It’s time to renew!

The Milbridge Area Association’s 2011-2012 Membership Drive is underway. Renewal and new membership applications are now due. All membership accounts should be in good standing by December 31, 2011 for inclusion in the 2012 advertising campaigns.

Regular membership is $75 annually and non-profit membership is $25 annually.

Non-Paying Non-Profit membership is open to churches and schools. This membership level includes a profile on our Web site.

Click here to download an application. Contact us with questions.

Susan Bennett, owner of Bennett Web & Design Co, addressed the Milbridge Area Merchants Association at their June 16 meeting at the Seafood Shack in Columbia. Bennett talked about the many powerful Internet tools available to businesses that can increase product sales or provide product and service information to potential customers.

She noted that 74 percent of American adults use the Internet in some manner. People use the Internet for email, search engines, researching health/medical information, directions, hobby interests, and looking for products to buy.

She talked in detail about web sites, email, Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, Myspace, and other Internet resources that, if used efficiently, can draw more customers and business. Living and working in rural Maine does not lesson the importance of an Internet presence for businesses. Bennett said 70 percent of people in rural America also use the Internet.

Bennett stressed that a routinely updated web site is a great asset for any business. Potential customers can obtain product and contact information, read reviews and customer comments, and much more. Initial design of a web site is one thing, and updating and changes in style is another. One thing to keep in mind when designing and adding content to a web site is that a quarter of people still use slow Internet connections, such as dial-up, so keeping graphic files small is important. Updating text and other content frequently will help search engines find your web site and keep people coming back.

Bennett talked at length about the power of Facebook. “There are 400 million Facebook users world wide,” said Bennett. “That is more than the population of the United States.” Social networking, like Facebook, is a viral marketing venue capable of spreading your business name and information to countless customers. Other business members present at the meeting agreed and told of sales they had made through their Facebook accounts.

Your business card contains limited information and can be easily lost. Web sites, Facebook accounts and other Internet tools are there “24/7” said Bennett. More than half the people look up contact information via the Internet instead of the phone book.

Bennett’s own web page is www.bennettdesign.us.

In other Association business discussed at the meeting, member Nikki Look updated members on Milbridge Days plans. The annual celebration will be held July 30 – Aug 1, with most activities–including the parade–to be on Saturday, July 31. Look said there will be a “Flocking Flamingo” fundraiser within the Milbridge town limits. So Milbridge residents shouldn’t be surprised to find a pink flamingo in their yard.

The group’s next meeting will be a special celebration. The Milbridge Area Merchants Association will hold a MAMA Birthday Party on July 10 at President Leola Carter’s home in Cherryfield. The Association is 5 years old. Members, family, and guests will enjoy a potluck supper, games, swimming, and more.

For the second time in three years, BaySide Shop ‘n Save Supermarket has won the Business of the Year Award during the Milbridge Area Merchants Association Awards Night held on April 19 at 44 Degrees North Restaurant & Pub.

During the presentation Duggan noted that Leola and BaySide employees have done and continue to do an enormous amount of charitable and other worthy work for the Downeast area.

“Whether it is raising money for local schools, organizing the annual “Breakfast With Santa” event, or employing locals during this economic downturn, BaySide has been a positive force in Milbridge and surrounding towns,” said Duggan.

Earning the coveted “Team Player Award” was Birch Point Accounting’s Karen Perjon and David Momme. Duggan said that teamwork is what makes a successful organization and that Karen and David consistently worked with M.A.M.A. on virtually every group project. “Since Karen and David joined, they jumped in with both feet,” said member Brenda Duggan.

Michael Chapman, formerly of Harrington and now residing in Southern Maine, was presented with the “Community Spirit Award.” Chapman worked tirelessly for the past couple years on many community events. He helped raise more than $2,500 during last year’s MAMA Scholarship Drive, and also contributed significantly to almost every Association event and many other community services throughout the area.

Mindy Leighton and Cheryl Look accepted the “Sponsorship Award” for the Union Trust, a Division of Camden National Bank. The bank has been a loyal sponsor of the Association and also actively participated in monthly meetings, fundraisers, and special events.

Brenda Duggan received the “President’s Choice” award. Phil Duggan noted that it has been Brenda that was the driving force behind most Association projects and events he initiated.

Two Milbridge Area Merchants Association members win awards at the 2009 Governor’s Volunteer Service awards ceremony held in the state capital’s Hall of Flags on April 21.

Sponsor member BaySide Shop ‘N Save Supermarket and the Women’s Health Resource Library were among others honored by Governor Baldacci.

Sponsor member BaySide Shop ‘N Save Supermarket was honored by Governor Baldacci.

