News from the Directors: Board Meetings 2.4.13 and 2.6.13

 Improved Island Explorer Bus Service for the Quietside: Without increasing costs or buying more buses, would it be possible to increase the bus service to cover more of Tremont and shorten the time it takes to ride the bus from SWH to Bar Harbor?

Website and Mobile Websites:

The Chamber has been grateful these last two years to Board member, Alan Feuer for the gift of a professionally designed and managed website.  It is volunteer efforts like this from Board members past and present as well as ordinary members’ contributions that have put the Chamber on a healthy financial footing and allowed us to pursue improved services.  The Directors are looking to add a mobile website to Chamber services.  This will entail a review and possible redesign of our current website with the view to removing it from a volunteer function.

The Retail Relations Sub-Committee chaired by Joan Steel of Salty Dog Gallery is developing targeted services maps for distribution out of lodgings members’ businesses and from the office.  As many as six maps covering the Quietside are planned to display locations and contact information for Galleries, Shopping, Dining, Activities, Services and Boating.  The Chamber plans to include all related businesses on appropriate individual maps.  Chamber members will receive an enhanced listing.  There will be no additional charge for this service.  A Retail Relations Sub-committee member will contact you about your listing.  You may also contact Joan at the Salty Dog if you have questions or comments.

Support federal funding for Acadia National Park - Thursday DEADLINE

The National Parks Conservation Association has drafted a letter that is available for businesses to sign onto in support of federal funding for national parks as the President and Congress wrestle with the sequester.  Acadia and other national parks have been asked to prepare for 5% cuts in their funding.  At Acadia, this equals approximately $400K and could mean shorter visitor center hours, reductions in ranger programs, and the possible elimination of lifeguards at Acadia’s beaches.

Friends of Acadia is very concerned about these cuts and the potential negative effects that they could have on the visitor experience here at the Park.

 If businesses are interested in adding their names to the letter, please go to http://www.npca.org/protecting-our-parks/park-funding/funding-sign-on-letter-bus.html and fill in the simple web form.  Signatures are due by this Thursday, February 21, 2013.

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Stephanie Clement at 207-288-3340 or stephanie@friendsofacadia.org

Thank you very much for considering this request.

Guest Speaker, Jeff Dobbs

Tuesday, March 5, Noon – 2pm at SIPS

The Southwest Harbor and Tremont Business Association will host a lunch with guest speaker Jeff Dobbs, producer and director of the Acadia Channel.

Subject:  Television advertising opportunities for local businesses.  Jeff has produced a number of successful videos showcasing Maine as a travel destination.  One of his most recent productions, Chummy Rich, Maine Boat Builder has been very well received.  For background on Jeff Dobbs Productions look here: http://www.jeffdobbs.com

The Business Association invites you to join them to hear your ideas and to learn about your opportunity to participate in this project.  The Business Association may have some money to contribute toward any production that may develop.  Venues for the broadcast are to be determined. 

Please RSVP to Christina Butler, Butler Marine Insurance by Monday, March 4.  Christina Butler, 244-7500 or christina@butlermarineinsurance.com.