New Chamber director: ‘Lots of opportunities here’

Matt Lewis sees nothing but potential in the Biddeford-Saco area.

Lewis, 58, was hired in May as the new executive director of the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Lewis moved to Maine from the San Francisco area a little more than two years ago. California, he said, is still struggling from the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I had visited Maine many times as a leisure traveler,” he said. “I love it here, so when I saw a job opportunity pop up, I didn’t hesitate.”

That job opportunity was serving as the executive director of Hospitality Maine, a non-profit organization that represents the interests of the hospitality industry, including lodging establishments and restaurants.

Lewis bought a home in Saco and is now working to immerse himself in the community. “People are very friendly here,” he said. “It feels very welcoming.”

When asked about his priorities for the Chamber, Lewis said that continually increasing the visibility of the Chamber is very important.

“I’m always going to be
looking for opportunities
to partner with others.”

— Matt Lewis

“We want to continue building trust,” he said. “Obviously, we are always looking for ways to increase our membership, but I think it’s equally important to support our existing members.”

The Chamber is not the only organization with a mission to boost local businesses. The Heart of Biddeford and Saco Main Street have overlapping goals with the Chamber. Lewis describes that as a wonderful opportunity for a team approach and collaboration.

“I’m always going to be looking for opportunities to partner with others,” Lewis said.

Both the Heart of Biddeford and Saco Main Street have a downtown focus. The Chamber, Lewis says, has a much wider area to cover, including the cities’ industrial and business parks.

“We have members in Waterboro, Kennebunk and Old Orchard Beach,” Lewis said.

Lewis describes life in southern Maine as “interesting.”

“I get phone calls here that I never expected,” he said. “People here really do value the Chambers. I recently got a call from someone asking me for information about the pet cemetery in Saco.”

Lewis says he has a sales and marketing background. In just the last few weeks he has already “signed up several new members.”

Lewis said he could not be happier with his new job.

“We have a great board of directors,” he said. “I also feel supported by local leaders including the mayors of Biddeford and Saco. We all share the same goals.”

Lewis said he sometimes wonders if residents realize just how lucky they are to live in the Biddeford-Saco area.

“This community has so many positive things going for it,” he said, pointing to beaches, easy access to I-95, thriving business parks and a downtown that is being revitalized and transformed.

“There is so much potential here,” Lewis said. “I’m not suggesting that we don’t have challenges, but we have a solid foundation to build on here.”

Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com

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