An event focusing on business innovation will be held at City Theater in Biddeford on Monday. Those interested in attending can call the Biddeford + Saco Chamber of Commerce + Industry. JOURNAL TRIBUNE file photo
BIDDEFORD — The focus is on business innovation at an event hosted by the Biddeford + Saco Chamber of Commerce + Industry on Monday.
The Business Innovation Get-Together, or B.I.G., will be held in Biddeford’s historic City Theater, showcasing local companies and organizations that are engaging in world-class innovation to drive their ongoing success.
“Innovation is propelling our local economy forward, and this is an opportunity for local business people and residents to come hear from a number of companies about how they are leveraging innovation to grow their business,” said Chamber Director Jim LaBelle. “The Biddeford and Saco region is fast becoming an innovation hub for Maine and beyond.”
A number of companies will provide mini “TED-like” talks in the theater, detailing the innovative practices they are deploying to drive their growth. One of the presenters will be Mitchell Lench, CEO of Ocean’s Balance, a company based in the mill in downtown Biddeford that is converting Maine-grown seaweed into a superfood. The company recently won the 2019 Greenlight Maine new business competition $100,000 grand prize.
“The novelty of the category we are competing in requires that we bring an innovation mindset to everything we do,” said Lench. “We’re excited to be part of the dynamic commercial environment that is growing here in the area.”
Other companies with representatives presenting include Sterling Rope, a world-class supplier of high-performance ropes based in Biddeford; Ready Seafood, a leading processor of lobster based in Saco; Engine, a Biddeford-based arts organization, a representative will talk about the importance of an innovative mindset for nonprofits; and Saco Sport & Fitness, a representative will discuss how customer responsiveness and innovation plays an important role in service and people-driven businesses just as much as with product-driven companies. The commercial innovation happening in the Biddeford/Saco region complements other developments that are occurring in the cultural, entertainment and food and drink sectors of the local economy, according to a press release from the chamber, making the region a magnet for commercial and residential investment and growth in southern Maine over the past five years. It continues a long tradition of innovation in the area first leveraged by the developers and owners of the mills in the twin cities along the Saco River almost two centuries ago.
In addition to the keynote presentations in the theater, there will be a Business Exposition featuring dozens of local businesses and organizations that attendees can visit with before and after the presentations to learn more about their specific offerings.
The event is free and open to both chamber members as well as the general public, but attendees must register in advance. To register to attend this event, or for more information, visit www.biddefordsacochamber.org or call 282-1567.
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