September 2010 Newsletter

CHAMBER ACTIVE for 2010 ELECTION2010 will be a watershed year for the State of Maine, withthe election of a new governor and many changes in the Statelegislature. The Chamber works to bring members the bestinformation available to help them make informed decisions.Again this year, the October Chamber Breakfast will invitethe major candidates for governor to join us to share theirviews. This event is a sure sell-out, so make sure to reserveyour place early! Scheduled for Thursday, October 14th at theRamada.

2010 ELECTION MONITORINGPROJECTEvery two years, the Business Advocacy Committee under-takes a systematic review of candidates for the legislature tolet Chamber members and the public know how each candi-date stands on issues important to Maine’s economic health.This year (as we have done every other year for the pasttwelve), The Chamber will develop a comprehensive reviewof candidates and publish that review prior to the Novemberelection. That report will include the following:

• A brief biographical sketch of each candidate • The candidates’ views on critical issues in our area and

on issues which face Maine employers • The candidates top three priority issues for the next ses-

sion of the legislature. • A synopsis on how each candidate (incumbents only)

was rated by 3 major groups: The Maine EconomicResearch Institute, The National Federation ofIndependent Business, and the Maine League ofConservation Voters.

The Chamber’s Business Advocacy Committee, led by PeterTraill of Nason Mechanical Systems and Clif Greim ofHarriman Associates, is guiding the preparation of the report.Committee chair, Peter Traill: “Our aim is to make this infor-mation useful to not only Chamber Members but all voters asthey make critical choices in this year’s election. There hasnever been a time when we needed to elect good leadersmore. The future of our economy depends on it.”

The 2010 Election Monitoring Report will be published inOctober.

CANDID CANDIDATES 2010The Chamber is working with The Young Professionals of theLewiston Auburn Area (YPLAA) to plan a candidate’s meetand greet forum - Candid Candidates 2010 - on Wednesday,October 20th beginning at 5:00pm at the Hilton Garden Inn.The goal is to create an environment for YPLAAers andChamber members to interact with candidates running forAndroscoggin County State House and State Senate seats in asocial setting, learning more about where they stand on keylocal issues. Light appetizers and cash bar will be available.

Candid Candidates 2010 is designed as an informalevening with tables available for candidates to display per-sonal literature and other information. For attendees not yetregistered to vote, registration cards will be available and col-lected for distribution to Androscoggin County voting dis-tricts. Each attendee will be informed of their House andSenate Districts so they know who to connect with during theevening.

YPLAA WELCOMES NEW CHAIRHillary Verrill took over as YPLAA chair on July 1st!

YPLAA ANNUAL MEETINGThe 2010 YPLAA Annual Event & Awards will be heldFriday, October 29th from 6pm to Midnight at the FrancoAmerican Heritage Center. $35 per person, includes a fulldinner and entertainment by Veggies By Day. Dress for yourfavorite decade! 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s & beyond! Topurchase tickets and for more information visitwww.yplaa.com.

YPLAA AWARDSYPLAA is looking for nominations of exceptional under 40’swho live, work or volunteer in Androscoggin County for thefollowing 2010 YPLAA Awards:Entrepreneur Award – a YP who has successfully started orexpanded a business in the areaCommunity Involvement Award – a YP who has exhibitedproactive involvement in the community beyond their jobduties“Against All Odds” Award – a YP who has become a suc-cess against all odds

The following awards are for individuals or businesses thathave supported YPLAA or Young Professionals (not neces-sarily in the 20-40 age range):Mentor Award – an individual who has successfully impact-ed a Young Professionals life to help them achieve successBusiness Champion – a business that has supported YP’s intheir organization to be a part of YPLAA and participate inevents and other activities.

If you would like to nominate someone, visitwww.yplaa.com. The nomination deadline is September 24,2010.

CONTEST AIMS TO HELP YOUNGSTART-UP SUCCEED IN L-A Do you know any budding entrepreneurs – perhaps a son ordaughter, niece or nephew — who have moved away and arelooking for a place to launch a great business idea? If so,they’ll want to know about an exciting contest hosted by theL-A Economic Growth Council and the AndroscogginCounty Chamber.

