Chamber Updates, Member News

& Tips for Business You Can Use

Dear Members,

Unsurprisingly, we have a lot to get through this week:

• The BBRC's official position on Question 3 along with a video guide for all eight ballot questions
• MTF updates including the After Hours kickoff event
• A message from the Maine State Chamber regarding the formation of OneLewiston.org

Those are the big ones but we don't want to diminish the items in the News & Notes as well. As always, thanks for your time and attention.

The BBRC Team

During the month of October our Executive Director, Cory King, wrote three articles published in the Times Record explaining the eight ballot questions. Links to PDF versions of those articles can be found below:

1. Part 1: Questions 5-8
2. Part 2: The Referendum Process & Question 4
3. Part 3: Questions 1-3

If you would prefer to watch a video explainer of all eight ballot questions, Cory explains them over on our YouTube channel!

Midcoast Tree Festival Updates

TREE DEADLINE: MONDAY 10AM!

Due to the loss of days last week, the State has given an extension on our Midcoast Tree Festival tree lists and license submission. We’re very thankful for their understanding and flexibility.

We do not need items in-hand on Monday, only what they are and their value. We cannot extend it one more time, Monday, 10am is your last chance!

DONATION DEADLINE: MONDAY!

We're able to extend this through the weekend. In lieu of an item, you can write a check to go towards multiple gifts, making you a Friend of the Chamber sponsor. 

If you would like to grab a last-minute tree spot or donate any item valued at $25 or more, please reach out to Cory directly. Text (207) 649-5282 or email Cory@midcoastmaine.com

We will make any last-minute sponsorships work so please bring them forward if you're interested! The sponsorship information can be found here - please note that the t-shirt sponsorship is now closed.

Finally, if you're looking for more MTF information, it can all be found on the MTF website or in our newsletter from early last week. Note that deadlines have changed (as noted above) since that publication but otherwise the information is accurate. Questions welcome!

Our November Chamber After Hours will serve as the kickoff event for the MTF at St. John's Community Center at 43 Pleasant Street in Brunswick. Join us from 4:00-5:00pm before we open the doors to the general public to get the MTF started! As always pre-registration is appreciated but not required.

Dear Valued Member of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce,

The unprecedented violence in Lewiston last week took eighteen Maine lives from us and shattered life for Maine families and businesses alike. On Sunday, faith leaders from across the spectrum called on the community to collectively join in the healing process. The Maine State Chamber of Commerce stands with this community and we encourage you and your organization to consider the following opportunities to support those households and businesses directly affected by the violence.

Last night, the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber, in coordination with Governor Janet Mills’ Administration, announced it has established OneLewiston.org with links to validated philanthropic initiatives for the region. The Mills Administration has also created a webpage, Healing Together: Supporting Victims and Families of the Tragedy in Lewiston, that is a clearinghouse for ways to support the victims, their loved ones, community organizations, and those involved in responding to the event.

Second, Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services also has created a webpage - Behavioral Health Resources for Those Affected by the Violence in Lewiston – to help connect anyone affected by the violence in Lewiston with the support they need. The webpage includes resources for children and families.

Third, those who have experience in public and/or behavioral health and wish to volunteer to support the response are encouraged to register at MaineResponds.org.

The Maine State Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce in the economic recovery going forward. We will keep you updated on resources and donation opportunities as we continue to hold everyone affected by this tragedy in our attention during this challenging period for our state and the Lewiston-Auburn community.

Sincerely,

LuAnn Ballesteros

Board Chair

Maine State Chamber of Commerce

Patrick C. Woodcock

President and CEO

Maine State Chamber of Commerce

CC: Shanna Cox, President and CEO of the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce

Events, News & Notes

November 3rd, 2023

Unlock Essential Business Skills with SCORE Maine Workshops

In their QuickBooks For Farms series, learn how to optimize your small farm's financial management, sync data across devices, and utilize QuickBooks Online. Delve into accounting principles, sales tracking, expenses, and reporting, with practical knowledge from experienced instructor Michael Fortin.

