Made In...Maine

So, it appears that the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce (EACC) is hosting what they are calling a Made in Maine Market. They’re touting this as an opportunity for the public to meet and purchase from over “45 top Maine Artisans from all over the State.” Sounds good, doesn’t it?

It turns out that Bangor Savings Bank is the lead sponsor for this event. I’m not sure what the lead sponsor is supposed to provide as there are no other sponsors listed, but according to them “As a Maine Bank, it is important that we support and lend exposure to Maine businesses. By shopping locally and supporting the Maine economy, we enable our exceptional Maine businesses to expand to other market opportunities,” commented Bangor Savings Bank Vice-President, Rose White.

Now the problem I have with all this is in their application. They want to charge a non-Chamber member $350 for an outside 10’ x 10’ booth for a 7-hour period. Now come on people, I pay less than that for an entire season’s worth (26 Days at 4 hours each) of markets. I pay about $2.88 an hour for an established market with a 10’ x 30’ booth that my customers will return to. The EACC wants to charge me $50.00 an hour for a one- time event. Why would I possibly want to do this? It’s not located in the center of town; it’s not located in a pleasant park on the river; it’s located at the Mill Mall on State Street.

Some people would argue that it’s good exposure for your product. They may be right. But if I had wanted exposure I could have gone to the New England Food Show down in Boston and paid $10 a square foot for a 3 day show. Someday I might; lots of people and lots of exposure. You get what you pay for…sometimes.

This “event” is being held on Saturday, June 19th. Three days after school ends for the summer. Why isn’t it being held in the middle of summer? At the height of tourist season. Say in the beginning of August when many of our out-of-state visitors will be here for vacation and able to provide an additional influx of outside capital for the local economy?

I don’t know. I see this as an attempt by the EACC to gouge small business owners throughout the state in a misguided effort to line their own coffers. $350 is a substantial amount of money for many entrepreneurs to shell out for a one day show; especially if you are selling low cost items such as candles, cards, or other smalls. Just what is Bangor Savings Bank providing? If an outside booth in a parking lot costs $350, just what is it that you're getting for your money? I haven’t seen any advertising for this. The Village Soup ran an article on April 5th but that and a Tweet is all that I’ve seen.

Okay. I’m done venting. I originally thought this might be a decent show to take part in but it appears that Downeast greed will win this one.