For the second year in a row, the Gorham Business Exchange (GBE) board of directors made the difficult decision to cancel the 2022 GBE Marketplace. Cancellation of the March event was announced in February.

“I support their decision and would have done the same thing if I were in their shoes,” said Virgina Wilder Cross, one of the founders of the event. “I will definitely miss the annual chance to see our businesses highlighted in such an exciting way, but I look forward to 2023 when I am sure the Business Exchange will bring it back — bigger and better than ever!”

GBE business members were polled in January regarding participation in the Marketplace come March. Due to the understandable concerns of staffing challenges, health risks, difficulty with preparing for COVID protocols, and the lack of interest in event participation, the decision was made to cancel the event.

A virtual Marketplace was discussed as a potential alternative. The past success of this event has stemmed from the unique opportunity for local businesses to engage with their potential customers face-to-face.

“Members of our community would come out to see some of the attractions (farm animals, bounce house, Dance Studio of Maine show, face painting, etc.) and then interact with businesses while they are there. Without the attractions and actual live interaction, it just wouldn’t be the same,” said Ethan Johnson, GBE President.

The GBE is hoping to bring back Marketplace in 2023, but that will depend on the response from business members next year.