Boost your social media marketing with The Future is Short: Business Growth Through Short-Form Video. Dean Gyorgy of Hero Media will guide small business owners in leveraging short-form videos on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, helping you connect with your audience effectively and tell compelling stories.

Lastly, explore Tools to Project Your Business with Bill Webster, a Certified SCORE Mentor, to assess new products or business directions using financial projection models.

12 @ 12 at the Residence Inn, Bath

139 Richardson St, Bath, ME 04530

Join us and other local professionals for our monthly lunchtime networking session, 12 @ 12. Hosted this month at the Residence Inn in Bath, lunch is provided and attendees get five minutes to introduce themselves and their business to the group. It's a lowkey environment that we absolutely love running.

Pre-registration is required, email chamber coordinator Anthony to grab your spot!

Are you ready to take control of your health insurance and make informed decisions? Join Benefits & Beyond on November 8, 2023, from 5:30-8:00 PM at Merrymeeting Adult Ed for an empowering session on "Managing Your Health Insurance."

Health Insurance has gotten complicated. From SBCs to CPT codes, this course will equip you with how to read your explanation of benefits, shop healthcare services and more. We will end with guidance for annual open enrollment on CoverME.gov. (Virtual option available.)

Here's what you can expect:

• Insightful guidance on deciphering insurance jargon.
• Tips for maximizing your healthcare benefits.
• Strategies for managing out-of-pocket costs.
• Expert advice on finding the right healthcare.

This event is open to everyone, from beginners to those looking to fine-tune their understanding. No question is too basic or advanced!

Don't miss this opportunity to take control of your health insurance and secure your financial well-being. Secure your spot today by registering at the links below. Hurry, seats are limited!

How Do I Get There From Here - RECAP!

Last Wednesday we hosted the first in our series of workshops aimed at small business owners and entrepreneurs. Allison Hopkins, owner of Wilcox Wellness & Fitness, Raynor Large, Center Director of the SBDC at CEI, and Bill Card of the SBA presented incredibly helpful information to an audience of 15 interested ears.

All three speakers discussed the resources available to small business owners and entrepreneurs alike - to name a few:

• Coastal Enterprises Inc.
• The Women's Business Center at CEI
• Maine Small Business Development Centers
• SCORE and the SBA

We had a great turnout with around 15 interested minds and a great Q&A session filled with relevant conversation. Scroll down to see opportunities for learning and investment from SCORE and New Ventures Maine.

We want you to remember what your membership offers, programming being one piece. As we grow these programs, we would love to know what you need and want for future workshops. These are intended to help you, our business owners and members, as you grow your organizations. Don't hesitate to share ideas so we know what is helpful as we move forward and we will do what we can to make those ideas a reality!

Have a wonderful and safe weekend.

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.

2023 Cornerstone Memberships Are Still Open!

Help Sponsor All the BBRC Does in 2023

The Cornerstone Membership Program is a tiered program of support that includes 12 months of annual dues*. Cornerstone Members are recognized supporters of all chamber events/activities in a year including: The BBRC Awards Dinner, Hacker's Ball, Midcoast Tree Festival, all Chamber After Hours and more. Cornerstone members also receive a tiered marketing package for the year.

Cornerstone Member $5000

The top tier makes you our Cornerstone Member for your industry, includes 12 months of your dues, and gets you primary recognition at chamber programs and activities. There is exclusivity as only six members can be at this level, and five are spoken for at this moment. 1 remaining.

Chamber Partner $2,000

The second level, called our Chamber Partner level, gets you 12 months of your dues, secondary recognition at chambers programs and activities and is open to all.

Chamber Supporter $1000

This tertiary level of support is ideal for smaller members as this includes $400 towards your annual dues payment along with recognition at chamber events and some marketing too.

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 Residential 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