Chamber Updates, Member News

& Tips for Business You Can Use

Dear Members,

Safe to say that this week was eclipse-mania around these parts! Regardless of if you made it to the path of totality (and survived the traffic to tell about it!), we hope you were able to take a few minutes to enjoy Monday's eclipse.

But we're moving on...four weeks! Four weeks until we're out at Brunswick Golf Club for the 12th Annual Hacker's Ball!

Our all-for-fun (with some prizes and bragging rights) Chamber golf tournament is Friday, May 10th at Brunswick Golf Club with a 9:00am Shotgun Start. We already have as many teams signed up as last year but we'd love a few more. If you've got a full team of four ready to go, great! If you are a single, double, or triple, no problem, we'll get you set-up with other teams. The registration form is on our website.

This is one of only two annual Chamber fundraising events and we've come to think of as the official welcoming of spring. Here’s a few things to know:

• We keep the prices reasonable ($100 per player, $150 per hole sponsor)
• We also have sponsorship opportunities available. With options starting at $150, there's really something for everyone. Please note that not all sponsorships are available at this point, email Anthony for details.
• There are games with prizes included: closest to the pin, longest drive (men and women), and the hole sponsor instant winner game.
• There are also a few pay-to-play games including the air cannon, putting contest and Gold Ball 50/50.
• And finally there are $20 player enhancement packs with: 1 mulligan, 1 strong, 1 rocket shot, and 1 draw from our Mystery Box.
• The field is divided into two divisions based on team handicap, and both the Golfer’s Division and Hacker’s Division have team prizes for Top Gross and Top Net.

Anthony is heading up this event so he'll have all of the answers to any questions you may have.

In other news, the first WILL Power event of 2024 is in a couple of weeks; WILLPower is our women's networking group comprised of women business leaders from the community, assisted by chamber staff. The WILL Power projects and programs are created by these business leaders to support Women In Local Leadership in Maine. Anyone identifying as a woman is welcome to attend this event at The Social Goose, BBRC membership is not required, details are below!

Finally, Cory attended a virtual roundtable focusing on newly proposed privacy legislation. There is more information below and we encourage everyone to take some time to read and understand this as it will likely affect all businesses if enacted.

Since last week's newsletter was short due to the many weather and power challenges, this week's is stacked!

Happy reading and have a great weekend!

The BBRC Team

Policy News

L.D. 1977: 'An Act to Create the Data Privacy and Protection Act'

As with a lot of legislation, the lede is sometimes buried which is why we're calling attention to L.D. 1977. Cory's column in the Times Record last week lays it out well - our concerns, and those of many other business leaders, are around the potential impact on targeted marketing for small businesses.

On Wednesday, Cory was a panelist at a virtual roundtable that included the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, HospitalityMaine, Craignair Inn by the Sea, Sea Bags, LLC, and Luke’s Lobster. You can read the full press release here and watch the recording of the discussion here.

As citizens and voters, it is our responsibility to contact our local legislators in support or in opposition of upcoming legislation. Regardless of your stance, exercise your right to let your elected officials know how new laws may affect your life and/or business. You can find information on how to contact them here.

News & Notes

April 12, 2024

Spark Cycling is turning three and we're raising money to support the Patient Assistance Fund at Midcoast Hospital's ALS Clinic, the only such clinic in the state. We're still accepting sponsors, donations, plungers, and volunteers - email info@sparkcyclingstudio.com for more information or pop over to our website.

Huge thanks to BBRC members Flight Deck, Wild Oats, Dogs at Work, and Iris Eats for sponsoring this event!

Association of Nonprofits announces Nonprofit Wages and Benefits Survey

Maine Association of Nonprofits (MANP) has announced the Maine launch of the 2024 Survey on Nonprofit Wages and Benefits. Survey results will inform the biennial Maine Nonprofit Wages and Benefits Report, which will be published in the fall of 2024, and is the only Maine-specific resource for nonprofit organizations seeking objective salary information and insights into key staffing and compensation trends.

“MANP is dedicated to providing nonprofits with tools and resources to attract and retain talent to their missions, as well as using our unique position to influence more inclusive and equitable hiring processes in the sector,” says Jennifer Hutchins, MANP’s executive director. “More than a third of our members name recruiting and retaining staff as a top challenge, not to mention the significant number of leadership transitions that are taking place.”

Read the rest of the press release on our blog.

Pre-Register for Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day is Saturday, April 27, 2024!

Our spring household hazardous waste collection day is Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The event is FREE for residents only of Bowdoin, Brunswick, and West Bath. No commercial waste or haulers are admitted. 

