The Damariscotta Region Chamber of Commerce will host its annual meeting on Thursday, May 19 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Lincoln Academy in Newcastle. Everyone is invited to join the celebration of the Chamber members and their accomplishments this past year.

The evening’s event will begin at a reception featuring hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar, and a chance to congratulate the 2016 award winners and network with business leaders from across the region. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet vendors and service providers at the Business Expo to get information on their latest products and services.

Following this social hour, the annual meeting will feature an overview of the Chamber’s activities this past year, the introduction of new officers and board members, and the presentation of the 2016 awards. This year there will be no keynote speaker in order to give the award winners more time to discuss their award-winning activities. After the excitement of the annual meeting program, guests will have the opportunity to congratulate the award winners and continue their networking over coffee and desserts.

“The Chamber’s Annual Meeting is always an entertaining and energizing event,” said Marva Nesbit, president of the Chamber board. “Hearing from the award winners about their accomplishments is always inspiring. We are truly looking forward to a fun and exciting evening!”

The Chamber sincerely thanks the generous sponsors of this event. Tidewater Telecom, Inc. is the evening’s Primary Sponsor. They will have a table in the Business Expo to share information about their two exciting new products: O.P.E.N. (Optical Premise Ethernet Network) which offers the fastest Internet speeds in the industry over a high quality fiber optic network, and IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) which is the latest in Cable TV Delivery, offering unparalleled television quality brought to your home over a fiber optic connection.

Event Sponsors include Newcastle Chrysler Dodge Jeep; The First, NA; Milling Around; and Mid-Coast Energy Systems, all strong Chamber members who generously support community activities and events. Additionally, seven members have already joined the Business Expo to share information: Cheney Insurance, Newcastle Square Realty, Newcastle Square Vacation Rentals; Camden National Bank, American Cancer Society; Lincoln County Healthcare; and Coastal Car Wash & Detail Center. Additional Business Expo tables are still available; to reserve a table contact Toni (563-8340 or toni@damarsicottaregion.com).

As Nesbit said, “We are incredibly fortunate to have the support of such strong and vibrant companies whose generosity benefits our communities.” The Chamber thanks all their sponsors and Business Expo partners for helping to create such an enjoyable event for members of the Chamber and the communities they serve.

All Chamber members will receive one free ticket which is guaranteed if they place their reservation by Wednesday, May 4. After that date, reservations will be taken on a first come, first served basis for both free and purchased tickets. The price for additional tickets purchased in advance for members is $25/ticket. Non-members may begin reserving tickets on Thursday, May 5 for $35/ticket. To reserve your tickets, call the Chamber office at 563-8340 or email info@damariscottaregion.com. Ticket prices at the door will be $35/member and $45/non-member.