By Mike McClellan

Executive Director, GBLRCC

Read in magazines, newspapers or on Web sites and you will often notice a section labeled FAQs. FAQs are Frequently Asked Questions and they relate back to the research tool you are using at the moment. It is a helpful area that will pose the questions (then answered) for you even before you think of them. With that premise in mind, I thought I would do an FAQ for the Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber Of Commerce.

1) When was the GBLRCC created?

The GBLRCC was officially designated as an organization on Feb. 14, 1921. It was first known as the Bridgton Chamber. Read more about this event in the History of Bridgton Book sold by the Bridgton Historical Society.

2) How many towns are officially covered by the GBLRCC?

Thirteen including Bridgton, Brownfield, Casco, Denmark, Fryeburg, Harrison, Lovell, Naples, Raymond, Sebago, Stow, Sweden and Waterford.

3) How many months of the year is the Chamber Information Center open?

Twelve months. The GBLRCC Information Center is open six days a week all year and seven days during the May-thru-October summer period. We have staff and great volunteers ready and able to serve you, to problem solve – even to just hang out and talk. Stop by! All members are allowed and encouraged to place their promotional materials at the center.

4) What are the basic dues at the Chamber?

$125.

5) Do I have to attend a lot of meetings as a Chamber member?

There are no mandatory meetings to attend. We do have periodic forums open to the public and a monthly After Hours. The GBLRCC holds as many as eight events a year; members are welcome to participate on any of the event committees or other committees that guide the Chamber.

6) Well, I like that I do not have to participate in meetings, but if I do not then how will I know what the Chamber is doing?

GBLRCC has a multi-faceted communication system designed to inform and present options to members monthly, weekly and even daily. The Chamber has an Area Guide book that includes all members’ information and will be distributed in the amount of 35,000 copies in 2005. The Chamber newsletter is mailed to almost 500 addresses and is placed in our communities as well. The weekly Chamber UPDATE e-mail is sent each Tuesday. This up-to-the-minute communication tool is popular with members toread or contribute. In a busy week, a second e-mail might be sent. Our forums, After Hours and Information Center hours also allow for continuous information and communication.

7) What are the eight events that the Chamber holds each year?

The events change from year to year but a listing of 2005 activities would include: Mushers Bowl Winter Carnival; Annual Dinner; Pondicherry Day/Fourth of July Events; Lakes Brew Festival; Waterford Fall Foliage Road Race and Chili Festival; Chamber/Bridgton Academy Golf Tournament; Fryeburg Fair and Christmas/Holiday Auction.

8) What is the Member-to-Member Program?

The Chamber offers an MtM program to benefit all members. This program, if utilized through the year will easily save you at least the value of your dues. All members are encouraged (not required) to offer discounts to other Chamber members. All Chamber members are given MtM cards for themselves and all their staff. You can visit the Chamber Web site to learn more about the 100+ discounts that await you.

9) The Chamber is made up of restaurants and overnight accommodations, right?

Well, yes these members are great but we also have plumbers, non-profits, massage therapists and about any type of business possible. Again, having the Information Center open 12 months allows for great representation for you, the member, and a good reason for any/all businesses to consider GBLRCC.

10) Hey Mike, this is good stuff, how do I learn more about what the GBLRCC does?

Call the Chamber at 647-3472; email info@mainelakeschamber.com; or go to our Web sites located at www.mainelakeschamber.com, www.mainelakeschamber.com, www.mushersbowl.com or www.lakesbrewfest.com.