The Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber's Vision is "To increase the prosperity in our region" and its Mission is "To champion the growth, success, and quality of life in our region."
Why Join the Chamber? Because of the Benefits of Membership
Chamber Sponsored Networking Events
Chamber After Hours: Held on the fourth Wednesday of every month, 5 – 7 p.m., Chamber After Hours is a powerful tool for business to business networking, in a casual, laid back environment. (Exceptions may occur due to holidays, please check the community calendar.)
Mid Day Chambers: Held on the third Thursday of every month, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Mid Day Chambers follows the format of Morning Chambers, but at an alternative time to accommodate various schedules. Co-hosted at Topsham Public Library, Foreside Rd., Topsham February through July 2011.
Educational Programs, Seminars and Events
Regional Breakfasts: Held on the second Wednesday about nine (9) times each year, 7:30 – 9:00 a.m., Chamber breakfasts feature guest speakers that are relevant to the current business climate. Check Chamber News for specifics. In 2011 the price per member has been greatly reduced thanks to the sponsorship of Border Trust Co. (Exceptions may occur to the dates, please check the community calendar.)
Seminars and Workshops: provide educational opportunities for small and large businesses alike. Topics cover areas such as Customer Service, Marketing your business, Maximizing your web site potential, Public Relations, and Presentation Skills. Check Community Calendar for specifics.
Midcoast Maine Leadership Institute: This 12-week professional leadership development program teaches key skills in areas including leadership, conflict resolution, teambuilding, negotiation, goal setting and action planning.
Promotion of Your Business
The Chamber actively focuses on promoting your business within the region, out to the world and to other Chamber members. Promotional activities include:
Website – All Chamber members receive a free listing on the Chamber website. In addition each member can add content, photos and videos at no extra charge.
Cooperative Advertising – Member only opportunities to advertise at reduced rates (example: Maine Invites You, the State Travel Planner)
Participation in Trade Shows – The Chamber promotes our region to the traveling public. (examples: AAA Travel Marketplace, Brunswick International FlyIn, Great State of Maine Air Show, other opportunities as they arise.) Chamber staff also work with Maine Office of Tourism at trade shows.
Chamber Information Kiosks – in prime locations to promote the region at the Kittery and Yarmouth State Information Centers.
Free Advertising via Chamber Media Package – All new members can take advantage of complimentary advertisements in local publications.
Keep Maine Strong Campaign - All members are eligible to participate for free. The campaign is to generate more commerce within the region and includes a website listing.
Chamber Connections Newsletter – Published ten times each year, Chamber Connections provides valuable business and community information.
Community Resource Guide – Listing only Chamber members, 15,000 guides will be distributed in 2011. A “yellow pages” for the community, this guide is distributed at Town Offices, libraries, to the public and to relocators.
“Allure of the Coast” Visitor’s Guide – 70,000 guides distributed annually. Distributed at Portland International Jetport, Amtrak Station, State, Regional and local information centers, via mail, and at local establishments, “Allure of the Coast” is a terrific marketing vehicle, available only for Chamber members.
Inquiries – The Chamber receives hundreds of inquiries from the general public annually, on items ranging from where to stay when visiting to recommendations on where to buy a car. It is the Chamber policy to first recommend Chamber businesses.
Regional Visitor Information – Chamber members can display marketing literature at the Border Trust Business Center in a comfortable and welcoming lounge at no charge. The Chamber negotiates other locations in the region for members (example, Bath and Brunswick Train Stations.)
Participation in Midcoast Council of Chambers "MC3" –This council of Chambers, which includes participants from Brunswick to Searsport, promotes Midcoast region businesses via trade shows, a website, blog, email newsletter, information center kiosks and professional public relations efforts.
A Voice in the State Legislature
Legislative Activities - The Chamber tracks, takes positions on, and testifies on pieces of legislation that most directly impact our members. For an overview of legislation we are currently tracking and acting on, visit the Legislative Issues section of this web site.
Legislative Events - The Chamber holds local candidate forums and annual meetings with state legislators, providing direct interaction between business and government.
Access to Chamber Products and Services:
Chamber BlueOptions Health Insurance: Offered to local Chamber members only, via the Maine State Chamber, Chamber BlueOptions provides cost effective insurance options for local businesses.
Complimentary membership in the Maine State Chamber – Members with 10 employees or less receive complimentary membership in the State Chamber via OneVoice, which includes their grass-roots advocacy.
Complimentary supplies of the “Allure of the Coast” Visitor’s Guide and Community Resource Directory, See Life Brochure and more.
Regional Maps at a steeply discounted member rate.
Join over the businesses and organizations in the16 communities of our region and become a part of the Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber. To join the Chamber, fill out our membership application, or contact us today at 207-725-8797. Join today and let us help you grow your business.
