Casco Bay Organics Delivers Healthy Living Right To Your Front Door

Portland, ME – Casco Bay Organics (CBO) may be the new kid on the block when it comes to buying and selling organic products, but they are playing the game far differently than ever before here in Maine; beginning with FREE delivery service right to your front door! 

CBO opened its doors in early April and the new venture is taking off as quickly as the organic products are arriving home in time for family dinner.  CBO Founder and owner Jillian Hilton, a long time resident of Portland before heading west to California two years ago, had this to say:  ‘I knew the organic movement was more prevalent on the West Coast, but it was not until I lived there that I realized how affordable and accessible it was to maintain an organic daily lifestyle.   As a New Englander with the opposite experience, I immediately realized I wanted to bring that opportunity back home to Maine.’

Hilton teamed up with Wayne Pierson, founder of Kiva Logic, LLC, an online software designer for organic produce home delivery companies, and headed back east.  The rest of the story is already history.

How it Works:  It’s almost too easy to believe.   Step one is to visit https://www.cascobayorganics.com and follow the user-friendly instructions.  The customer chooses everything from likes and dislikes, to delivery frequency, to size of order, beginning at only $29.00 per box!  Each Monday the customer receives a menu via email based on local seasonal items, in which they can choose to make substitutions, skip delivery or leave as is.  On Thursday, their chosen options are delivered to their doorstep.  It gets even better.  CBO works with Maine Farmers and Organic Distributors, to keep the products as local as possible, which in turn supports Maine business and provides a healthier product.  Customers placing an order are provided with information about where the products were grown and how many miles they traveled from ‘farm to doorstep’. 

Currently, CBO is delivering within a 25 mile of Portland radius with plans to expand in the near future.  Both product and service are receiving rave reviews and the customer base is growing daily.   If you are a interested in learning more about CBO products and delivery, or if you are a local supplier of organic products who would like to join our team, please contact Jillian Hilton at https://www.cascobayorganics.com/ or on facebook at Casco Bay Organics.

Hats Off to the Devoted, Professional and Compassionate Crew at the Boothbay Harbor Shipyard

Not your ordinary Business After Hours....Last evening we attended the Chamber Business After Hours, hosted by the Boothbay Harbor Shipyard, for its new Shipyard Community Sailing & Science Center, scheduled to open in the spring of 2013.  {The new program promises to have a huge positive impact on this community, and if you have not yet heard about it, I encourage you to find out more}.  Just like any other BAH event, this was to be an evening focused on the host organization, in this case, the SCSSC.  However, this event was planned before the tragic moment when Hurricane Sandy took the HMS Bounty and two of its crew. 

Since that day, this entire community has felt a sense of devastation and loss.  That loss has been especially great for those who devote their lives to the people and vessels that enter the Boothbay Harbor Shipyard every day.  My heart has truly ached for the crew at the BBH Shipyard who shared such a strong bond with the HMS Bounty, Captain Robin Walbridge and his crew.  I mean, after all, they were practically roommates for a good chunk of the year, for the past several years! 

Last night, the Shipyard crew stepped forward to honor and celebrate the HMS Bounty and its crew, with such devotion, professionalism and compassion, that it moved me to share it with anyone who was not present.

As we all made our way to the dock of the yard where the HMS Bounty had proudly stood just weeks ago, bagpipers played in their honor.  As we entered the large boat shed, in the very spot that the entire Bounty Crew had danced the night away at the Harbor Fest, the US Coast Guard stood in their honor.  Pastor Sarah Foulger, of the Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor, gave a beautiful sermon and many others shared wonderful and personal stories of the ship, Captain Robin Walbridge and the crew.  As we all walked back out to the dock and looked over the harbor, the sound of bagpipes echoed out to sea.  It was a beautiful, moving moment and a much needed sense of closure and I am so grateful to have been there.

The Bounty Crew:  It was not necessary to know this crew well, to know they were/are a very special breed of people.  My experience getting to know them was completely by chance and one I will never forget.  As we planned, prepared for and carried out the Harbor Fest Event, the crew and the ship became a part of the event without any effort or doing on our parts.  When we were setting up, the crew would stop what they were doing to help.  Upon Pauline Dions’ request, the Ships’ First mate got up and spoke at the event, to the hundreds of interested guests.  The crew ate and danced and made a lasting impression on probably every person there.   Since the news, dozens of people who attended the event have called or emailed me in devastation and sorrow; including the entire band who told me that they had felt a special connection with the Bounty crew that evening.   To echo the words of all who spoke last night, the memory of their time in Boothbay Harbor will remain in my heart forever.

