3rd and receive a free T-Shirt or kids HERO cape! To sign up:
Eastern Trail 5K Run on June 3rd

Join the Eastern Trail for their 6th annual John Andrews 5K Trail Run and Walk on Saturday, June 3rd.  The race begins and finishes at the end of Mill Brook Road in the Mill Brook Industrial Park in Saco. Following the race, awards will be given to top finishers in several categories. Easy and ample parking is available at Maine Molecular or Pond Cove Millwork. Complimentary race shirts will be given to anyone registering on or before Monday, May 1st. For more info and/or to register, CLICK HERE
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