Executive Directors Message
A winning combination ...

A strong component of our marketing and brand positioning for Freeport revolves around the abundance of quality products, exceptional customer service, and the difference in a visitors experience because of it.

In case you were wondering if anyone really notices a difference, here's some proof...

According to the National Retail Federation, L.L. Bean delivers the best customer service in the country in all retail formats. Results of a national customer survey were recently announced in New York City. L.L. Bean moved up from third place in 2006 to number one in 2007.

The survey involved thousands of customers and used a formula to adjust for business size and geographic location to achieve fair comparisons.

Congratulations to everyone at L.L.Bean!

FMA has maintained an online Visitor Satisfaction Survey for more than a year now. The reason I developed it, quite frankly, was to catch customer complaints and see if we could help resolve them. That's the usual reason people fill out a voluntary satisfaction survey - because they're not.

More than 80 percent of the responses we get are actually to compliment us on the excellent appearance and "feel" of the town (big thanks to Freeport Community Improvement Association there), tell us how good the customer service was, and to say what an enjoyable experience they had. They are anxious to return and to tell others.

A vast array of quality products, a community that shows it's pride and the best customer service in the nation... that's a winning combination. That's the Freeport experience.

Dick Collins


CVB+FMA@ABA=$$$

That's the formula for successful group tour marketing. Thanks to our partnership with The CVB of Greater Portland, Freeport is being well represented at the ABA Marketplace as you read this.

More than 3,000 travel and group tour industry representatives from North America are gathered to conduct more than $35 million worth of business on site at the American Bus Association’s 2008 Marketplace, and hundreds of millions in future business as well.

Tour planners will learn first hand about new Freeport features such as the L.L.Bean Hunting and Fishing Store, the Freeport Village Station Project now under construction, and FMA's Motorcoach Welcome Program.

Our thanks to Barbara Whitten, Lynn Tillotson and the staff at CVB for doing such a professional representation of the region to this valuable market.

Small Business Assistance Site Added in Freeport...

The Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC) has added a Freeport outreach site for more convenient service to Freeport area small business owners.  Effective February 6, a Maine SBDC certified business counselor will begin consulting with small business owners on Wednesdays in office space at the Hampton Inn, 194 Lower Main Street. The consultations are by appointment only, which can be made by calling the Freeport Economic Development Corporation office at 865-4743, extension 137.

Maine SBDC provides confidential, professional management assistance at no cost to the small business owner. Certified business counselors work with small business clients on start-up and acquisition, business and marketing plan development, financial and business analysis, market research, sources of credit and financing, cash flow, accounting and record-keeping, sales, customer service, technology commercialization and many other issues.

“With over 400 small businesses operating in Freeport, alone, the location of a new Maine SBDC outreach office here is important to the area’s economic development activities,” said Stephanie Slocum, executive director of the Freeport Economic Development Corporation.  Slocum, who helped establish the Maine SBDC outreach site in Freeport, said she will be working with the Freeport Merchants Association and others to introduce area businesses to the new Maine SBDC location and its services.

This is an excellent opportunity for small businesses to grow. FMI contact Stephanie at the above number or email FEDC@freeportmaine.com

Scholarship Fundraiser, Buffet dinner, silent and live Auction!

The Maine Legislative Memorial Scholarship Fund annually recognizes one student from each county who is currently pursuing or is planning to pursue their education at a two-or four-year degree-granting Maine college or technical school. This scholarship is available for full or part-time students. (See http://janus.state.me.us/legis/lio/LMScholar/newsletter.htm )

The scholarship fund is created annually by an auction. This year it will take place on February 27th at 5 pm at the Augusta Civic Center. Representative David Webster (Freeport and part of Pownal) is seeking donations for the fundraiser (Due by February 22nd) and also invites individuals and groups to join him in buying a ticket or a table at the event. In addition, he recommends families look into the scholarship fund.

Join other Maine major firms and businesses, lobbyists, legislators and staff and their families at this event. Donated items range from a few dollars to several thousand in value and each donor is recognized for their contribution. You may contact David directly at...

Rep. David Webster
State Representative District 106
Freeport and part of Pownal
P.O. Box 124
Freeport, ME 04032
(207) 865-4311 - home office (207) 287-1400 - Maine House of Representatives (207) 287-1316 – Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs

 Remember...

Let us know of newsworthy events at your business, special sales or promotions, discount coupons you offer, new products in the store, new menu items or whatever. We want to talk about your business - and thousands of people what to know what you offer, but we can't tell them if you don't tell us!

Look for more news, notes and opportunities in upcoming FMA Newsletters and Bullet Point Updates.