The Boothbay Lights Committee invites area retail merchants to a panel discussion led by the Retail Association of Maine on Wednesday, May 16 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Red Cup Coffeehouse, Commercial Street, Boothbay Harbor. Moderated by Curtis Picard, president and CEO, the focus will be on topics specific to those retailers keeping their businesses open during the extended season and will include several issues for the merchant to consider including: inventory, business hours, and promotional ideas to help attract customers into your business. The panelists will include Amy Downing of the Retail Association of Maine and Topher Mallory of Mexicali Blues and Split Rock Distilling.

The Retail Association of Maine represents the retail merchant industry before elected officials for policy and voting decisions. They are on the front lines of issues that directly affect a merchants bottom line: wage and hour issues, swipe fees, gift cards, worker's compensation costs, employee benefits, health care costs, taxes and more.

Picard, president & CEO of Retail Association of Maine, joined the Retail Association of Maine (formerly the Maine Merchants Association) in November of 2007.Picard serves on the board of directors of the Maine Tourism Association, Topsham Development, Inc. and the Maine Society of Association Executives. He has previously served on the Council of State Retail Associations, National Retail Federation and InforME. He was appointed by DECD Commissioner George Gervais to the Maine Small Business and Entrepreneurship Commission. 

Downing is the program and membership manager at the Retail Association of Maine. Amy joined the Retail Association in July of 2017 after nearly a decade with the Maine State Chamber of Commerce. Amy is an experienced event, program and membership professional. Prior to joining the chamber staff, she worked in the advertising and marketing industry. Her work included media strategist and buyer, promotional field manager, public relations specialist and account executive, and currently serves on the review team for the Governor’s Business Friendly Community Certification Program.

Mallory is CEO of Mexicali Blues along with his most recent venture as co-founder of Split Rock Distilling in Newcastle, Maine’s first organic distillery.

Space is limited so if you could please RSVP to Michael Maxim at maxter777@gmail.com or if you have any other questions regarding the event, please email Michael.