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

Marketing Cents 4u Announces First Annual Harbor Fest Event

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

Boothbay Harbor, ME – August 2, 2012 – Plans are underway for the first annual ‘Harbor Fest, scheduled to take place in downtown Boothbay Harbor on Saturday, September 29^th.  Event originators, Heather O’Brien and Lori Pecor of Marketing Cents 4u 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 offer a variety of unique opportunities for businesses and community members to participate and support the effort to further expose our region beyond the summer months and is being widely promoted throughout the state of Maine and New England.  Proceeds will benefit the Lincoln County Rebuilding Together and the event will also feature 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.

How to get involved: 

• Join the growing number of event sponsors who are supporting the event by donating product, services or funds.  Current sponsors are: Andrew’s Harborside Restaurant, Boothbay Craft Brewery, Boothbay Harbor Shipyard, Hannaford Supermarkets, Hawke Motors, Lincoln County Magazine, Sprucewold Lodge, 92 Moose and Marketing Cents 4u.
• Support the marketing campaign that has been exclusively designed to brand the event and Boothbay Harbor for years to come, by participating in the group advertising opportunity.
• Enter your Chili or Chowder in the ‘Return of the Dory Chowder Contest (remember that popular Fisherman’s Festival competition?  It’s back and it’s time to win that Dory trophy again!)
• Enter your Pie in the Pie Tasting Contest
• Become a vendor. 
• Participate in the Treasure Hunt that will award one lucky Treasure Hunter $250 in prizes.
• Volunteer your services before, during and/or after the event.
• Support three very worthy causes:  Rebuilding Together, Lyme Disease Awareness and growing our Community!

FMI visit www.marketingcents4u.com  or www.boothbayharborevents.com.

2nd Annual Craft Beer Comes To Boothbay Event

Contact Information:

Dee Dee Germain: deedee@allagash.com

Win Mitchell: win@boothbaycraftbrewery.com

Lori Pecor:  lori@marketingcents4u.com

www.mainebrewersguild.org

Maine Brewers’ Guild to Host 2^nd Annual “Craft Beer Comes to Boothbay” Event

Boothbay, ME – June 18, 2012 – The Maine Brewers’ Guild will host the 2^nd annual “Craft Beer Comes to Boothbay” beer tasting event in Boothbay, Maine on Saturday, July 14^th from 1:00pm – 4:00pm.  New this year, gates will open at noon for VIP ticket holders to enjoy some ‘back stage time’ with the brewers and be among the first to taste their specialty brews.  In addition to award-winning beer from thirty one Maine breweries, the event will feature special guest brewery, Smuttynose Brewing Company, New Hampshire’s leading craft brewery, located in the seaport town of Portsmouth.

‘It’s going to be tough to find a better place to be on a July afternoon in Maine’  MBG President, Dan Kleban said of the upcoming event; ‘a scenic outdoor venue, a lively coastal town, great food, music, award winning Maine brewed beer and the best fans in the country!’  

Rare, special and single batch beers will be featured among the brews that will be poured at the event, including a collaborative beer being produced by Boothbay Craft Brewery and Sebago Brewing Company. 

The event will feature a traditional New England Style BBQ prepared by event hosts Boothbay Resort, extraordinary music by Boston based band HDRnB, an exclusive silent auction and a live broadcast with Cumulus Radio Augusta.  Packages and discounts exclusive to event ticket holders will be offered all weekend at many businesses in the Boothbay Harbor Region; to include lodging, dining, shopping and recreation. 

Ticket holders are invited to participate in a golf tournament to be held on Friday evening, July 13^th at the Boothbay Country Club, featuring a Maine Craft beer tasting. Golf tournament priced separately at $45.00 per golfer.  FMI call 207-633-6085.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from this event support the Maine Brewers’ Guild and its continuing mission to promote the craft brewed industry in Maine. 

Participating Maine breweries include:

Allagash Brewing Andrew’s Brewing Atlantic Brewing Bar Harbor Brewing Baxter Brewing Belfast Bay Brewing Black Bear Brewery Boothbay Craft Brewery Bray’s Brew Pub & Eatery Bull Jagger Brewing Bunker Brewing

D.L. Geary Brewing Geaghan Brothers Brewing Gritty McDuff ’s Kennebec River Brewery Maine Beer Marshall Wharf Brewing Oak Pond Brewing Oxbow Brewing Peak Organic Brewing Penobscot Bay Brewing

Rising Tide Brewing Rocky Coast Brewing Run of the Mill Public House Sea Dog Brewing Shag Rock Brewing Sebago Brewing Company Sheepscot Valley Brewing Shipyard Brewing Sunday River Brewing The Liberal Cup

About “Craft Beer Comes to Boothbay”:

When:  Saturday, July 14 from 1:00 – 4:00pm

Where:  Boothbay Resort, 301 Adams Pond Rd., Boothbay, Maine  www.boothbayresort.com

Cost:  General admission tickets are $50 and include beverages, traditional southern BBQ, and parking.  VIP tickets are available for $75 and include an early entry at 12:00.  Designated driver tickets are $25. A special commemorative tasting glass will be provided to the first 800 people who purchase tickets.  Tickets are available for sale online and must be purchased in advance.  This is a 21+ event and pets will not be permitted.  This event will be held rain or shine.  Tickets can be purchased at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/210307.

