PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: Every major survey shows that health care is one of the biggest expenses — and concerns — for Maine businesses of every size. Employers want to do the right thing for their employees, but how do they afford it? Employees want to continue working for a certain employer, but how do they get the benefits they need for their family?

In my experience, the answers you get to these questions depend on who you’re talking to.

That is why I am excited to invite you — the general public — to a special health care presentation on Wednesday, Nov. 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at The Inn At Brunswick Station in Brunswick. The chamber and its partner, 1group, have assembled a panel of experts that will approach “affordable health care” from varying points of view: broker, community health care provider, and wellness expert.

All of these partners share a piece of the health care puzzle — and its overall costs. How you navigate this maze will make the difference between increasing or decreasing your overall health care costs and better personal wellness.

Our panel will be made up of Lois Skillings, president and CEO at Mid Coast Health Services; Joel Allumbaugh, president and CEO at National Worksite Benefit Group; Dr. Larry Catlett, chief medical officer and founder at Occupational Medical Consulting, LLC; and Richelle Wallace, senior vice president of human resources at Norway Savings Bank.

The proof will be presented by a local Maine company that has decreased — yes, decreased — its annual health insurance premiums by 9 percent since 2008 by collaborating with these three partners.

If you are an employer or employee, you won’t want to miss this presentation. You will find out why employee wellness is a win-win for everyone: employee’s health and employer’s bottom line.

I am personally very excited about this event. By hearing the different viewpoints and various approaches to health and wellness, you will see how the complexities of health care have been bogged down over the years. More important, I believe you will leave with an optimistic perspective on how you can take charge of your own health care — and the benefits that will follow.

As I stated earlier, this event is open to the public and R.S.V.P.s are required. Cost is $20 for chamber members and their guests and includes lunch; $25 for non-members and it includes lunch. For registration and more information, visit www.midcoastmaine.com, www.1groupinc.com/events, or call 725-8797 ext. 1.

UPCOMING EVENTS: The Business Success Seminar (formerly Mid Day Chambers) is Thursday, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road. The presenter is Bob Bremm, of AdviCoach, and he will talk about “Five Steps to Business Freedom.” The seminars are free.

Sunnybrook Village hosts the Oct. 24 Chamber After Hours in its “Village Square,” from 5 to 7 p.m. Make use of the networking power of the SMMC. Enjoy treats at a variety of tasty food stations, live music, door prize drawings and tours of Sunnybrook Village. This event is free to attend. Register online at www.midcoastmaine.com.

“The Psychology of Selling — How to Get People to Buy Without Selling” workshop is Nov. 15, 8 a.m. to noon, at The Inn at Brunswick Station, 4 Noble St., Brunswick. You must register online at https://www.midcoastmaine.com/calendar/ registration/e/cmVnaXN0cmF0aW9uL TMzMzU. Continental breakfast and materials are included in the fee. Bob LaBrie, of Maximum Potential, is the workshop leader. You’ll learn how to combine (1) an effective sales presentation, (2) sales and product knowledge, (3) an ability to discern and handle communication styles, and (4) rapport building skills — to create a winning combination.

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS: The chamber welcomes GK Limited/Consultants to Business & Legal Shield; Head to Toe Physical Therapy; Keri Rothermel, LCSW; Living Wealth Partners (Walter Reynolds) and MHE Properties. To discover more about these businesses, go to www.midcoastmaine.com or download MyChamberApp for use on your mobile phone or tablet.

The chamber proudly serves 720 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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