Here’s what’s happening and how we’re involved.

Finally, groundbreaking has taken place for the Hampton Inn Hotel directly across the street from Oxford Casino. I was there and the excitement was palpable. This hotel will provide dozens of new jobs, become an economic engine for the area and facilitate more development along Route 26. What’s not to like about that?

The Legislature has passed a statewide budget and some of the highlights or lowlights, depending on how you view them, include the sales tax remaining at 5.5 percent but broadening, the meals tax staying at 8 percent and the lodging tax increasing to 9 percent, effective January 2016. The budget has expanded the sales tax to include recreation and amusements except for admission to agricultural fairs. Governor LePage has highlighted 64 line-item vetoes within the budget document. We’ll keep you posted.

It’s officially summer so head for the areas one true farmers’ market, the Old Squire’s Farm Market at the end of Main Street in Norway right next to the C&C Farm Naturally Raised Meats Market, the premier market of its kind in the area. And looking ahead Old Squire’s Farm Market will host the first chamber Business After Hours of the summer on Thursday, July 9 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. with delicious food, refreshments, door prizes and much more. Don’t miss it!

May I suggest a couple of wonderful places to enjoy the magnificent beauty of the Oxford Hills? McLaughlin Garden and Homestead is filled with all of the wonderful senses that we love, smells, sight and feeling with thousands of perennial flowers, plants and trees. Take some time to enjoy, located right next to the chamber of commerce on Western Avenue in Paris. And Robert’s Farm Preserve in Norway right off of the shores of panoramic Norway Lake with the miles of hiking and biking trails. Enjoy!

By the way we all love dogs, right? Of course, so grab your dog and head for the third annual Fun Dog Day hosted by Responsible Pet Care at the Oxford County Fairgrounds from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 28. Just a great day for the entire family and it helps RPC continue to do the wonderful work of caring for animals that are homeless.

Finally, another reminder that the Maine State Chamber of Commerce is hosting, in conjunction with Oxford Casino and Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce, a regional business breakfast meeting on Wednesday, July 15 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the University Center in Paris. Maine State Chamber President Dana Connors will be there with his staff to talk about business issues that affect your business, our communities and the state of Maine. If you have an interest in attending call Jennifer at our office at 743-2281 or get in touch with Amy Downing at the Maine State Chamber by emailing [email protected]. It is a great opportunity to interact and dialog with the folks who represent all business throughout Maine.

See you next week.