Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce

What Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce does

The Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce (LA Metro Chamber) is a private, membership-based 501(c)(6) business league founded in 1886 and headquartered at 415 Lisbon Street, Suite 100, Lewiston, Maine. It represents over 700 member businesses and individuals across Androscoggin County and serves as the primary collective voice for business advocacy, economic development, workforce development, and community development in the Lewiston-Auburn metro area, the second-largest in Maine with a population of 114,000+ across 16 communities and approximately $5.8 billion in gross regional product.

The Chamber generates revenue through five streams: tiered membership dues across nine levels ranging from $120 to $4,200 annually (the highest-volume recurring stream), event sponsorships and ticket sales (Annual Awards, Maine B2B Trade Show, community events), a commercial loan program offering up to $350,000 for acquisition, construction, equipment, and working capital, marketing and sponsorship packages sold to members, and donations administered through its affiliated 501(c)(3) LA Metro Chamber Foundation. Core product lines include the membership program, Top Gun LA entrepreneurial accelerator, Strengthen LA workforce initiative, Uplift LA rising professionals committee, foundation scholarships, the Maine B2B Trade Show, signature community events (Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival, Riverfest, Taste the Harvest), and emergency programs such as the Small Business Relief Fund. The Chamber operates with 1-10 employees and distributes services through its website (lametrochamber.com), GrowthZone-powered member portal, events portal, and direct staff engagement, supported by deep partnerships with the cities of Lewiston and Auburn, Maine DECD, MaineHousing, Androscoggin Bank, Blue Triton Brands, and other regional stakeholders.

Name

Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce

Legal name

Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce

Website

https://lametrochamber.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1886

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit chamber founded in 1886 representing 700+ member businesses in Maine's second-largest metro area, providing advocacy, tiered membership services, workforce and economic development programs, events, and small business lending.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Chamber of Commerce Services

NAICS

Professional Organizations (813920)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Affinity, Membership & Association Referral Programs (FSAEAMAL)

Keywords

• Chamber of commerce
• Business advocacy services
• Economic development programs
• Workforce development initiatives
• Small business lending

Headquarters

HQ city

Lewiston

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees collected from businesses, organizations, and individuals across nine tier levels ranging from $120 to $4,200 per year. Paying annually is the most cost-efficient option; other payment plans include processing fees.
2. Event Sponsorships & Ticket Sales: Revenue generated from signature events including the Annual Awards Ceremony (sponsorship packages up to $750 per table; individual tickets at $70), B2B Trade Show booth sales and sponsorship opportunities (single booth, double booth, after-hours sponsor at $2,500), and other community/signature events. Events are hosted at venues like Norway Savings Bank Arena, Poland Spring Resort, and the Hilton Garden Inn.
3. Loan Programs: The Chamber offers commercial loans up to $350,000 for business acquisition, site purchase and development, construction and rehabilitation, machinery and equipment, and working capital. Loan clients include startup companies, expanding companies, and businesses relocating to the LA Region. Applicants must submit a business plan, personal financial statement, and completed loan application.
4. Marketing & Sponsorship Services: Members can purchase marketing and sponsorship packages including advertising in the Explore + Discover Guide (with 25% discount for B2B Trade Show booth purchasers), directory listings, event sponsorships, and promotional placements across the Chamber's digital and print channels.
5. Donations & Foundation Fundraising: The LA Metro Chamber of Commerce Foundation is a 501(c)(3) that accepts tax-deductible donations. Donations support scholarships, workforce development (Strengthen LA), community resilience funds (OneLewiston Resilience Fund), Small Business Relief Fund, and initiatives like Great Falls Pride, Summer Fun & Films, and ReMo's Read More! Initiative.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels13 records

Core offering

The Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based business association representing 700+ member businesses and individuals in Androscoggin County, Maine. It sells tiered memberships, operates an entrepreneurial accelerator (Top Gun LA), provides commercial loans up to $350,000, runs workforce and community development programs, hosts signature events such as the Maine B2B Trade Show and the Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival, and distributes scholarships through its affiliated 501(c)(3) Foundation.

