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Top Picks Kicks!
We've launched the new "Top Picks After 6" page on FreeportUSA.com. This is another way to reference information for our visitors looking for things to do in the evening in Freeport.
The exciting thing is that when it is listed out in this specialized "open after six pm" format, you get to see that there really is a lot to see and do in Freeport in the evening. In fact, much more than you would think!
It's a great convenience for visitors from both near and far when they are planning their time in Freeport. It's also a great additional way to showcase our members that offer evening hours.
If you haven't already seen it, go check out the page. We think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much there is to see and do in Freeport after 6. You might even want to stay open a little later yourself!
FMA members can submit changes to their hours by going to the Member Area on FreeportUSA.com and using the form there.
Swans Island Ribbon Cutting Scheduled...
Swans Island Company will be officially welcomed to Freeport with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Tuesday, July 31st at 5:30PM.
Swans Island, the Maine company known for its award winning hand-dyed and hand- woven wool blankets, scarfs, throws, hats, coats and more, has opened a new retail store in Freeport at 58 Main Street in the Denney Block in the Lower Courtyard with neighbors, Dooney&Bourke and Acorn stores. The newly renovated shop showcases a variety of unique, hand woven wool products made by experienced Maine weavers, natural plant dyers and textile finishers at the Swans Island Studio located on Route One in Northport.
The Swans Island management team includes former Maine television journalist, Patsy Wiggins. Wiggins is managing the new Freeport store and working with the owners on marketing and public relations projects in Maine and out of state. Lindsay Brockett is the assistant manager of the Swans Island Freeport store. She also has her own flock of sheep.
Everyone is welcome to attend the ribbon cutting and become familiar with this wonderful addition to Freeport!
H.J.Beausoleil & Co. Opens in Freeport...
Welcome to another new businesses that is now a part of the Freeport community and the FMA - H.J.Beausoleil & Co., located at 114 Main Street (the former Foreside Company location).
H.J.Beausoleil & Co. offers a blend of jewelry, fashion accessories and home decor. Among featured lines are Au and Angela Adams. The owners and staff at H.J.Beausoleil are delightful. The store has a great feel and personality. It will offer yet another great Freeport shopping experience.
The store is now open. Stop in and say hello. A Grand Opening will be scheduled for the near future.
Survey Says...
For some time we've been working on a data gathering system that will help our membership know things like how the Freeport marketplace is performing relative to the rest of the state and the rest of the economy, how their traffic and sales are compared to their neighbors, etc.
This will also be a tool to measure the effective return on investment for things like FMA driven events, obtain member input on specific topics, gathering community input, and so on.
The system will start with electronic surveys. Back end tools will protect proprietary information while allowing us to capture the data, analyze it, and generate usable reports and tracking.
We will be sending out some trial surveys in a Bullet Point Update very soon.
More About Ribbon Cuttings...
FMA does Ribbon Cuttings for all new FMA business members. It's a great way for new businesses to welcome their fellow merchants to come and see their new venture as well as an opportunity for a bit of PR.
We've had ceremonies for Lazy Bear (shown above) and Georgetown Pottery recently. In addition to Swans Island and H.J.Beausoleil coming up, expect to see ceremonies for Olivia & Co., Mexicali Blues, Elan Studios, Acorn Products, and Prep Kitchen.
But don't wait 'til then! These fine businesses are now open and are welcome additions to the Freeport buisness community. Stop in and say hello today. |
Directors Messsage...
Notes from the mid-year Executive Director's Report to the Board
Every year I provide a mid-year status report at our June Board of Directors Meeting. I thought I'd share some of that report with you here. Information from our board meetings is readily accessable to our members upon request. I'm just making it "more readily-er" availably, without request.
Here are some highlights from the report. As always, I'm available to each and every member, to answer questions, listen to suggestions and develop opportunities that will benefit Freeport and our membership.
·Our Marketing Plan for 2007 and into 2008, when measured by expert opinion and current tourism marketing trends, is solidly on track.