The contest, called “Launch L-A,” will invite young entrepre-neurs under 31 to submit their plans to start a business in L-A. The most promising and creative start-up company select-ed will win an estimated $100,000 in cash and in-kind ser-vices. Entries will be accepted from Sept. 1 to Dec. 1, withthe winner announced early next year.

Part of the “L-A: It’s Happening Here!” campaign, “LaunchL-A” is a broader effort to stay connected with youth whohave roots in the community. “Launch L-A” contest entrieswill be screened by a committee of business and bankingprofessionals who will judge the ideas on a…

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2 0 1 0 THE CHAMBER N E W SINSIDE:

Chip’s Column

Calendar of Events

Golf Scramble

Fall Seminar Line-up

Education Committee

What’s Up

Business Advocacy

Best Places To WorkHonors

Member in Focus

Post RecessionBusiness Climate

S E P T E M B E R

THE BUSINESS SERVICE

CENTER AT KEYBANK PLAZA

P.O. BOX 59LEWISTON, ME 04243-0059PH: (207) 783-2249FAX: (207) 783-4481WEBSITE: WWW.ANDROSCOGGINCOUNTY.COM

E-MAIL:[email protected]

P A G E 1 N E W S L E T T E R OF THE ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2 Th Energy Seminar, “Planning to Reduce Energy Usage,” 11:30 am at The Chamber

6 M Chamber closed for Labor Day8 W ALDI begins at the Chamber16 Th Chamber Breakfast, 7:15 a.m., Hilton16 Th YPLAA Culture Crawl17 F Board of Directors meeting, 7:30 a.m. at Chamber23 Th Seminar, “Become a People Whisperer” with David Lee,

Noon – 3:00 PM at The Chamber23 Th Business After Hours, 5-7pm, Riverside Millwork

Center29 W Energy Seminar, “Heating/Hot Water Options,” 11:30

at The Chamber30 Th Joint Business After Hours with the Portland Chamber at

Spring Meadows Golf Club, sponsored by Androscoggin Bank, 5-7pm

4 M Brown Bag, “Budgeting for Your IT Needs,” Noon, The Chamber

6 W “Know Your Chamber,” Noon at The Chamber11 M Columbus Day, Chamber Office closed14 Th Chamber Breakfast, 7:15 a.m. at Ramada Conference

Center, Gubernatorial Candidate Forum15 F Board of Directors meeting, 7:30 a.m. at Chamber20 W “Candid Candidates,” 5:00 PM 21 Th Energy Seminar, “Tax Law and Energy

Improvements,” 11:30 am at The Chamber21 Th Business After Hours, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Martindale

Country Club28 Th Seminar, The Challenges of the Post Recession Workplace”

with Rick Dacri, 8:30-11:30 am at The Chamber29 F YPLAA Annual Meeting at the Franco American

Heritage Center

2 T Brown Bag, “Writing a Press Release,” with Judy Meyer, Noon, The Chamber

4 Th Business After Hours, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Austin Associates11 Th Veteran’s Day, Chamber Office closed17 W Energy Seminar Series Finale, “Panel of Success

Stories, Saving Energy and $$$,” 11:30am, at The Chamber18 Th Chamber Breakfast, 7:15 a.m. at the Hilton19 F Chamber Board Annual Planning Meeting, 12:00-5:00 p.m.23 T Kora Shrine After Hours, 5-7:00 PM25-26 Thanksgiving Holiday, Chamber Office closed

2 Th Chamber Seminar, “Putting Some Sizzle into Your 2011 Marketing Plan” with Peter Rinck, 8:30-11:30 am at The Chamber

3 F College for ME – Androscoggin Success Luncheon9 Th Chamber Breakfast, 7:15am, at The Ramada

ALDI Graduation16 Th Business After Hours at Lost Valley, 5-7pm, Chamber Kids

for the Holidays

P A G E 2 N E W S L E T T E R OF THE ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CALENDAR OF EVENTSCHIP’S COLUMN2010 Chamber Membership Drive

Under the leadership of Chair Kurk Lalemand ofNext Level Business Coaching, the ChamberMembership Committee is planning the largestmembership drive in Chamber history

Over the last 15 years, The Chamber has been thesymbol of the dramatic growth in the L/A area and

the increasing vibrancy of our local economy. In 1995, Chamber mem-bership was 623 members. Today it is well over 1300!

