WATERBORO — A business network formed last fall to promote goods and services offered by people in the RSU 57 Massabesic school district has become so popular that a Business Expo planned for Wednesday has a vendor waiting list.

The Massabesic Business Exchange Expo, set for 4 to 7 p.m. at the Southern Maine Health Care facility off Route 202 on Goodall Drive is billed as an “interactive” event. 

And in at least one case, the interactive part involves tasty treats. 

Allie Owen of Waterboro started Bluebird Baked Goods about eight years ago, first baking goodies in her licensed home kitchen.

Two years later, Owen remodeled her basement into a licensed commercial facility where she turns out tempting baked goods by special order. Owen bakes for weddings, parties, makes custom cakes and more.

So what will be interactive about her space at the business expo?

“I am creating a new cookie,” she said by phone. “People can taste it, recommend a name for it and the person whose name is chosen get a prize — an edible prize.”

Owen got involved with the expo and the Massabesic Business Exchange, she said, because she loves community events, networking with other area businesses, and meeting people who live in the area.

RSU 57 is a large school district and includes the towns of Alfred, Limerick, Lyman, Newfield, Shapleigh and Waterboro. The shop owners and service providers that are members of Massabesic Business Exchange all do business in the communities.

Gina Mosher, rehab services manager at Southern Maine Health Care, said the Massabesic Business Exchange was formed after another business network disbanded. Several people agreed to meet quarterly, Mosher said, and so met for the first time in the fall of 2017. 

“We met at the Cosy Corner (restaurant). We had 56 businesses attend,” said Mosher. “We chatted about what we did and what we wanted each other to know.”

Then they brainstormed about getting the word out about what they had to offer.

Mosher pointed to the vastness of the Massabesic School District and pointed out that folks aren’t necessarily aware of the array of businesses in area and what they provide.

There were local banks represented, medical providers, small business owners, craftspeople, and others at that first meeting.

“This is a very grassroots endeavor,” she said.

The group decided to host a business expo, she said, to share information in a fun way. Mosher said it won’t be vendors merely  handing out information  — as those who attend  will see. 

Mosher said 24 businesses will be represented and as of late last week, three more were on a waiting list.

“This is an opportunity for attendees to ask questions in a non-obligatory way and have a fun time,” Mosher said.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.