2024 Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Report

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OurBoardChair:

SVP,DirectorofMarketing&CommunityRelations,BangorSavingsBank ChangeisConstant!

AsItransitiontoPastChair,Iamgratefulfortheexperienceofservinginthis capacityandlookforwardtotheleadershipofournewChair,JodiReynolds,and theBoardofDirectors.IextendmysincerethankstotheoutgoingBoardMembers fortheirtime,talent,andcommitmentCongratulationsandwelcometothenew BoardMemberswhowillhelpadvanceourmissionofpromotingavitaland healthybusinessenvironmentinthe21communitiesweserve.

In2024,wecametogetherincelebrationasacommunityattheAnnualAwardsDinner,led advocacyeffortstoshapepolicyconversations,engagednewmembers,andhostedevents liketheBusinessAfterHours,golftournaments,ribboncuttings,EarlyBirdBreakfasts,leadership luncheons,andCEOroundtables.Additionally,twolong-termChamberstaffmemberspursued newcareeropportunities(wishingthemallthebest!),givingustheopportunitytoonboard twonewprofessionals(welcome,SamandScott!)withfreshperspectives.Changewas constantin2024!

Lookingahead,ourfocusisonchangethroughefficiency.Basedoncommunityfeedback,we areshakingthingsupin2025We’restreamliningmaterials,reinventingourannualawards dinnerintowhatissuretobeanepicSpringeventandkickingoffthenewyearwithaHotStove featuringtheMaineStateChamber,policymakersandlegislators.Wewillcontinuetobe mindfuloftheeconomiclandscape,ourprograms,andmanagingexpensesandoperations withdiligenceandgovernance.Wewillalsoaimtoincreasememberships,sponsorshipsand partnershipstodriveengagement

Iamincrediblyappreciativeforthisleadershipopportunitywith theChamberand,mostimportantly,thankfulforthesupportof thepeopleandprofessionalsaroundme.Cheerstochange,the onethingwecancounton!

~Jaclyn

Executive Committee

OFFICERS

Bangor Region Bangor Region Leadership Institute Leadership Institute

MISSION STATEMENT: Educate, Challenge, Inspire, Engage, and Connect leaders for the future of the Bangor Region.

The Bangor Region Leadership Institute (BRLI) is an intensive, regionally-oriented leadership development program of the Bangor Region Chamber of

is

to give potential and emerging

the skills, knowledge, and ongoing support they need to succeed in the greater Bangor community.

FUSION: Bangor FUSION: Bangor

FUSION:Bangor is the area’s networking group of engaged residents The organization works to connect the residents of the area to each other, engage with the community and transform the Bangor region into the preferred place to live, work and play in Maine.

Annually in March, the Community Council Building Bridges program partners with the Bangor School Department to transport 200-300 seventh graders from Bangor area schools on a day-long tour of Chamber

In 2024, 280 students were provided this incredible opportunity, exploring 15 local businesses.

StrategicVision2025-2028

VISION: To promote and advance a vital, healthy business environment and livable communities.

MISSION: The Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce is a member-centric organization whose mission is to advance the economic vitality of the region by promoting business growth, talent development and attracting new residents and visitors, while advocating for our membership.

COREVALUES:

MEMBERCENTRIC OPERATIONAL INTEGRITY

BRCC’s strength comes from its membership We will strive to advance the prosperity of our members and focus on delivering value through our programs, advocacy, education and services

BRCC will be a high performing, innovative, relevant and financially sound organization focused on achieving best practices consistent with the Chamber industry

SUPPORTING THEREGION CULTURE

BRCC will leverage our programs and partners to advocate for our members who live and work in our 21 communities

BRCC promotes an organizational culture that empowers employees to lead and take ownership of their work within a supportive, team environment while engaging its board, programs, and volunteers to best serve our members and community

STRATEGICFOCUSAREAS:

DIVERSITY, EQUITY& INCLUSION

BRCC will welcome visitors and new residents, and embrace and support diversity, equity and inclusivity to expand our membership, enliven our communities and grow the region

WELCOMING VISITORS & NEW RESIDENTS

BRCC will serve as a resource for visitors and newcomers to the region

Strategy:

Respond to inquiries and provide travel and relocation assistance

Serve as a resource and “connector” for new and existing residents

Partner with travel and tourism entities to facilitate and support efforts to make our region a travel destination

BUSINESS ADVOCACY

BRCC will be one of Maine’s strongest regional business advocacy organizations, focusing on issues important to the region’s economic vitality.

Strategy:

Educate and inform our members about issues important to the business community

Make recommendations to policymakers regarding issues that affect our members and region

Engage elected officials, members, and stakeholders about issues of importance

Encourage members to actively participate in advocacy efforts

PROMOTING BUSINESS SUCCESS

BRCC will lead efforts to promote the strength of the Bangor Region’s business community

Strategy:

Showcase why the region is a great place to live, work, start and grow a business

Spotlight and celebrate the successes of our members

Support and promote projects that will expand businesses, encourage innovation and deliver essential services so businesses can attract and retain talent

Serve as a central resource and conduit for new business development opportunities

CONNECTING OUR MEMBERSHIP

BRCC will be the go-to resource for connections to help members achieve their goals

Strategy:

Provide the largest, most connected network of potential customers, partners and employees in the region

Provide opportunities to connect with other members to expand their networks

Connect our members to resources to grow their businesses/ organizations

TALENT DEVELOPMENT

BRCC recognizes that a strong workforce is a key ingredient for growth and will foster efforts to develop and connect talent in the region

Strategy:

Through our programs (BRLI, FUSION:Bangor, Building Bridges) and partners, develop and sustain a talent pipeline of future leaders

Connect member employers and potential employees

Support efforts to attract and retain a strong talent pool in our region

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