LEWISTON – Last night it was state chamber chief Dana Connors.

In November, local retailers Beckie Swanson Conrad and Celeste Yakawonis shared the spotlight.

And up next in February: Trish Riley, the head of the state’s Health and Human Services department.

That’s the guest lineup for a new cable TV show called “Chip and the Chamber.”

The half-hour program airs Wednesday nights, to publicize local chamber of commerce activities and to offer a forum on issues that affect local businesses.

“I’ve been pleasantly pleased with the response,” said Chip Morrison, president of the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce and the show’s namesake. “It seems to me we’re offering information, and it works.”

The first part of the show has Toni Seger of ProseWorks Associates interviewing Morrison about upcoming chamber and community events. Then the microphone switches to Morrison, who interviews invited guests.

Connors was there to talk about the tax reform proposal the chamber has submitted to the Legislature; Riley will talk about the state’s Dirigo health-care program.

Conrad and Yakawonis spoke about the difficulties facing small retailers, a show that was especially timely given the holiday shopping season, said Morrison.

The give and take between Morrison and his guests allows for an easy exchange of information.

Morrison said he was surprised to learn that Connors sees a need for income tax reform, which isn’t part of the chamber’s current proposal.

“It’s a very important part of the (tax) discussion – not now, but it should be,” said Morrison. Connors agreed, saying income tax reform should be addressed in the next wave of reforms.

Since many small businesses aren’t incorporated, profits are taxed as personal income.

“Income tax is nothing but a drag on the economy,” said Morrison, especially for people with small businesses.

The show was conceived by Seger during a chamber brainstorming session on getting the word out about the business group’s initiatives.

“We’re involved in educational programs, cultural programs, health and safety programs, just to name a few,” said Morrison.

A new episode of “Chip and the Chamber” is taped every month, then aired each Wednesday at 9 p.m. on Great Falls TV, Channel 11.

Morrison acknowledged it took him a few months to get comfortable with his role on the show and to work the bugs out of the programming.

He predicts the show will last as long as people remain interested in it.

“And as long as my courage holds out,” he added with a laugh.