The HMS Bounty was one of the most famous tall ships in the WORLD!  I will never forget the day I was at the shipyard setting up for the Harbor Fest and a car pulled up from Pennsylvania.  The gentleman said to me ‘excuse me, but do you know what ship that is?’   I said, ‘yes, it’s the HMS Bounty’.  He looked at me as if I was nuts.  He said, ‘you’re pulling my leg, right?’ I said ‘no’.  He then said, ‘honey, park the car, we’re getting out!’

I personally feel a HUGE sense of pride that the owners and captain of this great ship repeatedly chose the Boothbay Harbor Shipyard as their home base for annual maintenance.  And I just want to say HATS OFF to each and every person at the Boothbay Harbor Shipyard for their devotion, professionalism and compassion!  They have truly touched me in a way I never expected.

Boothbay Harbor Celebrates its First Annual Harbor Fest with hundreds of Attendees

The 2012 First Annual Boothbay Harbor Fest took place in downtown Boothbay Harbor on Saturday September 29th and is receiving phenomenal reviews. Despite overcast skies and cool temps, hundreds of people came out to enjoy the festivities that began at 9am and continued until 7pm. The event welcomed visitors from as far away as California, Nebraska and Missouri, as well as hundreds of locals from all over Maine. More than $2,000 was raised for event beneficiaries; Rebuilding Together Lincoln County and Pamela Creamer’s battle with Lyme Disease.

‘We could not be more pleased with the results for a first year event, said Harbor Fest Originators, Heather O’Brien and Lori Pecor of Marketing Cents 4u. ‘Even the weather somewhat cooperated and hundreds of people came out to enjoy the festivities despite the fact that it was a chilly and overcast fall day. We all just carried on like true Mainers and did not let the weather stop us from having a great time!’

The event began in the waterfront whale park with a variety of local artists, free harbor cruises provided by Captains’ Bruce White and Caleb Hodgdon of the Friendliest Catch, a birthday party for Gimbel’s Country Store, games and prizes and a live broadcast with DJ John Adams of 92 moose. A treasure hunt hosted by Marketing Cents 4u and 10 downtown businesses created a flurry of excitement and plenty of friendly competition, with more than 29 teams completing the hunt. The grand prize winner, local Kim Sirios, was awarded $250 in treasures provided by participating businesses.

As the weather continued to improve, the event gained momentum. At 4pm the excitement shifted to the Boothbay Harbor Shipyard, where more than 350 people showed up for the Return of the Dory Chowder and Chili Challenge. Attendees were awestruck as they entered the Shipyards’ boat shed and witnessed firsthand the massive structure, proudly showcasing its ornate and historic architecture; a true one of its kind today. The enormous shed doors overlooking the harbor were wide open as The Peterson Project performed an incredible mix of blues and bluegrass against the back drop of a picturesque harbor. Thirty chowder and chili contestants offered their own unique flavors that included everything from lobster and beer to gourmet imported oils and sides of jalapeno corn bread. Attendees voted for their favorites and while each and every contestant received votes for first place, the final proud winners were: First place chowder: Andrew’s Harborside Restaurant, First Place Chili: Brown’s Wharf Inn & Restaurant, and First Place Display: The Watershed Tavern at Boothbay Resort and Craft Brewery. For more details on 2nd and 3rd placements and a complete event photo gallery visit: www.boothbayharborevents.com. Beer and wine tastings were offered by Boothbay Craft Brewery, Gritty Mc Duff’s and Barefoot Wines on behalf of Pine State Trading. Attendees also enjoyed an up close and personal view of the famous tall ship, the HMS Bounty, and the ships’ 2nd mate shared an interesting history of the great ship. A silent auction to benefit Rebuilding Together Lincoln County raised more than $850.00 as well as tremendous awareness for the organization. The crew from HMS Bounty offered a donation of their time and work to assist the volunteers with a project in critical need of completion before winter arrives.