2010 is a critical year for Maine and for our local area. To hasten oureconomic recovery, we need to speak with one voice, support each othermore strongly than ever, and promote our area as the premiere place inMaine to live, visit and do business.

The Membership Committee is putting together a strong Chamber teamto work with other business and community leaders to continue themomentum that has been built in our area. We are putting together a hugevolunteer cadre of Chamber and community leaders to dramatically andpublicly demonstrate that our area is recovering from recent tough eco-nomic times and that we’re open for business! The goal is 200 volun-teers, each making 1-2 calls to prospective Chamber members during theweek of October 2nd. Volunteers will choose the organizations they willcontact. To assist our volunteers with the drive, we will provide the back-up information needed to make the call(s) and we will hold a large train-ing session as a kick-off to this major drive.

Will you join us? Call me at 783-2249 — or send me an e-mail at [email protected] and say: Yes, Count me in for the mem-bership drive.

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

SEPTEMBER

DECEMBER

Diane Jackson, representing Senator Snowe and Chip Morrison present aframed copy Congressional Record to Eric Agren. In that record, SenatorSnowe pays tribute to Fuel and Eric & Carrie Agren.

Tune in every Wednesday night at 9p.m. on Great Falls TV for

“Chip and The Chamber”This lively show highlights what’s going on at The Chamber and inthe community. Also, Chip interviews guests for each show. Chip’sguest for September will be Dana Connors, President of the MaineState Chamber of Commerce. The guests for October will be AuburnCity Manager Glenn Aho and Lewiston City Administrator, Ed Barrett.

“Chip and The Chamber” is produced and directed by Toni Seger ofProseWorks and Philip Larlee of Great Falls TV.

P A G E 3 N E W S L E T T E R OF THE ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SCRAMBLE RAISES $40,000

The 11th Annual Chamber/CMCC Scholarship Scramble was held onAugust 25th at Springbrook Golf Club. The tournament raised over$40,000 for scholarships for local students. Our deepest thanksto Tournament Sponsor Roopers, and Co-sponsor Skelton, Taintor, &Abbott for their extraordinary generosity in underwriting the tournament.The other sponsors were:

