By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

NAPLES — Wouldn’t it be nice to have more community events?

Naples-based businesses would like events to bring more people to the ‘Heart of the Lakes Region’ and to entice them to stay in town for the day.

This request more and less dovetails with what community members have been asking. Individuals asked about more activities for adults. In response, the town has been advertising seats on a Naples Events Committee that has yet to be formed.

The Town of Naples hosted a business outreach session at the American Legion Post 155.

“This was the first in a series to get feedback from business owners on what the town can do to help improve things,” according to Naples Town Manager Jason Rogers. 

“The general consensus was bringing back more events,” he said.

Business-owners pointed out that the Maine Blues Festival (“Bluesfest”) had been a big draw, but the festival relocated to Lisbon Falls. They asked for more organized music events that last all day or all weekend.

Some businesses are open May through September and rely on tourists’ dollars as well as local support. The year-round businesses would benefit from enticing community events throughout the seasons. A winter carnival even got a mention as something that could be revitalized.   

Last week, Town Manager Rogers reported to the Naples Select Board about the business outreach session, which took place on Feb. 22. There was some discussion about the meeting time of 9 a.m., Rogers said. Business-owners said they had to run their businesses during the open hours. Rogers figured it was a time they were working anyhow. He figured it was best not to eat into family time in the evening. The times that the business outreach sessions are offered might vary, allowing as many people as possible to attend, he said.

Along with holding more organized activities in Naples, business-owners said the town could do a better job at communicating.

“Better communication with the town was one of the messages,” Rogers said.

That request was in the process of being answered. The sign at the fire station is on the proposed budget to have new LED display installed. Plus, the town is embarking on a redesign of the town website to make it more user friendly.

Also, the town has a Facebook account, and it can use push notifications to alert residents of town-wide emergencies or the next board meeting. For folks who don’t use Facebook, a cell phone or landline works, too.

“People can opt in with a phone number.  Anytime the town sends out any kind of notice, we can get them with automated voice message,” he said.