Our Mission:
To advocate, educate, and build business relationships that enable the community and members to prosper
The Mount Desert Chamber of Commerce, established in 1963, plays a vital role in promoting and supporting businesses in the villages of Mount Desert and surrounding area.
Located within the Northeast Harbor Visitor Center, which we manage on behalf of the Town of Mount Desert, our chamber serves as a central hub for business networking, collaboration, and growth. As a non-profit 501c6 membership organization, we are governed by a Board of Directors elected by our members. Our team includes a part-time Executive Director and seasonal staff at the Visitor Center, all dedicated to advancing the interests of our business community and enhancing the experience for visitors to our area.
Whether you're seeking resources, connections, or opportunities to expand your business reach, the Mount Desert Chamber of Commerce provides a dynamic platform designed to foster success and prosperity. We invite local businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals to join us in building a vibrant and thriving community.
Chamber Board of Directors & Staff
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President - Sue Spoelhof
A College of the Atlantic graduate, Sue has been a part of the Northeast Harbor community since 1996 and has served on the Chamber of Commerce board since 2003. When not working at WMH Architects she can be found with her nose in a book and her dog by her side.
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Vice President - Jennifer Judd-McGee
Jennifer Judd-McGee is a mixed media artist and illustrator living in Northeast Harbor; her favorite mediums are paper cutting and drawing. She is largely inspired by the patterns and forms found in nature and the gorgeous landscape of MDI. She owns the shop Swallowfield in Northeast Harbor, where you can find more of her work alongside many other artists and makers she admires, as well as contemporary gifts, womens’ accessories, art supplies and letterpress cards.
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Treasurer - Marcia Bender
Marcia is the Branch Manager of the Bar Harbor and Northeast Harbor offices of First National Bank having worked in the financial services industry for over 40 years. Marcia is a lifelong resident of Seal Harbor.
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Tracey Aberman
Tracey, Chef-Owner at 123 Main Street Restaurant is a long-time resident of Mount Desert Island (30 years, this year!) Tracey is a graduate of the University of Vermont (BA in Russian Language) and the Institute for Culinary Education in Manhattan. With almost 30 years of experience as a private chef, working with many of the families in Northeast and Seal Harbor; combined with her position with the Summer Residents Association and her experience running the cafe, Tracey has great exposure with summer, local, and business interests in town and hopes to bring this perspective to the Chamber Board.
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Tara Hartson
Tara is the Vice President of Herrick & Salsbury, Inc. Land Surveyors and Land Use Consultants with offices in Northeast Harbor and Ellsworth. Tara first came to know MDI in 2000 while working for Friends of Acadia and Acadia National Park, and she never left. Today she and her husband, Jesse, an island native, live in Somesville with their two children Jake and Noah, who both attend school in Northeast Harbor. In her free time, Tara can be found tending her family vegetable garden, camping, swimming, skiing, or hiking.
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Tim Murphy
Tim is a local Artist, Developer, and Owner of Tim Murphy Studios located at 146 Main Street, Northeast Harbor. The Studio specializes in Art, Furniture, Home Accessories, Gifts, and Interior Decorating Services. Tim is an active member of his community, loves the color red, and lives with his four-legged friend Jake.
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Executive Director- Georgeann Snead
After a 30-year career owning and operating a manufacturing company Georgeann Snead joined the chamber in 2024. She brings a background in marketing, finance, and strategic planning and a passion for small businesses to her role as Director. Georgeann enjoys meeting with members, learning about their businesses, and finding ways for the chamber to best support them.