Politics & Co.
Businesses are always looking for an advocate, and they may find some new ones at area chambers of commerce. Also, an energy nonprofit is looking to expand its reach within the business community.
Chamber vacancies
Maine's chambers of commerce exist as an advocate for businesses, not just with the public but also in Augusta. There's been other turnover as well.
Chip Morrison, long-time head of the Lewiston-based Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce, plans to retire next year after two decades at the helm. He's not the only one on the move.
Catherine Wygant Fossett resigned in June as executive director of the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce and will hold the same title at the Institute for Family Owned Business, a nonprofit. In a posting for the job, the Boothbay chamber is looking for someone to oversee strategic planning, operational and financial performance, organization and membership growth, member relations and advocacy. The job pays $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience.
Elsewhere, the Blue Hill Peninsula Chamber hired Johanna Barrett to take over for Kurt Stoll, who retired. The Kennebunk-Kennebunkport-Arundel Chamber hired Denise Clavette after the resignation of Suzanne McKechnie.
Morrison, who met me for lunch in Lewiston last month, says he hopes the Androscoggin chamber will find a leader to bring new energy. It hardly seems possible to bring more energy than he has. Morrison says “retirement” will mean he has a chance to start a couple businesses.
“My wife will also retire. She plans to spend time reading books and petting the dog, but I don't want to do either of those things,” he told me at the time.
Energy nonprofit to expand
Efficiency Maine, a nonprofit created in 2010, provides subsidies to consumers and businesses that undergo certain upgrades to their energy systems.
The organization, led by Michael D. Stoddard, has an annual budget of $40 million. It is funded with a portion of your utility bill. They'll be at Mainebiz's Momentum Convention (Oct. 9), as well as chamber events and in advertising on radio and television.
“We are expanding this year,” Stoddard says. “We're marketing for the first time. We're trying to reach, not just the usual suspects, but businesses as well.”
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