Lubec chamber rallies

"Eastport and Machias have taken off," says Heather Henry Tenan, "but here we're stagnant." Tenan and Jody Grimes together convened a meeting for Lubec Area Chamber of Commerce revitalization on February 25 at the Lubec Town Office. Thirty people signed the attendance sheet, but it appeared that there were more than that present, as the meeting room was standing room only.
The chamber has "been in hiatus for two years," says Tenan, pointing out that the most recent iteration of the organization had been called Cobscook Bay Chamber of Commerce and was intended to represent communities adjacent to the bay. "Our business community has grown so much now, it is time to get together," said Grimes.
While the audience came mostly from Lubec, representatives were present from Campobello and Whiting. Owners of many of the town's smaller and medium‑sized businesses were present.
The meeting started with a brainstorming session, with business owners suggesting possible services and ideas on improving business opportunities. Several pointed out that visitors often stop by local businesses asking for directions or dining opportunities, leading to a suggestion that a map be produced that could be distributed to be provided to visitors. It was pointed out that Campobello has such a map, in a "tear‑off" pad format that is both inexpensive and popular. There were several reports of difficulties encountered when visitors are sent to establishments that have not honored their own posted schedules, making cooperation and mutual references ineffective.
Grimes pointed out that chamber membership will include modest dues "to pay for printing and advertising." She went on to say, "This is a volunteer‑run organization. No one's getting paid."
At the close of the hour‑long meeting several working committees were suggested to help formulate working plans to reestablish the organization, to do, as Grimes put it, "all those things that are boring and tedious but they have to be done." These include bylaw review, marketing, organizing festivals and working on other committees.
The next meeting date was set for Sunday, March 31, at 2 p.m. in the Lubec Town Office. According to the bylaws, said Grimes, the group must hold a minimum of six meetings annually.
For more information or for volunteer opportunities, contact either Tenan or Grimes or visit the Lubec Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.