Most geographic regions in the U.S. have a chamber of commerce to promote area attractions and provide notices of interesting future events. But what does a smaller area do to accomplish the same things? 

In Woolwich, the answer is that they create the Public Communications Committee.

The committee was formed last year with three specific goals: enhancing two-way communication with the town, providing additional information about town government and informing the 3,100 residents about general news through a variety of media.

The first newsletter from the committee was distributed last March and was included in a regular mailing from the town to Woolwich residents. It introduced the committee with a range of information that included the town meeting, Woolwich Day, alewife counts and the Woolwich cable television channel.

In all, it offered an interesting mix of events and services that are unique to the 41-square-mile community.

“In general, the committee is looking to enhance communications across Woolwich and serve as a resource for townspeople,” said Selectman Allison Hepler, who is also on the committee.

It was decided by the original committee members (there are currently six people serving) that a newsletter would be a good way to supplement the local cable television programming and the committee’s Facebook page.

The hope is to publish a newsletter four times each year, which focuses on town news rather than editorial content. The newsletter is also posted on the Internet for those who would prefer to access it by computer.

Kelly Corbett leads the committee, which meets monthly to discuss upcoming topics for the newsletters. The most recent edition, published in October, provided useful information about heating assistance and Route 1 paving in combination with a story about West Bath’s proposed withdrawal from RSU 1.

“We want to serve as a resource for townspeople,” Hepler explained. “The more ways to communicate, the better. And, if more people become involved in their town as a result, that would be another goal.”