Hurricane Sandy , Camp Ellis, Ferry Beach – Our Future

Hurricane Sandy , Camp Ellis, Ferry Beach –Our Future

Having grown up in Ferry Beach-Saco, I can’t help but think back to all the storms and erosion I have seen in my lifetime.  If you travel to the breakwater in Camp Ellis and arrive at low tide, you will still see piping inside the small arm that was built off the main breakwater.  Some of that piping belonged to my grandparent’s home.  Today at high tide it is more than 10 feet deep at that spot.  That is a historical accounting to help you realize how much erosion has taken place in the last 50 years. 

The City of Saco has painstakingly repaired roads, removed debris, sandbagged and barricaded for years.  Surf Street that travels along the beach through Ferry Beach was a popular road used to catch a beautiful view of Saco Bay.  Now it is walkable at best and “Sandy” did her best to do damage once more.

The point for bringing this issue up is that we need to enter into a serious discussion.  What are we going to do to minimize future damage while at the same time, capitalize on encouraging visitors to come to our beaches-especially Camp Ellis and Ferry Beach?  For many years, the Army Corps of Engineers have studied and studied and studied the erosion problem.  They have built scale models and can show how the wave action impacts the coast.  The latest conclusion is to build a rock structure that runs parallel to the beach.  In theory, this structure would slow down the wave velocity before it hit the shoreline and create a water flow that would swirl the sand in behind the structure and replenish the beach.  Of course, this comes with costs such as building the structure, which may be absorbed by the Army Corps via Federal funding and long term costs of maintenance that would fall on the City. Other costs could include buying up some property in order to create a barrier between the ocean and the taxable properties. I know I am barely scratching the surface of this complex issue but I think you see the picture.

The City has received a report from Charles Lawton of Planning Decisions that makes three suggestions. Greatly paraphrasing, the three solutions are: do nothing, do something or accept the Army corps suggestions.  Here is a link to the report so you can read it:  http://www.sacomaine.org/archives/campellisfiles/camp_ellis_fiscal_impact_analysis.pdf  

For this article, let’s chose to do what the Army Corps suggested.  Let’s get the breakwater built, let’s add dredging the river and replenishing the sand so we get a head start on rebuilding the beach and let’s get public works down on the beach picking up rocks and debris, rebuilding rock walls and making Surf Street safe for pedestrians.

Here is where the Chamber plays a role.  Soon, the Chamber, the two cities, Saco Spirit, Heart of Biddeford and Biddeford Saco Area Economic Development Corporation will be unveiling and implementing a new regional brand.  Better stated- a new positive community image that will be used to promote economic development as well as renewed community pride.  This brand will be used by the Chamber as we develop new marketing materials to encourage visitors to come to our beautiful region.  We will capitalize on our participation in Maine Beaches Association and get our materials in front of over 100,000 individuals attending 8 tourism trade shows between Montreal Canada and Philadelphia.  We can work with the City of Saco to create incentives for start up businesses –even if they are seasonal.  The Chamber can invest in kiosks around town and at the Camp Ellis Pier that will have maps and brochures identifying businesses and beautiful sights.  We can promote the Eastern Trail and encourage people to bike and walk to the beach to ease some traffic burden.  We can promote Biddeford-Saco on the trains and buses. The cities will also be launching a wayfinding project with unique signage connecting the cities and promoting great places, like our beaches, to visit.   The Chamber will encourage people to visit Ferry Beach State Park and enjoy one of the most unique State Parks in Maine-one where you can walk wooded trails on one side of the street and then walk safely through a tunnel under Seaside Ave. onto a beautiful relaxing beach.

I think you see my point.  By taking a positive approach and recognizing that all our businesses need customers and investing in one of our greatest assets- beaches. We can encourage growth and prosperity in Biddeford-Saco. We can increase business which will help spread out tax revenues across a larger population.  This action is long over-due.  We cannot sit back and watch such a productive and beautiful area wash away.  Let’s find a path to accomplish this goal. 

Best,
Craig A. Pendleton

Biddeford-Saco Water Company merges with Maine Water

It has been announced that Biddeford-Saco Water Company will merge with Maine Water. Naturally, a significant announcement like this has raised some questions in the community. Biddeford-Saco Water Co. is a privately owned company that has been around for 100 plus years. They have provided excellent service and maintain a very critical water infrastructure in our cities. Growing needs for operating capital to maintain and upgrade our water system led to the decision to partner with Maine Water. With this area poised to benefit from increased economic development, the merger appears to be prudent, and the result of careful planning.

Representatives of Maine Water stopped by the Chamber to introduce themselves. Jerry Mansfield of Biddeford-Saco Water Company also joined us in a conversation.

It was interesting to find out that Maine Water has operated in several municipalities in Maine for over 100 years. We discussed some core issues I would like to share with you.

