SACO — The Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be moving across the river next month.
Executive Director Craig Pendleton announced late Monday afternoon the chamber is entering a three-year lease agreement with Saram-Water, LLC for space to open an office and welcome center at 28-34 Water St., Biddeford.
Pendleton said the chamber is shooting for Feb. 15 to move into a 1,250-square-foot office space at the site. Phase two of the move, an additional 1,250-square-foot space for a welcome center, is targeted for mid-June.
Pendleton said he envisions a “welcome center” as opposed to a “visitor’s center,” as he wants to attract local people who might want to stop by to purchase Funtown Splashtown, U.S.A. tickets or get information, for example, in addition to tourists who want to know more about area attractions.
“We are excited about this move and all the opportunities it provides to the chamber, its membership and the communities,” said Pendleton.
The chamber is currently located at the Saco city transportation center. The lease expires Feb. 7, and Pendleton said the chamber had negotiated with the city so that it can complete its move at the end of the month.
Pendleton said storefront windows at the new location will be used for displays featuring member businesses. The new location is across the street from Mechanics Park, and Pendleton envisions using the park for events in the future.
Paul Deschambault, of Saco Bay Property Management, which oversees the building and has been negotiating the lease, said in a written statement the chamber is the ideal tenant for the Water Street property.
“After years of different businesses and a local tavern, we made a business decision to look for a low-impact tenant,” said Deschambault. “The chamber is a perfect match, and we will be making several modifications to the building in order to accommodate their plans for the future.”
Pendleton said at the new location, there won’t be the distractions inherent to the train station, such as people needing assistance to purchase Downeaster tickets, and the chamber will be better able to focus on its work. Pendleton said the new location is more ideal because it’s a separate destination, with people coming to the office and welcome center specifically for chamber services.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.
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