Steven Wallace
Parker Stevenson once commented, “I looked along the San Juan Islands and the coast of California, but I couldn’t find the palette of green, granite, and dark blue that you can only find Maine.”
That, my friends, is a true statement.
All one needs to do is drive down Interstate 295, it doesn’t matter which direction, and you start to catch glimpses of the diversity of Maine. If you travel north, the lush trees, hills, forests and inland waterways become apparent. If you travel south, you see wonderful shopping districts that weave in and out of quaint little inlet towns and villages.
If you go east from Brunswick, you drive through the beautiful peninsula islands that comprise Harpswell, Orr’s Island, Baily Island and Great Island. Breathtaking scenery to say the least (and might I add, wonderful candy and seafood shops along the way).
Up and down these traffic corridors, you will find hundreds of Maine shops, bakeries and restaurants that are sure to please. Some might seem to be the same on the outside, but if you take the time to investigate, my sense is they are all uniquely different. Just like Maine.
So why am I preaching to the choir? We all live in Maine, right? We do, but what I have overwhelmingly found is this: the vast majority of Mainers do not take the time to visit the sites right in their back yards.
How many people reading this column have taken the time to ride the train from Brunswick to Rockland, with stops in Bath and Wiscasset? Maine Eastern Railroad is a gem to visitors, but goes vastly under-utilized by locals. Instead of driving the next time you go up the coast for leisure activities, grab the family and a deck of cards and enjoy some quality time together on the train.
Maine Maritime Museum is absolutely beautiful, with more and more attractions being added each year. You simply cannot walk through the many rooms and displays without getting a sense of awe and pride about Maine’s shipbuilding history. When is the last time you stopped by to support this local institution?
Within minutes of the chamber office in Topsham, you and your family can get to Bowdoin College’s art museum, the Maine State Music Theatre, Popham Beach State Park, Reid State Park, Dolphin Restaurant and Marina, Arrowsic Island Pottery, Country Fairways Par 3 Golf, Captain Jay McGowen’s Sports Fishing Charter, Cathance River Education Alliance, art walks, Taste of Maine Restaurant, Main Streets, and so very much more.
We need to become reacquainted with our own back yards. We get so use to traveling to different towns for work and getting wrapped up in the day-to-day stuff that we forget Maine is one of the most peaceful states in America … if we let it be, that is.
I submit that we need to slow down and get involved with our own communities and become knowledgeable about our region. By doing so, we can be much more ardent supporters and advocates.
Moreover, you can save your traveling dollars for buying local. We need to support our local businesses every chance we get, to include our local grocers and farmers markets. These are the places that make our communities unique.
I really hope you get a chance to get out and see them this summer.
Upcoming events: Members are invited to the Topsham Toyota ribbon cutting and grand opening at 115 Main St., on June 7, 4:30 to 7 p.m. Congratulate this chamber member who is growing their business.
All women are invited to attend the June 7 program “Effective Networking Strategies for Women,” 5 to 7:30 p.m., at the Captain Daniel Stone Inn, 10 Water St., Brunswick. Also hear Deb Neuman, deputy commissioner of DECD, share her expertise on “Building Strategic Partnerships, Networking How-To’s, Creative Strategies” for crafting your perfect elevator pitch and implementing LinkedIn and Facebook to grow your network. You must reserve as space is limited by registering online at www.midcoastmaine.com or by calling 725-8797. BEK Inc. is the event sponsor and Occupational Health Associates of Maine and Welcome Home Realty are supporting sponsors.
Are you using social media to grow your business? We’d like to hear how it is working. The Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber wants to learn how it can better network and grow Mid-coast businesses through social media channels, such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and blogs. Come to a brown bag lunch meeting on June 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Border Trust Building, 2 Main St., Topsham.
Learn simple meditation of imagery to bring your body and mind to a healing and peaceful place, easy stretches to increase circulation and release tension and how to be connected to and honoring your brilliance with presenter Donna Marie Bordeaux, of Greater Brunswick Physical Therapy. This program is Mid Day Chambers on June 21, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The program is free and open to the public and takes place at the Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road.
Fairfield Inn and Suites hosts the June 27 Chamber After Hours, 5 to 7 p.m. Businesspeople are encouraged to make use of the networking power of the Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber and enjoy the camaraderie of other business people. Door prizes include gift certificates, a “Spotlight on Members” column, a creative floral display from Flowers Etc. and more. This event is free.
Members in the news: SMMC welcomes Cumulus Media (radio stations 92 Moose, Bee 98.5 and Kool-AM) to its membership.
The chamber proudly serves 660 businesses and organizations in the following communities: Arrowsic, Bath, Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Brunswick, Dresden, Edgecomb, Georgetown, Harpswell, Phippsburg, Richmond, Topsham, West Bath, Westport Island, Wiscasset and Woolwich.
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