FMI:  info@mainebrewersguild.org  --  www.mainebrewersguild.org

About the Maine Brewers’ Guild:  The Maine Brewers' Guild is a non-profit corporation dedicated to promoting the craft brewed industry in Maine. Since 1986, Maine has been at the forefront of the craft brew movement.  The state is home to nearly two dozen breweries which produce more than 100 different brands.  More information about the Maine Brewers' Guild can be found at this link:  www.mainebrewersguild.org

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Breweries Of The Week: D.L. Geary Brewing Company and Gritty McDuff's

This weekly blog series will feature each of our member breweries located throughout the state of Maine. We invite you to grab a pint, sit back and relax, while we fill you in on the lively brew scene in our state.

Who? D.L.Geary Brewing Company located in Portland Maine, has an impressive past, present and no doubt future, in the brewing world. David and Karen Geary first turned dream into reality in the fall of 1983 when they incorporated D.L. Geary Brewing Company. But this dream didn’t just happen overnight and they spent the next 3 years, traveling to Scotland and England for research and training, creating a business plan, securing investors, real estate, equipment and product brand. In December of 1986 their hard work and vision paid off when they produced their first pints of Geary’s Pale Ale, in what became the first microbrewery in Maine and New England.

What? It seems like the Geary’s team pretty much always has something exciting happening …like being named ‘The Best in the WORLD!’ Yes that’s right; the New York Times blind taste test awarded that impressive title to the Geary’s London Porter. That is some pretty big recognition! Not only for D.L. Geary’s, but for Maine Breweries AND for the state itself! But I think one of the coolest things about D.L. Geary Brewing Company, is their scholarship program. Every year, in partnership with the Maine College of Art, the Geary team awards an undergrad scholarship to an art student, as part of their summer label design contest. Now how cool is that?

Where? The brew team offers scheduled brewery and tasting tours and have a very cool online store as well. Check out their website for details and to enter their great contests like the one running right now: A Striper Fishing trip for four people! Cheers to Geary’s and all of the great ways they celebrate summer in Maine!

Who? I’d be willing to be that pretty much everybody who has visited Portland, has at least once, spent time at Gritty’s Brew Pub! And those who have not hung out in the Old Port location have most likely spent a time or two at one of the classic {Gritty’s style} tavern tables in Freeport or their newest location in Auburn. There is always some sort of party going on, be it in the huge backyard of the Freeport Pub, in the heart of Portland’s Old Port or on the riverfront deck in Auburn. My point being, Gritty’s Brew Pub is pretty much a Maine staple at this point, when it comes to fun in Maine. The humble beginnings of founders Ed Stebbins and Richard Pfeffer date back to 1988 and consisted of two simple goals; 1) to create a true, English-style pub serving fresh ales and great food, and 2) to have fun doing it! I guess I’ll go way out on a limb here and say that they just might have achieved their goals!

What? The Brew Pub stands just fine on its own, with 24 years of awards piled up in countless categories like the Best Brew Pub in Maine and the Best Bar in Maine. But let’s talk for a minute about the beer. After all, what is a brew pub without the brew? The Gritty’s brew team has been perfecting the art of brewing award winning ales for almost 25 years and there are certainly no signs of slowing down. From flagship ales, to special brews to seasonal brews…there doesn’t seem to be an end to the possibilities...or the fans. Just check out their facebook page….7,000 and counting!

When? Pretty much all the time. This is the section where I typically talk about what great event is coming soon, in hopes to help spread the word. At Gritty’s however, the task of choosing is far too daunting and the best advice I can give is this: Pick a day and a location and show up. Chances are there will be something fun going on! Or… follow their blog, join their mailing list, check their calendar, like them on facebook or tweet them. Shop online, visit their stores, or join their mug club. Whatever you decide to do doesn’t really matter…as long as you just Do it, at Gritty’s!