Pre-registration is required, so don’t delay!

Brunswick Storm Clean Up

Residential Branches/Small Trees

Additional Dates!

In response to the recent major storms, the Town is opening the Graham Road Processing Facility to Brunswick Residents on 2 additional days.

Hours of Operation will be:



Friday, April 12: 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM

Saturday, April 13: 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM

Thursday, April 18: 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM 

Friday, April 19: 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM

Saturday April 20: 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM

There will be no Fees for Brush and Tree Debris up to 18 inches in diameter, All other disposal fees will still be charged. A permit will not be required to dispose of the brush and tree debris; however proof of Brunswick residency will be required. Commercial Hauler WILL BE charged regular fees. 

The Theater Project’s Annual Auction is pivoting to an online format and is NOW LIVE! Live Auction items are listed on our website and we will reschedule our silent auction soon. The Online Live Auction will run through the ENTIRE month of April.

How It Works:

• All Live items are listed with starting bid.
• If you are interested in an item(s) please email savannah@theaterproject.com with your bid.

We will be in contact and update you via email on leading bids as they come in

• Bids will be updated on website DAILY during work hours. You can bid as many times as you wish.
• The Online Live Auction closes April 30. The Theater Project will alert you if you are the lucky winner to schedule your in person pickup in Early may.

Interested in bidding for our ONLINE LIVE AUCTION? Please contact savannah@theaterproject.com with your item and bid.

BATH HOUSING TO RECEIVE $4 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDS

Funding Enables 520 Centre Street Phase II Housing Project to Move Forward

Bath Housing Development Corporation is slated to receive $4 million in federal funds, designated for construction of 24 additional housing units at 520 Centre Street in Bath. Maine will receive $426.6 million, part of a $468.7 billion appropriations package signed by President Joe Biden in March.

These funds — from the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development bill — enable Bath Housing to expedite Phase II of the 520 Centre Street project, an important development considering the ongoing need for housing in our community. The City of Bath and Bath Iron Works supported the funding request, with both entities recognizing the critical need for housing options for area employees of BIW, schools, the downtown retail and service sectors, Mid Coast Hospital, and businesses located at Brunswick Landing. Housing is a vital economic driver and a tool in creating a healthy, growing community.

Read the full press release on our blog.

LUNCH + LEARN

Investing for Small Business Owners

Wednesday, May 1st

Facilitated by: Anastasia LaMarca, Regional Vice President with Primerica

Hosted by: Union + Co, 31 Centre St. Bath

Learn about the rules and responsibilities with the new MERIT program affecting small businesses with 5 or more employees!

Managing your financial future can be daunting -- especially when you're responsible for employees. Learn about the upcoming rules and responsibilities of the MERIT program affecting small businesses with 5 or more employees (part-time or full-time employees!).

Independent Representative Anastasia LaMarca with Primerica will go over the deadlines and the ins and outs of this new state legislation. Anastasia will also touch on the affordable options small businesses have for retirement programs for their employees AND the basics of investing: what is an IRA? What is a mutual fund? And how does compounding interest affect your investments?

Come with your questions! Bagged lunches will be provided courtesy of Primerica from KMC.

Mainebiz: SCORE Maine helped nearly 4,300 small businesses last year

"SCORE Maine helped 4,289 clients get 360 businesses off the ground and create 1,652 jobs in 2023, the nonprofit said in its latest annual report.

With more than 110 volunteers, SCORE Maine is the state's largest active mentoring organization, offering free small business mentoring for clients at all stages of the business cycle as well as online and in-person workshops. The volunteer network includes 94 mentors, 18 subject matter experts and 16 workshop presenters.

“SCORE Maine can connect you with a free, experienced business mentor who can provide you with the tools and guidance you need to succeed,” said Nancy Strojny, SCORE Maine’s assistant district director, who was honored as a Mainebiz Woman to Watch in 2017."

Read some of the success stories on the Mainebiz website.

April 12 @ 12

Bath Savings,

Brunswick Branch

Wednesday, April 17th

12:00pm - 1:30pm

What's better than (free!) lunch with 11 other local professionals and five minutes to discuss your business with all of them? It's truly one of the best programs we run!

The April12@12 Networking Lunch will be held at Bath Savings' Brunswick branch on Wednesday, April 17th.

Pre-registration is required only THREE seats are left email Anthony to grab your spot!

