JANUARY 29, 2026 | ISSUE 4

📣 Welcome New Chamber Member: Ancestral French Soaps! 🧼🇫🇷

We’re delighted to welcome Ancestral French Soaps to the Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce! Ancestral French Soaps crafts handmade, natural soaps and bath products inspired by traditional French methods and rooted in a passion for quality, sustainability, and wellbeing.

Using thoughtfully sourced ingredients and time-honored techniques, Ancestral French Soaps offers a range of beautifully aromatic products that nourish the skin and delight the senses — perfect for everyday use or thoughtful gifting. Their commitment to craftsmanship and natural care brings a fresh, artisanal presence to the local business community.

Be sure to check out their offerings and support this new member as they grow and share their craft with Belfast and beyond!

You can find them HERE

Welcome to the Chamber — we’re glad you’re here!

CLICK HERE

to Search our Member Directory

In Our Last Newsletter...

1) Job Search

2) Events Calendar

3) Arts In The Park

Find last week's email HERE

Check the monthly calendar on our website and save the date for upcoming events in our community!

CLICK HERE!

Chamber Members - You can submit your events by logging into your

ChamberMaster account or email

chamberoffice@belfastmaine.org

Still looking for that new job? Need to know what's available in the greater Belfast area? See who's hiring!

CLICK HERE!

Chamber Members - You can submit your job postings by logging into your

ChamberMaster account or email

chamberoffice@belfastmaine.org

UPCOMING EVENTS

Arts in the Park applications are now open for artists and food vendors!

Visit our website HERE for more info.

Are you ready for an adventure that will redefine your connection with the great outdoors? Step into the new year with NatureQuest 2026, a seasonal challenge designed to elevate your sense of adventure this year.

What is NatureQuest 2026?

NatureQuest 2026 is an invitation to explore, connect, and grow within Maine's stunning landscapes. Whether you're an avid outdoor enthusiast or someone looking to embark on your first adventure, NatureQuest is your gateway to a journey filled with exploration, community, and personal triumphs.

Why join the challenge?

We believe that every NatureQuest participant is unique, and so are their aspirations. When you register, you'll have the opportunity to share your preferences and areas of experience. This will allow you to set realistic goals to push your limits this year. We'll curate suggestions throughout the seasons to align with your vision of outdoor adventure.

Diverse Adventures - From coastal wonders to mountain trails, NatureQuest covers an assortment of terrains for you to explore.
Wildlife Connection - Immerse yourself in Maine's rich biodiversity and witness the wonders of its wildlife.
Sustainable Exploration - Learn and practice eco-friendly outdoor activities, contributing to the conservation of Maine's natural resources.
Skill Development - Challenge yourself to develop new outdoor skills or build upon what you have already learned, making each adventure a step towards personal growth.
Community Spirit - Forge connections with other outdoor enthusiasts, sharing stories and experiences, making outdoor adventures even more memorable.

Four chances to win

Throughout the journey, we'll offer seasonal check-in forms to celebrate your progress. Each check-in submission enters participants into our raffle for a chance to win MDIFW logo gear and apparel each season.

Don't miss out on the chance to make NatureQuest your own. Are you ready to join the challenge?

COMMIT TO NATUREQUEST 2026

Grab your friends and join the annual Valentine’s Cookie Decorating Class at Darby’s!

Event details HERE

Belfast’s Public Gardens Topic of February Talk

On Tuesday, February 17 at noon, Belfast Garden Club volunteers will speak in the Abbott Room of the Belfast Free Library about planning and maintaining the public gardens that help to make Belfast the beautiful little city that it is. The program is free and open to the public.

Many people comment on the beautiful downtown gardens in Belfast, but may not be aware of the large team of Belfast Garden Club volunteers who participate in designing and maintaining them. For several decades volunteers have supported the city by tending gardens in public areas to help keep Belfast beautiful all year. Currently they care for thirteen different gardens. From the new pollinator garden at Wales Park to the Water Loo garden near the town wharf, the recently-renovated Post Office garden to the gardens around the library, BGC volunteer gardeners are busy planning, planting, pruning, watering, and updating gardens throughout the city.

This program will discuss where the gardens are located, how they are maintained and how they have evolved over time to include more native species and plants that attract pollinators and birds. Expect lots of great pictures of various gardens throughout the seasons, and a lively presentation by several of the volunteers who help to manage the gardens.

PUBLIC GARDEN COMMITTEE

ANNOUNCEMENTS & NEWS

Job Posting for Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity

Executive Director

Location: Belfast, Maine

Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Role:

We are seeking a dynamic and mission-driven Executive Director to lead our Habitat for Humanity of Waldo County (HFHWC) affiliate. This role is responsible for providing strategic leadership, ensuring operational excellence, and fostering strong community relationships to advance our mission of building homes, communities, and hope. HFHWC is looking for an Executive Director who can grow our affiliate to the next level of fundraising, home building and repair, and organizational growth and development. The Executive Director will supervise the manager of the Re-Store.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement the affiliate’s strategic plan, maintain compliance with Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), and stay current on regulatory and organizational changes.
Board Relations & Governance: Partner with the Board of Directors to ensure strong governance, effective committee structures, and informed decision-making.
Financial Management: Oversee budgeting, cash flow, tax compliance, and lead fundraising and grant-writing efforts.
People & Culture: Recruit, develop, and manage staff and volunteers while fostering a collaborative, mission-driven culture.
Community Engagement & Communications: Serve as the face of the affiliate, lead marketing and public relations efforts, and build strong community partnerships.

Qualifications:

Proven leadership experience in nonprofit or similar mission-driven organizations.
Strong financial acumen and experience with budgeting and fundraising.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with boards, staff, and community stakeholders.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact in your community by leading an organization dedicated to creating affordable housing and empowering families.

AND, JUST FOR FUN, CHECK OUT THIS LOCAL FEATURE THAT WABI AIRED RECENTLY......

Consider Becoming a Chamber Member!

Our Vision is that the Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce will be recognized as a major catalyst for developing a thriving and connected business community and visitor destination choice in the region.

The Mission of the Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce

is to champion a thriving business environment for its members through promotion, networking, advocacy, community partnerships and access to relevant information.

Follow the link above to find information about membership benefits and learn how we can promote you and help you achieve your goals. Your support helps us to better promote our region and businesses!