With more than 70 participants, 30 volunteers and 350 attendees, the event was a direct reflection of the folks who call Mid Coast Maine home. Marketing Cents 4u looks forward to Harbor Fest 2013! For more information about this event or its participants, visit www.boothbayharborevents.com.

First Annual Harbor Fest to take place Saturday, September 29th in Boothbay Harbor

Boothbay Harbor, ME – The first annual Harbor Fest will take place on Saturday, September 29th from 9:00a.m.-7:00p.m. in Boothbay Harbor.  The event is presented by Marketing Cents 4u in conjunction with several area businesses and a silent auction will benefit Rebuilding Together Lincoln County.

 

Festivities kick off at 9:00am with a fun filled day at the downtown Waterfront Whale Park.  Admission is free on behalf of Spruce Point Inn Resort & Spa.  A variety of local artists and local fundraiser ‘Pick Up a Paintbrush’, a collection of donated art work to raise awareness for Lyme Disease and help local artist Pamela Creamer fight her battle, will be featured from 9:00am-3:00pm. Also beginning at 9:00a.m. is a pie sale with the local Pie legends of Boothbay Methodist Church.   Be sure to arrive early because they sell out fast.  Proceeds of the sale will be donated to event beneficiaries Rebuilding Together Lincoln County.  A free Treasure Hunt begins at 10:00a.m. and goes until 2:00p.m.  Successful hunters will be entered to win a grand prize of $250 in local treasures.  The winner will be announced live on 92 moose radio at 2:30p.m. in the Whale Park. From 11:00a.m.-3:00p.m. Captain Bruce White will offer free harbor cruises on the Amy Gale’s Friendliest Catch.  Yoga Firm Studio will offer free yoga demos; including a Thai yoga massage from 11:00a.m. to noon.  92 Moose arrives at noon with a live DJ broadcast and great music for The Gimbel Country Store 40th birthday party, offering games, prizes and even birthday cake!    The event is rain or shine and promises to be a fun filled day for all ages.

‘This event began as nothing more than an idea between two people in search of a fresh new draw to the Region and has metamorphosed into the participation and support of hundreds of community members and more than 65 area businesses’.  Says Marketing Cents 4u partners, Heather O’Brien and Lori Pecor; ‘It is a true testament to the place we live and the people who live here’.

At 4:00p.m. guests can stroll over to the Boothbay Harbor Shipyard for the Return of the Dory Fish Chowder Contest.  The popular local tradition was once part of Fisherman’s Festival and has been reborn with Harbor Fest.  The contest now also includes chili and currently has 26 contestants.  The people’s choice winners in each category will take home the infamous Dory trophy; hand carved by event sponsor and talented Ship Carver, Gregory L Rollins. Beer and wine experts from Boothbay Craft Brewery, Gritty McDuff’s and Barefoot Wines will offer pairings to cleanse the tasting palette, while guests enjoy live bluegrass music by The Peterson Project, against an incredible fall backdrop of the harbor at sunset.  A silent auction of incredible items donated by local businesses will benefit Rebuilding Together Lincoln County.  The YMCA will also feature hand painted Adirondack chairs for purchase to benefit the YMCA and the Rebuilding Together Lincoln County.  To top off the excitement, one of the world’s most famous tall ships, the HMS Bounty, arrived at the shipyard last week and fest goers will enjoy the rare opportunity for an up close and personal look from within the shipyard.  Captain Robin Wallbridge and his crew plan to make an appearance at the event and may even share a few words about the great ship.  The event ends at 7:00p.m.  Tickets are $10 per person and include all aforementioned.  Tickets must be purchased in advance and cannot be purchased at the door.  Ticket purchase locations include:  Andrew’s Harborside Restaurant, Calypso Clothes, Harbor General Store, Under Currach Tavern, the Whale Park from 9:00a.m.-3:00p.m. on Saturday or online at www.boothbayharborevents.com.   In addition, Hawke Motors is offering a free Harbor Fest ticket to anyone who brings their car in for service anytime before the event.  Call 633-4600 for details.  This portion of the event is 21+ and ids will be required to get in.  For more event information visit www.boothbayharborevents.com or call 207-671-7676.

