MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: There are lots of nonprofit organizations in our region. How are they governed and who determines their mission and goals? The board of directors has that responsibility. So, what are the basic responsibilities of a nonprofit board of directors? (Yes, the Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber is a nonprofit.) Here are the ten responsibilities as discussed by BoardSource:

— Determine mission and purpose

— Select the chief executive

— Support and evaluate the chief executive

— Ensure effective planning

— Monitor, and strengthen programs and services

— Ensure adequate financial resources

— Protect assets and provide proper financial oversight

— Build a competent board

— Ensure legal and ethical integrity

— Enhance the organization’s public standing

UPCOMING EVENTS:

— Learn what to do should a disaster strike your business or organization at the Small Business Success seminar on March 18, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road. April Caron, of the American Red Cross — Central and Mid Coast Maine Chapter, and Barbara Rapoza, of SerPro of Bath/Brunswick, are the presenters.

— Hear updates for Brunswick Landing and Topsham Commerce Park from Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority Executive Director Steve Levesque. The luncheon is March 11, 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Brunswick Hotel & Tavern, 4 Noble St., Brunswick.

— Take part in the best networking in the region is Chamber After Hours. Three chamber members host the March 25 event (5-7 p.m.): ServPro Bath/Brunswick, American Red Cross (Mid Coast Chapter) and Simply Susie’s Catering. Chamber members invite other business people to their location to promote their business. It’s also a time to make new connections, gather business leads and reconnect with business owners.

Please pre-register for all events at www.midcoastmaine.com.

OUR MEMBERS: Welcome Realty Road Advisors LLC to the membership. This is a small business mentoring and consulting services business.

SMMC proudly serves 700 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.

Our members represent 132 varied business sectors. Find them all on our website at wwwmidcoastmaine.com.