Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce held its second Chamber Chat luncheon at Boothbay Region YMCA on Thursday, March 23. About 20 attendees representing a wide range of services within the health and wellness fields were present. Crow Point Yoga provided lunch.

Those present included medical organizations, sole proprietor businesses, community-based services, general health care and well-being businesses, domestic violence prevention programs, emotional and mental health services, massage and reflexology, spiritual healing, yoga, organic products, and transportation and exercise programs.

The Chamber initiated the chats to open a dialogue on promotion, partnership and collaboration. The first chat, on Jan. 19, focused on the region's marine industry and working waterfront. That one resulted in three action items including a Welcome Boaters bag filled with marine items; a marine items flea market; and a marine services guide.

Executive Director Patricia Royall opened the brainstorming session by asking attendees how the Chamber could best promote their needs.

Several members of the group suggested more visibility on the Chamber website, possibly through having a member of the health and wellness community write a monthly blog, or having a page dedicated entirely to that topic, and promoting the Boothbay region as a health and wellness destination.

Some attendees felt last year's Harbor Fest, which included health and wellness events for the first time, could have promoted their presence more, as some individual offerings did not get much traffic. Royall said the Chamber could work to help assure all participants at next year's Fest are well promoted. A presence at the region's farmer's market was also suggested.

A concern among all present was the current thinning of the region’s youth population. Several people suggested ideas aimed at interesting a younger population to live and work in the area, starting with student exit interviews at the end of their senior year. Several organizations already work with students in the area, and the high school has a program that matches students with mentors in various fields. It was also felt that if the Chamber could promote the region as a health and wellness destination, it would attract younger people interested in eating well, exercising, and living and working in a beautiful place.

All agreed with Juliet M. Cohen, RN, when she suggested promoting assistance being available to those who need it. Cohen and her husband, Ron Cohen, run a business called Above and Beyond Scheduling, which acts as a liaison between clients and caregivers. “People need to know these services are out there. We are trying to help them,” she said.