Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1372123
V O L . X X V I I N O. X M AY 1 7 , 2 0 2 1 24 S M A L L B U S I N E S S W ith the pandemic mak- ing in-person network- ing and glad-handing impossible, the regional cham- bers of commerce that make their bread-and-butter through events had to retool to survive. Some of the roughly 60 cham- bers across the state, including the Bucksport Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, didn't make it through the pandemic. Across the state, 65% of chamber staffers were working reduced hours or were let go. Fundraising events such as the annual Yarmouth Clam Festival were canceled for 2020 and this year, disrupting cash flow and bud- gets for those chambers. at left memberships dues or sponsorships as the lifeline for chambers, which, as nonprofits, weren't eligible for the Payroll Protection Program until the most recent round. As a business leader, you know that the hardest climb isn't Denali or even Everest. It's the CEO's life long leadership journey. But you don't have to go it alone. You can travel with an experienced guide who knows the lay of the land and an elite team of peers who've got your back. And with that kind of support, the sky's the limit. When you're ready for the climb of a lifetime, the path starts here. Learn more • Contact George Casey • Vistage Chair 207-869-5491 • george.casey@vistagechair.com • vistage.com/chairs/george.casey Find out how you can go further and higher. Really what chambers have always done was worked on issues most important to businesses and that involved a lot of networking and marketing. The return on investment wasn't always that clear sometimes. The pandemic — with chambers being on the front line of sharing information — sped up the idea of return on investment. — Cory King Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY Cory King, executive director of the Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber, said the state's chambers have seen 'fundamental' changes in the past year. B y J e s s i c a H a l l F O C U S Without live events, Maine's chambers get creative to connect with members and generate revenue Chambers shift focus to stay relevant