Hello Biddeford+Saco residents and visitors. I hope you are enjoying our beautiful weather and taking time to relax and take in the beauty and comforts of our community.

Looking ahead to September, on the 16th the Chamber will be hosting its 11th annual Business Expo at XL SportsWorld on North Street in Saco. This year’s event will feature changes to accommodate comments we have received over the past two years. From 10:00 am till noon, participants will be free to network and mingle with coffee and doughnuts donated by Aroma Joes. During this time, we will feature guest speakers that will focus on labor issues such as workplace health, workplace safety and workplace security. We will be joined by Maine’s Commissioner of Labor Jeanne Paquette. The morning will be concluded with comments by Saco Mayor Don Pilon and Biddeford Mayor Alan Casavant regarding the vibrancy and positive activity of the Biddeford+Saco Region.

At noon, the doors open to the public. Inside you will find 70 or more businesses that provide goods and services to consumers. We urge you to come in, talk to the representatives, work on deals, get educated on what we have to offer in Biddeford+Saco so you can tell your friends and family. This region prospers when we do business locally and we bring consumers to our region. Most businesses will have promotional products or special offers. If you have a business card, bring it to share with everyone. Be sure to stop by the Chamber booth and see all we have to offer and what we have been up to.

And then just three days later on the 19th, a special community event will take place. The day starts off with the dedication and naming of the pedestrian bridge over the Saco River that connects our two cities in the Mill District. Special guests and special events will lead up to an unveiling and name announcement for the bridge. Local merchants have been encouraged to have special offerings and to be in the spirit as our two communities celebrate a strong connection. At noon, the RiverJam Festival kicks off with music all day long in Mechanic’s Park in Biddeford and later in the evening, performers will relocate to the Saco side of the Mill District and continue playing. A number of events are planned during the day and the evening will be capped off with a fireworks show. Please call your friends and family and stop by for a day of fun. And while you are here please remember to stop into local stores and eating establishments (especially Chamber members) and help keep our local economy growing.

Feel free to stop in or call the Chamber for more details. Programs and special event offers will be available soon.

Craig A. Pendleton, Executive Director

Craig@ BiddefordSacoChamber.org