As a small home based and growing business in Jonesport, I am preparing for the Washington County Business Conference and Marketplace, held April 21st and 22nd at the Washington County Community College gymnasium on Calais Drive in Calais.

I think back to the last three years and how disappointing it has been for the lack of support from businesses of Calais. To my recollection the only businesses represented at the event has been the Calais Press and the Calais Free Library. In these tough economical times, is a business prospering so great that they couldn’t use an extra boost? Yes, it takes time and money to do this conference, but, in some way, your business receives positive feedback and possible increases in customers and sales.

Last year Vermont businessman Bruce Baker met with the city and town officials as part of the WCBC & Marketplace with several ideas to spruce up Calais. Baker said the city’s greatest asset was the Down East Heritage Museum. The heritage center celebrates Washington County’s rich cultural history. We all have read and know about the financial distress the museum is in. Wouldn’t this be the event to show the public what it is all about and possibly bring enough interest to people’s minds to want to tour their great historical landmark?

I recommend any and all businesses of Calais and surrounding areas to consider this conference. It includes star-ups, growing and established businesses. Businesses are encouraged to display/or sell products as appropriate for their activity. Product selling is encouraged to other businesses as well as the public. As Washington County tries to draw businesses to this area, let’s think about what this conference could do for us.

Jolene Harmon

Jolene’s Originals

Jonesport