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Maine is a destination like no other, with our stunning coastlines and lush forests attracting tourists for generations. This vibrant tourism industry is a vital economic engine that must be preserved, especially as businesses like mine face unique challenges today.
We operate in an increasingly competitive market, with neighboring states offering appealing alternatives. Many storefronts in Maine are only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, making every visitor and marketing opportunity critical to our survival. As the legislative session continues in Augusta, it’s clear that we cannot afford excessive regulations that restrict our ability to reach customers.
For years, I relied on word-of-mouth advertising to attract visitors. However, times have changed. Today, every small business must embrace digital tools like social media marketing and targeted online advertising. I now engage in “marketing by the minute” to showcase when fresh halibut comes off the boat or when blueberries are in season — on multiple platforms, a far cry from the days when I would “set it and forget it” with one ad in the Yellow Pages.
Last legislative session’s proposed data privacy measures raised significant concerns, as they threatened to limit our reach and competitiveness against larger corporations. While those proposals didn’t pass, there is similar legislation this year.
I support strong data protections in Maine but urge lawmakers to strike the right balance. We need reasonable safeguards that protect privacy without isolating our state or sinking small businesses like mine. Now is not the time to impose burdens that could hinder our recovery and growth.
Brian Langley
Union River Lobster Pot
Ellsworth