Hat Sponsor: Mechanics Private BankBarbecue Sponsor: CMCC Corporate and Community ServicesCart Sponsors: Platz Associates and Patrons Oxford InsuranceRegistration Sponsor: Evergreen SubaruContributing Sponsors: The Buckley Group, Central MaineOrthopaedics, Procter & Gamble, St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center,and Wal-Mart Distribution CenterPutting Green Sponsors: Androscoggin Bank, Mountain MachineWorks, and White Rock Distilleries Long Drive Sponsors: Liberty Mutual and The Meadows Senior LivingCenterSupporting Sponsors: Neokraft Signs & Sun JournalHole in One Sponsor: Emerson ToyotaHole Sponsors: Advantage Gases and Tools, Anthoine Financial Group,AVCOG, Camden National Bank, Central Maine Medical Center,Champoux Insurance, Clover Health Care, Community Credit Union,Cote Corp, Downeast Energy, GHM Insurance, Harriman Associates,Healey & Associates, KeyBank, Key Investment Services, NasonMechanical Systems, Norman, Hanson & Detroy, Ouellette & Assiociates,P.A., Pepsi Bottling Group, Redlon & Johnson, Southern New HampshireUniversity, Strainrite Companies, and Wahlco Metroflex..Green Sponsors:  Advanced Microsystems, Auburn Housing Authority,Auburn Savings Bank, Austin Associates PA CPA’s, Bangor Savings,Brann & Isaacson, Butler Bros, Canteen Service Co, Central Distributors,Central Maine Power, College 4 ME Androscoggin, Curry Printing andMailing, Encompass Marketing and Design, Evergreen MGA, FederalDistributors, FISC Solutions, H E Callahan, Hilton Garden Inn,International Door, Isaacson & Raymond, Kaplan University, LabonteFinancial Services, Lebel & Harriman, Newfab, Inc, Northeast Bank,Penmor Lithographers, Ramada Conference Center, Reeder ChiropracticHealth Care, RJF Morin Brick Company, Robustelli, Rotz & Soucy,Sebago Technics, Sheridan Corp, Spillers, TD Bank, Thayer Corporation,United Insurance Parent Agency, Wells Fargo Advisors, & Willis HRH ofNorthern New England.Other Sponsors: Five County Credit Union, Linnell, Choate & Webber,LLP, Riverside Millwork Center, Steele Service Center, Town & CountryFoods, V I P Parts Tires & Service, & W D Mathews.Team sponsors: Advantage Gases and Tools, Androscoggin Bank,Anthoine Financial Group, AVCOG/MMEP, Camden National Bank,Champoux Insurance, FISC Solutions, Floor Systems, GHM Insurance,Harriman Associates, Isaacson & Raymond, KeyBank, Key InvestmentServices, Mechanics Private Bank, Nason Mechanical Systems, NeokraftSigns, New Market Mortgage, LLC, Ouellette & Associates, PA, PatronsOxford Insurance, Pepsi Bottling Group, Platz Associates, Roopers,Sheridan Corporation, Skelton Taintor & Abbott, SPC Transport,Strainrite Companies, Sun Journal, TD Bank, Team Hall, The MeadowsSenior Living Center, Wahlco Metroflex, and Wal-Mart DistributionCenter.

FALL SEMINAR LINE-UP

The annual Chamber member survey identifies those seminars and work-shops that Chamber members would like to attend. The result is a fallschedule of seminars and brown bag discussions with incrediblediversity. Chamber workshop and seminar presenters are all Chambermembers who are willing to share their expertise with other members.Year after year, members rate the seminar offerings very highly.

September 8 17th annual Androscoggin LeadershipDevelopment Institute begins, facilitated by StevePecukonis of HRD Associates

September 23 Seminar, “Become a People Whisperer” with DavidLee

September 29 Energy seminar, “Heating/Hot Water Options”

October 4 Brown Bag, “Budgeting for Your IT Needs”

October 21 Energy Seminar, “Tax Law and EnergyImprovements”

October 28 Seminar, “The Challenges of the Post RecessionWorkplace,” with Rick Dacri

November 2 Brown Bag, “Writing a Press Release,” with JudyMeyer of the Sun Journal

November 17 Energy Seminar, Panel of local organizations talkingabout how they saved $$$ and energy

December 2 Seminar, “Putting Some Sizzle in Your 2011Marketing Plan,” with Peter Rinck

All programs (unless otherwise noted) will be held in the CommunityConference Room at the Business Service Center at KeyBank Plaza. Formore information about any of these programs contact Sue Schell or ChipMorrison at The Chamber.

CHAMBER EDUCATION COMMITTEE

The mission of the Education Committee is to develop business/educationpartnerships and support quality education in schools acrossAndroscoggin County. The committee is chaired by Mary Lafontaine ofthe Career Center and Jennifer Willey of Canteen Service Co. Programsof the Education Committee include:

• annual career fair for all area high school sophomores• annual career fair for area 7th graders• annual community job fair• Junior Achievement (62 classes in 2008-9)• Chamber/CMCC scholarship scramble which raises over

$42,000 to support scholarships for local students• support for College for ME - Androscoggin — raising

aspirations of local citizens to attend post-secondary schools• conduct Androscoggin Leadership Development Institute• provide classroom volunteer resources to teachers

who request them• identify critical workforce development opportunities

If you are interested in helping out with the Education Committee initiatives, contact either committee chair or Chip or Jenny at The Chamber.

