Last week I had the opportunity to get out and about and see what South Berwick residents are up to.  I got to witness the community spirit that makes this a great town and I got to spend time with great people.

First stop was the August meeting of South Berwick Networking (SBN).  SBN is an informal network of South Berwick area business owners that meets monthly.  This month SBN met at Dogs XO, just over the town line in Berwick on Rt. 236.  Owner, Eve Baltzell gave an overview of her business, a dog day camp that provides a safe stimulating environment for dogs during the work week.

Patti Fousek owner of CreativeMind Search Marketing, a search engine marketing company located in South Berwick, also gave an overview of her search engine optimization business.  As always, there was time for informal networking.  What a great way to meet other business owners in South Berwick and learn about all the entrepreneurial endeavors springing up around us.  Visit the South Berwick Networking web site to find out how you can get involved.

Next stop was GreenUp! South Berwick, a grassroots group of folks interested in creating a more sustainable community.  The group has been meeting for a few months brainstorming, learning from each other, and planning how to build a culture of sustainability.  Their first public effort will be a sustainability forum about how to save energy and money.  They will host a panel discussion that will provide information on insulation, home energy saving measures, energy audits, and more.  The forum will be held September 25 at South Berwick Town Hall.  Check out GreenUp! South Berwick’s blog for more information about the group.

Last stop was the Great Works Regional Land Trust Art for Land Auction.  Supporters of the Land Trust’s work to conserve important resources gathered to bid on art, donated by artists who also support the Land Trust’s work.  The festivities began with music, food, and drink but the real business of the night was the art.  The crowd engaged in spirited bidding, acquiring lots of great art during the course of the evening.  I learned this is no place for a timid bidder, I will have to practice for next year!

Are you a business owner in South Berwick or a surrounding town?  Then you are invited to a South Berwick Networking meeting to meet and mingle with other business owners tonight, Wednesday, August 13th at 6pm at Dogsxo, LLC  Dog Day Camp, 297 Route 236, S. Berwick, ME.  Find out more at the South Berwick Networking web site or read about South Berwick Networking.

When we discuss economic development in South Berwick we often focus on new businesses.  However we owe much of our town’s vitality to the businesses that have been thriving and growing here for generations.  P. Gagnon and Son is one such business.  Since 1904 P. Gagnon & Son has been owned by the Gagnon family of South Berwick.  I recently met with Mark Gagnon, great grandson of the founder of P. Gagnon & Son.  Hanging above Mark’s desk is a photograph of his father, who passed away in 1991, when Mark stepped in as head of the company.

Uppermost on Mark’s mind these days is the high cost of fuel.  Last winter was a tough one for P. Gagnon’s customers, but it was no less difficult for P. Gagnon & Son.  Fuel deliveries to the company come in 10,000 gallon lots, so last winter meant a delivery cost of $30,000 and who knows what it will cost next winter.  Mark explained that higher fuel prices don’t translate into higher profits for a local distributor.  He also stresses that this is a very tough time for customers and says P. Gagnon is willing to work out solutions with those who are having a hard time paying for fuel.

Dominating Mark’s desk is a computer monitor open to live information on fuel trading which shows the price for oil fluctuating every few seconds.  “It can make you crazy” says Mark, “I shouldn’t keep looking at it, but I can’t help it.”  His advice to homeowners is that the biggest opportunity right now is in conservation.  (more…)

Each Saturday and, new this year, Tuesday afternoon, the York Farmers’ Market provides a way to buy from local food and craft producers.  The market is held every Saturday through October 11 from 9 AM to 1 PM and on Tuesdays from July 1 through September 9 from 2 PM to 6 PM  in the lot behind the York Chamber Visitor’s Center at its location on Route One in York across from the entrance to I-95.

You’ll find an assortment of food, baked goods, handmade products, organically grown produce and much more.  Go on Tuesdays and you’ll see two South Berwick residents.

Buddha’s Burning Buns, owned by South Berwick resident Jane Adams offers cookies, muffins, breads, granola & other assorted baked goods.  You can also find Jane’s products at Nature’s Way Market.

South Berwick resident Hope Murphy’s booth, fuZing!, showcases her unique fused glass jewelry.  These one of a kind pieces shimmer with color and pattern.

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Marie MacDonald, an editor, free lance writer, and book lover, has taken over the ownership of Sobo Book & Bean in downtown South Berwick. Marie’s passion for books and community is driving the transformation of this downtown place. She is increasing the selection of used books, adding new books, and will provide special orders so patrons can order any book they want right here in South Berwick. Sobo continues to offer an array of coffee and tea drinks and baked goods and will roll out a distinctive casual fare menu in a few weeks. Marie is putting together a calendar of events, including author talks, workshops, and art shows that will make Sobo a community center.

Marie is happy to be part of the vibrant downtown of South Berwick. She believes that the presence of an independent bookstore is an important asset to a community and plans to build on the tradition that Sobo has established of being a gathering place where residents can relax, find good books, and meet their neighbors.

Stop in soon and say hi to Marie MacDonald and Alice Baker, South Berwick’s newest baristas & booksellers.

Sobo Book & Bean is open from 9 am - 2 pm Monday through Saturday, and additional hours by chance and for special events.

Sobo Book & Bean, 241 Main Street, So. Berwick, ME 03908 (207) 384-8300

You are Invited: The Town of South Berwick Economic Development Committee is holding a ribbon cutting to celebrate the new ownership of Sobo Book & Bean at 9 AM on Thursday, June 19. Join them to celebrate and support this South Berwick business.