Executive Directors Message

So, what do you think about this?

I follow all kinds of marketing trends and indicators as far into the future as possible. Much of what I’ve seen talks of the continued decline in fortunes of traditional shopping centers. Shopping is still big and still remains the number one destination activity, but the atmosphere in which the shopping is most successful is changing.

It seems, according to the reports, that people like to do their shopping in places where there are other things to do besides shop. Really. The buzz term is “Lifestyle Center”. Instead of a big closed in building, the Lifestyle Center concept “takes the roof off” and allows people to pleasantly walk about in open air to enjoy stylish shopping in the midst of green spaces, patio dining, entertainment venues and cultural or recreational activities.

So here’s my idea. Tell me what you think. We find a great location with lots of appeal – like the coast of Maine. We look for an area where we could put around 150 to 180 or so retail shops. A nice mix of national brands and local boutiques, specialty shops and so on. It would be excellent if we could feature a big name, well respected local business. We design it to look like a New England Village – very pleasant, friendly, safe and comfortable, with lots of green spaces and parks, including a big one in the center where you could hold outdoor concerts in the summer and art festivals in the fall.

To make it really unique, we could put lots of the shops in actual historic buildings. There would be great dining of all kinds, naturally. We’ll have a wonderful Performing Arts Center – something around 500 seats or so would be great. And we’ll encourage lots of events, large and small to make it even more fun. I think we want lots of activities surrounding the area, like cruises, tours, hiking, biking, kayaking, nature centers, museums and things.

We’ll need some good quality, well-run hotels for visitors. Maybe even a grand inn. Several charming Bed & Breakfasts would be perfect. We might consider using historic buildings for those, too.

I bet if we created something like that, millions of people would come to it every year. So, what do you think?

The door is always open,
Dick

Thomas Wilson to head FMA Marketing Committee...

Thomas Wilson, of Gritty McDuff's, has accepted the appointment to Chair the FMA Marketing and Events Committee. We are very excited about adding him to the leadership team. He is an exceptionally energetic, talents and experienced marketing professional.

Thomas has lived in Maine, on and off for the past 25 years. He is currently the Marketing Director for Gritty McDuff’s. Prior to joining Gritty’s, Thomas was a career civil servant working with the MWR Department of the US Navy. He planned and produced special events for the Navy, like The Great State of Maine Air Show and many smaller events that took place literally all over the world. He also worked on the team that wrote the Navy’s Corporate Sponsorship Policy. 

When he isn’t traveling or trying to convince people to visit one of Gritty’s Brew Pubs or buy Gritty’s fine ales at a local retailer, Thomas, his wife and their two Scottish Terrorists, he means terriers, “Ernest & Julio” make their home in Brunswick.

"Look lively there, mates!"

"Let's get things ship shape!, Batten the hatches!" and all that nautical talk. It's almost time for the 10th Annual Canada New England Cruise Ship Symposium - an important part of which is happening here in Freeport.

More than 150 cruise industry executives from several major cruise lines will be here on June 18th to sample the Freeport experience first hand. This will include dining at the Harraseeket Inn, presentations by FMA, FEDC, L.L.Bean, and others, and ample time to shop.

This is a chance for Freeport to really shine in front of a very important market segment. There's a reason why "ship shape" means what it does. There is a particular level of expectation. It is everyone's responsibility to demonstrate to the Symposium attendees that we will take as good care of their passengers as they do aboard ship. So, look lively there, mates!

Main Street Freeport Info Center opens soon - sign up now...

The Freeport Information Center (FIC) on Main street is gearing up for July 4th opening. FIC is one of the best marketing opportunities available from FMA.

The center is located in a walk-up open air location on Main Street in the center of the village. It is staffed with knowledgable personnel, who answer questions, give directions, make recommendations and hand out Visitor Maps, coupons and the brochures of participating FMA members.

FIC is open all season (July 4th thru Columbus weekend.) Last year FIC staff personally handed out more than 30,000 visitor guides.

If you have not already signed up for space at FIC, contact Sue Backhouse at the FMA office right away - 865-1212 or email sueb@freeportusa.com There are only so many spaces available.


FMA Board keeping up the momentum thru summer...

Since the beginning of FMA it has been traditional that the Board of Directors not meet during the summer. Over the last two or three years some board members have worked with the Executive Director and Executive Committee to continue projects thru the summer.

This year the Board has voted to continue regular work meetings through the busy summer season with no break. With many long term goals coming to fuition, and even more exciting opportunities on the horizon, there's just no time for break takin'.

Over time we have tried to bring a good variety of representation and value to the Board. The current Board is comprised of some of the best talent in the history of FMA.

With these collective resources, abilities and energy, FMA has and will continue to make great steps forward! Thanks to the Board for extra effort. (Maybe somebody will keep them supplied with lemonade for the summer.)

Lobsterman Triathlon Planning & Info Meeting June 17th...

There will be an informational and planning meeting on Tuesday, June 17th, for this years Lobsterman Triathlon, which will be held in Freeport on September 13th. The planning meeting will be held at the Freeport Comfort Suites at 8:00am.

This year's event features a full weekend of fun! Race is on Saturday, plus a world class lobsterbake and beer garden. Approximately 700 competitors and hundreds more attendees are encouraged to head into town to take advantage of the great stores and restaurants Freeport has to offer.

"Be sure to stop into LL Bean's flagship store for a special Lobsterman offer! Then back to Winslow Park for a concert that evening! There will be a bonfire and BBQ.

Sunday is LobsterKids race! Book a hotel room in town or camp right at the race venue, but definitely plan to spend the weekend in Freeport."

This will be a great opportunity for FMA members. If you would like more info right away contact Will, Nicole or Carter at 207-221-5420 or go to http://www.tri-maine.com/Lobster.html or contact the FMA office at 865-1212 or awiest@freeportusa.com

Horny Toad to host meet and greet June 5th...

Fellow Freeport merchants are invited to an informal meet and greet gathering with the staff from Horny Toad at their 11 Bow street location from 6:30 to 8:30 pm on June 5th.

This will be a great time to check out the unique products at HT, and exchange ideas with their very capable staff. Just drop on by.

Thanks to FCIA...

We want to thank George Denney and everyone at the Freeport Community Improvement Association, as well as those that support them, for all their efforts to beautify Freeport. Here are two of FCIA's special efforts. West Street Park, shown at it's most moving, with it's traditional Memorial Flag Display, organized by the Freeport Police Department, and Memorial Park, seen with it's new planting beds and other restoration efforts.

You can find out more at www.FreeportCIA.org