Meetings to determine the Biddeford-Saco “brand” will occur Oct. 2-4, 2012. The cities of Biddeford and Saco, in conjunction with Heart of Biddeford, Saco Spirit, the Chamber of Commerce and the Biddeford Saco Area Economic Development Corporation, are undertaking a community input process to determine what is unique about our area. This information will then be utilized for internal and external marketing.

Our communities are invited to public forums and round table discussions over Oct. 2-4. Please rsvp to Estella for the round table discussions. The public forumsdo not require reservations.

All will be held at the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce (at the AmtrakStation, 138 Main Street in Saco). Light refreshments will be served.

Public Forums (no reservation required)

• Tuesday, October 2, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 3, 7:30-8:30 a.m.

Roundtable Meetings (reservations required)

The themes and topics are listed below. Reservations are required soorganizers can plan for room set up. Contact Estella at Biddeford-SacoChamber of Commerce, Estella@biddefordsacochamber.org or 207-282-1567.

Tuesday, October 2, 10:30-11:30 a.m. High School and College Students

o What do young people think of their respective communities?

o How is the camaraderie between both High Schools?

o What are the unique strengths of the University?

o How is the University tied in with the broader Biddeford and Saco

communities?

o How do students from other areas nearby perceive both communities?

o What do young people do for fun?

 

Tuesday, October 2, Noon-1 p.m. Creative Economy

o Are the communities attractive to the “creative class” (architects,

graphic artists, young professionals, active empty nesters, entrepreneurs)

o What amenities do the communities offer to foster creative economic

development?

o How have traditional rural and waterfront economies transformed into

creative economies (agri-tourism, value added agriculture, fish and

seafood, farms)

 

Tuesday, October 2, 2-3 p.m. Arts and Culture (or Heritage) Tourism

o What are the unique cultural traditions of the communities? What are the

similarities and differences?

o What art and culture organizations exist? Events? Programs?

o What are the key cultural opportunities for locals and for visitors?

 

Tuesday, October 2, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Communitywide Economic/Business

Development:

o What makes the communities a good place to do business?

o Why would a business choose Saco and Biddeford over other locations in

Maine and the United States?

o What specific amenities for businesses are offered (industrial and

business parks, training, healthcare, etc.)

 

Wednesday, October 3, 9 a.m. Downtown Business and Property Owners,

Residents and Investors

o From where do customers come in Biddeford and Saco?

o How has the shopping/dining pattern evolved in both communities?

o How does each downtown market itself? What are the messages?

o How are major investments/rehabilitation projects impacting each downtown?

o What is the outlook for the future?

 

Wednesday, October 3, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Waterfront/Outdoor

Recreation/Eco-Tourism

o What are the tourism amenities for the communities?

o Are there untapped resources for tourism?

o How do the various waterfront areas contribute to the communities both

locally and with visitors?

o What are the key recreational opportunities for locals and for visitors?

o How do Saco and Biddeford differentiate themselves from other Maine coast

communities?

 

Draft Findings and Concepts Presentation (no reservation required)

Thursday, October 4, Noon-1 p.m.