It’s no secret that storytelling is at the heart of marketing, yet few would have guessed that 2024 would go down in history as the year the Greater Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce would publish a children’s book named after its long-running annual event, Imagine Portland.
“Last year we did a great video with a first-person drone flying through store windows,” said Nick Rogacki of BrassBound. “I thought, ‘How can we top that?'”
And then he had an idea: He would write a rhyming ode to the Chamber, illustrate it, publish it, and then the film industry and community leaders would read the book to children.
“Nick came to us with this crazy idea,” said Quincy Hentzel, president and CEO of the regional chamber of commerce. “I like the theme of a welcoming community and the focus on the future of Maine – our workforce and children.”
Commissioned by the Chamber and lovingly illustrated by Ally Frame, the picture book offers a child’s perspective on the eight communities that make up the regional Chamber: Scarborough, Westbrook, Gorham, Falmouth, Cumberland, Cape Elizabeth, South Portland and, of course, Portland.
“Maybe other cities are bigger, richer, or warmer…” Rogacki writes. “But Portland is a place that knows how to change.”
This transformation includes ongoing efforts to promote economic development, sustainable energy, regional transportation, affordable housing, social impact, workforce development and immigrant inclusion.
Speaking at the Imagine Portland gala on June 20 at Aura, Hentzel said, “To be the community we envision, we really need all voices and community partners at the table. That’s why we’ve invested in strong partnerships with organizations like The Third Place to promote racial equity and professional belonging. That’s why we’re working with organizations like the United Way of Southern Maine to support the workforce behind the workforce, our child care providers. And that’s why we partnered with the (Greater Portland Council of Governments) when they hosted their first housing summit to bring local leaders together to talk about plans to build 20,000 more housing units in our region by 2030.”
True to tradition, Imagine Portland was also an opportunity to honor community leaders.
Adilah Muhammad, president and CEO of The Third Place, was honored for her efforts to advance equity in business through networking and relationship building.
Cullen Ryan, executive director of Community Housing of Maine, was honored for his work in providing inclusive, safe and affordable housing options.
Northern Light Mercy Hospital was recognized for its commitment to promoting workforce development and improving access to health care and affordable child care.
Finally, Verrill partner Jim Cohen was named Volunteer of the Year by the Chamber.
“I’ve spent either 14 or 16 years on boards — I’ve lost track — and have been on more committees than I can count,” Cohen said. “It’s really because I love Portland and I respect what the Chamber does. The Chamber brings people together, the Chamber educates us, the Chamber brings us all together, and the Chamber helps make Portland a better place.”
Amy Paradysz is a freelance writer and photographer based in Scarborough. You can reach her at [email protected]. To order a copy of “Imagine Portland,” Email: [email protected].
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