Yarmouth Notes

100 Days to the Clam Festival

Wednesday night we kicked off the countdown to the Yarmouth Calm Festival with a gathering at Brickyard Hollow in Yarmouth. Thanks to Kendall, Brad and the BH staff for the great food and festive atmosphere as we took over the outdoor space for a chat and a mingle with Chamber staff, Festival groups, and YCC Board members. There are so many ways you can participate with lots of traditions coming back and some great new pieces being added weekly. It’s an exciting time for sure, and we want you to be a part of it. Sponsorship packages are being finalized today and will be released next week for interested businesses. If you want to discuss how you can be involved as a volunteer, in the parade, with a food booth, as a sponsor, or anything else, e-mail Chelsie@clamfestival.com. If you want to talk chamber projects e-mail Cory at Cory@yarmouthmaine.org.

Have a great weekend!

2024 Cornerstone Memberships

Cory is booking meetings all month long for Cornerstone Membership visits. These businesses are interested in elevating their commitment with the chamber to include sponsorship of the events and programs that the chamber initiates annually.  There are three levels of Cornerstone Membership for 2024, and they include all of your dues (or most of your dues at the third level) for 12 months. 

The top level is the Cornerstone Member level ($5000 annually) which includes:

• 12 months of dues for your main and branch offices
• Industry exclusivity at this level
• Top level marketing package and mentions and chamber events and chamber programs, including: BBRC Awards Dinner, Hacker’s Ball, Chamber After Hours, 12 @ 12, and much more
• Complimentary Tickets to the BBRC Awards Dinner in March
• Cornerstones are limited to 8 industry-specific businesses only (meaning 8 businesses from 8 separate industries)

The second level is the Chamber Partner level ($2000 annually) which includes:

• 12 months of dues for your main and branch offices
• Secondary level marketing package and mentions at chamber events and chamber programs, including: BBRC Awards Dinner, Hacker’s Ball, monthly Chamber After Hours, monthly 12 @ 12, and much more
• Complimentary Tickets to the BBRC Awards Dinner in March
• There is no industry exclusivity or limited amount of spots at this level- we will accept as many businesses who want to join us at this level

The third level is the Chamber Supporter level ($1000 annually) which includes:

• $400 dues voucher towards 12 months of dues
• Tertiary level marketing package and mentions at chamber events and chamber programs, including: BBRC Awards Dinner, Hacker’s Ball, monthly Chamber After Hours, monthly 12 @ 12, and much more
• Complimentary Ticket to the BBRC Awards Dinner in March
• We will accept as many businesses who want to join us at this level

For the full package, see the listing below. E-mail Cory (or call) if you're interested! Even if you’re not sure he can lay out the 2024 plan and talk about how your business or organization may fit a Cornerstone Membership.  

Chamber Works Program Updates

We wanted to again highlight some very exciting news about our workforce programs.

If your business is interested meeting students and showcasing your careers through:

• Work-Study Internships
• Job Shadows
• Career Bus Tours
• In-School Chats

…then we would love for you to take 5 minutes now to sign up. There are two ways to sign up and/or get more information...



If you're ready to register to be considered for either career bus tours or work-study internship programs, please fill out the following forms and e-mail them back to Anthony or Cory.

If you want to get more information on any of the four programs, or you want to sign up for the In School Chats, or Job Shadows program, please fill out this direct contact survey, it won't take more than a couple of minutes.

Brunswick Landing Neighborhood News

We’re thrilled to announce launch of Brunswick Landing Neighborhood News, a new publication of the BBRC focusing on Brunswick Landing events and business updates, news from MRRA, and infrastructure information. It is intended to both highlight things happening on Brunswick Landing, and to share information that is highly-impactful to Brunswick Landing businesses.

Please note that this is a separate newsletter from the weekly Chamber newsletter. If you would like to be included, you must sign up using this link.

Anyone is welcome to sign up however submissions will be limited to BL businesses and BL news with very few exceptions. Feel free to submit anything you think may be relevant but we will be the final arbiters of what is included. That said, your submission could very well end up in our regular Chamber newsletter. 

After Hours, 12 @ 12, & Cornerstone Info

Chamber After Hours hosts get the chance to show off their space to 60-80 attendees and educated them on their organization. While we are fully booked for the remainder of 2023, we're always happy to secure hosts for 2024. More information and application can be found below.

The BBRC News & Notes are generously sponsored by

Our 2023 Cornerstone Banking Member: 

The BBRC News & Notes are generously sponsored by

Our 2023 Cornerstone Commercial Real Estate Member: 

The BBRC News & Notes are generously sponsored by

Our 2023 Cornerstone Healthcare Member: 

The BBRC News & Notes are generously sponsored by

Our 2023 Cornerstone Automotive Sales Member: 

Darling's Brunswick Ford