1. Maine Water operates with focus on customers, communities, employees and the environment.      
2. There will be no loss of local existing jobs as this merger takes place. The local office will remain open, and it will be business as usual.
3.  Biddeford-Saco Water Co. had planned to file for a rate increase in 2012, but thanks to this agreement that request will be delayed until 2013, and maybe even 2014.
4. As always and unfortunately, some feel compelled to spread misinformation. The rumor mill has incorrectly suggested that Connecticut Water, which owns Maine Water, is somehow connected to Nestle’s Corporation, and that they will deplete our water resources and leave town. Simply not true. In fact: the Charter for the Biddeford-Saco Water Company states that the use of the Saco River is specifically for public water usage to the communities it serves. It specifically does not allow for water bottling or non-public usage. 

The Chamber will continue to be engaged with Maine Water and Biddeford-Saco Water Company and will keep our communities’ interests front and center. I am grateful to both companies for proactively reaching out and emphasizing that they consider the Chamber to be a working partner, particularly as we pursue a common goal, robust economic expansion in Biddeford-Saco.

Generosity ...

As I was driving home from the Chamber’s 8th Annual Business and Employment Expo,

I was feeling very happy and rewarded.  As I sometimes do, I wondered what was behind this good feeling and it came to me- generosity.  Biddeford-Saco has a wealth of generosity.  I am exposed to it every day at the Chamber. Our members have donated goods and services; they volunteer their time, skills and knowledge; and they do it in good times and when things are a bit grey and cloudy.

Generosity is a core value that I hope will prevail as we begin the branding project scheduled for October 2, 3 and 4.  Generosity is something that doesn’t need to be politically correct, Democrat or Republican, poor or affluent, English, French, Irish Greek or any other category we could list.  Generosity comes from the heart. It stems from a belief that giving, so that others can enjoy and benefit, brings more goodness than any amount of money ever could.

At the Expo, we saw generosity at its best.  Over 80 businesses participated in making this year’s event a success.  Everyone welcomed job seekers with smiles and optimism-even if they weren’t hiring.  Businesses displayed their wares, networked with one another and friendships were made that will lead to future commerce-one way or another.  I think I walked 20 miles as I stopped in to talk with many of the businesses and participants.  I know I had a permanent smile all day as I took in the sights.  I enjoyed watching the conversations-some very animated, some very serious.  Business is not all about money-business is the making of friendships and relationships that lead to prosperity.

And with that being said, Thank you seems pretty meager.  Thank you is what the English language has given us to express feelings and to recognize your generosity.  Please accept my Thank-you Biddeford-Saco for your surplus of generosity. And keep focusing on the qualities that bond us together rather than the negatives that try and drive us apart.

Best,
Craig A. Pendleton

Maine Voices: Manufacturing in Maine poised to grow – but where are the workers?

For years now, we have listened to elected officials and so-called experts declare that manufacturing and innovation are dead in Maine.  I would like to make the case that both are, in fact, alive and poised to grow substantially, especially in Southern Maine.

But in order for growth to happen, we must set a new course.  As a result of the upswing in college enrollment over the past few decades, individuals now often perceive vocational training to be set-aside for under-achievers, troublemakers or non-college types.  We perpetuate outdated manufacturing work place stories of long hours, low pay and unsafe working conditions.

These false perceptions discourage potential workers from pursuing vocational training. All too often, we hear that the lack of a skilled workforce hinders the potential of local companies. Collectively, we must honor our manufacturing tradition and the innovative spirit of Maine workers by refocusing our education system to better address today’s workplace needs.

Take a moment and consider looking under the hood of your hybrid car and having to fix its gas-electric engine. Think about the last time you called a plumber, electrician, or electronics technician and winced at the hourly rate.  We should be encouraging our youth to pursue careers in these highly skilled vocations. Maine can position itself to have a world class “fix it and build it” workforce.  Did you know that…

·         The outer-protective coating on the rover that landed on Mars was developed and created right here at Fiber Materials in Biddeford?

·         Based on findings from the aftermath of 9-11, Sterling Rope in Biddeford developed a non-flammable rope and hook mechanism that may have saved First Responders lives, and also supplies rock-climbing rope to professionals worldwide?

·         Yale Cordage of Saco has significantly aided deep-sea research with its development of super strong, neutrally buoyant rope, and also outfits America’s Cup sailboats?

·         Xuron Corporation in Saco makes over 100 products from high tech cutters to tools that aid fly tying and jewelry makers, which are sold internationally and proudly display a Made in America label?

The Biddeford-Saco region is home to a vibrant manufacturing community that contains 73 manufacturing facilities and employs 2,942 workers.  The total wages of these companies exceeds $124 million with an average salary of $49,287. Biddeford-Saco’s manufacturing sector maintains eighteen percent of the area’s total employment, exceeding statewide numbers by five percent. These numbers clearly prove that manufacturing is alive and well.

