Advocacy
The Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce works to make our community an attractive place to live, work, and do business. We believe that a free market, economic growth, and a pro-business philosophy raise our standard of living. We encourage business, government, and the community to cooperatively promote job growth and economic opportunity for all citizens. As a Chamber of Commerce, we are uniquely positioned to connect business, community, and government to accomplish exactly that.
Advocacy Guiding Principles
Economic Development
We believe efforts to diversify and expand our economy are of primary importance. Essential elements of a sound economic development program should include business creation, business expansion, and workforce recruitment.
Taxation
Taxes should be few and should not disproportionately burden one sector of the economy versus another or put our community at a competitive disadvantage.
Regulation
We recognize that some rules and regulations are necessary and proper for a viable economy, but we believe government regulation of business should be minimal, fair, and reasonable.
Education
We support a quality education system that prepares students to work and succeed in the 21st-century economy.
Health Care
We support making health care more accessible and affordable to businesses and citizens alike.
Transportation
We support a well-planned and prudently funded transportation system that serves residents and visitors alike.
Communications Infrastructure
We support the development of communications infrastructure to serve businesses, residents, and visitors.
Resource Protection
We support the protection of Acadia National Park and other local natural and cultural resources that residents enjoy and attract so many visitors to our region. We encourage sustainable tourism development and green business practices that reduce negative impacts on the environment.
Tourism Marketing
Recognizing that tourism is the primary driver of our local economy, we encourage investment in tourism marketing and promotion.
Advocacy News - Exclusive Member Benefit
Members of the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce receive exclusive access to our Monday Docket Newsletter. Each week's newsletter has up-to-date information on federal, state, and local policy decisions happening that affect the business community. Members also have the opportunity to weigh in through flash polls within the newsletter with the goal of checking the pulse on relevant issues within the business community.