We are approaching two major milestones in the history of the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council. The first, and most immediate, is this year’s Androscoggin Business to Business Trade Show, which marks the 15th consecutive year we’ve hosted the show.

The show has grown in size and stature, from its initial roots as a showcase for a handful of local manufacturers, to the state’s largest one-day business show. We’ve also evolved at different venues over the years, ranging from the Bates Mill Complex and the Merrill Gym, to the Bates College Grey Athletic Building and, finally, to the show’s home today at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee.

Naturally, we’ve tinkered with the show over the years. For example, for years, we offered numerous seminars geared toward small businesses. Experts presented hands-on information about branding, business financing, and technology. One year, we hosted a wine-tasting seminar. We’ve held panel discussions, and one-on-one sessions with government contract procurement specialists.

The event was piggy-backed with the Governor’s Conference on Small Business one year, and – one year we’d like to forget – even paired with a job fair. (Note to self: stick to one major event at a time.)

We’ve had memorable keynote speakers as well. We’ve had CEOs (former People’s Bank President Bill Ryan, Maine & Company CEO Matt Jacobson, and former Fairpoint CEO Gene Johnson), energy experts (Robert Gardiner of Independence Wind), and MAINEiacs officials (Matt McKnight and Don MacAdam).

This year, we’re focusing our attention on “Launching a New Decade.” What do we mean by that? We want to provide a way for people to tap into the relentless optimism, creativity, and resourcefulness of the Androscoggin County business community. We want this decade to be marked by reaping new ideas out of necessity. In a word, we want to harness the ingenuity that is the hallmark of Maine, and in particular, Lewiston-Auburn.

One key element about the show has never changed through the years, whether bear market or bull market, economic expansion or The Great Recession: it’s always been about making connections. We try to make the show as effective, comfortable, and productive as possible to allow for people to engage in business.

For example, we provide a networking breakfast at Bates College to start the day, and a networking After Hours to end it. We offer a quiet place to check e-mails, a meeting room for one-on-one meetings, Wi-Fi Internet connections, lunch offerings – even a place to unwind with a free massage.

There is one aspect of our show we can’t entirely take credit for, however: that’s the energy of the show itself. The reason and source of that energy is hard to quantify. In large part, however, it originates from the energy and enthusiasm of our exhibitors, our sponsors, and partners. It emanates from the talent and passion of our B to B Planning Committee. It is transferred by the creativity and dedication of ad designers at Encompass Marketing and T.H. Creations. It flows from the collective efforts of the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce, the city of Lewiston, and city of Auburn. It builds upon the power of our generous sponsors and their resources, commitment, and support.

Finally, it culminates with our exhibitors and attendees, who look forward to the show, and come energized to learn new things, exchange ideas, trade leads, and conduct business. In the end, the show is a very powerful venue for business.

I mentioned two milestones in my opening paragraph. The other is the 30th anniversary of the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council, the organizer of the show. Next year will mark 30 years that the organization was first created as a way to eliminate competition between the two cities, and to provide an organized response to economic development requests for the Lewiston-Auburn community.

In many ways, the analogy of the show carries to the model of the Growth Council. By providing technical assistance, site location assistance, gap financing, and marketing support to client companies wishing to relocate or expand in L-A, the Growth Council provides an important connection to our community’s many resources. Much of what we do helps businesses and individuals connect: to capital, space, and other resources.

By offering these services, we help grow the tax base, create jobs, and serve as a catalyst for community investment. In essence, we plug businesses into the community however and whenever we can.

Without a vibrant business environment, dedicated business people, and available resources, there would be no Growth Council. And there would be no trade show.

So, here’s to 15 more years of energy and excitement from businesses connecting with businesses at the show, and 30 more years of businesses needing to tap into the energy that we are so fortunate to have here in Androscoggin County.

Enjoy the show!

Lucien B. Gosselin

President

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