Portland’s business leaders won’t get the chance to show that they can spell on the spot, and they can blame a nor’easter for the missed opportunity.

The 3rd Annual Corporate Spelling Bee scheduled for March 13 is canceled because of the impending nor’easter. The charity event will not be rescheduled.

The competition was to include:

• Michael Bourque of MEMIC, competing for the Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine
• Steve Bromage, of the Maine Historical Society, competing for the Maine Historical Society
• Ed Kane, of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, competing for the charity of his choice
• Nancy Marshall, of Marshall Communications, competing for the Bicycle Coalition of Maine
• Debby Olken, KMA Human Resources Consulting, competing for Make a Wish Foundation
• Liz Cotter Schlax of United Way, competing for United Way
• Mark Vogelzang, of Maine Public, competing for Maine Public
• Bill Williamson, of Bank of America, competing for Good Shepherd Food Bank

Lisa DeSisto, CEO of MaineToday Media and Deanna Sherman, President of Dead River Company were to be the evening’s hosts.

The Maine State Spelling Bee will take place Saturday, March 24, at 2 p.m. at Hannaford Hall on the USM Portland campus.