The first annual Maine Made show will be held Saturday, September 8th 2012 at the Samoset Resort in Rockport. Maine Made 2012 will be a consumer show featuring Maine foods, furniture makers, small manufacturers, artists, artisans, and more. Created through a collaboration between the Maine Food Producers Alliance and the Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce, the show is intended to increase awareness of the desirability of shopping locally and will showcase the quality and the variety of our Maine producers. Since the show will take place during one of the region’s busiest tourism months, we project a large attendance. Sponsored by Eaton-Peabody and Bangor Savings Bank, and with a strong media partner in Down East Magazine, and additional support from the Maine Department of Economic & Community Development, we anticipate that this will be the broadest showcase of Maine-made products in the midcoast this year!
Please help us spread the word and come join us at the Samoset Resort on the Saturday following Labor Day. For more information, call Karen at the Pen Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce, 236-4404, or email Karen@penbaychamber.com.
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
ADDRESSING MAINE’S HEALTH WORKFORCE NEEDS AT THE REGIONAL LEVEL
Purpose
Meet and network on a regional basis
- Receive an update on health workforce initiatives at the state and regional level
- Identify and discuss health workforce data and employer health workforce needs
- Identify and discuss barriers for students and workers to receive training
- Develop strategies and determine next action steps
Who
Healthcare professionals and employers, policymakers, educators, economic developers, labor and employment specialists and anyone involved in training, hiring or employing health professionals
When and Where
Pick the location and date that work best for you read more
October 3, 2012 – 12:30 – 4:30 pm, USM Lewiston Auburn College, Lewiston
October 12, 2012 – 12:30 – 4:30 pm, University of Maine, Machias and Washington County Community College, Calais
October 16, 2012 – 12:30 – 4:30 pm, Husson University, Bangor
November 8, 2012 – 9:00 am – 12:30 pm, Northern Maine Community College, Presque Isle and University of Maine, Fort Kent
November 27, 2012 – 12:30 – 4:30 pm, University of Southern Maine, Portland
November 29, 2012 – 12:30 – 4:30 pm, Rockland Public Library, Rockland
There is no charge for these events. Registration is required.
Questions? Contact: Sally Sutton, Maine Health Workforce Forum, ssutton@usm.maine.edu, 207-228-8158
Registration is now open for Top Gun Prep, an online course developed by the Maine Center for Entrepreneurial Development, the Target Technology Incubator and the Foster Center for Student Innovation. Top Gun Prep enables any Maine entrepreneur to learn how to dramatically increase speed and decrease risk building their startup. Beginning September 19th, weekly webinars and interactive discussions will focus on topics including Customer Development, Revenue Streams and Business Model Innovation.
Participants will use the latest textbook of Silicon Valley’s top entrepreneurship educator Steve Blank, carefully chosen selections from the very best free Internet resources for entrepreneurs and the world-class, Maine-grown techniques of Innovation Engineering®. Online interactions will be supplemented by several planned face-to-face networking events.
The course is particularly well suited for entrepreneurs building scalable innovation-based companies, but 75% of the Top Gun Prep curriculum is also helpful to entrepreneurs building small or micro-enterprises. The content will combine important basics with advanced concepts. College students contemplating entrepreneurship will get a great start, while more experienced entrepreneurs will be connected with some of the leading edge thinking on how to build large, successful, groundbreaking companies. The cost for the course is $300.
The highly selective Top Gun Maine program will accept about 20 companies, largely from the Top Gun Prep graduates, for intensive mentoring and coaching beginning January 2013.
To learn more or to register for Top Gun Prep click here or visit www.topgunmaine.biz.
Don Gooding
Executive Director, Maine Center for Entrepreneurial Development
http://www.linkedin.com/in/dongooding (c) 207.460.1755 Skype don.gooding58
Would you like to be the lucky winner of a 2012 Yamaha Rhino Model # YXR7FBGR ATV courtesy of Newport Motorsports? It’s as easy as hitting a hole-in-one at this year’s Sebasticook Golf Scramble sponsored by the Sebasticook Valley Chamber of Commerce and Sebasticook Family Doctors.
