City of South Portland Economic Development

Hey South Portland! The Holidays are here! Mark your calendar for a night of fun on December 6th! Enjoy and support our local small businesses during the Knightville Holiday Stroll from 4pm to 8pm. The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Mill Creek Park this same evening from 4:30pm-6:30pm.

We are honored at Fork Food Lab to be the recipient of one of the 9 2024 New England Food Vision Prizes.

EXTENDED ***Call for Nominations*** DUE TO THE VETERAN'S DAY HOLIDAY, WE WILL ACCEPT NOMINATIONS THROUGH NOVEMBER 12TH! Scan the QR below or follow this link to the nominations form: https://lnkd.in/eQHKTeZ5 Help us recognize businesses, entrepreneurs, and “difference” makers in our community. Celebrate a 10-year tradition by submitting a nomination for that business that goes above and beyond; or that individual who has a special and compelling way they interact with their clients or do their work. Nominating a business, individual, or non-profit for one of these awards shows both appreciation and gratitude, but also ensures that these often unsung heroes who make South Portland a better place to live, work and play get the recognition they truly deserve. We encourage you to nominate in any OR ALL of the categories. The details of the award criteria are found on the nomination form. We look forward to receiving and reviewing many nominations for the good works going on in our community. Thank you for your time and consideration!

***Call for Nominations*** Scan the QR below or follow this link to the nominations form: https://lnkd.in/eQHKTeZ5 Help us recognize businesses, entrepreneurs, and “difference” makers in our community. Celebrate a 10-year tradition by submitting a nomination for that business that goes above and beyond; or that individual who has a special and compelling way they interact with their clients or do their work. Nominating a business, individual, or non-profit for one of these awards shows both appreciation and gratitude, but also ensures that these often unsung heroes who make South Portland a better place to live, work and play get the recognition they truly deserve. We encourage you to nominate in any OR ALL of the categories. The details of the award criteria are found on the nomination form. We look forward to receiving and reviewing many nominations for the good works going on in our community. Thank you for your time and consideration!

Congratulations FORK FOOD LAB on the 2024 Impact Award from the Maine Grocers & Food Producers Association! From the business: "At Fork Food Lab, our mission has always been to support and empower food entrepreneurs in Maine, providing them with the space, resources, and community they need to thrive. This recognition affirms the collective efforts to make the food landscape in Maine more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable."

Welcome to our new team member! Lea Duffy joined the Economic Development Team on September 30th, 2024. Lea hails from the Pacific Northwest. Her first career was as an architect with projects focused on multi-family housing, senior care and healthcare facilities. Beyond traditional design services, she specialized in feasibility studies and master planning. Following a long-time dream, she and her husband built and developed a boutique inn located in the Willamette Valley in Oregon and left the corporate world for the hospitality/travel industry. After selling the business in 2020, she started a design practice and also obtained her real estate license. In 2023, she relocated to New England to be closer to family, and now calls Maine home. Lea's strong and diverse background in planning, design, development and business ownership give her a unique skillset and valuable perspective on the work we do on behalf of our community. We are so pleased to have her on board and can say with confidence that she has hit the ground running!

Yesterday was the 2024 Grow Smart Summit in Waterville. The Summit was well attended with a highlight being the achievement awards - one of which was presented to John and Cindy Smith of Great Falls Construction. Congratulations from South Portland Economic Development Department! A well deserved recognition for these two who have contributed public and private sector projects to our South Portland community!

?? Maine Businesses: Apply for the 2024 Governor’s Award for Business Excellence! ?? Maine's most prestigious business recognition is now accepting applications! Showcase your excellence and leadership in one of these categories: Innovation Award: Recognizing entrepreneurship and innovation. Rural Revitalization Award: Honoring contributions to the growth of Maine’s rural regions. Heritage Industry Award: Celebrating excellence in agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, or marine sectors. Climate Leader Award: Highlighting leadership in mitigating climate risks or advancing clean technologies. ?? Deadline: Friday, October 18! Apply now and put your business in the spotlight! #MaineBusiness #Innovation #RuralRevitalization #Sustainability #BusinessExcellence

To the South Portland Community: We are seeking nominations to recognize businesses, entrepreneurs, and “difference” makers in our community. Help us continue a 10-year tradition by submitting a nomination for a business that goes above and beyond; or an individual who has a special and compelling way they interact with their clients or do their work. Nominating a business, individual, or non-profit for one of these awards shows both appreciation and gratitude, but also ensures that these often unsung heroes who make South Portland a better place to live, work and play get the recognition they truly deserve. Scan the QR code to access the nomination form.? Or click here for a link: https://lnkd.in/eQHKTeZ5 We encourage you to nominate in any or all of the categories. The details of the award criteria are found on the form.? We look forward to receiving and reviewing many nominations for the good works going on in our community. Thank you for your time and consideration!

Maine Ultimate in conjunction with the City of South Portland and Tyler Technologies is looking to host the Lobster Pot on October 19/20 at the Wainwright Fields in South Portland, Maine. Follow the link?https://lnkd.in/djrmPf58 for more information.