Leo Credit, Alex Caron Leo Credit, president G-NGBA, introduces keynote speaker Alex Caron, of GrowSmart Maine. (Photo Staff)

First Leo performed some housekeeping duties, such as approval of last year's annual meeting minutes and review and approval of the 2007 budget. This followed with his annual message to the membership. In his last message as President, Leo gave an update of the state of the 86-member association. The highlights touched upon the membership numbers remaining steady over the past two to three years without significant growth; member businesses in general remain silent and unfortunately inactive to a degree and the call for greater participation of both New Gloucester business leaders and what Leo refers to as 'Power Players' which are business owners from larger companies who have community influence.

He reviewed the past year's accomplishments such as the first of its kind Gray-New Gloucester Community road map which was gifted to every household and business in Gray and New Gloucester. The organization also has transitioned in becoming more interactive with enhanced communication through e-mails to the board and its members while continuing to offer more member benefits such as bulk-mail capabilities and an ever expanding member-to-member discount program.

Leo also said that the association continues to be actively involved with advocacy in the area of business development through our presence at various council, planning board and town committee meetings. In addition, by backing business-friendly zoning changes and working with local officials for the promotion of a more regional economic development program. Mr. Credit would like to see, in the future, a larger membership base which he feels will be achieved by continuing to solicit new businesses through social events, reaching out to past members and getting the 'Power Players' involved through seminars and other business activities.

Finally, in a humorous yet effective way, he paralleled the Gray-New Gloucester community to that of an adolescent. He described the area to be at times, like an awkward, clumsy, blemished, almost grown up, but confused, egocentric teenager who despite having many talents and gifts, does not fully realize their internal attributes and is in need of mentorship, encouragement and guidance. Our community is growing fast but in spurts, with some clumsy decisions, not sure of its place-rural or suburban; proud, but unsure how to take itself, in need of a little treatment for the blemishes, while lacking long-term consistent leadership, mentoring and confidence. Leo ended by challenging all present to reflect upon his analogy and to ask themselves, ' what can you do to see that our community development is as smooth, painless and strong as possible as we grow and mature into a place that we know we can be.'

More organizational business followed with the election of officers, including John Couture, of State Farm Insurance, as the first of a 3-month revolving chairmanship, instead of a presidency this year. Election of the Board of Directors was held next and then the annual Business Achiever Award recipient was announced. This award is intended to recognize an outstanding current business leader who has contributed to business success and community service. The award went to Jeanne Adams, of Gray Dove Printing and The Monument Newspaper. Leo also presented Chris Lee, former Executive Secretary of G-NGBA with an Appreciation Award for making his tenure as president easy and efficient.

After the awards, Jacinda Cotton-Castro, President of Fiddlehead Center of the Arts, spoke about their capital campaign efforts and their relocation and renovation progress on the Dunlap building in Gray Village. Our keynote speaker was Alan Caron, President of GrowSmart Maine, the nonprofit group that funded the Brookings Institute study that is setting the stage for the economic future of Maine. He gave a lively and informative presentation on 'Charting Maine's future'- an action plan for promoting sustainable prosperity and quality places. His speech emphasized the study's recommendation of investing in Maine's brand name; investing in Maine's resourcefulness and creativity; streamlining government while reducing the tax burden on residents and shifting tax cost to tourists; and helping Maine's communities revitalize their downtowns through regionalized cooperative initiatives and providing resources for communities to engage citizens in shaping their towns' future.

The meeting concluded after a few questions and, although it was late, many remained to chat or to avoid going out in the cold. Either way, a good time was had by all.

The mission of the Gray-New Gloucester Business Association is to attract, enhance, and promote the business community environment.