Volume 4 | May 2025

Members and Friends, enjoy our May Newsletter!

Chamber News

This is your last reminder to register for our FREE WORKSHOP, held next Wednesday at Elaine's Bakery!

Small Business Workshop & Networking Open House

Learn about SBA’s loan programs, resource partners and contract opportunities

 

Presented by:  James Pineau, SBA Senior Area Manager of U.S. Small Business Administration, Maine District Office & Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce


WHERE: Elaine’s Café & Bakery 38 Main Street, Milo, Maine


Join SBA Maine and the Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce at Elaine’s Bakery & Café to celebrate National Small Business Week! Enjoy a free small business workshop where we’ll explore how the SBA supports small businesses through loan programs, business development assistance, and more. The event will include a presentation, followed by a Q&A session and an opportunity to network with fellow entrepreneurs and business leaders.


As seating is limited, registration is recommended.

 TO REGISTER FOR THIS FREE EVENT CLICK HERE


For more information or if special accommodations are required, please contact James Pineau, Senior Area Manager, at 207-450-2290 or E-Mail him HERE.

Please take a moment to complete this workforce business survey. We want Piscataquis County to be represented in decisions made for the state of Maine.

 

Member News

 

Welcome New Member!

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May Events

Here are a few of the submitted events we received for the Month of May. The Chamber is happy to promote events for our members and municipalities. Members, to submit events, please use the membership portal. Not a member?

Submit events HERE.

 
 
 
 
 


Harrigan Learning Center and Museum Opening


Harrigan Learning Center and Museum will be opening for the season

on May 18th 1pm-4pm.


May 18th - Oct 15th:

Sun. 1-4, Wed, and Sat, 10-4


Kiwanis Campus 15 Harris Pond Rd, Milo

Lydia Richard 207-478-1046

Send Email

 

Three Rivers Kiwanis

Three Rivers Kiwanis Sebec River Canoe Race


May 10th


Sebec River Canoe Race will be held May 10, 2025. Registration begins at 8:30 at the Sebec Reading Room with free coffee and donuts. The 8 mile Class 2 WW race starts at 10:00am. The race ends at Veteran's Park, Milo with free lunch and desserts. Tee shirts & drawings! $20 adults, $15 age 15 and under. Sponsored by Three Rivers Kiwanis Milo/Brownville. All proceeds go to helping area children and families.


Click HERE for more info.

Center Theatre

 


Oklahoma: The Musical


May 9th -17th



See the classic musical Oklahoma! Live on the Center Theatre stage with a cast of local all-stars and a live pit band directed by Deb Maynard. In the Oklahoma territory during the turn-of-the-century land rush, a boastful cowboy named Curly and a surly ranch hand named Jud are both in love with Laurey.


For more info click HERE

Community Fitness

 



Community Fitness will be selling plants!


May 12th - 16th


House plants, starter plants, perennials and even seeds!All plants and seeds for sale by cash donation only.


Please donate your extra plants and seeds by dropping them off on Monday May 12th.


For more info click HERE

Alzheimer’s disease and healthy brain aging discussion


Northern Light Health invites the Piscataquis County community to an update and lively conversation about the latest research on Alzheimer’s Disease and healthy brain aging.


Saturday, May 17 in Dover-Foxcroft and Greenville


The Dover-Foxcroft event will take place at 10 am at Northern Light Mayo Hospital, Sebec/Borestone Rooms, 897 West Main St.


The Greenville talk is scheduled for 1 pm at Northern Light CA Dean Hospital, Forrest Whitman Board Room, 364 Pritham Ave.

Learn about the differences between normal brain aging and mild cognitive impairment, tips on how to support your own brain health, and information on diagnoses and treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia.


There is no cost to attend, and registration is not required. For more information, please contact Julie Weidman by E-mail HERE or call 207.279.1070.

Supporting Piscataquis & Thriving Together

 


ACTION ALERT: DATA PRIVACY IS BACK! Protect retailers' ability to market themselves online responsibly. The hearing is Monday 5/5/25. Click HERE for details on the bill and how to submit testimony today.


Bills to Watch

Each week, we review the latest bills that have been flagged by the Retail Association of Maine. We are expecting upwards of 2,200 bill proposals this year.

Simply click on the Bill LD# to view details and the scheduled public hearing times.

Submit your testimony before the hearing!



Please let us know about the bills you care about.




Bills of interest discussed this week:


LD 1770 (Property Taxes) President Daughtry of Cumberland increases the maximum property tax fairness credit beginning in 2025, raising the cap from $1,500 to $2,000 for individuals under 65 and from $2,000 to $2,500 for individuals 65 and older. The bill also establishes the Real Estate Property Tax Relief Task Force to study property tax assessments and relief programs and recommend reforms, potentially including constitutional changes.

 

LD 1773 (Gift Card Fraud) Senator Harrington of York expands the definition of "retail merchandise" in organized retail theft statutes to include the theft of gift cards.


 LD 1807 (Short-Term Auto Rentals and Luxury Service Tax Expansion) Representative Skold of Portland increases the sales tax rate on short-term automobile rentals from 10% to 15% and eliminates the exemption for short-term rentals of loaner vehicles provided by car dealerships. The bill also expands the sales tax to cover new categories of luxury services. 


Let your voice be heard! For contact information for Piscataquis Representatives, State and US Senators, and the Governor's Office, click HERE.

Look out for separate advocacy emails from the chamber keeping you informed about "Bills to Watch".

Our sincere thanks to this month's Newsletter Sponsor,

Stewarts Property Management & Landscaping!