P A G E 4 N E W S L E T T E R OF THE ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Central Maine Federal Credit Union donated$500 to SeniorsPlus, to be used for their Meals onWheels service.

Gifford’s Ice Cream, which celebrated its 30thAnniversary in June, earned two first place awards in July

at the 8th Annual New Jersey Ice Cream Festival.

The designation of Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) has been con-ferred upon Mindy Noonan, Account Executive, of GHM Agency.

Ready...Read! is a community based effort with the goal of helping adultsunderstand the importance of reading each day to every child from birththrough age five. This year’s goal was to collect 1000 books but the finalcount was closer to 2000!

Advocates for Children received a new grant from the Maine Children’sTrust in the amount of $4,500 for parenting support and educational class-es to be held in Androscoggin County.

Deborah Dunlap Avasthi of HRH Northern New England has beenelected president of the Maine Better Transportation Association.

The Alliance of Area Business Publications presented Mainebiz with aFirst Place award for Best Overall Design, a First Place award for BestExplanatory Journalism for its three-part “Powering up Maine” series, andThird Place for Best Special Section Design, for its “Women to Watch”feature.

Katie Greenlaw has recently become a Wellness Coach with Mend-A-Body Solutions. For more information, call Katie today at 207-212-1017or e-mail [email protected].

Former Chamber Board Chair Jan Barrett of the Ware Street Inn hasaccepted a position on the Professional Association of InnkeepersInternational’s (PAII) Advisory Council.

Pat Jackson of Auburn Housing was awarded the 2010 CommunityService Award by Advocates for Children.

Kirsten Walter, Director of the Nutrition Center of Maine was a recipi-ent of the Katherine O. Musgrave Public Service Award.

Stop by Northeast Bank at 500 Canal St, Lewiston, to congratulate SeanDoucette in his new role as Branch Sales Manager.

Thanks to a major upgrade bandwidth upgrade, users of the AuburnPublic Library’s internet connection will now have access to a muchwider range of services.

The 2010 Community Credit Union recipients of the Gerald R.Langelier Scholarship are: Hanan Ahmed and Hanna Mogensen.

Christopher Paradis has joined Central Maine Community College asa corporate training coordinator.

AP Graphics and Fine Arts has launched a new websitewww.APGraphicsME.com.

Gary Sholler was recently hired as an Account Executive for RecordsManagement Center and Central Maine Moving and Storage. He coversthe Portland, Lewiston and Auburn areas and can be contacted at 207-659-1231.

Nason Mechanical Systems awarded scholarships from the Harry E.Nason, Jr. and Frances J. Nason Scholarship Trust to children and spousesof employees of the company. Recent Scholarship recipients were BrianBouchard, Rebecca Bouchard, Christopher Boone and AngelaTurgeon.

John P. (Jack) Barnes was named President, CEO and a director ofPeople’s United Bank.

Maine Warmers celebrates its 10th year in business!

Do your employees need refresher classes in any Microsoft computer pro-gram? Pinnacle IT is offering computer training customized to meet yourcompany’s specific needs. Call Kim at 207-330-1330 or [email protected].

Alina Burke, Vice President, Mortgage Loan Originator Northeast Bankhas relocated to 232 Center Street, 2nd Floor, Auburn. Same great mort-gage rates, just at a different location!

Doggie Delights will be at Woofstock in Damriscotta on September 11from 10am – 3pm, for more information visit www.woofstockmaine.com.

Five County Credit Union will be opening their 12th office on Route196 in Lisbon on Tuesday, September 7th.

Dave Griffiths of Dave Griffiths Communications has been selected toteach several writing courses at U.S. Dept. of Energy headquarters inWashington, D.C.

Kaplan University starts new classes on October 13th! Courses in theAccounting, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood,Medical Assisting, and Paralegal Studies programs are still available. Call513-3660 for more information.