The Hall of Flags, located right next to the governor’s office, was packed with a crowd of  admirers as the governor presented the Small Business Volunteerism Award to BaySide Owner/Operator Leola Carter.

BaySide and Carter were hailed for their “leadership, personal commitment, and a spirit of volunteerism.” The award’s accompanying certificate also noted that “BaySide has brought about many improvements to the Downeast community. BaySide Supermarket hosts or organizes multiple community events each year.”

Indeed, Leola, who is also the Milbridge Area Merchants Association’s vice president, has been the driving force in many fundraisers and special events through the past three years that benefit Western Washington County, including scholarships, local school programs, Misty Morning Stables, past Milbridge Days and Renaissance Fair, and much more.

Maine State Representative Dianne Tilton had earlier presented Leola with a Joint Legislative Sentiment on behalf of the Maine State Legislature. The sentiment lauded Leola for the positive influence she and her business have had on hundreds of Downeast residents.

The Legislature cited Leola’s involvement with this Association, her hard work and leadership in organizing the annual Breakfast with Santa Program – a hugely popular December event among the area’s children, her contributions to the education system such as raising scholarship funds and supporting the local schools through the Hannaford Helps Schools Program, to name a few.

Leola was surprised and delighted when she recognized another group receiving an award. Hannaford was selected as the Corporate Volunteerism Award. BaySide Supermarket is supplied by Hannaford.

Chris Kuhni and Susan Jordan Bennett of the Women's Health Resource Library were honored by Governor Baldacci.

Another MAMA member, the Women’s Health Resource Library, was also honored during the ceremony.  WHRL Executive Director Chris Khuni and Board President Susan Bennett (also one of our Board members) accepted the Exemplary Service Award from the governor.

The library’s nomination summary noted that WHRL is the “central hub for health information, exercise classes, smoking cessation counseling, diabetes education and support, weight loss, and     parenting support.  Most programs are free and all are open to the community at large.”

The library has also collaborated with other organizations in sponsoring an Underage Drinking Summit, Stop Violence Against Women, Heart Health and other resourceful programs.

WHRL has always been a team player with this Association and has been a key ingredient in our successes the past few years.

The purpose of the Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards is to “Share the stories of extraordinary volunteers so they may inspire others to serve.”

BaySide and WHRL continue to inspire MAMA members and other businesses and individuals to contribute to their local communities and affiliated groups.  Leaders and employees of these two businesses have been the “movers” in our Association. In fact, BaySide was our 2007 Business of the Year and Susan Bennett and her Bennett Web & Design Company was our 2008 Business of the Year!

Prior to the ceremony, Maine State Representative Dianne Tilton presented a Joint Legislative Sentiment to Leola Carter on behalf of the Maine Legislature. The sentiment expressed appreciation for Leola’s community service and noted that Leola and BaySide Supermarket had positively influenced hundreds of residents in the Downeast area through her fundraising and other worthy events benefiting society.

Congratulations and thank you to the leaders and team players at BaySide Supermarket and the Women’s Health Resource Library.

 BreAnna Beal and Will Somes: Our Idols!

They sang their hearts out; some played guitars and harmonicas and while others went the Karaoke route. All vied to be the First DownEast Idol. The event rocked the Narraguagus High School gymnasium as 19 performers and about 600 spectators helped make the Scholarship fundraiser a huge success.

There were two categories: 1. JuBreAnna Beal, 2009 DownEast Idolnior Idol 2. Adult Idol.

Ten-year-old Will Somes, of Columbia Falls, became the first Junior Idol in what will likely become an annual event. He may not get a recording contract and a USA concert tour just yet, but his rendition of “Good Directions” by Billy Currington brought applause and squeals from fans in the audience. He also won $100 prize money. There are rumors that Toby Keith is worried Will might be moving in on his territory! Will attends Columbia Falls Elementary School and is the son of Adam and Sara Somes.

BreAnna Beal, of Beals Island, took the top prize in the adult category. BreAnna sang a beautiful version of “Angels in Waiting” by Tammy Cochran. Beal will be graduating this year from Jonesport-Beals High School and will be going into the nursing field. But keep an eye on her; this talented young woman is going places. She also won the 2007 Jonesport Idol contest. She just might be headed for the real American Idol!

Taking second place in the Junior Idol was 7-year-old Shasta Sargent, of Steuben. She is the daughter of Dennis and Tammy Sargent. Third place prize went to 11-year-old Mystie McMannus, daughter of Charles and Cheryl McManus of Milbridge.