First Annual 633 Hop Swap Weekend in Boothbay

Contact Information:

Winn Mitchell: win@boothbaycraftbrewery.com

www.boothbaycraftbrewery.com

Lori Pecor: lori@marketincents4u.com

www.marketingcdents4u.com

Boothbay, ME –The Boothbay Craft brewery in partnership with several area businesses will host the 1st annual “633 Hop Swap” Event during the weekend of June 1^st-3^rd.  Event festivities will begin on Friday afternoon at the Boothbay Country Club with a Local Ale Golf Scramble scheduled to tee off at 5:30pm.  92 Moose Cumulus radio out of Augusta will be broadcasting live from 4-7pm, featuring contests and prizes, exclusive ticket holder specials from Boothbay Country Club, Boothbay Craft Brewery, Hay -Val Private Boat Charters, Fisherman’s Wharf Inn and Restaurant and Marketing Cents 4u Consulting, a hot grill and local ale.  The festivities continue on Saturday at the Boothbay Craft Brewery with the Hop Swap event from 1pm-4pm, featuring a tour of the newly completed brewery, a beer tasting and a hop plant for guests to bring home.

The Hop Swap idea was ‘brewed up’ by none other than the BRU team (Boothbay Region United) sometime over the long and quiet mid coast winter.  The team planted a seed that quite literally came to life this spring, when dozens of community members came together to share in the efforts of planting baby hops for future harvest.

Win Mitchell of Boothbay Craft Brewery said this about the upcoming event, ‘The Hop Swap was an idea that we thought would be a fun addition to the regions’ more mainstream events and attractions.  We believed it would provide an opportunity for individual participation within our community {and beyond} and possibly even ignite some fun competition among our confident gardeners!  It’s a way to include all walks of people in a perpetual event that we see culminating into a late August ‘Hop Harvest Days’ and then to a weeklong ‘Oktoberfest’.  With so many gardeners in our midst, like the crew at Boothbay Region Greenhouses {who were excited to jump onboard} and the world class botanical gardens just down the street, what better way to celebrate our peninsula’s beauty and growing community and hopefully get a little exposure for the region at the same time!  Move over pumpkins and make room for hops!’

The Hop Swap weekend kicks off a very exciting upcoming season in the Boothbay Harbor Region, with the 50^th Windjammer Days Festival on June 26th & 27^th, the Maine Brewers Guild Craft Beer Fest on July 14^th, the 10^th Annual Shipyard Cup Regatta on August 11^th & 12^th, the Boothbay Region Land Trust Shipyard Concert on August 16^th and countless additional events happening around the region.

‘Our region is literally bursting with activities and festivities, offering something for all interests and all ages’, says Lori Pecor of Marketing Cents 4u. ‘Many people don’t realize just how much our peninsula has to offer; from a world class arts and culture scene with incredible venues like the Historic Opera House and Boothbay Playhouse, to world class Botanical Gardens or the Maine State Aquarium that draws marine scientists from all over the world’.  It is well worth the 12 mile drive off route one and we encourage our fellow Mainers to come and enjoy a vacation that’s close to home but feels a million miles away’.

About 633 Hop Swap Weekend:

Friday, June 1^st, 2012:  Boothbay Country Club Hop Swap Golf Scramble 5:30pm-9pm. $45.00 pp includes 9 holes of golf with cart, followed by a local brew tasting & swag party in the club house with Boothbay Craft Brewery.  Open to the public, exclusive deals for Hop Swap ticket holders.  92 Moose radio broadcasting live from 5p-8p.  FMI call 207.633.6085.  33 Country Club Road, Boothbay, Maine.  www.boothbaycountryclub.com.

Saturday, June 2^nd, 2012:   Boothbay Craft Brewery 1^st Annual Hop Swap & Grand Opening, 1pm-4pm.  $10.00pp includes a brewery tour, a pint of fresh brewed ale and a hop plant to bring home.  Boothbay Resort, 301 Adams Pond Rd., Boothbay, Me  www.boothbayresort.com.  Tickets are on sale at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/209823, the brewery and several area businesses.  Hop plants are available for planting now and can be picked up at the brewery.  FMI call 633-3411.

All Weekend:  Ticket holders will enjoy exclusive deals and lodging packages at several area businesses to include:  Boothbay Harbor Inn and Restaurant, Boothbay Resort, Fisherman’s Wharf Inn & Restaurant, Paradise Studio & Cottages, Tugboat Inn & Restaurant, Kaler’s Restaurant, McSeagull’s Restaurant, Calypso Boutique, Janson’s Clothing, Hay- Val Private Boat Charters, Boothbay Country Club and Boothbay Craft Brewery.

Area businesses:  Local businesses interested in participating in the weekend festivities should contact Heather O’Brien or Lori Pecor at marketingcents4u@gmail.com, www.marketingcents4u.com  or find them on facebook.

New Business Spotlight

Lori Pecor and Heather O’Brien have extensive backgrounds in small businesses marketing, creative design and hospitality. Shortly after they met last year it became clear that they shared a passion: to help small business grow by building relationships and practicing creative ‘out of the box’ thinking. This passion soon became a partnership that is now Marketing Cents 4u.

