Our Mission:

To advocate, educate, and build business relationships that enable the community and members to prosper

Formed in 1963, the Mount Desert Chamber of Commerce is guided by a Board of Directors who are business leaders in the area and represent a cross-section of our chamber membership. While respecting and protecting the community resources in the Town of Mount Desert, the Chamber consistently demonstrates their support for tourism and growth of local business. Every member has a voice in determining the policies and projects the chamber undertakes. Chamber membership pays when our members become involved in helping us increase their exposure within the community, assist in building relationships with other members, providing referrals, and offering opportunities for our members to enhance their business acumen. A great way to build your business is by helping to build your community.

Chamber Board of Directors:

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.

Vice President – Jennifer Judd-McGee

Jennifer Judd-McGee is an artist, illustrator, and owner of Swallowfield — a contemporary gift shop in Northeast Harbor which was established in 2016.

Treasurer – Marcia Bender

Board Member Marcia Bender holds the position of Treasurer for the Mount Desert Chamber of Commerce.  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.

Secretary – Angela Balacco

Board Member Angela Balacco is the development and communications coordinator for Mount Desert Nursing Association. She is a long-time contributor to the island community, serving on various committees, boards and clubs. Her career began in scientific research and shifted over the last decade to community education and programming.  

Tracey Aberman

Tracey Aberman, 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 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.

Tara Hartson

Tara Hartson 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. 

Heli Mesiniemi

Heli Mesiniemi is a principal in the residential architecture office of WMH Architects in Northeast Harbor. Having lived on the island for 26 years, Heli now resides in Somesville with her husband, two daughters and two dogs. She enjoys hiking, reading and time with her family.

Christine Mild

Tim Murphy

Tim Murphy 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 in his community, loves the color red and he lives with his four legged friend Jake.

Eliza Worrick

Eliza Worrick is the Communications and Development Manager at Mount Desert 365 in Northeast Harbor. She lives in Ellsworth but is a multi-generational Mount Desert Islander who cares deeply about the region and its people.