First Annual Harbor Fest in Boothbay Harbor on September 29th

Marketing Cents 4u Announces the first Annual ‘Harbor Fest’ Event

Boothbay Harbor, ME – August 31, 2012 – Marketing Cents 4u, in partnership with participating area businesses, will host the first annual “Harbor Fest” event in Boothbay Harbor, Maine on Saturday, September 29, 2012, from 9:00am – 7:00pm.  Festivities will begin at the Waterfront Whale Park on Commercial Street in downtown Boothbay Harbor at 9:00am and end at 3pm.  Festivities will include: local artists, entertainment by DJ U4EA, a pie tasting contest, a treasure hunt with a grand prize valued at $250, games for the kids, free boat rides with the Friendliest Catch on the Amy Gale lobster boat and a live radio broadcast with 92 moose.  Also featured at the event will be the local community effort ‘Pick up a Paintbrush’; a fundraiser to help raise awareness about the serious effects of Lyme Disease, a growing epidemic in the state of Maine, in honor of local artist, Pamela Creamer.  Whale Park festivities are free of admission on behalf of Whale Park sponsor, Spruce Point Inn Resort & Spa, and all ages are welcome.

Festivities continue at the Boothbay Harbor Shipyard from 4pm to 7pm, with the Return of the Dory Chowder & Chili Challenge.  More than twenty delicious local chef recipes will be available for tasting and who takes home the infamous Dory trophy will be decided by the tasters themselves!

‘What better place to enjoy harbor views at sunset than a local shipyard?’ Event co-founder Lori Pecor said of the venue chosen for this legendary local chowder contest. ‘We are excited to celebrate a bit of local history and stir up some friendly local competition on the docks of one of the most influential business trades of our region.  Pecor and partner Heather O’Brien created the Harbor Fest event with the intent to ‘celebrate our unique harbor, showcase the businesses and artists within it, add a grand finale to the BBHR Chamber of Commerce Restaurant Week, promote the spectacular fall season on our peninsula and give back to the community by supporting those who support those in need.

The event will also feature a beer tasting by local Boothbay Craft Brewery, Gritty McDuff’s out of Portland and a wine tasting with Pine State Trading and Barefoot Wines.  The Peterson Project will perform live with a mix of Bluegrass and blues music.

‘The Peterson project is known for fusing bluegrass, blues and exciting original improvisation.  This upcoming live performance in Boothbay Harbor will be particularly notable as we invite a special guest and very talented bluegrass artist in their own right to join us as we perform acoustically around a single microphone in traditional bluegrass-style’ says front man, Mark Peterson.  

A spectacular silent auction showcasing items donated by local businesses will benefit Rebuilding Together Lincoln County, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization providing critical home repairs, modifications and improvements for community members who need it most.

This portion of the Harbor Fest event is 21+ and ID’s will be required to get in.  Tickets are $10 per person and include chowder and chili tasting, beer and wine tasting and live entertainment.  Tickets can be purchased by visiting  www.boothbayharborevents.com.   

Event sponsors include:  Andrew’s Harborside Restaurant, Boothbay Craft Brewery, Boothbay Harbor Shipyard, Courier Publications, DJU4EA, Gimbel’s Country Store, Gregory L. Rollins, Gritty McDuff’s, Hannaford Supermarkets, Hawke Motors, Lincoln County Magazine, Pine State Trading Company, Sprucewold Lodge, Spruce Point Inn Resort & Spa, Sweet Thunder Productions, The Coastal Journal, 92 Moose and Marketing Cents 4u.

FMI about the event, to enter in the chowder or chili contest, to become a vendor, an event sponsor or to participate in the treasure hunt, visit www.boothbayharborevents.com or call Lori at (207)671-7676 or Heather at (207)650-7850.

Community Events: Do They Help Business or Do They Hurt Business?

Have you ever felt like this, after a big event in your community?   

'That event was supposed to bring more business, but it actually caused me to lose money.  Fewer customers ate in my restaurant or shopped in my store because they attended the event.  Events don't help my business, they actually hurt it!'

Well, if your answer is yes, the good news is, you're not alone!   I have heard business owners say this more times than I can count, throughout my 20 year marketing career.  But the bad news is, you are probably missing out on a lot of potential income.  Here's why:

Yes indeed, an event taking place in the community will most likely alter your regular business income on the given day of the event.  But here's the thing, folks...  the residual effects are astounding and the same results simply cannot be attained through conventional marketing efforts, without breaking the bank.  It's simply a mathematical equation at that point....it's all about the numbers.