One way the Chamber of Commerce promotes local business is by serving as a resource to candidates for public office.  Recently, former Governor Angus King and current Independent candidate for the U.S. Senate scheduled a visit to North-Dam Mill in Biddeford specifically to discuss manufacturing and workforce development. At the meeting, we focused on how innovation, vision, collaboration and determination are revitalizing the mill district. We highlighted how light manufacturing could be a great neighbor to an arts district.  Our discussion centered on what we we’re seeing on the ground, where government can play a role to help business and where government should get out of the way. Consistently, we found the need for a higher level of certainty and smart decision-making as it relates to government regulation. Finally, we were able to successfully connect Governor King with this region’s business owners to hear their concerns and share their optimism. The Chamber offers this service to all candidates and we believe it greatly benefits our members.

The time has come for us to rewrite the story of manufacturing. Manufacturing is sexy and rewarding.  It requires highly skilled workers, offers good pay and benefits as well as the opportunity for career advancement. Many manufacturing jobs are available in the Biddeford-Saco Region, as are affordable homes where workers can raise their families. Furthermore, this region has excellent access to higher education such as University of New England and the University College System, which can develop the technical workforce required in today’s global economy. Local financial institutions have money to lend at historically low interest rates and Generation Y is the largest population bubble since World War II. 

Elected officials must take note that manufacturing is alive, ensure that we protect good jobs in our state and prepare the next generation with the skills they need to compete and prosper. Good governing comes from good listening and connection to the business community. We thank Governor King for reaching out to us and encourage other candidates to do the same so that together we can create a prosperous future.

Craig Pendleton

Biddeford-Saco Chamber Director Comments on the U.S. Chamber

It is important that I start this month’s column out with a clarification and a statement regarding the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s endorsement of a local candidate and their negative advertising campaign.

The Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce & Industry is not a direct member of the U.S. Chamber. We do not pay dues of any kind to them.  We are a member of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce and they do belong to the U.Ss Chamber so that our State is represented. So technically there is a very loose connection.  Ironically, the U.S. Chamber’s regional representative has emailed us with language and explanations on how to distance ourselves from their actions.  Go figure!  Most importantly, all local Chambers are very independent and spend a vast majority of our time to promoting our communities and member businesses. We do not take direction or orders from the U.S. Chamber or the State Chamber.  We answer to our membership.

Locally, the Chamber board of directors does not endorse candidates.  We think it is in our members’ best interest that we provide information and opportunities to meet and hear the candidates directly.  We will continue to sponsor events and provide a service by inviting candidates to visit our community and meet local businesses.

The Biddeford-Saco Chamber urges all candidates to contact us and set up an appointment if they want to visit the area and have direct access to our membership.  We believe the candidates will be better received and will find a more positive tone and reception by working through us locally. 

A few people have taken the time to write and call us on this issue.  I want to thank you for doing so and I think it is legitimate to ask about our connection to the US Chamber and the negative political ads.  Recently, on three occasions, I heard people say “candidates use negative ads because they work.”  I find this very troubling.  When you and I apply for a position or a job, we put our best skills forward on our resume. We brag about our qualities and our work ethic.  We do not spend our entire time telling the employer about all the negative information we know about the other potential candidates.  Why is it then that we tolerate this from political candidates?  Last I knew, we the people employ them.  Would you hire the person who says the meanest, nastiest and most negative things about the other candidate?  I’ll stop here so I don’t cloud this article with any more personal comments than necessary. 

I hope you all enjoy the final weeks of August and that you all have a safe and prosperous Labor Day. 

Best,
Craig A. Pendleton 

Benefiting Our Entire Community

While on vacation, I took three days and attended a very exciting meeting in Oakland, CA.  I serve on the Concept Team and the National Organizing Committee for an organization called the Food Commons. (www.thefoodcommons.org ) The meeting was designed to look at how we might create a hybrid financial entity that would be able to walk in lock step with a newly designed national food system.  More than a dozen people from across the US were brought together to identify how we might gain access to capital needed to build value chains that better link harvesters to the consumer.  It was quite an undertaking.

Most importantly, for this article, is the recognition of one of the first comments at this meeting that really set me back in my chair and caught my attention. "All business starts and ends with food."  Think about it, we meet to discuss business over meals; we provide refreshments at most events.  We often take for granted where our food comes from and how hard the producers/harvesters work to bring the food to our tables.  This group is determined to change that and elevate locally grown food to a higher place of importance in our lives.

I have had the good fortune of having been involved with innovative businesses like the Portland Fish Exchange. Its purpose was to elevate the quality of the seafood we caught in Maine by placing it on an open display auction where buyers could see, touch and smell for freshness and in theory, reward the harvester with a better price.  The Food Commons takes another step and links farmers and fishermen to businesses that see value in local food, an educated work force, and innovation and technology.  It promotes organizing around a strong set of principles that act as the foundation for all business relationships.  The Food Commons promotes fair wages and high standard working conditions.  It encourages collaboration, openness and transparency. We believe we must change the way we look at food and get back to basics.  How irritated and concerned do you get when you hear of yet another hamburger recall, the pink slime discussion and just yesterday the recall of cantaloupes?