Adult Idol second place went to the rockin’ Knight Time Band. The “Fab Four” may no longer be Ringo, Paul, John and George. At Guagus they are Drew, Chris, Josh, and Jeremy! Drew Ramsay is the lead singer, Josh Smith plays lead guitar, Chris Larson plays bass/rhythm guiWill Somes, DownEast Junior Idoltar, and Ringo..no, Jeremy Looke is the drummer. The applause and screams they elicited from the audience brought images of the Beatles 1960’s performances! Winning third place was Mindy Reynolds who played guitar and sang a Traci Chapman and Mary Chapman Carpenter tunes.

Other popular performances during the evening included Everard Hall on the harmonica, Magen Merchant singing and dancing, the adorable 4-year-old Zoe Reynolds singing “Our Song” by Taylor Swift, and Vern Robinson with some old-time country music.

The Milbridge Area Merchants Association sponsored the event. Ticket sales and business member donations raised $2,875 for the Scholarship Fund. Folks got to enjoy a great night of entertainment and contribute to a worthy cause at the same time. Association President Phil Duggan said that organizers were extremely pleased with the turn out and the amount of money raised. “Now we can award a couple of decent-sized scholarships and still leave a sizable balance for next year so we don’t have to start from scratch,” he said. The group hopes to continue expanding the amount and size of scholarships awarded. This year, a student from Sumner Memorial High School and a student from Narraguagus High School will be awarded a scholarship.

“The support we have received this year from the business community and residents has been great and we really appreciate it,” he said.

Deserving extra accolades include the custodian staff at Narraguagus High School, who donated their time and custodial fees to the fund. Also, the many worker bees and organizers who made the event happen, including: Brenda Duggan, Brian and Sunshine Strout, Tom and Beth and Brian Flaherty, Leola and Savannah Carter, Jewel Strout, David Momme and Karen Perjon, Michael Chapman who let his fingers do the walking for many hours and raised hundreds of dollars. Special Sponsors of the event included Mark Wright Construction, K-9 Kamp, BaySide Supermarket, Parritt’s Auto Body, Robert & BJ Seymour, and Elmer’s. The Association also thanks the Downeast Coastal Press, Machias Valley News Observer, and County Wide for all the publicity that helped bring in the crowds. Also special thanks to the Narraguagus High School for hosting the event.

The group is reviewing and critiquing the event and hopes to have many improvements for an even better show next year. So, stay tuned…

Phil Duggan presenting Susan Jordan Bennett of Bennett Web & Design the award for Business of the Year.

By Phil Duggan

Milbridge, Maine – December 18, 2008 – The Milbridge Area Merchants Association selected Bennett Web & Design as their 2008 Business of the Year. The prestigious award was presented to business owner Susan Jordan Bennett during the Association’s annual Christmas Social & Awards Night at 44 Degrees North Restaurant & Pub in Milbridge on Dec 16.

Susan Bennett receiving the Business of the Year Award

Association President Phil Duggan noted Bennett’s marketing experience and design skills have had a major impact on the Association. Bennett designed both the annual “Discover Downeast Maine” brochure and the group’s web site since the groups inception. “Her help during the annual recruitment drive and subsequent brochure design periods has been indispensable,” said Duggan.

Bennett also serves as the president of the Women’s Health Resource Library in Milbridge. In that role she has helped to raise thousands of dollars for the WHRL through on-line auctions. Her latest project is the “Purse Power” auction targeted for Spring 09. Details can be found on the Internet at whrl.org. Bennett is quick to note that she is just one of numerous people associated with WHRL that have raised these needed funds through teamwork. Duggan said that Bennett works many hours as a volunteer helping with Association and community projects, and at the same time has expanded her own business. “If you haven’t checked out the portfolio section of her web site,” Duggan said, “then you should do so. Her web pages are all professional and elegant and they stand out.”

Seven-year-old Oscar Mejia, son of Stephanie Mejia of Harrington, thinks carefully about what he wants to ask Santa for Christmas.

December 8, 2007. More than 120 children from Steuben through Addison attended the “Breakfast With Santa” event held at the Milbridge Elementary School December 8.

Second grade teacher Mindy Reynolds played the guitar and sang holiday songs as children danced. Kindergarten teacher, Mrs Hoffses, read stories to the kids. After enjoying a delicious breakfast the kids told Santa what they wanted for Christmas and had their picture taken with good ole Saint Nick, and received a gift. All of this was free.

The Milbridge Area Merchants Association sponsored the event, which was part of Milbridge’s annual “Christmas on Main Street.” Many other civic organizations and individuals also helped raise funds or aided in other activities to support the event. It was obvious to all in attendance that the children had a blast. This is sure to become an annual part of Christmas on Main Street.

