The grand reopening and community ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 12,000-square-foot Gorham Goodwill store, located at 102 Main Street, took place on Sept. 10 at 9 a.m. Just before the store’s regular opening time, Goodwill’s mascot, “Puffy G,” came out to meet the guests, along with Goodwill leadership and store employees.

Several people standing in line for the store to open learned about the ceremony while they were standing in line, including two new USM students, who were shopping at Goodwill for the first time. Chelsea Brown, USM student from Sanford, described “a very wholesome experience to stumble into, and glad I could be a part of it.” Brown’s shopping companion, Brady Knight from Lisbon, said the event was “unexpected, but honestly, some of the best things are unexpected.”

At precisely 9 a.m., with a long line of shoppers like Brown and Knight and other supporters all standing in line together, the reopening celebrations began. The first speaker of the day was Keith Crowley, director of development and community engagement. He welcomed the attendees and introduced Tripp Harrison, president and CEO of Goodwill Northern New England since 2023, who spoke to the crowd. 

Harrison said how much Gorham means to Goodwill NNE as the organization’s headquarters for over 25 years. He explained how they “wanted to make a reinvestment in this store for the great thrift shopping experience.” He said it was the right thing to do for their shoppers, their donors, and their employees, and noted that through this “meaningful investment…a renewed commitment to the Town of Gorham” has been created. Goodwill’s workforce programs serve over 120 Gorham residents, with over 24 employees who work in the store every day. 

Next to speak was Kelly McCormick from the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, representing the Chamber in “celebrating Goodwill as both a valued Chamber member and an important community partner.” She continued, “This reopening represents more than just a refreshed store,” calling it an investment in jobs and opportunity for the Gorham community. 

McCormick said, “Goodwill makes important contributions to our regional economy by creating employment opportunities, supporting workforce development, providing affordable goods, and helping connect people with opportunities.” Addressing Harrison and the employees, she said, “Your work also strengthens local employers and non-profits, and makes a meaningful difference in the lives of people throughout our region.” McCormick mentioned her good friend Gail McMullen, who has been a dedicated member of the Biddeford Goodwill team for nearly 50 years in a career that has brought tremendous potential for purpose and enrichment to her life.

The Goodwill team then came out and cut the ribbon. The crowd followed them into the store with gift cards they had been given, and proceeded to shop in the newly organized and revitalized store. 

Gorham’s economic development director, Kevin Jensen, commented beyond the reopening of the retail location, saying that Goodwill plays a few different roles in the Gorham community. “As an employer, they are one of our largest in Gorham, providing meaningful work to over 240 individuals across retail, the warehouse, and their headquarters located in the Gorham Industrial Park.”

Jensen added, “Goodwill is also an important workforce development service provider, offering job training, career advising, work experiences and pathways to employment. They partner with other Gorham businesses to provide job placement, apprenticeships and workplace learning opportunities.”

“These programs reach and support Gorham residents, our students and young people, and others who benefit from the wrap-around support provided through a Goodwill program,” Jensen continued, finishing with, “it’s important to recognize what Goodwill NNE stands for as an organization based here in Gorham. Their impact cannot be measured simply by the activity we see here at the Gorham Village Mall. It is more deeply felt by their work as a vital service provider across the State of Maine.

Congratulations to the whole Goodwill team. To learn more about the Goodwill NNE legacy, visit https://goodwillnne.org/.