We have the good fortune to live in an area that can produce food and have an economic center that can embrace a new model like the Food Commons.  The success and longevity of the Saco Farmer's Market and the recent good fortune of the Biddeford Farmer's Market are great examples that, in my opinion, have only just begun to scratch the surface of what could be if we were to embrace a concept like the Food Commons.  What if the next step was to collaboratively open a grocery store in the mill district that accepted as much local produce, local meat and local seafood as possible? And what if that grocery store was a cooperative that was owned by the farmers, fishermen and interested citizens? 

Take a moment to check out the ideas put forward by the Concept Team and let me know if you think it is something that interests you.  Together we can begin a journey toward safe, affordable, local food that benefits our entire community.

Craig

Craig A. Pendleton

See What Biddeford~Saco Has To Offer

I’d like to take the opportunity this month to welcome all of our visitors to the Biddeford-Saco region.  The weather has been beautiful and we sure hope you are enjoying yourselves, whether at the beach or at our amusement parks.  Biddeford-Saco has so much for you to do.  We have movie theaters and museums, great restaurants, hiking and biking trails, a beautiful river and gorgeous Saco Bay. We encourage you to visit our downtown district which has a variety of stores from locally owned and operated to national chain retailers. 

As you are taking in the sights and enjoying some shopping, please take a moment to seek out our Chamber of Commerce members as well as our Buy Local campaign participants.  They will have stickers in their windows with either the Chamber or Buy Local logo-many will have both.  We believe you will find friendly and helpful customer service along with the products and services you are seeking.  If you need help or if you would like some advice and information on the Biddeford-Saco area, please don’t hesitate to call the Chamber staff, we will be glad to speak with you.

If you are enjoying your summertime visit to Biddeford-Saco, have you ever considered coming during the other seasons?  We have so much to offer.  Fall brings fantastic scenery and affordable rates.  Come enjoy our hotels, motels, and bed and breakfast homes. You can enjoy leaf peeping within a short drive and better still - stay within budget.  Lobstermen enjoy good catches in the fall and fresh seafood is both abundant and reasonably priced.  Most restaurants are still open and offer relaxing atmospheres and delicious menus. You can fish and hunt, walk in Ferry Beach State Park or take in a show at Biddeford City Theater.  

Winters aren’t half as bad as they are made out to be.  And besides, this is Maine, we know how to move snow and drive safely.  There’s something unique about the views at the seashore in the winter-a stark contrast to summer but oh so beautiful.  A short drive inland and the views shift to fields of snow and snow capped mountains.  Winter is a great time to seek out Chamber members for cross country skiing, sledding, ice skating, a refreshing hot chocolate or an adult beverage or two.

Spring in Maine is a sight to behold.  Everything is coming to life.  Brooks, streams and rivers are flowing at capacity from the snow melt.  The sun is bright and warm. Farmers and fishermen have begun getting the fields and the gear ready for another season of plenty.  Maple sap is running and being cooked into syrup and candy.  Storefronts are painting, washing windows and getting in new inventory.  Spring is a great time to check out our hardware stores, lawn care experts and landscapers.  The people of Biddeford-Saco will welcome you year round with their friendliness.  Isn’t it time for you to consider spending more time in Biddeford-Saco?  Give us a call and let us help you with your plans.

City of Biddeford ~ MERC Public Hearing Speech

July 3, 2012

Good Evening.  My name is Craig Pendleton and I am the Executive Director of the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce. 

First, let me begin by stating that Maine Energy has been a loyal and supportive member of the Chamber for a number of years.  They were good corporate citizens when it came time to contribute to our educational workshops and annual fundraising events.  We greatly appreciate their support over time.  Thank you from the current Board and Boards past.

Tonight, I am here to support the agreement between The City of Biddeford and Casella.  It is time to turn a troubled page and focus on a new and more exciting future.  The Chamber hates to see any business close.  The loss of jobs, the short term loss of tax revenue and the impact on the local economy must be recognized and legitimized.  We certainly understand the impact and we are steadfast in our support of relocating MERC employees into equally good jobs as soon as possible.

For us, this time the game changed.  The negotiations have been civil, open, and both sides seem to be listening to each other.  Both sides seem to have clear goals, clarity about their future, and this purchase and sale agreement gets them well on the road to achievement. We want to thank the City and Casella for including us whenever it was appropriate and for making sure we received the most current information possible so we could share it with our members and the public.

We believe that gaining access to 6.5 acres of land in the Mill District will open up an interest in new development.  Whether it is education, housing or manufacturing; retail, wholesale or the service sector, we have the opportunity to make it happen.  We must be optimists.  We must believe there can be something better for Biddeford and Saco.  The time is now for us to make tough decisions so that our children and our grandchildren can live, work and enjoy themselves in these great cities just like we did.  We can do this- I am positive we have the fortitude to make our cities great. The Chamber is ready and able to assist in any way feasible to encourage and recruit economic development in this area.

