LEWISTON — The largest member drive in its 100-plus years netted the largest batch of new members yet, according to Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce President Chip Morrison: 67 and counting.
Morrison shared figures Friday from last week’s drive with his board of directors.
With 152 volunteers working leads, the chamber’s ambitious goal had been catching the number of members in Portland’s chamber. One hundred and one members separated the two.
Morrison said he anticipated between eight and 15 additional businesses to sign on in the next two weeks, bringing membership close to 1,400, shy of Portland’s 1,421.
“I’m very pleased,” he said. “We’re 40 percent higher than any drive we’ve had.”
Last year’s drive, with 50 volunteers, signed about 30 new members. This year, volunteers committed to phoning two potential businesses with some doing more and some paying visits.
Membership costs range from $125 and up, based on the size of the company. One potential read into the figures: “It says maybe people are feeling a little better about the future,” Morrison said.
New members are being welcomed and introduced at a large Business After Hours event Thursday at Martindale Country Club from 5 to 7 p.m.
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