It’s time again for another edition of 10 x 100. Every four to six weeks, instead of a single-topic column, I’ll be giving 10 updates on business matters in 100 words or less. Please feel free to contact me at the Bath-Brunswick Regional Chamber office if you need more information on any of these updates. Let’s go!
Recover Together Groups Open Day, January 18
With 24 chapters throughout New England and 16 in Maine, Groups Recover Together has proven to be a successful program to help people with drug addiction using a combination of individualized plans and group counseling. On Jan. 18, they’re holding an open house at 5 p.m. (106 Pleasant St., Brunswick) to meet with people who want to hear more about how they help citizens and local employees. In addition, they are accredited by the State of New Hampshire as a recovery-friendly workplace at 5:30 pm Join us.
Let’s talk about the workforce, January 24
The Maine Tourism Association is holding five regional workforce discussions across the state over the next six weeks, and the one being held in our Bath-Brunswick region is at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, in the Community Room at MTI (8 Venture Ave., Brunswick). Our chamber is co-hosting an event that’s supposed to last an hour (or we’ll stay longer) as we talk about barriers in the workforce, but really focus on some new programs and tangible solutions to help businesses. You can RSVP on the BBRC website at midcoastmaine.com.
Being too busy to engage
As you read these updates and start planning your 2023 schedule, here are some reminders to make sure you’re not too busy to get involved. Sometimes it seems like we have no choice about how busy we are, but if we step back, we can often see that we are the ones who continue to make the decisions that keep us so busy. We all need time to relax and get out of our own heads — make sure you make time for it and that you’re not too busy to deal with things outside of your work. There are numerous events that take place weekly in the region, and there are many programs that can help you and those you work with. If you’re an employer, recognize the signs of exhaustion and don’t be afraid to downshift. If you’re an employee, your bosses have never been more willing to be flexible, because they can’t afford to lose you; well, if you need a lower gear, let them know and they will most likely work with you.
United Way Midcoast CA$H tax free
One of the region’s great annual programs is the Untied Way of Midcoast Maine’s free tax preparation service for households making less than $60,000 a year. Volunteer tax preparers certified by the IRS can help you file your taxes for free if you meet the requirements. Appointments began this week for the Wiscasset and Bath regions. Call 295-6340 or 751-3756 to make an appointment. For more information, call 295-6340 or email [email protected]
City of Bath Comprehensive Plan, 24 January
The City of Bath is working on a new comprehensive plan to help shape the city’s future and is seeking community feedback. Pop into Bath City Hall Hall anytime between 4pm and 7pm on Tuesday 24th January to take part in their Values and Vision workshop. This workshop will ask you to answer some map-based questions and other open-ended questions about what you would like to see in the city of Bath. Everyone is welcome to attend, and again, you don’t have to be there for the entire three hours, but rather drop by during those three hours to share your thoughts.
BBRC Annual Membership Meeting, January 31
Member businesses, mark your calendars to join us for the Chamber’s Annual Membership Meeting at 6pm on Tuesday, January 31st. This statutory meeting is held during our January After Hours event from 5-7pm. The location has not been confirmed in the time it has taken me to submit this column, but I can almost guarantee that the location will be set by the time you read this. This meeting has two purposes: to vote on the list of directors and officers for 2023 and to accept any necessary amendments to the bylaws. Look for event details and to RSVP on the BBRC website at midcoastmaine.com. Event information is below the January 31st calendar post.
Bylaws and policies
Speaking of your organization’s bylaws and policies, this could be a good year to review them. Considering that many business owners are reaching the age where they need to have a transition plan for their organization, making sure your policies are accurate and still relevant in 2023 is a big deal. I know one of the bylaws we’re updating mentions that 50 signatures are needed on a petition for members to nominate a new director — man, does that seem impossible in 2023. Just look at your governing policy; you never know when you might need them.
SBA Transition Webinar, January 25
Speaking of transitions and succession planning, the Small Business Administration is hosting a 90-minute webinar at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, titled “Business Transitions – How Can You Preserve Your Legacy?” To register, log on to the BBRC website at midcoastmaine.com and search for the Jan. 25 event dates.
Nominations for the BBRC awards night
Our Chamber’s annual awards night will be in March, but nominations for the awards close on January 31st. Send me your nominations for a company or individual that you think deserves recognition [email protected]
Hacker’s Ball May 12 at BGC
Save the date or register with me for the Chamber’s annual golf tournament, Hacker’s Ball, on May 12 at Brunswick Golf Club. Due to the upcoming parental leave in April, we hope to register all teams by the end of March. Contact me at [email protected] for more details.
Cory King is the executive director of the Bath-Brunswick Regional Chamber of Commerce.
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