And finally, I think it is appropriate to recognize the leaders of the past who endured difficult negotiations and failed attempts to get us to where we are today.  Without their fortitude and even their failings, we would not have reached this point we have come to tonight.  And to the current leaders and those who have spoken before me and are about to speak after me, we must always bring our best thoughts and ideas forward.  Democracy is not about like minds coming together and always agreeing with one another-it is the ability to bring civility, openness, tolerance and diverse ideas to our deliberations.  We must always find within us – “the will to succeed and the grace to compromise”.*Dee Hock

Good luck and thank you for the opportunity to speak.  

Craig A. Pendleton

Executive Director 

Dear MTA Board Members,

June 21, 2012

Maine Turnpike Authority
Attn: Public Relations Dept.
2360 Congress St.
Portland, ME 04102

Dear MTA Board Members,

It is important for the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce & Industry to submit comments on the proposed toll increase options you have provided to the public. 

Thank you for scheduling a public hearing in Saco.  Biddeford-Saco is a strong economic generator here in York County.  Our businesses range from manufacturing to tourism, from small retail on Main Street to large retail in shopping plazas, from recreational and commercial uses of the river and Saco Bay to farm land a short ways inland.  Our businesses use the Maine Turnpike to move their products and bring their employees to work. 

We are very appreciative of the quality of the Turnpike roads and the dedication of the Turnpike employees.  We are well aware that the costs of maintaining high quality, safe roadways have increased and will likely increase further in the future.

As a business trade association, we must weigh the impacts of the proposed options on our member businesses.  Our preferred option would be no toll increases at all.  Our business community has barely seen the light of day following several years of less than stellar economic times.  A stronger economy where businesses thrive and consumers buy wanted products as well as needed products will generate additional revenues you are seeking.  A welcoming business climate that encourages businesses to relocate in our region will generate revenues you are seeking. Biddeford and Saco recently received the Governor’s certification for being “Business Friendly Communities” and we see this as a very positive step forward that will increase the possibilities of growth and expansion of businesses here.

Option 1, focuses on the York Toll and Commercial Vehicles.  This does not seem like a viable option since it too specifically puts the burden on too small a user group.  Commercial vehicles are already experiencing pain from the increase in fuel costs.  Increasing their multiplier to 1.00 will be discouraging to business.

Option 2 - may be the option that impacts our area the most since it increases tolls at all side tolls.  Currently, consumers only pay to enter the Turnpike at the Biddeford and Saco Exits. They do not pay to Exit.  Increasing the cash rate from $.50 to $1.00 to travel 4 miles seems a bit drastic and will certainly discourage people in the area from using the Turnpike.  This will increase traffic on Rt 1 which is already very busy.  In my opinion, disgruntled drivers won’t stop to shop. It is quite possible that the increase in Rt 1 traffic would negatively impact the business community in both Cities.

Option 3- Already stated the negative aspects of singling out commercial vehicles

Option 4 – While this option appears to levy pain on everyone, the increase in ETC by 30% seems a bit aggressive and it increases the multiplier on commercial vehicles by .50 which as already stated seems to target an important business segment which will increase the costs of doing business for our members. We oppose any increase in side tolls for Biddeford and Saco Exits since it is such a short distance.

Option 5 – we cannot support an increase in the minimum toll by $.50 between Biddeford and Saco and once again targeting commercial vehicles adds costs to doing business for our members.

Option 6 – We do not understand the logic behind increasing the toll on Wells Northbound.  Being located North of Wells we see this increase as a discouragement to consumers to come to Biddeford-Saco.  As already stated, we are opposed to an increase in the minimum toll between Biddeford and Saco.

Option 7 – While this may be the staff’s preferred alternative, it sure seems to send a negative message to our number one industry-tourism.  Welcome to Maine-Open your Wallet could be a sign placed next to the one that says we are Open for Business. As already stated-we oppose any increase to the minimum toll between Biddeford and Saco and increases to commercial vehicles.

Option 8 – same as already stated - No to increasing rates on commercial vehicles at this time.

Option 9 -  No to increase at side tolls. 30% increase in ETC seems very high. Opposed to commercial increases as already stated

Option 10 – Same comments as previously made

I cannot pretend to know all the details of the decisions the MTA board is facing.  I can only remind you that Maine historically recovers slowly from economic downturns.  While there are glimmers of positive upticks, our local businesses are doing their best to dig out from the impacts of the poor economy. Locally we are facing property tax increases and now we are asked to shoulder increases from your agency.  We fear that our citizens will be losing more than they are gaining which will cause more losses and more negativity.  After reading the news articles per the previous public hearings, I find it inappropriate to support only those options that impact others.  We have simply tried to focus on the impacts of the proposals on our business community.

And while it is hopeful that visitors will pay a significant portion of the toll revenues-the reality is that we who live and work here year round bear the brunt of these increases. 

Once again I thank you for the opportunity to weigh in on these proposed toll increases.

