PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: The late Zig Ziglar quipped, “People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing — that’s why we recommend it daily.” Ole Zig really had a way with words, didn’t he? His message is clear, however: motivation is not a one-time thing.

I often hear that great leaders are great motivators. To some extent, that is true. However, external motivation — the “rah rah speeches” — only last for a while. As Stephen R. Covey put it, “Motivation is a fire from within. If someone else tries to light that fire under you, chances are it will burn very briefly.”

Wrapping Zig and Stephen together, I get the idea that good leaders motivate their people to motivate themselves on a daily basis. When that dynamic happens, especially in the business community, those organizations tend to rise and be noticed.

Recently, Gov. Paul LePage presented several Maine companies with the Governor’s 23rd Annual Awards for Business Excellence. These awards have become an emblem of distinction within the business community that recognizes business leaders for their commitment to their communities and contribution to Maine’s economy. Three of the seven companies recognized have roots in Mid-coast Maine, and in case you missed it, I’d like to share them with you.

First, FHC, Inc., from Bowdoin. FHC has served the neuroscience community for more than 40 years in its mission to advance cranial micro-targeting worldwide. The FHC facility, which employs more than 100 people, is in a 21,000-square-foot, stateof the-art facility at the former Bowdoin Central School. FHC goes about its business quietly and professionally — not seeking any self-grandeur. Instead, they give back to their community and its members. When I think of an example of a Corporate Socially Responsible company, FHC always comes to my mind. Congratulations to everyone at FHC for a job well done.

The second company I would like to give a shout-out to is Norway Savings Bank. Norway Savings Bank was founded more than 145 years ago with a commitment to personal values, community values and financial values that have never faltered. Over the years, Norway Savings Bank has grown to serve a wide area throughout western and southern Maine and currently employs more than 250 full-time people. We are fortunate to have three NSB branches in our Mid-coast area, and I am happy to report that members of all three branches are active chamber members and volunteers. NSB also has a long record of supporting SMMC events. So, to the folks at NSB, a loud “thank you” and “woot woot” for a job well.

Our third Mid-coast company receiving recognition is TD Bank. TD Bank is one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S. with deep roots in the community dating back more than 150 years. Its Maine presence now includes 54 stores, nearly 3,100 employees and several major office buildings. TD Bank has a long history of supporting the SMMC with volunteers and board members, not to mention community support. They give local folks great opportunities to excel in a global environment, and for that, a big thank you to TD Bank and its associates.

I appreciate the leadership in these three organizations keeping and growing their businesses in our region. More importantly, I am motivated by the fact these organizations are all community partners that look past their bottom lines and are active in making the Mid-coast region a better place to live, work, and play. Simple put, they are great examples that can motivate us all to do better.

If you get the chance, drop these honorees a line or stop in to say, “Congrats on your award.” You can find their address on the chamber’s website at www.midcoastmaine.com. I guarantee they’ll appreciate you going out of your way to recognize them.

P.S. In case you’re wondering, the other four businesses recognized were Falcon Performance Footwear, Auburn; Howie’s Welding & Fabrication, Inc., Jay; Lapointe Lumber Company, Augusta; and Lonza Rockland, Inc.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Midcoast Edge, the chamber’s Young Professional Group, invites those from 20 to 39 years of age to a Wii Game Tournament at The Frontier Café, Fort Andross, in Brunswick. The event is May 23, 5 to 8 p.m. The event is free to attend.

The May 29 Chamber After Hours will be hosted by the Bath Holiday Inn, 139 Richardson St., Bath. Attend anytime from 5 to 7 p.m. Enjoy refreshments, vie for door prizes, meet new members and catch up on what’s happening in our 16-town region. Chamber members, their employees and guests are invited and it is free. In addition, come meet the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) students who will have business displays on view. Learn more about YEA! Bring your student. Please register for this event.

“How to Write, Grow and Sustain an Effective Blog,” presented by Jennifer Barbour, takes place June 11, 5 to 7 p.m. at Priority Business Center, 2 Main St., Topsham. Fee for the class is $25/person, registration is required as seating is limited.

The Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber’s Hacker’s Ball Golf Tournament is June 13. This 18-hole scramble will support grants for youth going to college from our region’s high schools. It will also support young people who want to start their own business through the chamber’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy.

Please go to the chamber’s website (www.midcoastmaine.com), scrolling the calendar to register for all of these events.

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS: The chamber welcomes Amtrak Downeaster, Hotchkiss Consulting Group/Hotchkiss Photography and the Black Belt Mindset Productions LLC to its membership. Discover more about chamber members at www.midcoastmaine.com or download MyChamberApp for use on your mobile phone or tablet.

The chamber proudly serves 760 businesses and organizations in the following communities: Arrowsic, Bath, Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Brunswick, Dresden, Edgecomb, Georgetown, Harpswell, Phippsburg, Richmond, Topsham, West Bath, Westport Island, Wiscasset and Woolwich.

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