Now maybe that is slightly easier said than done, but you don’t have a chance if you don’t play. Teams are lining up for the opportunity, but there is still room for more.
The representatives at Newport Motorsports generously offered to support the gift of a 2012 ATV “if” anyone is lucky enough to score a hole-in-one at this year’s Saturday, Sept. 8, 18-hole event! Registration starts at 9 a.m. followed by a 10 a.m. shotgun start. The event will be held at the Palmyra Golf Course and Campground using the Scheid System for scoring.
Sebasticook Family Doctors is partnering with the Chamber this year to raise funds to supplement its new dental program offered to all ages. The SFD staff with offices in five communities in the region (Canaan, Dexter, Dover-Foxcroft, Pittsfield, Newport) works with families for medical and dental care at all income levels.
Among our top sponsors this year are Peoples United Bank and Sebasticook Valley Federal Credit Union. Teams will be sponsored by Bowman Constructors, Acheron Engineering, SymQuest, Newport Industrial Fabrication, Verizon Wireless, Skowhegan Savings Bank, Henry Schein, Somatex and Bud’s Shop N’Save to date, while others are lining up their players. Businesses sponsoring tee signs for this year’s event includes Miller Signs and Graphics, Bud’s Shop N’ Save, Maine Highlands Federal Credit Union, Anglers Restaurant, Healthy SV, Newport Eye Care, Linda Lougee, Snowman Printing, United Insurance-Lehr Agency, Bowman Brothers, Cookson’s Collision Center, Muffler King, Law Office of Michael A. Wiers and Kelly-Smith Printing with others yet to be confirmed.
Anyone interested in supporting the Chamber or SFD’s programs by sponsoring or participating in a team is urged to contact the Chamber at 368-4698 or by email at info@ourchamber.org.
Contributions for team prizes and raffle items are also needed. A donation could be a great promotion for your business with a new product or service.
A buffet lunch will once again be prepared by Joanne Whitney and Autumn Seaney from the Baker’s Table of Corinna, a business that also is a new Chamber member.
For the second year, the Sebasticook Chamber accepted the invitation of Landscape Photographer Doug Spalding of St. Albans, to attend a “PizzA-More’ ” party at his home, and prepared on his outdoor, wood-fired pizza oven. We entertained a capacity crowd for this now annual event and also welcomed State Treasurer Bruce Poliquin as our guest speaker. Bruce advised us on the variety of cost saving measures implemented or planned in the LePage Administration.
While this is annually intended as a board event, the invitation list is opened up when select board members are unable to attend. There is no shortage of attendees thanks to Doug’s unique preparation and style, and obviously welcoming atmosphere. To say, ” a good time was had by all” is in no way a cliche’.
This year, it also was the occasion for the board to honor retiring Executive Director Brenda Seekins with a retirement cake, a gift and a show of appreciation for nearly three years of service to the Chamber. She will be leaving her position in early September when a new director is chosen.
Check out a few pictures from our events snapped by former board member Linda Miller in our photo gallery.
The Sebasticook Valley Chamber of Commerce welcomed several new members to its ranks this year. The latest of these is a 50-year-old Maine-based family business planning a Grand Re-Opening beginning July 26.
R.H. Foster Energy purchased the former Valero convenience store located on Elm Streetin March of 2011. The acquisition complemented their other convenience-store in town, Newport On The Run located on Moosehead Trail.
The new site, now called Newport Foster’s then underwent a yearlong transition as the interior was remodeled to accommodate a Freshie’s Deli, a new food presentation, a multi-flavor fountain soda unit, an expanded coffee bar and Fosty’s Fridge Beer Cave.
Today Newport Foster’s provides the customer with a variety of fuels including Apex Gasoline, Diesel, Kerosene, Propane and Heating Oil. A Waste Dumping Station is also available for those campers on the go.
Inside the store you’ll find an assortment of Groceries, Lottery Services, an ATM and their “Fast, Fresh & Friendly” Freshie’s Deli serving “delicious” Pizza.