Respectfully submitted,

Craig A. Pendleton

Executive Director

For More Info See Here:
http://www.maineturnpike.com/MaineTurnpike/media/PDF/Toll-Options.pdf

The Chamber’s Role in Buy Local

We are now two months into year three of the Biddeford-Saco Buy Local Campaign.  The Chamber is proud to play a significant role in a campaign that is designed to encourage consumers to visit and shop in our community and that encourages merchants to participate and work together.

The Buy Local Campaign is a collaborative effort working to showcase the businesses of our two communities and encourage a fundamental shift in the buying habits of its citizens and visitors that will boost our local economy and enrich the communities in which we live. 

The Chamber was an original participant in the development of the campaign.  Several merchants and staff of local organizations committed time and energy to create a way for us to highlight our community and its businesses.  I jumped in feet first when I was hired in January of 2010.  The campaign called for the Chamber, Biddeford-Saco Area Economic Development Corporation, Heart of Biddeford and Saco Spirit to collaborate in the implementation of the campaign.  A logo was designed. A website was created. BSAEDC committed staff time. The Chamber and several local businesses contributed funds to start the operations.  That fundraising totaled in excess of $50,000.  To date, we have spent over $40,000 advertising on television, radio and print and we have not used one cent for administration of the campaign.

When BSAEDC lost their administrative person, the Chamber took on those duties and kept the campaign growing until the position could be filled.  Currently, we have approximately 140 merchants signed up for Buy Local. The Buy Local logo is very recognizable and has developed some value. Our advertising has produced results.  We have focused on holidays and seasonal shopping events.  The Chamber has provided much need printing services and has helped distribute flyers and encouraged people to participate via social media such as Facebook and Twitter.  We have also written Letters to the Editor and Op-Eds to clarify and educate on the merits of this campaign.

The Chamber continues to encourage participation.  We have hosted several meetings and will continue to provide input and support.  What the campaign needs is more enthusiasm and participation from the merchants.  Those merchants that have fully engaged and really found ways of capitalizing on the benefits of participation are seeing benefits.  Many of the merchants reaping benefits are also Chamber members.  Participating in both definitely gives a business an advantage.  The more we can promote your business, the more people that will stop and shop in Biddeford-Saco and the more prosperous our community becomes.

Army of Ants has Nothing on Chamber Members

Last month I explained what a Chamber of Commerce is conceptually.  I’d like take you deeper into the inner workings of our Chamber and tell you about our inner structure and the programs we developed and promote.

The Chamber has seven standing committees.  Each committee works with staff to develop ideas that 1) bring people to our communities; 2) provide education, training, information to Chamber members and quite often, the public; 3) raise operating capital for the Chamber.

Ambassador:  The Ambassador Committee is an important outreach arm of the Chamber.  The committee recruits new members, thank returning members, discusses Chamber functions with anyone who might be interested.  They are front line when we do ribbon cuttings and grand openings.  They are support staff when we do a Business After Hours social networking event and work wonders making new attendees feel welcome and part of the group.  The ambassadors do follow up visits with members.  They meet monthly and share best practice ideas on how to contact members, how to best ask survey information of the membership and generally how to serve as the welcome wagon that makes our membership and potential members feel appreciated.

Education: The education committee’s focus is to develop programs, workshops and informational sessions on a variety of subjects.  We have partnered with Anthem to provide Third Tuesday Workshops.  These workshops have provided the public with important information on healthy mind, body and wealth.  The Chamber also partnered with the Monarch Center to do Brown Bag Lunches where we discussed advanced directives, provided training information to first responders on how to handle a person with Alzheimer’s or Dementia they may encounter in public settings.  The Chamber established and is now distributing the Aaron Drisko Memorial Scholarship.  This $ 500 scholarship is given out to 3 graduating seniors who are going on to secondary education.  One student is chosen based on financial need from Biddeford High School, the Biddeford Center of Technology and Thornton Academy.  The committee has great flexibility to manage these funds.  Most recently, the committee has been working on bringing educators together with the business community to discuss the skills needed for today’s workforce and how we teach those skills to today’s students.  One outcome of these discussions has been the development of a library of DVD interviews with local manufacturers.  In these videos, we encourage business owners to brag about their company and the product(s) they make. We get them to talk about the skills needed to perform the jobs in the company and what makes their company a great place to work.  The Chamber wants to highlight that there are good local jobs available that pay well and have good benefits. They are available to men and women and best of all they are right here in the Biddeford-Saco Region.  We plan to distribute these videos to school guidance counselors, the businesses that participated, and to the Dept of Labor and the Dept. of Community and Economic Development.  We have posted the first four segments on
our YouTube page : http://www.youtube.com/user/BiddefordSacoChamber?feature=guide 
and they will soon be posted on our website: www.biddefordsacochamber.org

Membership Strategy:  The membership strategy committee is focused on how to grow the Chamber membership, how to ensure we maintain our members and general analysis of our membership as a way to identify future areas of growth as well as programs such as advertising that benefit our members.  Some interesting facts from our analysis is that of our over 400 members- 108 members either have a mailing address, headquarters or are physically located outside of Biddeford-Saco.  I believe that is representative of our strength and broad scope of attraction since Biddeford-Saco is a significant economic generator for York County.