The Lewiston Education Fund is holding its first annual wine and beertasting dinner. It will be held at Fish Bones Restaurant, October 7. Allproceeds will support ongoing grants for teachers to enhance academicexcellence to students. FMI or for tickets contact Beth Gaudet [email protected] or 795-4100 Ext #249.

Uncle Andy’s Digest is celebrating its 15th Anniversary! August 1996they published their first edition. A great big thank you to everyone whohas made this possible!!

SeniorsPlus 3rd annual Aging Well Living Well Expo to be held onOctober 1 at the Grand Summit Hotel and Conference Center at SundayRiver. For more info and registration brochure call 1-800-427-1241 orwww.seniorsplus.org.

Mid-Maine Communications and Pine Tree Networks have merged andare now operating as OTT Communications.

The Bread Shack at 1056 Center St, Auburn, is celebrating its 2nd yearanniversary on September 18th from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free samples, doorprizes and new products will be introduced.

22nd annual Fall Festival and Season Pass Madness at Lost Valley,September 26, 10am – 4:00pm. Chair lift rides, hay wagon rides, BallBounce, Extreme sports Bungee Jumping, rock wall, and Laser Tag,Vertical Outlaws, Maine Event Cheerleaders, Paintball Target shooting,Face Painting, Beer Garden on the Deck, lots of great Food and fun for allages. Last chance to buy Season Passes at our Madness prices!!

WHAT’S UP…?

Dick GleasonPresident & General Manager

Tel: (207) 784-5868 Cell: (207) 754-3777E-Mail: [email protected]: 555 Center Street, Auburn, ME 04210G

GLEASONMEDIASERVICES

www.GleasonMedia.com

Radio StationsWOXO 92.7 & 100.7 • WEZR 1240 • WTME 780 & 1450

Internet ServicesEmail Marketing • Web Site Development

P A G E 5 N E W S L E T T E R OF THE ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Robert Kennelly, executive director of Pathways, Inc., is the newly-elected chairman of L-A SCORE. Officers returning are Robert Sawyer,vice-chair; Peter Sassano, treasurer; and Ralph Tuttle, secretary.

Maine Innkeepers Association and Maine Restaurant AssociationMembers, “Employment Regulations that Affect your Business”. Sponsored by The ICS Group-Integrated Compliance Solutions (Lebel &Harriman), September 23 at the Portland Country Club. For more infor-mation call 207-347-4531.

Lee Ann Szelog and her husband, Tom offer a premier presentation onsustainability titled, America’s Next National Park – The Maine WoodsNational Park. For more information visit www.mainewoodsnational-park.com.

René Minnis Photography offers commercial photography for yourbusiness. From products, to website images, corporate portraits, orevents. Call anytime 838-6420 or visit www.reneminnisphoto.com

Salvatore Bonetti, Financial Advisor, CRPS, was recently recognized byhis firm as the 8th best Client Retention and Productivity in the country.This is amongst Sal’s peers at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney with thesame Length of Service.

The University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn College ispleased to announce that James Myall has been hired as the Coordinatoror the Franco-American Collection.

The SHAREcenter will remain in the lower level of the Great Falls ArtCenter on Academy street in Auburn while it continues to seek donatedspace for a new home. Anyone who has space in the Auburn region whowould like to help this great community organization continue or anyschool or non-profit who would like a membership please call 795-0972. They are also seeking new Board Members and are always open tonew volunteers!

Six employees from Bath Iron Works were the first to complete a pilotprogram that was designed for new supervisors in the manufacturingareas of marine electrician, pipefitting, structural fitting and machining atCentral Maine Community College.

L/A Arts welcomes two new Board of Directors - Kate Casparius andMarnie Coleman.

Charles C. “Chip” Hedrick, an attorney with Norman, Hanson &DeTroy, LLC, in Lewiston has been elected as Vice President of TheAndroscoggin County Fish & Game Association.

The Ware Street Inn is taking reservations for holiday parties, it’s nottoo early to book your small gathering for the holidays! Call Jan at 783-8171 and she’ll make your gathering special.

