MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: We’re encouraging all who read this column to come out and donate blood on this Thursday, July 9 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Short and sweet here are the important facts:

— Blood is especially needed this time of year.

— For the fourth year in a row, Bill Dodge Auto Group is providing its showroom at 262 Bath Road in Brunswick to accommodate blood donors for the American Red Cross.

— Volunteers can be owners and managers of area businesses, their employees or the public.

— Make an appointment by calling 1- 800-red-cross or go online at redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code “Bill Dodge Hyundai” for an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome.

— Once you’ve made your donation, you’ll enjoy refreshments from the American Red Cross, Papa John’s Pizza and Gelato Fiasco.

— All those who donate will be entered into a drawing for a pair of tickets to see Taylor Swift at Gillette Stadium on July 24.

— Every donor will receive a $25 gift card for service at any Bill Dodge service location through Oct. 31, 2015.

— Thanks to Bar Harbor Bank & Trust and their employees for leading this blood drive effort with Bill Dodge Auto Group.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

— Do you want to meet with a dozen other business people and have concentrated, face-to-face networking? Then request an invitation to the Chamber’s 12 @ 12 lunch series. It’s sponsored by Wild Oats Café and Bakery. The next event is Aug. 4.

— The July 15 Small Business Success Seminar is where you’ll learn to build recognition of your business with Pinterest and Instagram. The session is led by BoomerTECH Adventures. There is no fee to attend. Bring your lunch (or not) and your smartphone or tablet. The seminar is at the Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road, from noon to 1 p.m.

— For the best in regional networking plan to attend the July 22 Chamber After Hours, hosted by The Daniel. Located at 10 Water St. in downtown Brunswick, the event features refreshments, door prizes and lots of mixing and mingling in a high energy group of business people. The event is open house-style from 5-7 p.m.

OUR MEMBERS: Check out the chamber’s website www.midcoastmaine.com to find what 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. Find them all on our website at wwwmidcoastmaine.com.