Also during the breakfast, several grocery bags full of non- perishable items and $55 was raised to benefit the Weald Bethel Food Pantry in Cherryfield.

The merchants association wishes to thank all who supported the event, especially Santa who sat under those hot lights having his photo taken all morning! Others include: Masonic Lodge, Milbridge Recreation Dept, Milbridge Fire Dept, Women’s Group of Milbridge Congregational Church, Narraguagus Women’s Club, the kitchen staff, Chicamoose Café, Alice Beal, Linda Beal, and Corinne Burt.

In other Christmas on Main Street activities, the Holiday Decorating contest resulted in the following winners: First Place Narraguagus Bay Health Care Facility, Second Place The Cinnamon Stick, and Third Place The Union Trust Company. Residents and visitors also had the opportunity to enjoy a hearty supper cooked up by Eastern Star. There were many other events going on around town, including a craft fair, reading of the Angel Lights, concert by the Stewart family, and Hymn sing at the Wyman Methodist Church.

Phil Duggan, president of the Milbridge Area Merchants Association, presents a plaque and flowers to Leola Carter, the owner/operator of BaySide Shop ‘N Save in Milbridge, this year’s winner of the Business of the Year award.

Phil Duggan, president of the Milbridge Area Merchants Association, presents a plaque and flowers to Leola Carter, the owner/operator of BaySide Shop ‘N Save in Milbridge, this year’s winner of the Business of the Year award.

December 20, 2007. The Milbridge Area Merchants Association held their annual Awards & Christmas Social at the Red Barn Restaurant in Milbridge on December 19. Several businesses and individuals received awards, but taking the top prize was Leola Carter and BaySide Shop ‘N Save of Milbridge.

The association’s president, Phil Duggan presented Carter with a plaque and flowers and noted how much of an impact BaySide has had on the merchants association, the Town of Milbridge, and the Downeast region. The store’s move earlier this year from the old building (now NAPA Auto Parts) into the larger brand new site on Main Street has allowed Carter to stock more products and bring Ellsworth/Bangor grocery prices to the Milbridge area.

All yearlong, Carter and BaySide have contributed to the community and to the merchants association. Carter was instrumental in helping the group raise scholarship funds for two Narraguagus High School students. She and her crew also played a key role in raising funds for Milbridge Days, help highlight community events with their large Marquee on Main Street, planned and participated in such events as “Breakfast with Santa” and much more. Carter serves as Vice President of the Milbridge Area Merchants Association and is a primary factor in the association’s growth and success during 2007.

Receiving the coveted “Team Player” award was Susan Bennett of Bennett Web & Design Company. Duggan said that “teamwork is what makes a business or organization successful, and hands down, Susan Bennett takes the Team Player award.” For the past two and a half years, Bennett has designed and published the associations’ promotional brochure: “Discover Downeast.” She also designed and maintains the group’s web site (www.milbridge.org) and consistently worked with just about every association project the past two years. “Susan is a team player in every affiliation she involves herself with,” said Duggan. “Including with the Women’s Health Resource Library (WHRL) of which she serves as president.”

The Community Service Award can be awarded to any member or non-member that has made significant contributions to the Downeast region. Alice Beal, of Milbridge, won the 2007 award for her dedicated service to many area groups and projects, including the Milbridge Historical Society, Milbridge Days Celebrations Committee, local church activities and more.

Milbridge Town Manager Lewis Pinkham was presented with the group’s President’s Award for his extensive work with the association concerning area business matters and Milbridge Days.

Lisa Hylas accepted an appreciation plaque on behalf of Jasper Wyman & Son for their “steadfast support” as an association sponsor. CEO & President Ed Flanagan also gave a fascinating talk to the association back in August about the agricultural industry, including current immigration concerns, the declining population of pollinating bees, and international and environmental operations such as their efforts in Chile.

Red Barn Restaurant cook Michael Stocks was given the “Above & Beyond” award, presented to an employee of a member business.

Certificates of Appreciations were awarded to: Sunshine Strout & WHRL, Elaine Mathiason – Red Barn Restaurant, Jan Rossi & Crew – 44 Degrees North Restaurant & Pub, Brenda Duggan – Duggan Photography, Cathy Chipman – Milbridge Board of Selectmen (presented the night before during Selectmen’s meeting).

After the awards ceremony, the lively group enjoyed good food and friends and engaged in a “yankee swap” Christmas gift exchange that had some fun and hilarious moments.

The Milbridge Area Merchants Association membership area includes the towns of Steuben, Milbridge, Cherryfield, Harrington, Columbia, Columbia Falls, and Addison.