The Child Health Center’s Big Brothers Big Sisters annual Bowl ForKids Sake event raised over $59,000.00 to support their mentoring pro-grams.

Community Credit Union presented St. Mary’s Food Pantry with acheck in the amount of $500.

SeniorsPlus in Lewiston is seeking volunteer members for their Board ofDirectors and various committees. For more information, contact BetsySawyer-Manter, Executive Director, at 795-4010 or email [email protected].

George Isaacson and Martin Eisenstein, lawyers from Brann &Isaacson were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The BestLawyers in America® 2011 (Copyright 2010 by Woodward/White, Inc.,of Aiken, S.C.).

Heutz Oil of Lewiston announced yet another way to purchase oil.“Prompt-Plus” adds the convenience of automatic delivery and 10 days topay. For more information, call 782-3171, or visit www.heutzoil.com.

John Snyder has opened On the Spot Rentals,www.onthespotrentals.com, a residential leasing & property managementservice. FMI: 713-0674 or [email protected].

ReGroup! Business Solutions, www.regroupbiz.com, offers consulting &training in business infrastructure design & development and everydayrisk management. Call Linda Snyder at 740-2247, [email protected].

The ICS Group (Lebel & Harriman) provides businesses with out-sourced human resources expertise and employment related legal services.For more information or to set up an audit, please contact DeborahWhitworth, SPHR at 207-347-4531.

Lewiston Auburn Rotary community service project for October will beThe Center for Women’s Wisdom, Speaker October 30th Klara Tammany.Meetings are every Thursday, at Noon at the Ramada, lunch is $8.

Lighting Concepts recently renovated its online presence, www.lighting-concepts.com, which features over 90,000 lighting items forsale. Chamber members are offered a 20% discount on purchases in thestore, or a 5% discount when purchasing online (use coupon codeCHAMBER at checkout).

The law firm of Eaton Peabody has announced the addition of EdwardF. Feibel to its Employment Practice.

In 2009, Poland Spring gave more than $850,000 in grant money to 72community partners.

CMMC’s 2010 HEROES (Healthcare Employees Reaching Out withExceptional Service) are: Nancy Chasse, Susane Driscoll, Lisa AnnFarnum, Carol Kane, Thomas Kearns, Pam Culleton, KathyJacques, and Maureen Higgins.

Central Maine Federal Credit Union presented books to AndroscogginPublic Middle and High School librarians as part of their annual donationof “Books for Kids”, their signature community project.

The Maine DOT is working in Poland to complete a 3.5 mile rebuild ofRte. 26, and a re-alignment of the intersection of Routes 11 and 26 at theMechanic Falls town line. The Town is also in the process of selecting anengineering firm to design and build nearly 14,000 l.f. of sewer and watermains.

ART BOULAY, MBACEO & Chief Talent [email protected]

If you are hiring this year, we can reduce the risk you will hire the wrong person. Our new website shows you how:

www.StrategicTalentManagement.com

THE COMMUNITY CONFERENCE ROOM

The Community Conference Room in theBusiness Service Center at KeyBank Plaza hasbecome an incredible asset for both members andcommunity groups. Hardly a day goes by whenthere aren’t one or two meetings or training sessions scheduled for the room. It is available foruse by Chamber members at no charge.

If you would like to use the CommunityConference Room, contact Sue at The Chamber

at 783-2249 or send her an e-mail [email protected].

BUSINESS ADVOCACY COMMITTEEThe goal of the Business Advocacy Committee is to gaingreater commitment from elected representatives toaddress the needs of the business community by develop-ing laws and policies that foster business growth. Thechairs of the committee are Peter Traill of NasonMechanical Systems and Clif Greim of HarrimanAssociates. The committee has three major activities:

• Prepare and distribute the “What We Stand For” position paper - articulating Chamber positions on tax and spending policy, health care, business regulation, education, and transportation.

• Make contact with elected representatives on specific policy issues being considered.

• Develop working relationships with the AndroscogginCounty legislative delegation and encourage them towork better together.

