MESSAGE FROM THE CHAMBER: Not only are the children back to school, chamber members are back to a whirlwind of programs and events for the month of September. Take your pick, one or all. Guests are welcome. Go to the Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber website for more details and to register for each event: www.midcoastmaine.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

— Is your business “Chip Card Ready?” Find out at the Small Business Success Seminar on Sept. 8, noon to 1 p.m., at the Topsham Public Library. Beginning Oct. 1, all businesses that accept in-person payments must be able to take cards embedded with chips, or risk being responsible for card fraud losses.

— Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber, the Brunswick Downtown Association and the town of Brunswick are providing an opportunity for Brunswick residents, Brunswick business owners and Brunswick property owners to learn more about the Solarize Brunswick program. The presentation is Sept. 16, 9-10 a.m., at the Community Room, 8 Venture Ave., Brunswick Landing.

— The chamber’s young professional group, Midcoast Edge, will present a conflict resolution workshop on Sept. 17, 2:30- 5:30 p.m., at Maine Forest Yurts, 430 Auburn Pownal Road, Durham. Conflict resolution and its complexities will be discussed, resulting in participants learning when and how to intervene, and how to prevent some conflict.

— Look forward to a fun end of summer at Oktoberfest Maine on Saturday, Sept. 19. From noon to 7 p.m. at the Topsham Fairgrounds, you’ll be treated to food and beer (this is a 21 years and older event), German music, local bands, games and contests. Buy tickets online for only $10/person at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1592065 ($15/person on day of event).

— Chamber After Hours is Sept. 23, 5-7 p.m. It is hosted by Day’s Jewelers at its new location at the Topsham Fair Mall. Make new connections, gather business leads and reconnect with business owners.

— Chris Fogg, CEO of Maine Tourism Association, is the featured speaker at the Sept. 30 Chamber Regional Luncheon. The event (11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.) includes networking, buffet lunch and presentation at The Daniel, 10 Water St., Brunswick. Thank you to our sponsors: Mechanics Savings Bank, Mid Coast Health Services, RE/MAX Riverside and The Brunswick Hotel and Tavern.

OUR MEMBERS: Check out the chamber’s website www.midcoastmaine.com to find a service or product you are looking for.

SMMC proudly serves 670 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.