PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: Sidney Sheldon once said, “My heroes are those who risk their lives every day to protect our world and make it a better place — police, firefighters and members of our armed forces.”

I agree with Sidney’s list, and as Veterans Day approaches, we at the Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber want to say “thank you” to Maine’s veterans and family members with actions, not just words.

On Wednesday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 2 Columbus Drive, Brunswick, we will be partnering with the CareerCenters of Maine and Goodwill Industries of New England to host the Mid-coast’s first annual “Hiring Maine’s Heroes Job Fair and Expo.” Employers representing health care, banking, manufacturing, education, criminal justice, technology and other industries will be attending.

I am pleased to announce that our event is sponsored by IDEXX Laboratories, along with Bath Iron Works, BEK, Inc., Coastal Counties Workforce, Inc., and L.L. Bean. All these sponsors have a proven record of supporting our local communities, and as a veteran, I am humbled that they have yet again stepped up to the plate and covered the costs to put on this event.

Ann Marie Martin, IDEXX’s director of Worldwide Talent Acquisition, said it best when she stated, “We encourage our employees to ‘be great and to do good,’ so we are thrilled for the opportunity to sponsor Hiring Maine’s Heroes and to join other companies in the community that may have employment opportunities for the brave veterans who have served our country.” And people wonder why I brag about Maine businesses when I travel.

The Hiring Maine’s Heroes Job & Resource Fair will offer 40 employer and resource booths. In addition to our sponsors, will feature employers such as Cianbro, Bonney Staffing, Spurwink Services, and USPS of Northern New England. Veterans’ employment representatives will be available to meet with veterans who are interested in employment and training opportunities, along with several other organizations that can assist job seekers, those considering self-employment, or people interested in retraining or higher education. Three seminars will also be offered during the day, covering resume writing, interviewing, and military transition assistance.

This event is free and open to those that have served in any branch or component of the armed forces, to include active duty, Guard, Reserves, and Merchant Marines. Family members and job seekers from the Mid-coast area are also welcome at no cost. Seating is limited in the 45-minute seminars, so attendees are encouraged to register with the Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber at www.midcoastmaine.com or by calling 207-725-8797 ext. 3.

In closing, I would be remiss not to thank our friends at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Brunswick. They have rolled out the red carpet to ensure that Maine’s heroes, their families, employers, resource providers and members of the public all have a great location to come together and search for a slice of our American dream — a great paying job that supports them and their families.

UPCOMING EVENTS: The Nov. 14 Chamber Regional Luncheon, in partnership with 1Group, features a panel of experts that will approach “affordable health care” from varying points of view: broker, community health care provider, and wellness expert. The event is 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Inn at Brunswick Station and includes lunch. Fee for members is $20 and for nonmembers $25. Please register.

“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. Continental breakfast and extensive manual is included. 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. Fee for members is $40 and for non-members $55. Please register.

For more information and to register for these events, go to www.midcoastmaine.com.

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS: The chamber welcomes Action Electric Inc., Oxford Casino, Portland Pirates LLC, Heartland Payment Systems and Assistance Plus. To discover more about these businesses, go to www.midcoastmaine.com or download MyChamberApp for use on your mobile phone or tablet.

Comments are not available on this story.