Our Local Red Cross in Action
A few weeks ago we met with Steve Thomas, who heads up the So. Maine chapter of the American Red Cross's NNE region, to learn more about the organization. Most of us know the Red Cross for the great work they do in helping to ensure an adequate blood supply, but they are also a critical first- responder organization when disaster strikes.

Soon after that meeting, we all witnessed the horrible impact that Hurricane Ian wrought in Florida and elsewhere. Since then, the Red Cross and its partners have been working tirelessly to provide food, shelter and comfort for people impacted by Ian. The NNE Region of the Red Cross has deployed 12 team members and 2 Emergency Response Vehicles from Maine to assist thousands of others from across the U.S. in relief efforts.

We were surprised to learn that for all the great work they do, the Red Cross basically receives no federal funding support; it's a donation-driven organization. You can help the Red Cross from right here in Maine by hosting a blood drive, making a corporate gift, collecting contributions through employee or customer giving programs, recruiting volunteers, or exploring other opportunities for collaboration by contacting Steve at: steven.thomas@redcross.org 
 
If you would like to make a personal donation in support of Red Cross disaster relief efforts, Hurricane Ian response, or a gift, please visit www.RedCross.org/donate and select your designation. Thank you!

Welcome New Chamber of Commerce Members This Past Month
Please help us welcome the latest new members of the Chamber:

Bin There Dump That: Bin There Dump That is Southern Maine’s favorite Residential Friendly dumpster rental service.

Checkmark Property Service: This company is a provider of a wide range of maintenance and repair services for hospitality customers and small businesses.

Hussey and Sons: This 3rd-generation general contractor located in Biddeford specializes in custom homes, renovations, and specifically historic restorations projects.

Mia Sorella's Studio Custom Furniture and Design: This business on Common St. in Saco focuses on upcycled furniture and home decor, specializing in custom and design finishes for your furniture along with design consulting services.

WOWSPACE Design: This Saco-based designer creates custom walls with murals, over-sized gallery wraps and unique accessories.

Chamber Member Spotlight:
Mobile Studio Design

This month our UNE Fall Marketing Intern Kevin Stolki visited with Jessica Jolin and the team from Mobile Studio Design to learn more about their architecture design business. Read his Member Spotlight article by clicking HERE

Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center announces 2022 Hall of Fame Winners

The Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center recently announced the fifth annual Biddeford Hall of Fame Award Winners for 2022, bringing attention once again to those who have made significant contributions to the city and/or to the world at large... including (we're especially proud to note) former Chair of our Chamber Board of Directors and Mayor Bonnie Pothier!). For more info on the award recipients click HERE

New "Hot Deals" from Robin's Confections


All of our Chamber members have access to the "Hot Deals" functionality on our website, and can offer specials or promote deals to the community at large or specifically to other Chamber members. For example, recently Robin's Confections added a couple of great new deals:

  • All Chamber members receive 20% off their purchase during the month of October

  • All kids in costume that visit Robin's Confections on Halloween get a free goodie bag (Robin's is open from 10am-6pm on October 31st)

To see the latest Hot Deals that are active on our site, visit:

If you'd like to add a Hot Deal, it's easy, just login to your membership account and upload the particulars (if you need login access, please reach out to us).

Have You Seen Sylvia Yet?

The City Theater's kick-off to their 2022/2023 season "Sylvia" debuted last weekend to rave reviews and plenty of canine-fueled laughter. The show runs through October 23rd so there is still time to get your tickets. They can be purchased online at: https://www.citytheater.org/buy-tickets/

Age Friendly Saco's Annual Volunteer and Wellness Fair on 11/5 at Thornton Academy

Age Friendly Saco is pleased to announce the return of its Annual Volunteer and Wellness Fair on Saturday, November 5th from 9:30-0001:30pm. The fair will be held at Thornton Academy in the Atrium. This is a free event, but pre-registration is required. To register please call: (207) 710-5029 or sign up at: agefriendlysaco@gmail.com. The day will start out with coffee and donuts and registrants will be able to choose to attend 2 of 3 seminars detailed here. After the seminars, a luncheon will be served in the TA Cafeteria followed by the Vendor Fair.
Biddeford Middle School 5K Run on 10/30

On October 30th, the STEM Team at Biddeford Middle School will once again host its annual spooky 5K race/walk and kids Candy K fun run (costumes are highly encouraged!). Register at: https://trst.in/h3PnvR
The THRIVE Main Program is Now Live
The Thrive Maine forgivable loan program for businesses and nonprofits that demonstrate COVID-related negative economic impacts is NOW LIVE and open for applications. This economic stimulus program will allocate $58 million to support Maine small businesses. The opening date for the first application period was October 4, 2022. Go HERE for more info on this first-come, first-served Thrive Program managed through FAME and apply asap. A second round of funding is envisioned for early 2023 as well.

Click on the ads below for more information: