The Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce is currently working on a new Strategic Plan that outlines the Opportunities to Network and work on programs and projects that provide value to the members and communities within the Region.

Visibility is a key component of this plan and throughout the year the SLRCC partners with organizations such as the Windham Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the Windham Adult Education Program, the Lakes Region Development Corporation (LRDC), the Windham Rotary Club, Healthy Maine Partnerships, local Lions’ Clubs and local Parks and Recreation Departments just to name a few.

Expanding four-season tourism is a key component of the Chamber programs. Membership increases as the communities welcome new business start-ups, and families relocating to the area from national and international locations. Working with educational programs such as the high schools and St. Joseph’s College is beneficial to the programs of the Chamber focus. Press Releases are published with the local news media and to be able to provide the readers of the Lakes Region Weekly a bi-weekly column of Chamber News is very exciting for the SLRCC. Chamber News is ever-evolving and to serve the business and civic communities with updated progress on the Chamber is very exciting!

Current Events

The Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce recently hosted the MACCE Conference (Maine Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives) at Point Sebago in South Casco. This event is held three times per year and is hosted by the various Chambers throughout the State of Maine. The SLRCC was privileged to have been chosen to host this event in 2005 for a two-day session. Chambers have an opportunity to discuss current events, legislative issues, tourism programs, fund raising information and receive professional training programs from organizations throughout the state. All of the guests were invited to tour Camp Sunshine in South Casco and were amazed to view the wonderful facility that sponsors families with children who have critical needs. Many of the visitors commented that they would add Camp Sunshine to their list of organizations to support in the future.

A Legislative Breakfast was held last week at Charlie Beiggs in Windham and was well attended by the Chamber business members and local guests to hear the legislators review of current events taking place in Augusta. The Chamber Governmental Affairs Committee meets throughout the year to plan Legislative Programs of interest to the members and community civic groups to stay abreast of current events and legislative bills pending that would affect the business community. The next Annual Legislative Breakfast will be held in the first quarter of 2006.

Scholarship Awards

The presentation of this year’s Scholarship Awards was held on Wednesday, May 18, at the Chamber’s monthly Business Break at Point Sebago in South Casco. Six awards were given to the following students: Windham High School – Jennifer Vance; Bonney Eagle High School – Abigail Hinds-Aldrich; Lakes Region High School – Dacia Merrill; Gray-New Gloucester High School – Kate Mooney. Two Scholarships for a non-traditional student were presented to Jean-Paul Belanger and Laurie Reynolds, both of Windham. The Scholarship Awards are presented annually to students who live in the Chamber’s coverage area and attend the four public high schools, as well as to two students who are returning to school to complete a business program. Congratulations to all of the winners of this year’s Scholarship Awards.

Chamber Golf Tournament

The 5th Annual SLRCC Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, June 6, at Point Sebago starting at noon. This event is open to the business members and the general public and the funds are used for the Annual Scholarship Program and local tourism.

If you desire to play in this tournament, become a Corporate Sponsor, or volunteer your time throughout the day please contact the Chamber Office at 892-8265.

Upcoming Civic Program

The Town of Casco will be holding a Candidates Night on Thursday, June 2nd, at the Casco Central Fire Station at 7 p.m. The Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce will be hosting this event, with Chamber Vice President Kelly Fowler as the moderator. The evening is intended to be an opportunity for everyone to meet the candidates and allow time for them to discuss issues of importance and why they are seeking their elected position. Refreshments will be served. FMI please contact the Chamber Office on 892-8265.

If you are interested in learning more about the Chamber programs please contact the Chamber Office at 892-8265, or stop by the Chamber Business Office located at 816 Roosevelt Trail in Windham.

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