Marketing Cents 4u (MC4U) proudly specializes in small business marketing. We strongly believe that the strength of our economy is dependent on the continued success of the small business sector and we understand the growing challenges of which these businesses face. Our mission is to help business owners create the tools they need, not only to survive, but to grow and to prosper.

At MC4U, business owners will have the opportunity to become part of a marketing team that is centered on building relationships, trust and loyalty. The MC4U team will provide the resources, the support and the personal attention their 'partners' need and deserve. And most importantly, MC4U will provide a platform for small businesses to network with other businesses who share in these same beliefs.

‘We are so excited to be working with the small business sector of our community. Our time at the chamber helped us to recognize the tremendous need for the services we are now able to provide. Our upcoming workshop will highlight the types of services we offer, as well as our plans to increase exposure to our region by building and strengthening relationships within and beyond our community. The workshop is free and everyone is welcome’.


Where: The World Is Mine Oyster
When: May 3rd 5:30pm
What: Spring Into Summer Marketing Campaign
Who: Everyone is invited and it’s free!

RSVP: Please help us to prepare by letting us know you are attending at marketingcents4u@gmail.com or on our website @www.marketingcents4u.com. The World is Mine Oyster will be offering a special entree following the workshop. Please let us know if you are interested in staying for dinner.

We wish to thank Ralph and Alena Smith for their generosity in providing the workshop venue at their awesome new waterfront establishment!

Contact Information:

Website: http://www.marketingcents4u.com/

Emails:
Lori Pecor: lori@marketingcents4u.com
Heather O’Brien: heather@marketingcents4u.com
Find us on Facebook!

Breweries of the Week: Bar Harbor and Belfast Bay

This weekly blog series will feature each of our member breweries located throughout the state of Maine. We invite you to grab a pint, sit back and relax, while we fill you in on the lively brew scene in our state.


Who:   Bar Harbor Brewing, located in Bar Harbor Maine, has been brewing gold and platinum winning brews for nearly twenty years. Their passion for their brew sums up quite well with two important acts:

1) 1)Despite their award winning recipes, they still only brew 260 barrels of bottle conditioned beer a year, which means their product line is far more important to them, than their ‘bottom line’.

2) 2)They believe this to be true about their product: ‘it’s not just beer to drink, its beer to celebrate’.

What:  The Bar Harbor brew team prides itself in producing a product line that is cohesive yet independent. By using varying amounts of the same four ingredients (water, yeast, malted barley and hops), their ales offer a multitude of flavors with a signature taste. Their Cadillac Mountain Stout, named after one of the most well known peaks in Maine, brought on a fame of its own when it was awarded the World Champion of dry stout in 1995.

Where:  Guests can visit their tasting room daily and even step into their pilot room for a close up look at their original brewing equipment. Be sure to visit their unique gift store while you’re in town, which offers a variety of local foods, local wines from Bar Harbor Cellars, and of course, plenty of Bar Harbor Brew ‘swag’ that one really should not be without!

Get to know the Bar Harbor Team:

Visit their website
Email them at info@barharborbrewing.com
Or even better… visit them at: 8 Mount Desert Street, Bar Harbor. They’re open 7 days a week!

 

Who:  Belfast Bay Brewing Company, located in Belfast, Maine, has a story that would impress even the most distinguished of brew masters. Over the past 12 years Pat Mullen has pretty much built a brew empire, if empires are measured by thousands of bottles of champion worthy beer produced (Pat says he stopped counting right around 14,000 cases). And it was not all that long ago that these beers were bottled by Mullen himself, at his dining room table. Today, Belfast Bay Ales can be found in much of the Eastern US and are exported to Canada, Finland and Norway! Mullen now enjoys spending his time traveling to new places and introducing his passion to folks who have not yet had the opportunity to taste the world class beer. Pat is not only succeeding in introducing his beer around the world, he is bringing our great state of Maine right along with it. Thanks Pat!

What:  Some of Mullen’s favorite brewing stories include Brewmaster Dan McGovern, (now of 3Tides in Belfast), and their days of co-producing 11 brews in the Searsport Avenue complex that was once home to The Barn takeout stand, a pub and the brewery. It is not surprising that one of Mullen’s World Brewing Championship winners is named McGovern’s Oatmeal Stout. Their other claim to fame is the very appropriately named (thanks to the suggestion of his wife) Lobster Ale. Naturally, Mullen chose to craft a Red Ale to give this Maine namesake its due justice.

When: Although the brewery is not open for tours, the brew team has made sure their fans know how to connect with them! Every bottle of Lobster Ale and McGovern’s Oatmeal Stout has their phone number listed on the label. So after you finish a bottle, be sure to give them a buzz and let them know what you thought!

Get to know the Belfast Bay Team:

Follow them on facebook
Visit their website