The Wiscasset Area Chamber of Commerce held a grand opening the evening of Aug. 30 for its new visitor’s center, located at 524 Bath Rd., in Wiscasset.
The center, which will be open year ’round, is for “more than just meeting the needs of visitors,” said David Stapp, chairman of the WACC Board of Directors.
“Its second purpose is to encourage more business to business interaction, to encourage buying local and using local resources, and to educate people on how to find what they need without having to leave the area.”
Brochures, business cards and maps are all available in the visitor’s center, but the WACC is hoping it will offer more than that.
Stapp wants it to become their headquarters, and that they can “use the space to grow benefits for members.” Nancy Carleton, also on the WACC Board, hopes the center can be available for local businesses to use for meetings and events.
Senator Chris Johnson (D-Somerville) and Rep. Les Fossel (R-Alna) both made appearances at the opening.
“This is going to be a really inviting place to stop and take a break and find out more about the area,” said Johnson. “It’s taken a while but it is building momentum fast.”
Around 25 people were present as Stapp gave a speech thanking many people for the tireless after-hours efforts and generous donations that it took to complete the center.
After cutting the broad red ribbon, Stapp received a certificate from Wiscasset officially welcoming the WACC and honoring their economic contributions.
Pam Dunning, chairman of Wiscasset’s Board of Selectmen, presented the certificate and said an organization like the WACC has been needed for a long time to help bond businesses and she is excited about the energy and member participation.
In 2011, the Chamber had a visitor’s center in operation near its current location. After it was determined that moving that building closer to Rt. 1 was going to be too difficult, it was decided to move to the new location.
The effort was sustained by “a handful of dedicated and energetic volunteers,” said Stapp. “None of this would be happening without them. They come for long nights and early morning meetings, which interferes with operating their own businesses. They’re really a stand-out crowd to work with.”
For more information on the Wiscasset Area Chamber of Commerce, visit www.wiscassetchamber.com.