You’re invited to join the Chamber at a ribbon-cutting for the Grand Re-Opening of Newport Foster’s as part of a three-day Grand Opening event on July 26, 27 & 28. Stop in and celebrate with Food, Games, Prizes & Lots of Fun!
A complete list of the new members of your local Chamber is included on our website at www.ourchamber.org
Shop local, Buy Local, support your Chamber members.
If you missed the Chamber’s First Cash Mob, we visited with Bill Pelkey at The Dog House Drive-In on Route 7 in Newport on July 10. What a great time with great food and great company! We like to think we gave Bill’s business a boost, possibly doubling his attendance for his weekly Classic Car Cruise-In on Tuesdays. And we know we introduced some great food to a few Chamber members who hadn’t yet tried Bill’s classic fare.
Check out the photos on our Facebook page and in our Gallery, too.
For six years, the Sebasticook Valley Chamber of Commerce has hosted its “united” fundraiser inPalmyra, but for 2012 that venue will change to the Moosehead Trail Motor Lodge, Route 7 in Dexter, on Nov. 3.
Over the six years, the combined effort of several non-profit agencies collaborating with the Chamber has returned about $78,000 in funding to the region. This year’s effort will include Sebasticook Family Doctors (dental program), the Sebasticook Valley FCU’s Ending Hunger inMaine, the Corinna Bicentennial Committee, CRD Warriors (Corinna athletic team),NewportCulturalCenter’s Friends of the Library, Newport Woman’s Club (scholarship fund), Stetson Historical Society,HartlandConsolidated School’s Teachers-on-the-Run and thePalmyraCommunity Center.
These groups will be gathering sponsorship ads and auction donations that are presented in “the party you don’t want to miss!” annually on the first Saturday in November for the largest fundraiser of its kind in centralMaine.
The corporate sponsor for the event in recent years is Skowhegan Savings Bank, and will be again this year.
The application period for Sparkle participants has ended and the kick-off committee meeting for planning was held Tuesday, June 19. Area businesses who have supported Sparkle in the past can expect to hear from committee members as they begin soliciting for donations. New sponsors are always welcome and will be sought out to help support the effort.
Annually several businesses have donated food products for the hors d’oeuvres and a caterer will be selected soon. Sponsorship ads can range from $50 for a simple listing to a $500 page in the program booklet. All proceeds are shared between the Chamber and the participating non-profits, with the largest portion shared equally among the smaller groups. Lastly, each group is expected to sell a designated number of tickets to the event, at $35 per person or $60 for a couple. Early ticket buyers are entered into a drawing for a free ticket to next year’s event.
The Chamber’s Steering Committee recently visited the Moosehead Trail Motor Lodge for a very successful Business After Hours hosted by the Lodge.
For more information on Sparkle, any Chamber event or membership, please visit the Chamber website at www.ourchamber.org or friend them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.
Checkout our newest campaign here: http://myemail.constantcontact.com/A-special-request-from-Sebasticook-Valley-Chamber-of-Commerce.html?soid=1102909337069&aid=o_wm4PBrG84
or on Facebook, too.
The Chamber has been fortunate to welcome several new members since the beginning of the year and we need to take time to welcome and introduce them to you.
Among our newest members are:
R.H. Foster’s Newport Apex at 81 Elm St. is our newest member this year. They recently completed a renovation at their Elm St. facility and will host a ribbon cutting and grand opening at 3 p.m. Thursday, July 26. We hope more Chamber members will join us to welcome them to the Chamber and celebrate the changes at the store. If you stop in say hi to Manager Jennifer Boyd who is coordinating events and made arrangements for their Chamber membership. You can find them on line at www.findafosters.com or www.rhfoster.com or by phone at 368-4324.
The Advertising Specialists of Maine, Inc., of Bangor, have long been a supplier for some of the Chamber’s logo items for various events. They recently joined our ranks as a supporting member as well. They supply promotional products such as cups, shirts, bags and a variety of business logo items to promote businesses You’ll want to welcome Stephani Berkey to membership if you call. They can be reached at 990-6022 or at www.tasom.com
Aberdeen Stove & Chimney Co. is also Aberdeen Fence & Landscape Design Company located at 735 Hammond St., Bangor, with Ken Crump as the contact. Ken was doing some work in the area and dropped in for some information. He found himself participating in the May Chamber Trade Show and joining the Chamber. He can be reached at 941-2128 or at Aberdeencompany@aol.com with a web address of www.AberdeenCompany.webs.com
Simply Said is a national company selling vinyl lettering for homes & businesses individually or on a party plan. Local consultant Kathryn Ladd participated in the May Trade Show in Dexter. She can be reached at 944-6948 or by email katieladd04@yahoo.com. Visit her website at www.mysimplysaiddesigns.com/900 to see the many items available.
Penobscot Executive Search, LLC is a national executive search firm based in Dexter, specializing in recruiting and placement. President Paul Mosley visited with the Chamber at the May Trade Show and found himself a new member. He can be reached at paul@penobscotsearch.com and at 270-6070
The Baker’s Table is located on Route 7,44 Newport Road in Corinna, a bakery operated by Autumn Seaney and Joanne Whitney. The duo catered our last Golf Scramble and are looking forward to do it again Sept. 8 at the Palmyra Golf Course and Campground. If you haven’t yet tried their great food, you’ll want to and may get to with some other upcoming Chamber events. They can be reached at 278-2253.
Spring Street Greenhouse, Route 7 in Dexter, joined out ranks this year. Tim and Wendy Underhill donated the centerpieces this year for our Annual Banquet and Awards in February; perhaps you were one of the lucky winners that got to take home a beautiful arrangement in a Bangor Savings Bank mug provided by our sponsors. Tim and Wendy are “Your Extra Touch Florist!” Check them out at www.springstreetgreenhouseandfloral.com or give them a call at 924-7102.
The next member we welcome to our office on a monthly basis. Pat Murphy of Guardian Accounting Services also serves as accountant to the Chamber, updating our books and reports before each board meeting. She can provide similar services for your business or organization or perhaps just that helping hand you need occasionally with your accounting. She is recognized as a QuickBooks expert and from this vantage point, she knows her business well. Give her a call at 938-3473 or reach her by email at patmurphy@tds.net. She is located in St. Albans at 118 Corinna Road.
The next member to join our forces does so with mouthwateringly good food at Vittles at 107 Main St., in Pittsfield. Bob Phelan is recognized for a decidedly different menu “that offers healthful alternatives, prepared fresh.” Vittles also provides catering for many local businesses, organizations and individuals. They can be reached at 487-8181 or by email at vittlesrestaurant@roadrunner.com Their website is still pending.
The board recently welcomed Adam Temple and the Plymouth Store to Chamber membership. The Plymouth Store is THE store at the intersection of Routes 7 and 69 in Plymouth center, a well-known stop along the Moosehead Trail for many years. Known as the local convenience store, Adam also offers a cafe, pawn shop and self-storage. He cane reach at 257-2134 or by email at adamtemple@gmail.com
The latest member to be welcomed to the Chamber is Ashley Dupont, a Massage Therapist you may have met at our spring Trade Show in May. She not only offers massage services, but is also a talented artist. Some of her paintings also were displayed at her booth, that she shared with her mother’s business Moosehead Trail Boarding Kennel. Ashley can be reached at 416-5635 or by email at nrogcairndu@hotmail.com or you can also check her out at www.artfulglidings.massagetherapy.com and find her artwork at www.FineArtAmerica.com
We hope in the Chamber spirit you will frequent our newest Chamber members and try their services, and let them know you learned about their membership here on the Chamber website. The stop back at the website next month, when three more new members will be added to the rolls!!
Check out the activity at this year’s Chamber Trade Show & Community Fair.
You may remember that admission was a donation to the Dexter Community Food Closet that resulted in several boxes of donated food products as well as a $250 check.
We try to keep you up-to-date with Chamber and local events through our website, but you should also check us out at Facebook…http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sebasticook-Valley-Chamber-of-Commerce/165660120110861
