I guess it has been determined that March came in like a gentle lion. There was a bit of wind during the night as we welcomed March 1st.

March 1st is always a day that makes me take a deep breath and be thankful. 31 years ago at approximately 7PM my crew and I were rescued by the US Coast Guard as my 75 foot commercial fishing vessel sank out from under us. That day in 1985, March came in like a roaring lion with 35 knot winds and 10 foot seas. I am forever grateful of the skills shown by the Coast Guard helicopter crew as they plucked us off the stern of the boat and carried us safely to Cape Cod. I didn’t know it then but that day taught me some important lessons.

Commercial fishing in my day was made up of a mass majority of independently owned and operated small businesses. We purchased supplies such as fuel, ice, twine, oil, spare parts and groceries from local vendors. We had mortgages, we had lines of credit and we bartered with each other. It was hard work but it was mostly rewarding.

I bring this up because managing a small business is a lot of work. It takes skill and nerve. Often, I leaned on my friends for guidance, advice and introductions to others where I might get a better deal or quicker service.

Now after five years on the job at the Biddeford+Saco Chamber, I find that there are similarities but also many more resources available. You just need to ask. And I know that is difficult. Admitting you need help or need a new vendor to lower costs or maybe looking for HR advice is a tough pill to swallow but I want you to know that the Chamber can help you and connect you with individuals as well as agencies that can guide you and help grow your business. This is another positive benefit of being a Chamber membergreat networking and connections. Shouldn’t you be a member of our Chamber? Give us a call or stop in, we will be glad to help you.

Craig A. Pendleton, Executive Director

Craig@ BiddefordSacoChamber.org