PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: Sidney Sheldon once said, “My heroes are those who risk their lives every day to protect our world and make it a better place — police, firefighters, and members of our armed forces.”

I agree with Sidney’s list, and as Veterans Day approaches, we at the Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber want to say “thank you” to Maine’s veterans and family members with actions, not just words.

On Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 2 Columbus Drive, Brunswick, the Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber will be partnering with the Southern Midcoast Career Center and Maine Department of Labor to host the Mid-coast’s second annual “Hiring Maine’s Heroes Job Fair and Expo.”

More than 38 employers representing health care, banking, manufacturing, education, criminal justice, technology and other industries are confirmed and will be attending. While this event has a veterans focus, all job seekers and the public are welcome to attend this event.

I am pleased to announce this year’s sponsors include Coastal Counties Workforce, Inc., BONNEY Staffing, REMAX Riverside, and Mechanics Savings Bank. These sponsors have a proven record of supporting our local communities, and as a veteran, I am humbled that they have yet again stepped up to the plate and covered the cost to put on this event.

In addition to employers, employment representatives will be available to meet with veterans who are interested in employment and training opportunities, including those considering self-employment, job retraining, or attending higher education courses. Three seminars will also be offered during the day, covering resume writing, interviewing, and military transition assistance.

This event is free, however, those wishing to attend are encouraged to register. Seating is limited in the 45-minute seminars, so attendees are highly encouraged to register as seats will be given on a firstcome first-served basis. You can register by going to the chamber’s website www.midcoastmaine.com and clicking on the image of the American flag.

In closing, I would be remiss not to thank our friends at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Brunswick. They have rolled out the red carpet to ensure that Maine’s heroes, their families, employers, resource providers, and members of the public all have a great location to come together and search for a slice of our American dream — a great paying job that supports them and their families.

UPCOMING EVENTS: The Joshua Chamberlain Award presentation and Veterans Gala will take place at the Bath Golf Club on Nov. 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. Admission is $25, with refreshments and a cash bar.

November’s Chamber After Hours is Wednesday, Nov. 20, 5 to 7 p.m. The best in the region for networking, it will be hosted by La Bella Day Spa & Hair Salon and Simply Susie’s Catering at 16 Monument Place, Topsham.

Please go to the chamber’s website (www.midcoastmaine.com) and scroll the calendar for more information and to register for all of these events. For some the seating is limited. Don’t miss out.

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.