A Healthy Boost for Maine's Small Businesses

PORTLAND, Maine, Jan. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Portland Regional Chamber and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine are pleased to announce a new program called Business Boosters that will bring down the cost of a Chamber membership for small businesses in the Portland area. Beginning today and running through February 13th, the initiative enables the first 100 businesses with fewer than 50 full time employees that join the Chamber to receive a 50% discount off the year's membership dues, courtesy of Anthem.

"A Chamber Membership is an important building block for a small business looking to grow and make connections in the Portland region," said Godfrey Wood, CEO of the Portland Regional Chamber. "We're thrilled to partner with Anthem to make membership more affordable for new members that could use a boost."

A membership with the Portland Regional Chamber includes a number of benefits including advocacy in Augusta, networking events, marketing and visibility opportunities, a page on the Chamber's new mobile application, cell phone and health insurance discounts for Anthem's Chamber Blue Options program.

"We view this partnership as a healthy investment in local businesses," said Michael Burton, Regional Vice President of Sales, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine.  "Small businesses form the backbone of our local economy and this program helps give them access to more affordable health benefits for their employees."  

In addition, new small business members will be given the opportunity to commit to their second year's membership, with 20% off their dues paid by the Chamber.  The Portland Regional Chamber is committed to supporting small businesses, 80% of the Chamber's member organizations have 15 employees or less.  

The Business Boosters program will begin today and run until February 13th. For more information visit www.portlandregion.com or contact Kerry Rasor at [email protected] / 207-772-2811.  

About the Portland Regional Chamber

The Portland Regional Chamber is the voice for jobs and opportunity in Greater Portland. For more information, visit www.portlandregion.com or call 207-772-2811.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine is the trade name of Anthem Health Plans of Maine, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine is available at www.anthem.com.

SOURCE Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine