LEWISTON — A big part of marketing is selling what you do well, and Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce President Chip Morrison said that’s what he’s been trying to do for the Twin Cities.

And Lewiston-Auburn has a lot of good things to talk about, he told members of the  Lewiston and Auburn city councils Thursday night.

From great restaurants and hotels to festivals and recreation, the area has a lot going for it, he said.

“I moved here 45 years ago, and this community doesn’t look anything like it did then,” Morrison said. “Clearly, we are very different.”

Morrison presented his well rehearsed  “Look How We’ve Changed” presentation to members of the councils at the chamber offices in the KeyBank Plaza on Lisbon Street on Thursday.

He began giving the presentation a year ago, and said it’s been given by him or by chamber volunteers 40 times since he started. 

“We talk about a lot of good things, and we keep adding more,” Morrison said. “Every time we give this presentation, somebody points out something we’ve missed. We started out with a 15-minute presentation and now it’s up to 45 minutes, if I talk fast.”

He’s talked to local senior citizens and grade school students, Rotary groups in Portland and Waterville, state tourism officials and community groups around Androscoggin County.

“I’ve said it before, I’ll go just about anywhere,” he said.

Morrison said the current promotional slogan, “LA: It’s Happening Here,” is still working well but is due to be updated. He told both councils that the chamber and the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council he would be coming to them this spring during budget season asking for money to help pay for a new marketing program.

“Marketing does not happen for free,” Morrison said. “We’re not asking for support of the chamber, but support for regional marketing.”

He also urged councilors to be strong advocates for the region.

“You can be positive voices, here in the city and away from here,” Morrison said. “When you hear somebody say something negative, don’t let it hold. Jump right down their throats and say ‘No, that’s not true. You do not know the new LA.'”

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