Fryeburg Business Association is Undergoing Some Changes

Founded by Donna Woodward and other community leaders in 2010

the Fryeburg Business Association has some exciting things planned for 2017.

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FRYEBURG, Maine - January 03, 2017 - Contrary to what you may have heard through the grapevine, the Fryeburg Business Association has not disbanded and association's Facebook page has been revived.

We don't have all the details as yet but we will have them by the end of the week, so stay tuned Fryeburg. 

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About FBA

What Does the Fryeburg Business Association Do?

The idea to create a Fryeburg Business Association (FBA) was started in 2003 with Scott Gamwell, Ted Raymond, Linelle Bickford, Terry McGillivray, Phylis and John Morris, Stefi Hastings, Donna Woodward and Janice Crawford serving on the initial Steering Committee.

The first meeting was convened by the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce on April 7, 2003 at the St Elizabeth Seton Church. It took many years and the effort of Past-President, Donna Woodward to gain the momentum to apply for Non-Profit (501C6) Status with the Maine State Secretary of State on December 15, 2009.

The Mission of the Fryeburg Business Association is to promote and enhance a thriving business climate in the Fryeburg Area. The belief that businesses working together with the Town of Fryeburg and the State of Maine toward the betterment of all in the community could be a powerful force supporting business growth. During the first 4 years much was accomplished to include but certainly not limited to the following:

• The application of a Community Development Block Grant entitled “Fryeburg Downtown Revitalization Plan” in 2011. The request for funding by the town citizenry was unfortunately defeated due to a prideful reaction to terms used by the grant program.
• Ted Raymond represented the Business Community via FBA on the Town of Fryeburg’s Comprehensive Plan Committee created in 2013. Other committee members included, Former Selectman Paul Naughton, Planning Board, Chair Kent Pidgeon, ESAA Executive Board Member, Gene Bergoffen, retired educator, George Cunningham, Town Manager, Sharon Jackson and Code Enforcement Officer, Katy Haley. View the Comprehensive Plan here http://www.fryeburgmaine.org/images/pdf/Ordinances/Complete%20Final%20Document.pdf
• Bradley Park Summer Entertainment was presented via the support of the Mulford Fund
• The development of a FBA Economic Development Committee in January, 2014. Chaired by Holly Foster and including Mia Purcell from Community Concepts, Sharon Jackson, Town Manager of Fryeburg and Donna Woodward, FBA President this group met continuously through out the year culminating in the creation of a Town of Fryeburg Economic Development Committee in May of 2015. David Chaffee is the FBA representative on this committee serving alongside, Nancy Kiesman, Chair, Selectmen, Rick Eastman, Jeff Cox, Janice Crawford, Past FBA President, Donna Woodward, Mia Purcell from Community Concepts and Town Manager Sharon Jackson. For information visit http://www.fryeburgmaine.org/committees

After five busy years, Donna Woodward concluded her term as President with Wanda Richard stepping into the role. (Wanda Richard has since resigned and a new board of directors is being formed).

The FBA has worked hard to build and maintain a stronger economic and business friendly environment while encouraging community spirit and involvement. The FBA has been a major support to the efforts of the municipality, attracting the attention of state and regional interests along the way.

FBA takes pride in being a leader and support system to all things good in and for Fryeburg. The efforts of many business owners and organizers continue to make a visible difference in our town.

Accomplishments of FBA from 2010

• Created and established the FBA complete with Website, Bylaws, Committees, Guidelines, 501(c)(6) non-profit status in December, 2009
• Internet exposure and web presence for all members and the town
• Social media marketing opportunities via FBA Facebook, Twitter accounts
• Network with the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Lakes Region of Chamber of Commerce, Maine Tourism Association; Fryeburg Historical Society, Regional and State Economic and Community Development Programs
• Liaison with Town of Fryeburg; working in collaboration via Economic Development Committee
• Develop and host community discussions
• Spearheaded efforts to revitalize Main Street
• Advertise and promote Fryeburg in tourism magazines
• Host quarterly member meetings
• Public Relations, advertising, marketing, and communications development with business to business, business to community, and community to general public.
• Created and published the Fryeburg Then and Now Book, a representation of Fryeburg past and present with photos, stories, historical highlights, and business directory
•  Involvement with Community:
  • Business sponsorship and assistance for Dinner Bell North
  •  Co-sponsor the “Bike Helmet Safety Program” with Fryeburg Police
  • Fund-raise for The Community Giving Tree
  • Event Coordinator and Presenter of the summer Concerts in the Park
  • Hoisting/retrieval/ replacement of Town Flags: Memorial Day to July 4th
  • Event Planners and Presenters of Fryeburg’s 250th Year-long Birthday Celebration 2013
  • Support of the Valley Pride Day Litter Clean up Program

  (information gleaned from the FBA website)

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