Open Forum

All Bethel area businesses are welcomed to the Open Forum on June 26 at Gould Academy’s Ordway Dining Room, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. As an incentive for businesses to attend, a drawing for $100 off 2013 chamber dues will be held at the end of the evening. To plan for refreshments, the chamber is requesting an RSVP to 824-2282 by Friday afternoon, June 22 at 5 p.m.

Recognizing that Maine, as well as the Bethel area, has been facing changes in its economy as well as in its demographic make-up, the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors organized a task force to embark on a 10-month strategic planning exercise. The Chamber is committed to promoting a climate for successful business for its members and has done this in a variety of ways over the years including, but not limited to, marketing fairly broadly and aggressively; facilitating networking events ― some with speakers on a topic of interest to businesses; organizing many seasonal events to bring visitors to the Bethel area; facilitating business and marketing trainings; and staffing a visitor information center.

The Task Force recognizes the need for feedback and input from its members, from businesses that have never been members, as well as those who were once members. It is an important part of the Task Force’s work that everyone’s ideas and concerns be articulated, so that the chamber can better plan for the future of this business organization. Again, please RSVP, if attending, to 824-2282 by Friday afternoon, June 22 at 5 p.m.

Julia Reuter

Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce