From the Chamber: 5 business issues that interest me now

Cynicism is too easy, too predictable and, frankly, too lazy. It takes no effort to point out how something wasn’t done the way you did or how someone said something they shouldn’t have. Social media is full of people criticizing things they don’t like, things they disagree with, or things that really annoy them. I will do it myself; It’s so easy to fall into negativity spirals. When we are righteous and speak truth to atrocities or condemn things that harm our society, we are still doing so in a negative way. As we get closer to Election Day, our airwaves seem to be getting a little worse, filled with ads that say, “Let me tell you why this opposition candidate isn’t a good person.” It is actually difficult for us.

So, this week, I want to highlight some things that make me happy. One could argue that there are as many good things happening in the world as there are bad things, but the negative ones drain the oxygen out of the room. Well, for a few minutes, let’s shine a little light on some of the positive projects, events and activities happening right now in our Bath-Brunswick-Topsham region. I encourage you to share this news with anyone trying to bring you down, because it’s all really positive stuff.

Will power is back

Our chapter held its first quarterly event in over a year last night as it prepares to bring the quarterly events in 2023 to the women on the local leadership team. The event, held at Long Reach Kitchen + Bath, was thought-provoking. Dozens of local business leaders share their thoughts on what events they want to see in 2023.

This is interesting, because when Willpower ran quarterly events before the outbreak, it was one of the best things our class did. We’ve held Meet the Author, CEO Champion panel lunches, speed networking nights, self-defense courses and more. Each event was created because local businesswomen said, “These are the events we love to attend.”

After last night we now have between six and 10 ideas and from this our organizing team will select four events for next year. Email if you are interested in becoming a member of the event planning team or participating in these events [email protected] And I’ll be sure to get your email on the right distribution list for those of you who want to be a part of it.

Find the candidates

And just like that, we’re five weeks away from Election Day. Do you know who your candidates are for state senate or state house of representatives? Due to the 2020 Census results, some of our districts have changed on the House side, so the person representing you may now be in a different district.

Our department wants to help you with all of this. Two years ago, we conducted one-on-one focus interviews with candidates, and this week I am working to schedule an appointment with our candidates. It is a lot of interviews (18-20), but it is also very good, so to hear from them in their own words. Once we’ve scheduled and recorded, I’ll let you know in this column—hopefully, we’ll have them by October 20.

Additionally, we have a Chamber Afternoon event at Reform Physical Therapy from 5-7pm on October 18th for a ribbon cutting and open house. We are inviting all candidates to attend so if you are a local business owner to attend the free event, mark your calendars and look for our invitation on the BBRC Facebook page (or our weekly e-newsletter). .

Career exploration exercises will be announced soon

We’ve been doing a lot of work behind the scenes with schools and local community organizations to build career exploration internship programs for Maine state grants (which we received) and local students. When you create something this vast, involving three school districts, state regulations, grant funding and business protocols, it takes a lot of smart, passionate people working together, and I’m proud to say we have a partnership that really works in our state. right now.

In our weekly meetings, we answered many questions about the best way to create this program and worked out a practical way that made sense for the business and the students in the program. Ultimately, this is a credit-earning, internship-like work study program in which the student spends 40-60 hours pursuing a career path and receives a stipend for paid meaningful work. Very interesting things. What a great way for businesses to show students what their career path can be with the help of schools and classrooms.

More Chamber works program

The career exploration program is taking up a lot of time right now, but our department is also working on our one-minute job posting video program and our guidance counselor bus tours program, which will launch later this year. This is part of the Chamber of Commerce’s new Chamber Jobs 2030 programme, which was announced earlier this year.

Midcoast Tree Festival registrations are open.

We’re just seven weeks away from the 4th Annual Midcoast Tree Festival, and it looks like this one will be our biggest yet. We’re almost halfway to breaking our record number of tree spots, planning is well underway.

The most important change this year is that all event information, including tree registrations, volunteer registrations, sponsorship opportunities and more, will be available live on the dedicated event website, midcoasttreefestival.com. Of course if you still have any questions you can call me at the Chamber office (725-8797) but check out that site.

Corey King is the Executive Director of the Bath-Brunswick Regional Chamber.

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