CHAMBER MESSAGE FROM PAUL LOVELESS: I first arrived in Brunswick in February 1963 after being stationed in Millington, Tenn.; Norfolk, Va., and Jacksonville, Fla. It was apparent that Brunswick Naval Air Station and the surrounding communities had a relationship that was different and positive from that I had experienced in my other the duty stations. The community was welcoming and friendly to military members and families. This relationship continues to this day. To recognize this special the relationship, the Joshua L. Chamberlain Award was created as outlined below:

JOSHUA L. CHAMBERLAIN AWARD — Established in 1976, this prestigious award is presented to an individual who, through their outstanding dedication and service, promote the best possible military-community relationship within the Mid-coast Maine area. The individual nominated should be one whose activities have served to build upon the close relationship and understanding existing between the military and civilian components of the greater Brunswick-Topsham-Bath community.

SMMC’s Military Community Network Committee invites you to nominate an individual. The deadline is Dec. 20, 2014.

The committee will review and vote on the nominee with the award presented at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting on Jan. 23, 2015. For a list of previous recipients, please go to the homepage of the chamber’s website, www.midcoastmaine.com.

Please submit your nomination to admin@midcoastmaine.com. Please include the following in your nomination: Company/nominee’s full name, address, phone and email, your phone number and reasons for nomination. For more information, call Paul Loveless (chairman, SMMC Military Community Network Committee) at 207-841-0782.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

— Learn how to establish a retirement plan for your company at the Small Business Success Seminar, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road. James Nylund, a financial adviser with Wells Fargo Advisors, and Tracy Cassidy, CPA, are the presenters. Please register for this free seminar.

— Holiday Chamber After Hours is Wednesday, Dec. 17, 5 to 7 p.m. The location and hosts are Coastal Performance Training Center and CrossFit Fire of the Gods, 14 Thomas Point Road, Brunswick. Employees of chamber members are encouraged to attend this “Best in the Region” networking event. It’s a place to meet new business people, reconnect with colleagues, all the while building your business network. Refreshments provided by Big Top Deli, Flipside Pizza, Pat’s Pizza and Joshua’s Tavern. Tours of the facility will be conducted. Please register for this free networking event.

Watch our scrolling calendar at www.midcoastmaine.com for more information and to register for all events. For some, the seating is limited. Don’t miss out.

Thank you to our annual sponsors: Mid Coast Health Services, Mechanics Savings Bank, Bar Harbor Bank and Trust, Burgess Computer, RE/MAX Riverside, The Brunswick Hotel & Tavern, Electricity Maine, Coastal Ortho Performance Training Center, FairPoint Communications, Southern New Hampshire University, Parkview Adventist Medical Center, Atlantic Regional FCU, TownSquare Media, The Cryer, WCME Radio 9 and The Times Record.