Product overview

LA Metro Chamber is a chamber of commerce organization offering a portfolio of membership-based products and services rather than a unified SaaS platform. Core offerings include tiered LA Metro Chamber Membership (9 levels from $120-$4,200 annually), the Top Gun LA entrepreneurial accelerator program, business loans up to $350,000, annual awards recognition programs, and LA Metro Chamber Foundation Scholarships. The organization supports economic, business, and community development through initiatives like Strengthen LA (workforce development), Uplift LA (rising professionals), and professional development seminars. Community engagement products include Maine B2B Trade Show, Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival, Riverfest, Taste the Harvest, and Great Falls Pride partnership. Additional services encompass ribbon cuttings, member directory, marketing sponsorships, Start Up Saturdays, and emergency relief programs like the Small Business Relief Fund. The Chamber also supports community causes through its 501(c)(3) Foundation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Strengthen LA: Workforce development initiative addressing labor shortages and skills gaps in the LA Region through a comprehensive strategy connecting training, education, and employment.
• Uplift LA
• Top Gun LA

Products and services

• LA Metro Chamber Membership Tiered annual membership program with nine pricing levels (Regional Leader $4,200, Regional Champion $2,400, Regional Partner $1,800, Community Builder $1,200, Small Business $600, Micro Business $300, Entrepreneur & Start-Up $240, Independent Professional $120, plus a free Volunteer Led Service tier) providing networking, marketing visibility, advocacy, and professional development benefits to member businesses and individuals.
• Top Gun LA Entrepreneurial accelerator program providing an intensive boot camp for business startups and early-stage companies with a business idea or model ready to launch or grow.
• Commercial Loan Program Commercial loans up to $350,000 for business acquisition, site purchase and development, construction and rehabilitation, machinery and equipment, and working capital, available to startup, expanding, and relocating businesses.
• Annual Awards Program Annual recognition program with multiple award categories including the Ray Geiger Chamber Champion Award, Theresa Samson Women's Business Leadership Award, Ken Additon Economic Development Champion Award, Leading Through Change Award, and Heart of the Community Award.
• LA Metro Chamber Foundation Scholarships Educational scholarship program including the High School Senior Scholarship ($500 per school), College for ME Scholarship (minimum $500/semester), Chamber Member Employee Scholarship ($1,000), and Fishbones American Grill Hospitality Scholarship for hospitality career students.
• Maine B2B Trade Show Annual regional trade show connecting businesses from across Maine and New England for networking, partnerships, and industry insights, held at Norway Savings Bank Arena in Auburn.
• Strengthen LA Comprehensive workforce development initiative addressing labor shortages through a five-tiered training structure connecting workers to employment and career advancement opportunities in industries like building trades and healthcare.
• Uplift LA Chamber committee dedicated to rising professionals offering professional development events, social opportunities, and leadership development for the next generation of business and community leaders.
• Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies Business celebration service for grand openings, relocations, and anniversaries, including promotion, press releases, social media coverage, and coordination with elected officials.
• Start Up Saturdays Monthly free networking and mentorship event for entrepreneurs, micro business owners, and startup founders, providing peer support and access to the Chamber President + CEO.
• Under 16 Free Year Membership One-year complimentary membership offered to young entrepreneurs 16 years old and under to support youth business development.
• Small Business Relief Fund Emergency grant program providing direct economic assistance to small businesses in the LA Metro Area following the October 2023 tragedy, with Phase 1 distributing $89,900 to 91 businesses and Phase 2 allocating over $460,000 to 36 applicants.
• Professional Development Seminars Ongoing seminars covering HR best practices, SBA learnings, employment law updates, and membership optimization for business leaders and managers.
• Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival Three-day iconic balloon festival hosted by the City of Lewiston in partnership with the City of Auburn and supported by the Chamber, expecting over 100,000 visitors and awarded a $60,000 Maine Office of Tourism Special Event Grant for 2024.

