Chamber Updates, Member News

& Tips for Business You Can Use

Dear Members,

As summer shifts into full-busy mode, we're more cognizant of feeding you concise and relevant information on events and news in our area. That starts with WILLPower's next event, Speed Networking. Join us on Wednesday, June 7th at The Highlands to meet professional women in a fun, fast-paced format with the opportunity to follow-up in a casual social gathering with alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks and appetizers. Anyone identifying as a woman is welcome, BBRC membership is not required. A gift basket worth $75 from Grampa's Garden will be raffled off. Spots are limited and going quickly!

We are also getting ready to receive the 2023 Guest Guide! This year's edition is chock-full of useful information for residents and visitors alike. You'll start to see it around our region in the coming weeks - we're so excited to get it into hands!

In housekeeping news, we are prepping for invoice season. If you are a newer member, then you can expect your invoice in the same month for which you joined the chamber. But the vast majority of our members will be invoiced in July, with some going out as soon as this month. Please note that if you do receive an invoice in June, it will have a July 1st date and your due date will be July 31st. Unfortunately this continues to be a fairly manual task for us so we ask for your patience as these will go out over the course of several weeks (and likely beyond July 1 for some of you). Prompt payments are always appreciated.

Finally, you may have heard that the Brunswick Downtown Association is losing a local legend, Deb King, to retirement next week. Cory's thoughts on her impact can be found below.

Happy Friday!

The BBRC Team

From One King to Another



I had the good fortune of meeting Deb King prior to her BDA days, when we were both chamber directors in other parts of Maine. When I came to the chamber in 2016, it was sure nice to have a familiar face when I got here, and I recall having lunch that first week with her and Jake Korb (who was the Executive Director of Main Street Bath at the time) and just discussing how I hoped that the chamber and main street programs could work in tandem to help the region. 

I’m happy to say that we have done that in the years since, cooperating on ribbon cuttings, promoting each other’s events, and being there to kvetch about the struggles that only Executive Directors know. 

Deb is headed into a well-deserved retirement out west, and I just wanted to take a moment to congratulate her on the all of the accomplishments during her tenure in making the BDA and Brunswick thrive. I will miss our signature back-to-back “Two Kings of Brunswick” pose when we see each other, but also her advice on community projects, and her enthusiasm for our region.   

The BBRC is excited to work with whoever fills those big shoes, and I know that person is already set up for great success from what Deb has accomplished along with the BDA staff and volunteers. 

I hope it’s a wonderful journey ahead, my friend.

Cory

Events and Goings On

Girls on the Run 5k and End of Season Celebration

Sunday, June 4th, 7:00am - 12:00pm

Brunswick Rec Center

Girls on the Run (GOTR) is a national organization that facilitates programming for girls in 3rd through 5th grade. It inspires girls of all abilities to recognize their individual strengths, while building a sense of connection in a team setting. Volunteer coaches facilitate lessons that blend physical activity with life skill development to empower girls in their daily lives. At the end of the season all participants complete a 5k together, providing a tangible sense of accomplishment and setting a confident mindset into motion.

While this isn't a 5k that is open to the public in a traditional way, there are opportunities to volunteer if you are interested in getting involved. They are expecting 1,200 girls and their "running buddies" on Sunday morning not to mention a celebratory atmosphere! The event is headquartered at the Brunswick Rec Center with the race starting at 10am. There will be no road closures but there will be congestion around Brunswick Landing all morning.

News & Notes for June 2, 2023

Maine State Music Theater is Back!

You know summer is here when the curtain goes up at Pickard Theater! MSMT's first main stage production, Titanic, starts this Wednesday, June 7th. You can read more about the show, find tickets, and check out the rest of the schedule on their website.

Don't forget MSMT has a Concert Series and a Young Audiences series as well!

Mid Coast Hospital Earns National Accreditation As Advanced Primary Stroke Center

Brunswick, Maine – Mid Coast Hospital recently learned it has again earned re-certification by the John Commission as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center. To achieve this designation, the Center must meet rigorous standards and provide care based on best practices as defined by the Commission.



Mid Coast Hospital underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review in mid-March. A team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards including time sensitive emergency care of the stroke patient as well as best practice care for patients admitted with stroke. The reviewers also noted onsite observations and conducted interviews.

Read the full press release over on our blog.

Education Maine Looking for Automotive Technician Apprentice Applicants

Educate Maine is an intermediary sponsor of apprenticeships recognized by the Maine Department of Labor. They are working with Goodwin Chevrolet & Mazda in Brunswick to register the state's only Automotive Technician apprenticeship program, and Goodwin is actively recruiting applicants.

This is the state's ONLY Automotive Technician I registered apprenticeship program - the link to the detailed job description and application can be found here. It is intended to be a year-round, full-time position in which apprentices are paid employees of Goodwin Motors -- little/no related experience required. Opportunities to work part-time during the school period and full time within school breaks will be considered on a case-by-case basis. In completing an apprenticeship, the apprentice will receive incremental wage increases as their skills increase and a state-recognized credential of value that is transferable, stackable, valid for life, and recognized nationally. 

They are targeting recruitment of youth apprentices (ages 17-24), although there is no upper age limit. This apprentice would ideally start in June/early July. This is an incredible opportunity for students and adults alike to get into the industry!

Have a wonderful 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. 

Host an After Hours, 12 @ 12 & Cornerstone Info

Our 12 @ 12 series is a smaller gathering of local business professionals. Each participant gets lunch and five minutes to introduce themselves and their business to the group. More information and application 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