Chamber executive director stays involved with economic development and tourism groups

MIDCOAST — Staci Coomer, executive director of Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce, was recently reappointed as the board president of the Midcoast Economic Development District (MCEDD). She currently serves on their executive committee, and as the chair of the Partnership Committee.

MCEDD's purpose is to foster a thriving regional economy, by developing and delivering a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS); identifying, seeking and implementing opportunities that build the capacity of the region to successfully expand economic opportunity, competitiveness and strategic advantages; and to partner with communities, businesses, non-profits and other regional development organizations to support service delivery.

"As the only Chamber representative on the board," Coomer notes, "it is very helpful to try and connect the private sector to the great work being done across the region in economic development and understand what the major focuses are for our area."

MCEDD is a municipally lead economic and community development organization and serves all of Sagadahoc, Lincoln and Knox Counties, the towns of Brunswick and Harpswell in Cumberland County and the towns of Lincolnville, Searsmont, Belmont and Northport in Waldo County.

Coomer has also been appointed president of The Midcoast Chamber Council (MC3) for another year. MC3 is a regional alliance of seven Chambers of Commerce of the MidCoast region of Maine (Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber, Damariscotta Region Chamber of Commerce, Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce, Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce, Union Area Chamber of Commerce, Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce, Wiscasset Area Chamber of Commerce) and Searport's Economic Development Committee.

The chambers cooperate to market the Midcoast as a region, lending power and breadth to their individual efforts. The Council produces materials for tourism kiosks, educates the Maine Office of Tourism and Governor of Maine's Office on happenings in the region, and administers the Midcoast's website and social media on behalf of members of each of the eight organizations.

The third largest chamber in the state of Maine (and the largest chamber representing smaller, coastal communities), the PBRCC is also one of the largest membership-driven community organizations in the area. The Chamber represents the coming together of businesses, non-profits, government, and citizens in support of a vibrant and growing region with unparalleled quality of life and quality of place.

For more information, visit www.penbaychamber.com.

For more information about the Midcoast Economic Development District (MCEDD), visit: http://mceddme.org.

For more information about The Midcoast Chamber Council (MC3), visit: http://www.mainesmidcoast.com.