President’s message: I do not usually give in to peer pressure, but this past weekend, I finally broke down and did. I resisted as long as I could, but I finally snapped. I just couldn’t take it anymore. The object of my resistance? A Red Sox game at Fenway Park via the Downeaster.

One of the great things about being the chamber president is I get to see the Midcoast region from top to bottom, left to right, and just about everywhere in between. Weekly, I am amazed at the incredible things I see and places I visit.

Just last week I went to the historic 1774 Inn and Backroads By The Sea (an antique shop) in Phippsburg. When I left these very distinct places I had a “gift” from each: a history lesson on “witch doors” and a beautifully crafted tongue and grove foot locker. A definite win-win for me.

The key to experiencing anything is getting out and doing it. That is why I needed to ride the Downeaster firsthand and, if possible, find out its appeal to other folks.

As someone who never took a train ride for anything but a tourist excursion during vacation, I really did not know what to expect. In my early morning stupor, I imagined a long bumpy ride, cramped seats, and a mean conductor.

I am happy to report none of those nightmarish aspects came true. From the time I got on the train in Portland to the time I stepped off the Amtrak in Boston (about 2 1/2 hours), I experienced nothing but “easy and comfort.”

I chatted with friends and other passengers, got a bite to eat from the café, and generally relaxed. While many of the people on the train were going to the Red Sox game, I was surprised to see the number of passengers traveling from Portland to other Maine destinations, such as Old Orchard Beach.

It was also very apparent that folks from New Hampshire and Massachusetts had come to visit our Maine destinations.

After watching the Red Sox lose — which didn’t bother me; I’m a Detroit Tigers fan — we had a bite to eat and jumped back on the train for our ride home. In a few hours, I was back at my car. As my wife and I talked about the day, we both decided it was something we’d do again, maybe even stay overnight.

Now to my only “cautions,” if you will. First, we need to get as many trips on the Downeaster from our area as we can. Second, our region needs to do a good job of promoting itself. We need both of these things to happen in order to bring visitors to the Mid-coast. If we do not, folks will be jumping on the train to leave our area, not stay here.

Many of us — local politicians, business associations, historical societies, members of the creative economy, restaurants, inns, etc.— have talked about the need to work together and promote the Mid-coast as a region together instead of individually. While there has been some collaboration in this area, my personal opinion is we can do better — much better.

Duplication of efforts translates to lost time, lost resources and lost opportunities for all of us, but mostly for our Mid-coast businesses. That is why I look forward to higher levels of collaboration between partner organizations, to include other chambers, in the near future. I know the Midcoast is a great place to work, live, play, start a business and visit — together, we need to make sure everyone riding the Downeaster does, too.

Upcoming events: Learn how to make QR codes and mobile technology work for your business at Mid-Day Chambers, on May 17, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The presenter is Matthew Carr, of Original Computing. Learn about major mobile technology platforms, see an overview of Google apps integration, understand those little square bar codes you see everywhere and see how a QR code is made. The program is free and takes place at the Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road.

Chamber After Hours at Maine Pines & Racquet & Fitness is May 23, 5 to 7 p.m., located at 120 Harpswell Road in Brunswick. Businesspeople are encouraged to make use of the networking power of the Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber and enjoy the camaraderie of other business people. Meet the staff and learn about the facilities and programs offered by Maine Pines Racquet & Fitness and Select Physical Therapy. Door prizes include gift certificates, a “Spotlight on Members” column, a creative floral display from Flowers Etc. and more. This event is free to attend. Please register for this event no later than May 22. Call 725-8797 or register at www.midcoastmaine.com.

Members in the news: The Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber welcomes Wilbur’s of Maine Chocolate Confections, located in downtown Brunswick and Freeport, to its membership.

The chamber proudly serves 660 businesses and organizations in the following communities in the Mid-coast region: Arrowsic, Bath, Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Brunswick, Dresden, Edgecomb, Georgetown, Harpswell, Phippsburg, Richmond, Topsham, West Bath, Westport Island, Wiscasset and Woolwich.

news@timesrecord.com

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