The Chamber Beat

Photo:

John Williams

The Oxford Casino is open. I have to tell you that I was very impressed with the entire staff of 400 strong at the Oxford Hills newest business. Scott Smith, who sits on my Board and is also the Public Relations Director at the Casino, was superb in hosting the opening on June 5.

The General Manager, Jack Sour, has developed a team of managers and staff that give new meaning to the word “Service.” Everything about the operation was professional, with friendly and knowledgeable people everywhere you turned.

Congratulations to the investors for all of their dedication, commitment and belief in the idea and the dream behind western Maine’s first Casino Resort, which, as I speak is already expanding to allow more opportunities for growth and more opportunities for the creation of more jobs – jobs, that’s what it’s all about.

The Chamber believes in the idea that the Oxford Casino will function as a catalyst for making our area more successful economically with, almost assuredly, more business coming into our area as a result of the Casino being open and more opportunities to create more jobs. The parking lot is full and we’re open for business – congratulations.

On June 21, the Chamber and SCORE will welcome Greg White to a Roundtable discussion of affordable health care. Greg represents “Consumers for Affordable Health Care,” a non-profit organization that educates individuals and groups on health care coverage options and programs that can help many people obtain care.

Greg will talk about resources available for small employers shopping for health insurance including Dirigo Choice, Voucher programs, pre-existing condition Insurance plans, and changes occurring at the state and federal levels that will affect small businesses.

And you’ll have a chance as a business owner to ask questions about these alternative Health Insurance programs. These are important so take advantage of this resource, offered at no charge-we’ll supply the coffee. You can register through the Chamber or at SCORE.

Mainebiz is hosting a meet and mingle with other businesses on Thursday, June 14 at one of our members, Poland Spring Resort from 5-7 p.m. It’s free but they do ask you to register and you can do so by going to www.mainebiz.biz/oxford Another opportunity to network and get some visibility fro your business.

Our annual Chamber publication, Ascend – The Oxford Hills, will be ready for distribution just in time for the kick-off of the Summer season, right around mid June.

This 76-page magazine will be filled with great stories about business and business personalities in the greater Oxford Hills area along with a comprehensive Business Directory of our Members and a terrific Annual Calendar of Events.

We also are devoting a part of the magazine to hiking trails in the area and downtown restoration. Finally the magazine talks about the wonderful seasons we enjoy here in the “Hills” with an emphasis on outdoor recreation in the winter. As soon as the magazine is available we’ll make a formal announcement.

As always, the Chamber is on top of business throughout the Oxford Hills-are you a Chamber Member yet? It’s easy, just call us at the office and speak with Jennifer or myself and we’ll sign you up. I'll see you next week.