In addition to the Officers and Board of Directors there are many talented business people serving on Committees of the Chamber. These are the people that help run the Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber:
The Executive Committee is composed of the Officers of the Board of Directors, the immediate past Chairman of the Board of Directors, two other members and the President/Executive Director of the Chamber. The committee develops and provides management and policy recommendations to the Board of Directors and staff. It sets the monthly meeting agenda for the Board of Directors. The committee also acts on behalf of the Board between monthly meetings, if necessary. For 2008 Charles Schuman (Financial Consultant with Wachovia Securities) chairs the committee, which meets monthly.
The Marketing Committee oversees the communications and promotion activities of the the Midcoast Region emphasizing the diversity of the area, its retail shops, stores, historical and recreation areas, overnight accommodations and restaurants. It ensures that proper promotional materials are made available and widely disseminated at the Chamber's Seasonal Information Center, Chamber office and other outlets such as the State Information Centers. For 2008 this committee is chaired by Steve Van Rensselaer (Atlantic Regional Federal Credit Union). The Committee meets the last Wednesday of each month, 8 - 9 a.m., Border Trust Business Center, Topsham.
The Government Liaison Committee establishes and ensures open and regular communications between government officials at the state and local level and the business community through the Chamber of Commerce. The committee screens public issues for possible Chamber involvement and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors. It keeps the Chamber membership apprised of legislation, laws, ordinances and rulings that might affect them and their businesses. For 2008 this committee is chaired by Chuck Kincer (Kincer Funeral Home). The Committee meets the first Thursday of each month, 8 - 9 a.m. at Border Trust Business Center, Topsham.
The Membership Committee recruits new members and retains existing members. It develops procedures and products to highlight the benefits of Chamber membership. The committee also coordinates networking activities. For 2008 this committee is chaired by Deborah Miller (Ethan Allen). The committee meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month, 8 - 9 a.m., at Border Trust Business Center, Topsham.
The Finance Committee reviews on a periodic basis the financial condition of the Chamber of Commerce. It also contributes guidance for the creation of the annual budget. For 2008 Earl Harvey (Border Trust)chairs this committee. It meets as needed.
The Fundraising Committee is charged with the task of brainstorming and reviewing proposals for non-dues revenue streams that may include but are not limited to products, services,and strategic alliances. These non-dues revenue streams should be assessed primarily for income stream, benefit to the members, and Chamber liability. The Chamber's annual fundraiser is June 27, 2008. For 2008 Stacey Chenevert (Norton Insurance) chairs this committee. The Committee meets as needed.
The Military Community Council maintains an open line of communication with Naval Air Station Brunswick in order to build rapport and mutual understanding and address issues before they become problems. The council honors an individual whose activities have served to build upon the close relationship existing between the civilian and military components of the region. The award is named in honor of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, Civil War General, Governor of the State of Maine, President of Bowdoin College, and active participant in town affairs. The Chamber's immediate past Chairman and the Commanding Officer of NASB lead this committee which meets at least twice each year.
The Midcoast Education Outreach Program oversees the Chamber's Midcoast Maine Leadership Institute, Junior Achievement of Midcoast Maine (Junior Achievement of Maine), workshops and breakfasts and Morning Chambers programs. The Chamber supports excellence in education and the afore mentioned programs are designed to serve both its members and the communities of which they are a part. The commitment to education is expressed by "We Thrive by Learning." For 2008, Dennis Unger (University College Bath/Brunswick) chairs this committee. It meets five times each year.
Looking to get involved? Joint a committee! The Chamber welcomes new participants on all of our committees. Committees meet once a month at regularly scheduled times. You’ll meet new people, network, and use your business skills when you participate in a Chamber committee. For more information, contact the Chamber at 207-725-8797