HARRISON — The members of Oxford Hills SCORE were visited by the SBA New England Regional Director, Jeanne Hulit, at their holiday gathering held recently at the Olde Mill Tavern.

More than 30 chapter members and guests enjoyed a holiday lunch and received Hulit’s message of appreciation for a very active and successful 2009 serving small businesses in Western Maine.

Hulit said, “successful small businesses are an important part of the solution to the challenges of the current economy.” She indicated that there has been a significant increase in SBA guaranteed loans in Maine over the last few months underscoring the importance of small businesses to the Maine economy.

She also acknowledged the SCORE volunteers in the Oxford Hills area who have “lived the American dream and are now generously passing their knowledge on to local small businesses.”

The SCORE members also welcomed Diane Jackson from Sen. Olympia Snowe’s office in Auburn. A letter was delivered from Snowe in which appreciation was conveyed for the time spent assisting the small business community in the greater Oxford Hills area. Snowe emphasized the importance of the volunteer work and the dedication to sharing knowledge and experience with small business owners.