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 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.
Morning Chambers: Held on the first Thursday of every month, 7:30 – 9:00 a.m., Morning Chambers is a great opportunity for one-on-one interaction in a small group environment. The topic for each session focuses on small business education.
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.
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 2010 the price per member has been greatly reduced thanks to the sponsorship of Border Trust Co.
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 Chamber News 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. Register now for the 2010 Class which starts February 23, 2010.
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.
Cooperative Advertising – Member only opportunities to advertise at reduced rates (example: Maine Invites You, the State Travel Planner)
“Allure of the Coast CD” – 3,000 distributed to promote travel and relocation to our 16 communities.
Participation in Trade Shows – The Chamber promotes our region to the traveling public. (example: AAA Travel Marketplace.) Chamber staff also work with Maine Office of Tourism at trade shows.
Chamber Information Kiosks – in prime locations to promote the region at the
Free Advertising via Chamber Media Package – All new members can take advantage of complimentary advertisements in local publications.
Keep Maine Strong Campaign - The All members are eligible to participate for free. The campaign is to generate more commerce within the region.
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 2010. 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, 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 only 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.
Participation in Midcoast Council of Chambers –This council of Chambers, which includes participants from Brunswick to Searsport, promotes Midcoast region businesses via trade shows, a website, blog, information center kiosks and professional public relations efforts.
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.
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
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.
The Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber is a local business association that is committed to the growth and development of our members. The Chamber works collaboratively with state, regional and local groups to promote our members through economic, legislative, educational, tourist and cultural initiatives, and maintains a visible presence in all 16 of the communities we represent.