Quantifiable outcome

• Phase 1 of Small Business Relief Fund distributed $89,900 to 91 eligible businesses in under 10 business days following the October 2023 tragedy.
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Uplift LAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA dynamic Chamber committee dedicated to rising professionals of Lewiston/Auburn, offering professional development events, social opportunities, and leadership development for the next generation of business and community leaders. Operates at upliftlamaine.com. The Chamber provides staff support and governance oversight.
• Strengthen LAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA comprehensive workforce development initiative led by the Chamber in partnership with local employers, educational institutions, and community organizations. Addresses labor shortages through a five-tiered structure connecting workers to training, job placement, and career advancement. The Chamber provides program leadership and coordination. Funded in part by the LA Metro Chamber Foundation.
• Discover LA MainecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA regional marketing initiative (discoverlamaine.com) promoting the LA Region to visitors, prospective residents, and talent. The Chamber is a founding partner and content contributor, showcasing quality of life, outdoor activities, food scene, and economic opportunities.
• Maine Black Chamber of CommercecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional partner in business incubator and accelerator programs for the LA Region. The Chamber collaborates on programs supporting diverse and minority-owned businesses.
• College for ME – AndroscoggincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for administering the Chamber's scholarship program. The LA Metro Chamber, in partnership with College for ME – Androscoggin, created a common application for scholarships, allowing qualified applicants to be considered for multiple scholarships with one submission.
• Maine DECD (Department of Economic and Community Development)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState economic development agency partnered with the Chamber on the Small Business Relief Fund and broader economic recovery efforts following the October 2023 tragedy. Chamber coordinated with DECD and other parties to advocate for business support.
• City of LewistoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary municipal partner for economic development, community events, workforce initiatives, and business support. Co-hosted the OneLewiston Resilience Fund following the October 2023 tragedy. Partner on the Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival. Lewiston city staff wrote the Chamber's Maine Office of Tourism grant application.
• City of AuburncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary municipal partner alongside Lewiston for economic development, community events, and business support. Co-partner on the Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival, Lewiston Farmers Market, and economic development initiatives.
• Good Shepherd Food BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional food security partner with flagship warehouse in Auburn. Supports more than 140,000 Maine residents annually through a network of collection and distribution. Referenced in Chamber content promoting the local food economy and food security.
• Lewiston Farmers MarketcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChamber partners with the Lewiston Farmers Market (operated at 2 Oxford Street, Lewiston, May–October) on the annual Eat Local Challenge. The market features over two dozen farmers and vendors. Joint initiative promoting local food economy and farm-to-table consumption.
• Norway Savings Bank ArenacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaine's only dual-surface ice arena in Auburn, serving as the venue for the Chamber's Maine B2B Trade Show (March 27, 2025). A key regional asset used for signature Chamber events that drive economic development and business networking.
• ReMo (Read More! Initiative)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA Lewiston-based edtech company whose Read More! Initiative empowers educators and students in grades 4–12 around independent reading. The Chamber Foundation accepts donations to support ReMo as part of its education and workforce mission. DeBlois, CEO/Founder, is a Maine educator with 16 years of teaching experience.
• Great Falls PridecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLewiston Auburn area organization planning and organizing Pride Month events including the parade and celebrations. The Chamber is a proud partner throughout June, co-hosting LGBTQ Means Business Lunch and Learn events and promoting Pride events to member employers. The Chamber Foundation accepts donations supporting Great Falls Pride.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce: Regional chamber serving the Bangor area in central Maine. Closely mirrors the LA Metro Chamber's structure of tiered memberships, advocacy, events, and community programming in another Maine secondary metro.
• Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce: Chamber serving the Waterville-region of central Maine. Comparable peer chamber competing for similar member profiles (SMEs, nonprofits, professional services) and operating with analogous revenue streams (dues, events, sponsorships).
• Greater Manchester (NH) Chamber of Commerce: Regional chamber serving the Manchester, NH metro. Comparable small/mid-sized New England metro chamber with similar mix of tiered memberships, signature events, and economic development programming targeting a similar demographic and economic profile.
• Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce: Maine's largest regional chamber (Greater Portland area). Operates the same membership-driven model serving local businesses with advocacy, networking, events, and economic development — directly comparable in product, model, and geography (same state).

Broad incumbents

• Maine State Chamber of Commerce: The statewide chamber of commerce for Maine. Operates as an umbrella/incumbent over regional chambers like the LA Metro Chamber, providing state-level advocacy, workforce policy, and statewide programming that complements (and partially overlaps with) what the LA Metro Chamber does locally.
• Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce: Large metropolitan chamber serving Greater Boston. Represents a scaled-up incumbent chamber model — analogous in mandate (advocacy, networking, programming, economic dev) but at materially larger scale, providing a benchmark for what a mature metro chamber can deliver.
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce: The largest chamber-of-commerce organization in the U.S. Represents the apex of the chamber hierarchy of which the LA Metro Chamber is a regional affiliate in effect; analogous function (business advocacy, programming) at a national scale.

Emerging players

• Maine Black Chamber of Commerce: Statewide chamber focused on Black-owned and minority-owned businesses in Maine. Already a documented partner of the LA Metro Chamber and shares overlapping membership services, accelerator-style programming, and advocacy focus.

Regional players

• Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce: Chamber serving the Greater Lowell, Massachusetts region. Comparable small/mid-sized New England regional chamber operating with a similar tiered membership and event-driven business model, though geographically distinct from Maine.

Others

• Androscoggin Bank (predecessor/related) / local business league partners: Regional financial institution serving as a Regional Leader-tier sponsor and Small Business Relief Fund grant-review partner. Not a chamber, but a deeply enmeshed ecosystem participant with comparable membership-driven SMB relationships in the same territory.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/LAMetroChamber
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCfaDIlr5TlWj6ziTBjhPp8A
• Facebookfacebook.com/LAMetroChamber
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lewiston-auburn-metropolitan-chamber-of-commerce
• Instagraminstagram.com/lametrochamber

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce