LeadershipinMotion
ServingasChairoftheBangorRegionChamberofCommercein2025hasbeenbothanhonor andaresponsibilityIhavedeeplyvaluedOurChambercontinuestobeadrivingforcefor economicvitalityacrossthe21communitiesweserve,andIamincrediblyproudofthework wehaveaccomplishedtogetherthisyear.
IextendmysincereappreciationtoourdedicatedBoardofDirectorsfortheirleadership,insight, commitmentIalsowanttothankourmembers,sponsors,volunteers,andChamberstaffwhoseenergyand engagementfueleverythingwedo.Ittrulytakesacollaborativeefforttostrengthenandsustainavibrant businesscommunity.
In2025,wefocusedonrefininghowweserveourmemberswhilemaintainingthestrongtraditionsthatbringour businesscommunitytogether.WecelebratedexcellenceandinnovationatourreimaginedSpringAwardsevent, continuedtoconvenemeaningfulconversationsthroughCEORoundtablesandleadershipluncheons,and createdvaluablenetworkingopportunitiesthroughBusinessAfterHours,ribboncuttings,golftournaments,and EarlyBirdBreakfastsOuradvocacyeffortsremainedfrontandcenterasweworkedtoensurethevoiceofour regionalbusinesscommunitywasrepresentedinkeypolicydiscussions
ThisyearwasalsooneofthoughtfulevolutionWestreamlinedoperations,evaluatedprogrammingtoensure maximumvalue,andstrengthenedpartnershipstoexpandourreachandimpactByfocusingonefficiencyand responsivenesstomemberfeedback,wepositionedtheChambertooperatewithbothagilityandpurposeina changingeconomiclandscape
Ourfocusin2026willbeonstrategicgrowthanddeeperengagementWeaimtoexpandmembership,cultivate newsponsorshipopportunities,andcontinueenhancingthememberexperienceWewillfurtherinvestin advocacy,workforcedevelopmentinitiatives,andinnovativeprogrammingthatsupportsbusinessesofallsizes Mostimportantly,wewillcontinuelistening,ensuringthattheChamberevolvesalongsidetheneedsofour region.
Leadershipisneverasoloendeavor,andIamgratefulforthetrustplacedinmeto serveinthisrole.Together,wearebuildingmomentumforastronger,more connected,andmoreresilientbusinesscommunity.
Here’stocontinuedprogressandopportunityin2026.
~Jodi
Executive Committee
OFFICERS
MISSION STATEMENT: Educate, Challenge, Inspire, Engage, and Connect leaders for the future of the Bangor Region.
TomGagnon
Nonprofit partners represented at Networking events partners represented atNetworking
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 member businesses
In 2025, 300 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:
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
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
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
