FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Maine Business Groups and Community Partners Launch #PayItForwardMaine Campaign

Campaign encourages all who are able to support local businesses and organizations in need as our state responds to the COVID-19 pandemic 

​Portland, Maine - As Maine businesses and their employees weather unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, Maine State Chamber of Commerce, and the Retail Association of Maine are partnering with several organizations in our state to launch a campaign to support our community: #PayItForwardMaine. 

“In this unprecedented time, we know everyone is feeling the financial impact, especially our small businesses – who make up 99% of our business community in the state.” stated Quincy Hentzel, CEO of the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce.  “We want to make sure that when we get to the other side of this pandemic, our local businesses are still there for us.  So, we need to be there for them now. This campaign will allow our community to rally, as they always do in times of crises and hardship, and discover ways they can still support their favorite establishments over the next few months.”    

The #PayItForwardMaine campaign asks individuals, businesses and organizations to continue supporting local businesses and their employees in our new world of closed storefronts and social distancing. Your favorite local businesses have been there for you through thick and thin. Now it’s time for all of us to come together and return their service and support, with a new twist. 

This effort is supported by several Chambers of Commerce and community partners. Some of those partners offered their perspective on the need for #PayItForwardMaine: 

“The Department of Economic and Community Development and the entire Administration are continually working to ensure Maine businesses and employees have the resources they need as we all respond to the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 Pandemic”, said Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner, Heather Johnson. “I am pleased to see the work being done by several partner organizations with the launch of the #PayItForwardMaine campaign – an effort that looks to Maine’s collaborative spirit to help your neighbor, friend, and local business owner. I hope to see Mainers participate in this effort and help to see our economy through this challenging time.”  

“Maine’s retailers, restaurants and other small businesses have been hit with a once in a century economic storm,” said Curtis Picard, President of the Retail Association of Maine. “But we are standing together with chambers and business associations to help our local businesses survive. Let’s Pay It Forward, Maine.”  

“Maine people count on small businesses every day, not just for goods and services, but for the contributions they make to our economy and our communities,” said Dana Connors, President and CEO of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce. “Our local businesses and their employees and families need our support now more than ever. Think of the impact if we all take action to #PayItForwardMaine.”  

#PayItForwardMaine is encouraging everyone to consider these ways to show your support (including through simply spending your time and effort), and to share posts, photos, and actions with the hashtag #PayItForwardMaine. The campaign is also encouraging people to tag family, friends, and followers and challenge them to do the same. 

Suggested ways to contribute: 

• Buy a gift card, gift certificate, class pass, etc. – this may be the simplest and most effective way to continue supporting local businesses throughout this crisis. Think of a business you would have visited that day/week/month and buy a gift card instead!  

• Utilize take-out and curbside to-go services (websites like Portland Food Map are keeping updated lists of restaurants offering these services).  Always call first and consider tipping more than usual! 
• Purchase merchandise from the business’ website – obviously retail locations, but many businesses and organizations in all industries offer merchandise such as clothing, hats, glassware, posters, and more. Buy online and have it shipped to your door!  
• See if your service providers offer virtual options: Tax accountants, business coaches, yoga instructors, etc.  
• If you can’t afford to show monetary support, share the website or social media account of your favorite business or organization and encourage others to support them.   
• Offer up to help in any way you can…  

• Help deliver products to those in need   
• Volunteer your time to help feed the hungry  
• Put together packets for school children  
• Provide child-care for those still working (especially those in health care and medical fields) and in need of a helping hand  
• Post a video of teaching others about a favorite skill or technique  

  
Learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved by visiting PayItForwardMaine.com.


Below is our list of initial partners as we anticipate others to join once campaign is launched: 
Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce 
Maine Department of Economic & Community Development 
Maine State Chamber of Commerce 
Retail Association of Maine 
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Bangor Chamber of Commerce 
Bar Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce 
Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce 
Biddeford + Saco Chamber of Commerce and Industry 
City of Portland 
Damariscotta Region Chamber of Commerce 
Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce 
Fort Kent Area Chamber of Commerce 
Franklin County Chamber of Commerce 
Greater Bangor Convention and Visitors Bureau 
Greater Freeport Chamber of Commerce 
Greater Portland Council of Governments  
HospitalityMaine 
Institute for Family Owned Business  
Katahdin Area Chamber of Commerce 
Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce 
Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Arundel Chamber of Commerce 
Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce 
Machias Bay Area Chamber of Commerce 
Maine Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives 
Maine Grocers and Food Producers Association  
Mount Desert chamber of Commerce 
Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce 
Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce 
Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce 
Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce 
Portland Buy Local 
Portland Downtown 
River Valley Chamber of Commerce 
Scarborough Buy Local 
Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce 
Skowhegan Regional Chamber of Commerce 
Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber 
Visit Portland