Month: March 2021

With a mixture of happiness to have had the experience, and sadness to have it ending, I am announcing my departure from the Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce at the end of July.

Over nearly four years as Executive Director, we have built a great team of staff to run the Chamber, a strong Board to oversee and direct, and an effective set of processes to promote our Members and the region.

I tried numerous ideas that went nowhere as well, such as a shared e-commerce site, a local Small Business Conference (scuttled by COVID!) and a local online restaurant delivery service. But, it was all driven by my desire to support our local businesses!

My wife and I are retiring and going on a gigantic adventure. I will cherish and probably talk all-too-much about what the Chamber has done over the last few years (especially 2020!). But such a great experience should not be forgotten.

All my best to all our local Members – businesses, artists, farmers and non-profits – and to everyone at the Chamber. You are part of a wonderful region that has unlimited potential to prosper while staying true to what makes it special.

Fondly,
Steve Ryan

Despite the past disrupted and difficult year, the Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce has added two directors to their board to strengthen the Chamber in key strategic ways.

David Dancy was added in November of 2020. David is the marketing representative for SERVPRO of Belfast/Camden/Rockland. In that role and in past roles as a small business owner, David has had a keen focus on workforce recruitment and development. With this being a critical issue currently for the Midcoast area, David’s participation on the board is welcomed.

Dawn Gintz joined the board in January of this year and is the owner of the Captain Nickels Inn in Searsport. She has overseen a beautiful restoration of the Inn and even with that work ongoing, she has had tremendous success in booking both short stays and planned events over the past year. Her insights and advocacy for the hospitality industry and tourism for our area will be an important contribution to the Chamber.

The Chamber also said farewell this past year to a long-time director in Steve Tanguay of Searsport Shores Oceanfront Campground. While still a member of the Chamber, Steve’s tenure on the board had come to an end and we are very grateful for his years of dedication and his contributions to the efforts of the Chamber for our communities.

With a strong and diverse board, the Chamber is nevertheless always seeking interested business leaders to serve, from both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. Of special interest would be director candidates from the central and western towns of Waldo County. Interested people should contact Executive Director Steve Ryan at the Chamber at Director@belfastmaine.org or 207 338-5900.