The problem is, these 'numbers' are not easily quantifiable, and therefore, can feel as if they do not exist, or even, that the effect is negative. 

So, let's put all opinions aside and stick to facts only:  

• Fact #1:  Any event of any size is going to be promoted, which means the region in which it resides is going to be promoted as well:    
• And the larger the turn out, the larger the effect on local businesses; good, bad or otherwise.  At this point the business owner has 2 choices:  They can choose to become a part of the event promotions already in place, by contributing only a fraction of the total marketing cost; which will in turn help the effort of reaching a larger audience and more than likely have a direct effect on their business.  Or they can decide 'the event is not going to do anything for their business' and choose not to participate; and in turn, virtually eliminate any opportunity for positive residual effects, both individually and collectively.
• Fact #2:  A business can only be as successful as its community
• This is indeed a fact, folks.  Let's face it, if the downtown streets are deserted, your business is going to be too.   The formal definition of community tells the story perfectly:  a social group of any size whose members reside in a specific locality, share government, and often have a common cultural and historical heritage.  The point being, we have to work as a community if we want to grow our business, because the success of our community directly effects our own livelihood. So, if a group within the community is making an effort to promote the region by hosting an event, we should all do our part to support such an effort.  This does not always have to be a monetary participation.  Offer to volunteer or simply spread the word about the event in your own circles.  At  a very minimum, speak positively about the event and the folks working hard to make it happen.  Events are a lot of work, we all know this to be true, and positive support makes all the difference.
• Fact #3:  Getting Involved is Good for The Soul -it just feels right!
• We've all been here.  Helped out a neighbor, a fellow business owner or a worthy cause.  And after, we just felt better about everything.

So, if you answered yes to the earlier question, I encourage you to try a new angle the next time an event rolls into town, you just never know what great things might happen!  And as for tracking residual positive results; they might take some looking for, but you will see them if you so choose to look!  This one  occurred just last week at Andrew's Harborside Restaurant in Boothbay Harbor, Maine:

A young couple from Augusta, Maine were enjoying dinner when asked where they were visiting from.  This is what they said:  'We heard the ad on 92 Moose Radio, promoting the Craft Beer Comes to Boothbay Event last month, and though we could not make the event, it reminded us how much fun it is to visit Boothbay Harbor, so we planned a weekend away!  It's so close to home that we forget to think of it as a summer vacation destination, but hearing that ad reminded us!'

Now maybe your business was one of the businesses that 'lost' money on the day of the Craft Beer event, and maybe, just maybe,  it was also one that 'made' money from the residual effects of this event.  Ask yourself this question.  Would the Boothbay Harbor Region  have been on the radio for a week, reaching more than 225,000 potential visitors, had the event never happened?

Taking a moment to recognize our community members: 

Wonderful gestures happen every minute of the day in a great community like ours, and recognizing the following individuals and businesses, in no way suggests that many, many more do not deserve recognition as well.  However, on behalf of my MC4u partner, Heather O'Brien and myself, we would like to extend a very special thank you, to all who are making the First Annual Harbor Fest Possible. 

Dana Burns-Pizer:  Part owner of Sprucewold Lodge:  Dana is also a very talented graphic designer who has an extremely large client base at their winter home in New Jersey.  Dana took time out of her very busy schedule of 2 full time jobs to work with MC4u in creating a fabulous event logo that we believe will eventually brand our region for years to come!  Dana did this for nothing more than her love of the Boothbay Harbor Region and we extend a tremendous thank you to her!

Andrews' Harborside Restaurant,  Boothbay Craft Brewery, Boothbay Harbor Shipyard, Hannaford Supermarkets, Hawke Motors, Sweet Thunder Productions, 92 Moose Radio, Lincoln County Magazine, Courier Publications, Gregory L. Rollins, Pine State Trading, Gritty McDuff's, DJUUEA

MC4U created the The Harbor Fest with the intent to help fulfill an overwhelming number of client requests to accomplish the following results: 

· More overall exposure to our region
· More festivals and events to promote our region
· Increased business later into the season

To learn about how you can become involved in this event visit http://www.boothbayharborevents.com/

First ever Harbor Fest - Boothbay Register

First ever Harbor Fest - Boothbay Register