With a near unanimous show of hands, a group over 40 Wiscasset merchants moved to form a Chamber of Commerce during a meeting at the Wiscasset Community Center Nov. 19.
The vote came after the group weighed a number of possible scenarios including the formation of a business coalition, applying for Main Street USA designation, and combining resources with surrounding towns.
Lincoln County Office of Economic Development director Mary Ellen Barnes, who moderated the discussion, praised the merchants for making a unanimous decision. According to Barnes, the upside of a formal Chamber of Commerce is considerable as it offers the group resources, flexibility, and most importantly, name recognition.
“A chamber will enable Wiscasset to market the unique characteristics of the area,” Barnes said. “An inclusive and affordable organization can have a tremendous impact on business and development.”
The meeting was the third in a series of discussions evaluating the feasibility of an organization to pool available resources and constructing a discernable plan to attract business to the area.
The meeting began with presentations from five separate committees charged with researching the available options for the merchants. The Chamber of Commerce model, while potentially costly, was an overwhelming favorite.
“We need a three legged stool to support our efforts and I believe a Chamber provides that,” said Al Cohen of Big Al’s Super Values.
According to Barnes, the meetings have already fostered a sense of camaraderie within the business community.
“What we’ve seen is networking, business to business exchanges between people who have a rooting interest in the future of the town. Local people can best speak to the richness of this community and market that accordingly,” Barnes said.
Wiscasset Selectman Pamela Dunning suggested the group could potentially “pool resources” to provide benefits such as a discount on heating oil, a major concern for many with the winter approaching. In prior discussions, the merchants had highlighted a desire to market Wiscasset as a viable destination owing to its rich history, retail diversity, and location.
“We should have an advantage as this is the first coastal community once you get off the highways,” said Nancy Gillis of the Wiscasset Motor Lodge.
According to members of the group, Wiscasset business owners have attempted similar efforts in the past but failed to generate momentum or a long-term commitment. With the majority of businesses run by a single owner, the loosely constructed associations were undermined by a general apathy and a lack of available time. Both Wiscasset Town Manager Laurie Smith and Town Planner Jeffrey Hinderliter are donating their time and expertise, a welcome show of confidence for the merchants who had previously lacked formal town support.
“The town government is willing to help and assist with the formation which is extremely hopeful,” said Dan Sortwell, owner of Big Barn Coffee Roasters.
Selectman Ed Polewarczyk, acknowledging the palpable enthusiasm in the room, said he was “excited” and “proud” of the business community for taking the initiative
The next step will involve developing by-laws, a mission statement, and searching for a Board of Directors. Merchants will meet again on Thurs., Dec. 16 at 7:30 a.m. at the Chewonki Foundation.
