Together, we are all “Building for the Future,” the theme of this year’s B2B, as our community continues its evolution from its 19th-century, industrial revolution roots, into a dynamic and diversified culture and business climate well poised to take on the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

“Building for the Future” starts with the biggest gathering of business folks in Maine, with festivities, productivity, and networking concentrated in the Androscoggin Bank Colisee, the venue for the 19th annual tradeshow. Beginning with the kickoff Chamber breakfast at the Ramada Conference Center and continuing straight through to the biggest Business After Hours event of the year, located in the Colisee’s concourse at the close of the show, this event promises, as usual, to harness enormous energy toward the common objectives of renewed prosperity — for the community, for exhibitors, and for those attending.

Most of all, the B2B is about connections: strengthening long term alliances and forming new ones. The show has been called the greatest assembly of business talent, energy, commitment and optimism in one place at one time, anywhere in Maine. Many exhibitors, and, notably, most sponsors are returning after many successful years of affiliation with the show, a true testimony to the effectiveness of the possibilities the show provides, as well as to the liveliness of our community.

So, thank you to our sponsors, our planning committee our wonderful staff and volunteers. Thanks to everyone who has renewed their confidence in the value of this unique occasion. Please plan to join us for one of the most exciting and productive days on the entire 2014 business calendar.

And on a purely personal note, as I prepare to retire from LAEGC in just a few weeks, I’d like to say what a great privilege it has been for me to serve the community, to have been connected with this wonderful event, and to have been part of the fabric of business and civic affairs in L-A for so long.

Most of all, I will miss all the wonderful friends, colleagues and alliances formed over the decades. I wish all well And so — so long. See you at the show!

Sincerely,

Lucien B. Gosselin

415 Lisbon St., P.O. Box 1188

Lewiston, ME 04243-1188

Phone: 784-0161

www.economicgrowth.org