Political Affairs:  The Chamber by its nature is political.  We operate in Biddeford-Saco and participate in municipal government by serving on committees and commissions.  We offer advice and opinion when we are asked or when we think it is in our member’s best interest. I like to think of the Chamber as a neutral convener. We will continue to host Meet the Candidates evenings. We will bring speakers in to discuss current issues and items of interest to our membership. In other arenas, the Chamber is a member of Maine Beaches Association where we partner with 7 other Chambers to promote our region.  We are a member of the Maine Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (MACCE) where we share best practices with all other Maine Chambers and the State Chamber.  I was recently elected Vice President of this association.  Our Chamber is working very hard and making connections at all levels of Government in order to make Biddeford-Saco as visible and credible as possible.

Public Relations / Marketing:  This committee combines organizational self promotion, member promotion and community/regional promotion.  We negotiate advertising rates for Chamber members in local publications. We promote the Chamber and all Chamber functions.  We support our community achievements with letters to the editor and congratulation ads.  This committee is responsible for development of our Member Resource Directory and Tourist Guide which highlights all chamber members, lists major community events and tells a little about our community.  We print 20,000 copies and distribute them to the public, our membership, visitor bureaus along the highway and at 8 tourism trade shows between Canada and Philadelphia. They are a great opportunity to expose your business to the public. This committee also plays an important role in keeping our website, newsletter, FaceBook page and Twitter account and any other social media and electronic communication tools focused and full of opportunities for our members.

Women For Women:  This committee’s focus is on women in business.  They plan events and workshops to help women succeed in their profession.  Yet at the same time, the events are geared around fun.  This committee has sponsored a comedian, hosted a Caribbean Dance evening and an annual Ladies Night Out which is a great success.

Executive: This important committee is made up of the elected officers of the Board of Directors.  They serve as a sounding board for the Executive Director.  They oversee the finances and daily operations of the organization.  They guide, direct and support the staff.  They assure that the by-laws, purpose, vision and mission are followed.  They play an important role in strategic planning.  Membership looks to this committee to assure that the organization is well run with honesty and integrity- in unison with the full Board of Directors.

And finally, we have committees that are formed around fundraising events. They are as follows:

Golf Tournament, Auction, Striped Bass Tournament, Business Expo and Job Fair, as well as, any Ad-Hoc committee as needed.

I hope this further enlightens you as to the workings of the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce & Industry.  We work daily to improve our communities, better our businesses and encourage consumers to come see what Biddeford-Saco has to offer.  Together we can build prosperity and success.

Next month: The Chamber’s role in the Buy Local Program 

What is the Chamber of Commerce?

What is the Chamber of Commerce?

It’s easiest to start with our purpose statement: 

The Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc. is organized to advance and promote commercial and industrial growth, as well as the civic, cultural and educational interests of the communities it serves.

And then further clarity comes from our mission statement: 

The Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce & Industry is an association of businesses, organizations and individuals formed to foster a strong local economy and a quality of life which will encourage people to visit, live and work in the Biddeford-Saco area.

These two statements set the foundation for the Chamber’s Board of Directors to hire an executive director and create policies and directives that will achieve our mission.  The Board members are a representative subset of our local business community; they bring a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the pulse and flavor of our communities heritage and business needs.  With that knowledge conveyed to staff, the Chamber develops a number of programs, events, campaigns, informational documents and workshops which are all targeted to highlight the business membership and our communities. Some examples are: The Buy Local Campaign, Wellness for the Mind, Body and Wealth workshops, and the Meet the Candidates nights.

The Biddeford-Saco Chamber was founded in 1927. This year we are celebrating our 85^th year of operation.  The Chamber is a membership-based organization. We currently have 400 members spanning 32 communities and 4 states. We are unique in the fact that we are supported by sister cities which have an outstanding diversity of businesses. Our communities are a significant economic generator for York County and the State of Maine.  To compliment this business diversity, Biddeford-Saco has long been a tourism destination, where travelers enjoy miles of beautiful beaches, walking trails, amusement parks, Saco Bay and the Saco River to name just a few.  The third leg of the stool ties everything together.  Biddeford-Saco is a great place to live and raise a family.  The area offers a range of affordable housing and affluent homes, downtown living, beachfront cottages as well as, quiet rural settings. We feature great local school systems and two university options.  Many a story is told of visitors loving our area so much that they found a job and moved here to live, work and enjoy life.

My job as executive director is to bring together a strong team, keep a watchful eye on the horizon and implement programs and services that enable our  membership and communities to prosper.

