The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce hosted a breakfast meeting recently to inform local businesses about a statewide initiative being launched by the Retail Association of Maine.

Curtis Picard, director of the association, was the guest speaker. He explained that the

is a free monthly program which gives retailers the tools and freedom to customize their events and promotions based on their customer base and product lines.

“We want you to do a specific program for that second Saturday. What we’re asking you to do is something that is unique that’s only on that second Saturday,” said Picard.

The program is completely free for retailers to participate in, and can be done every month, or only a few months out of the year. Monthly themes will give shoppers and retailers a fun and directed approach for participating in the program.

The first theme for Saturday, Aug. 9, is “Outdoors and Beaches” and September’s is “Back to School.” More information can be found at http://www.retailmaine.org/blog/2014/07/08/Shop-Second-Saturday-Launches-August-9th/.

The S2S program will be promoted in traditional and emerging digital media, and their website will be mobile friendly, and geo targeted. So if someone is shopping in Wilton, their mobile website will bring up all the local “Wilton” area deals on the second Saturday.

Any retail business can register on the website and create a business profile page. Also once registered, the business will have the ability to download posters and S2S promotional materials.

Picard mentioned that local chambers of commerce are critical in encouraging businesses to take part. The FCCOC is happy to assist any local retailers in getting set up for the program.

“The Chamber wants to be very involved in helping businesses be a part of S2S,” said Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Erin Arthers. “This is a free program. Everyone can benefit from this.”

The Chamber wishes to thank Renys, the sponsor of the breakfast meeting, who was also the first founding sponsor to sign up for the S2S initiative.

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