·We have begun a long-range strategic planning process (facilitated by Rita Armstrong) with input from many industry leaders. In it’s early stages it again appears that we are moving in the correct direction for the future of Freeport.
·We are on track with our 2007 membership goal and will likely exceed it. This will be the second year in a row that we have experienced strong growth in membership.
·Our strategic partnerships are stronger than ever. We have received tremendous support and valuable top-level expertise from L.L.Bean, Freeport Economic Development Corp., Portland CVB, Maine Tourism Association, The Maine Office of Tourism, The Maine Innkeepers Association and others.
·New Destination Resources developed this year include a listing of over 160 Things-To-Do in the Freeport area, and an online Group, Tour and Meeting Planner Resource which is now ready to promote.
·FMA has been very involved with FEDC in the development of the “Creative Economy” and has especially been involved with the founding and development of the Freeport Creative Arts organization.
·Additional Electronic marketing developments so far this year include a new dynamic, inter-active online Calendar of Events, the addition of more frequent communications to membership through “Bullet Point Updates”, the introduction of Freeport eClub, and an “Arts in Freeport” page. Soon to be introduced – “Freeport After 6”, “What’s New in Freeport” and “Uniquely Maine - Distinctively Freeport” pages. (note: "Freeport Top Picks After 6" is now live.)
Not bad. I even left some stuff out. And we've got a lot more year left to go!
The door is always open,
Dick
Uniquely Maine, Distinctively Freeport...
One of the many compelling aspects of the Freeport experience is the extraordinary collection of high quality Maine based product lines available here.
There is no question that in Freeport you can find excellent values at all of the national retail brands, factory stores and outlets you'd expect to find. But it's far from the typical "cookie-cutter" shopping you find elsewhere.
Even beyond the Banana Republic, Lenox, Dooney & Bourke and countless others that in Freeport live in historically significant buildings, there's more.
In Freeport there is a quality of product and lifestyle offerings that you find available in few other places, and nowhere else displayed all together.
In a new marketing effort, we will be focusing on this aspect of the Freeport experience by highlighting this collection of companies that are "Uniquely Maine, and Distinctively Freeport"
If you are such a Maine based enterprise, with a presence in Freeport (you know who you are), we want to tell your story as part of the Freeport story. We look forward to hearing from you.
 Jingle Bells in July...
It's time to start thinking about it! It may be summer, but we've got Holidays and Sparkle on our minds, too. We had a great meeting with Janet Bourne of the Arthritis Foundation recently. Janet organizes the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis, which is held every year in Freeport during Sparkle Weekend in December.
Last year was a record-setter, with better than ever participation. In addition to raising funds and awareness for an important need, the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis brings hundreds of people to shop, play, dine and stay in Freeport.
The event awards lots of prizes in several categories. There is a great opportunity for FMA members to support the event and get extra exposure by donating prizes! You can contact Janet at 1-800-639-2113 or go to www.arthritis.org
So, what's new with you?
We've got lots of ways to tell lots of people what's happening at your business, but we can't tell them unless you tell us! Be sure you let FMA know what's new, what's interesting, and what you're up to, so we can help spread the word.
FIC Flyers Flying Fast and Furious!
This is our busiest season yet for the Main Street Freeport Information Center (FIC). The Center, located right in the middle of the Village, is staffed daily by well versed Freeport "Ambassadors".
More than 7600 Visitor Guides were handed out during the first three weeks of operation. Along with that, hundreds of answers to questions, recommendations, coupons, flyers and rack cards are given out for participating members every day.
Among the top questions...
Where is the L.L.Bean Outlet?
Where can I get lobster?
What's good to eat?
Is there a park nearby?
Where are the restrooms?
What is there to do for fun?
Where are the golf courses/shops?
How late is everything open?
FMA offers FIC as an optional service, available only to FMA members. The rate is very reasonable, and there are a couple of spaces currently available. Contact Sue, Kim or Dick at the office, or see Crystal at the FIC counter on Main Street.
Look for more Bullet Point Updates and FMA News coming soon! |