The Chamber serves as Biddeford-Saco’s tourism and visitor information center. At our office located at the Saco Transportation Center, maps, menus, travel guides, business contact information and answers to your every question will be answered by our skilled staff and dedicated volunteers. The Chamber promotes its business members first and foremost when inquiries are received.  This gives our membership a competitive advantage.  To the best of our ability, staff attends meetings, public hearings, seminars and lectures to gather the latest information and disburse it to our members.  Staff serve on committees, commissions and task forces to ensure that our business members interests are well served and views represented.  The Chamber uses all means of communication, it has an active website and we actively use Facebook and Twitter to highlight networking functions and to make sure information is shared.

I hope this explanation is helpful.  As I continue to write this column, I will describe our activities; keep the readers posted on upcoming events, and highlight potential economic development and business opportunities. 

Biddeford-Saco has great potential. I urge you to connect with the Chamber and help us chart a course for a bright future.

Craig A. Pendleton
Executive Director     

Chamber Annual Meeting Speech

Reflection is a good teacher for direction.  The slide show that has been running all morning should serve as a reminder of the positive momentum we are developing as a Chamber.  And while we have minimal opportunity to push back the wave of economic downturn we have been feeling since 2008, we do have the fortitude to stand tall and say Biddeford-Saco is open for business and do everything we can to provide consumers, both residents and visitors, with the very best experiences.  Biddeford-Saco is York County’s economic heart.  We must pump positive information out through the arteries of our connections at the press, our elected officials, advertising and promotion for tourism and retail and be a steadfast partner with our thriving manufacturing sector. The Chamber stands fast in its readiness and ability to do all these things.

While I’m proud of the changes and the great work we accomplished last year, I think it is more important to look ahead.  Down-turning economics and lower than acceptable public perception has taken its toll on our membership.  We must change this course.  I believe that collectively Biddeford-Saco and the surrounding communities, in which we have members, must come together and change the conversations, change the negative perceptions and make membership in the Chamber heartfelt.  I want you to be proud to be a Chamber member.  I want you to be able to speak of the ways we enhance your business and our community like it were dinner table conversation.    

In 2012, The Chamber will enhance its role as a convener.  We have several learning sessions and workshops planned to help inform our members and the public on issues of great importance.  We will continue to bring you access to elected officials, candidates for public office and issues of importance in our community.  Just yesterday, I met with Governor LePage and was able to speak positively of our area and your businesses.  We are continuously evaluating ourselves.  We look for every opportunity, be it our new enhanced website or a mobile app, an advertising program in the newspaper or the Buy Local campaign, to highlight our members.  In 2012, we will focus more on member to member benefits and ensuring that you are getting optimum value for your dues. We will participate in events that will bring consumers to our area like the Travel Show that Christie Pratt and I recently attended in Philadelphia.  We will participate in local and state government to ensure that your businesses are recognized and heard as a voice of reason and economic security throughout this region. 

All I seek in return is your support. If you believe we are doing everything we can to be your trade association of choice, I ask you to recruit one business. 

If everyone recruits one business to join our membership,  we will gain the strength and recognition this region deserves. 

At 800 members, which is still 4-500  businesses below the potential membership of this area-we would rank in the top 5 Chambers in the state. 

Membership is one measurement of success.  I assure you, the Chamber staff, Board and volunteers will be working tirelessly to earn other measurements such as effectiveness, political recognition and most importantly integrity. 

I thank you for everything you do in our community. 

Thank you for attending today and may you all reap prosperity in 2012 and beyond.   

Craig A. Pendleton, Executive Director 

We are Maine's Best Kept Secret . 

For more photos of the
Member Appreciation Breakfast & Awards Ceremony 

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150573047529793.396138.105965769792&type=1

85 years: Time to Reflect, Set Direction and Grow our Membership

Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce & Industry is proud to announce that as we enter 2012,

your Chamber will celebrate its 85^th anniversary.

85 years of promoting business and community, economic development, legislation that makes business sense and a sense of pride in all of us. 

We send out a special Thank-You to our current and past members for your dedication and support.  We send out a warm welcome to those businesses and individuals that have yet to join with us.  We encourage you to join and seek the benefits of membership in the friendliest and fastest growing and most exciting Chamber in all of Maine.

Visit http://biddefordsacochamber.org/chamber/c_membership_application.cfm  for a current membership application.

Please take a moment and review the document that highlights many of the great events your Chamber hosted and/or participated in during 2011.

2012 will be filled with educational and social events that will surely lead us all to a very prosperous year.

All the best,

The Chamber Team,
Craig, Linda & Estella 
and The Chamber Board of Directors  

We are Maine's Best Kept Secret . 

  

Welcoming 2012

As one year comes to a close and a new one dawns, the Board and your administrative Team wish you a very Happy New Year.  We hope all of you achieve your goals and are filled with prosperity, not only within your business but within your personal lives as well.  We wish you good health, good cheer and great business.  We look forward to promoting your businesses and our community so that all of us will experience a brighter future.

Thank you for your support and loyalty.

Happy 2012

The Chamber Team,
Craig, Linda & Estella


We are Maine's Best Kept Secret .