PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: Young people are critical to Maine’s longrange prosperity and quality of life. I think this is especially true for Bath- Brunswick-Topsham and surrounding areas. That is why I am proud to announce the Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber is launching its newest program just for young professionals: Mid Coast Edge.

The first meeting of the Mid Coast Edge is today, from 5 to 7 p.m., at The Inn At Brunswick Station. This event is open to the public and chamber membership is not required to participate. Spouses are also welcome — the Mid Coast Edge is not just a business group; it encompasses all of the facets that affect young men and women in Mid-coast Maine.

But why is Mid Coast Edge needed? Aren’t there enough groups and associations in this area already?

As Brunswick Landing continues to grow and bring in high-tech jobs, as our area hospitals continue to innovate and use state-ofthe art equipment, and as our thriving tourism and creative economy continue to improve, new ideas and ways of doing business are critical. More than ever before, status quo will not be the way of the future for our business community.

As everybody knows, no one challenges the status quo like a young person. Because a specific event or process has been run a certain way for generations means nothing to them. And I for one want to say this is a good thing. I have appreciated the young interns that I have worked with over the years — they have challenged me and made me a better professional and person.

Statistics show that our young people are leaving Maine for greener pastures. Therefore, we need to increase the number of young people (age 20-40) and change the perception that there is a lack of professional and personal opportunities in the Midcoast. That is why the chamber’s board of directors has worked with three local businesses to champion and start this region’s only young professionals group.

The goals of our group are in line with the goals of the Realize Maine Network that connects young people statewide with opportunities to realize their professional, social, and civic aspirations. Our mutual mission is to (1) create opportunities for like-minded Mid-coast-based organizations to share resources and collaborate, (2) celebrate the work and accomplishments of young people in the greater Bath-Brunswick-Topsham area, (3) raise awareness about career, civic and social opportunities for young people in our region, (4) add value to other programs and initiatives that benefit young professionals in the Mid-coast, and (5) inform policy makers about issues affecting young people in our 16-town area.

I would like to thank the driving forces behind the Mid Coast Edge: Matt Rice of Burgess Computers (Bath), Aaron Quinn of Original Computing (Brunswick), and Brandon Hussey of The Inn At Brunswick Station (Brunswick). Without their help, this group would not exist.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Learn simple meditation of imagery to bring your body and mind to a healing and peaceful place, easy stretches to increase circulation and release tension with presenter Donna Marie Bordeaux, of Greater Brunswick Physical Therapy. This program is Mid Day Chambers on Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The program is free and open to the public and takes place at the Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road.

“Get a taste of LEAN methodology (chocolate, anyone?), and envision how Continuous Improvement (LEAN) can be applied to your work environment to improve process.” This is a hands-on introductory lesson intended for anyone on June 26, 9 to 11:30 a.m., at Border Trust Business Center, 2 Main St., Topsham. Presenters are Dr. Walter Lowell (certified Continuous Process Improvement practitioner) and Marcel Gagne (chairman of the advisory board at USM/LAC). The workshop is free but participation is limited to 15 people. Please register online at www.midcoastmaine.com.

Fairfield Inn and Suites hosts the June 27 Chamber After Hours, 5 to 7 p.m. Business people are encouraged to make use of the networking power of the Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber and enjoy the camaraderie of other business people. Door prizes include gift certificates, a “Spotlight on Members” column, flowers from Flowers Etc. and more. This event is free to attend but preregistration is required online at www.midcoastmaine.com or by calling 725-8797.

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS: SMMC welcomes Combined Management, Inc. and Horizon Professional Organizing and Archiving to its membership. To discover more about each of these businesses, go to www.midcoastmaine.com.

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