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Dear Members,
Spring is springing and everyone seems to be ramping up for a busy spring and summer- we are too. This piece is a little long, but very important for the future of our organization, so do take a moment to read it…thanks.
As I’ve said before, the two biggest reasons for our countless successes over the last 12-18 months comes down to Brittany and Anthony. They are absolute rock stars for our organization. Their employment is made possible by dues, sponsorships and funding we earn through our chamber programming- we are so grateful to all of you for your continued support. Investing those funds into these two employees is what has elevated us from a good one-person shop to a thriving chamber.
With that, our programming and efforts have been noticed by others.
Three months ago, the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce approached us about the viability of combining efforts. Our BBRC Board, led by the Executive Team, considered the idea and agreed to pursue a management agreement. Over a 6-8 week period earlier this year, the two Executive teams worked on the terms of the agreement while I gathered stakeholder feedback.
We’ve signed a six-month agreement with a one-time optional six-month extension- in short, the BBRC will manage the YCC director’s duties for the next 6-12 months. The BBRC will receive a monthly fee for this service and we will introduce some of our successful programming to the YCC members. This work will help us determine if the partnership feels like a potential long-term commitment... I suppose you could say we've entered the dating phase.
What does that mean for you? Many positive things.
The biggest is that Anthony Jamison has been promoted from the Chamber Coordinator role to the BBRC’s Assistant Director, taking over many of the day-to-day operations and communications of the BBRC on a full-time basis. Anthony is an absolute treasure for our organization and I have full faith in his abilities to lead many of our programs.
This does NOT mean that I’m going anywhere. As I’m building bridges to the Yarmouth community, I‘m also expanding your potential customers, clients and business base. You will see some invitations to Yarmouth events and we will invite YCC members to some of our events. This greatly expands our reach and our connections, and ultimately gives us an even stronger voice on regional and statewide issues.
It should be noted that the agreement is for 16 hours of work per week- the remaining hours are dedicated to helping Anthony and Brittany continue to create outstanding programs and events that meet your needs. Though you will begin to see an additional title for me (YCC Managing Director) you should know the contract is a management agreement between the BBRC and the YCC, not between the YCC and Cory King (although I will be the primary person in Yarmouth). The BBRC load may be carried by any combination of me, Anthony or Brittany on certain weeks. I've successfully helped grow two chambers in my career, I know how to do this work and am excited to lead that effort.
Anthony’s promotion also means that rather than working as much as I did on day-to-day operations, I will have time for more business drop-ins (with and without Anthony) and I will be able to represent more of our needs at regional initiatives on housing, childcare and more. There is a high likelihood that many of you will see me out and about even more, and of course Anthony and I will continue to tackle many projects and programs together. Handing over some responsibilities to staff and committees is necessary part of growth; it's exciting to take on new efforts!
As I stated above, none of this is possible without your continued support. That means jumping on a committee to help Anthony on projects, and continuing the financial support that keeps the best chamber staff in the State rolling along.
This is a very positive change for us! If you have any questions, comments or concerns, I am here for that. Reach out to me directly at cory@midcoastmaine.com.
Thanks,
Cory
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