As the pandemic spurs many people to give new thought to where they live and work, Live+Work in Maine is trying a new marketing campaign to encourage their return to the state.
For the past two years, Live+Work in Maine, a business-led initiative to promote the state’s career opportunities, has held holiday-season events encouraging former Mainers to relocate here — becoming so-called “boomerangs.” But public health precautions have forced the group to do things differently this year.
Live+Work has stocked 20,000 specially branded giveaways — including glassware, shirts, coasters, stickers and hats — for free distribution through breweries in all 16 Maine counties. With support from the Maine Brewers’ Guild and $30,000 provided by Live+Work’s employer partners, the group hopes the swag will help get its message out.
“Whether you’re new to Maine, just boomeranged back, or have lived here for years, now is a great time to celebrate Maine as a great place to build your career and enjoy a great quality of life,” Executive Director Nate Wildes said in a news release.
“Even though this holiday season is different from anything we’ve experienced, and we can’t gather together as in years past, we encourage everyone to support your local brewery, ask for some awesome swag with your curbside pick-up, and spread the word about living and working in Maine.”
The promotional campaign kicked off over Thanksgiving weekend and will continue through the holiday season, according to the release. “Boomerang 2020” celebrates individuals who have returned to Maine, those who are staying because of changes at college, and those who are considering a relocation, as well as long-time residents.
The swag is available at any participating brewery, and other businesses are also invited to share the items with employees and customers. Live+Work is encouraging people to pick up the goodies at curbside in order to reduce health risks.
Participating breweries include the following.
- Rising Tide Brewing Co., Portland
- Nonesuch River Brewing, Scarborough
- Yes Brewing, Westbrook
- Mast Landing Brewing Co., Westbrook
- Lone Pine Brewing Co., Gorham
- Sebago Brewing Co., Gorham location
- Trinken Brewing Co., West Bath
- Moderation Brewing, Brunswick
- Black Pug Brewing, Brunswick
- NU Brewery, New Gloucester
- Side by Each Brewing Co., Auburn
- Outland Farm Brewery, Pittsfield
- Flight Deck Brewing, Brunswick
- Tumbledown Brewing, Farmington
- Bangor Beer Co., Bangor
- Cushnoc Brewing Co./State Lunch, Augusta
- Northern Maine Brewing Co., Caribou
- Gneiss Brewing Co., Limerick
- Funky Bow Beer Co., Lyman
- Fore River Brewing Co., South Portland
- Banded Brewing Co., Biddeford
- Foulmouthed Brewing, South Portland
- Strong Brewing Co., Sedgwick
- Lake St. George Brewing Co., Liberty