• Organize forums on major policy issues

If you are interested in getting involved with the activitiesof the Business Advocacy Committee, contact either com-mittee chair or Chip Morrison at The Chamber.

CHECK YOUR LISTING!!!!It’s time again to update the annual Androscoggin CountyBusiness/Visitor/Relocation Guide! Accuracy is impor-tant, so we ask all Chamber members to assist us in pro-viding updated information. Please check your businesslisting and let us know what changes need to be made.Be sure to let us know if you have added an e-mailaddress or website.

FIFTH ANNUAL “BEST PLACESTO WORK IN MAINE” HONORS CHAMBER MEMBERSThe Society for Human Resource Management’s (SHRM)Maine State Council has announced that 40 companieshave been named in the fifth annual “Best Places to Workin Maine” program.

The event, presented in conjunction with the BestCompanies Group, the Maine State Chamber ofCommerce, the Maine Department of Labor, EmploymentTimes and Mainebiz, recognizes companies that haveestablished and consistently fostered outstanding work-place environments.

Androscoggin County Chamber members recognized,listed alphabetically, are: Albin, Randall & Bennett,Androscoggin Bank, Androscoggin Home Care &Hospice, Bangor Savings Bank, Bernstein, Shur, Sawyer& Nelson, Burgess Advertising & Marketing, CentralMaine Healthcare, Evergreen MGA, Geiger, Moody’sCollision Centers, and Oxford Networks.

The assessment process, administered by the BestCompanies Group evaluated each company’s employeepolicies and procedures as well as responses from thecompany’s employees. The program marks the mostrecent step in a long-term initiative to encourage growthand excellence throughout all Maine companies.

All the organizations involved in the competition will behonored at the annual banquet which will be held onOctober 12 at the Ramada Conference Center inLewiston. Further details about the “Best Places to Workin Maine” program can be found online at www.bestplacestoworkme.com.

Continued from page 1…number of criteria including creativity, viability, andcommunity need. The winning entrepreneur could receivean infusion of $10,000 - $20,000 seed money, along witha number of in-kind services for a year, including suchservices as business consulting, accounting services, legalfees, ad agency services, and more — all provided byChamber members. Runners-up may also receive in-kindservices.

Bangor Savings Bank has already committed $5,000 toseeding the prize package, and Oxford Networks hasagreed to provide Internet services.

Applicants will be encouraged to support their idea usingdigital applications such as video presentations onYouTube, web sites, podcasts, and digital photos. Addinga page from the “American Idol” play book, finalists willbe voted upon electronically by members of the commu-nity.

Given the demographics of the target audience, many ofwhom are mobile and single, the contest will mostly bepromoted virally using social media sites such as Twitter,LinkedIn, and Facebook. A promotional video about thecontest is being produced by Leighton Images and will becirculated on YouTube, as well as located on the contestweb site. The video will feature local actors recruited byCommunity Little Theatre.

In fact, to help spread interest or “buzz” in cyberspace,the initiative will feature a contest within a contest.Anyone who shares info about the contest virally tofriends and family members through Facebook gets achance to win a new Apple I-Pad.

Chamber members interested in contributing cash or in-kind services should contact Chip (783-2249) as soon aspossible to maximize their promotional exposure andmeet the Sept. 1 launch.

The contest also hopes to stay in touch with young peo-ple, particularly “expatriates” who have graduated fromlocal high schools and have gone on to college out ofstate or moved away. Contest participants will have thechoice of receiving e-mail updates about the communityfrom LAEGC and the Chamber. “This is perhaps themost powerful ambassadors program we could launch,”says Paul Badeau, LAEGC Marketing Director. “Even ifyou decide never to relocate to L-A, you should knowwhat’s going on here and feel proud of your home com-munity – and hopefully share those sentiments with oth-ers.”

“Native sons and daughters often leave for college anddon’t return, sometimes because they don’t perceive thatgainful employment or opportunities can be found inMaine,” explains Laura Davis, a partner at RinckAdvertising who is also a member of the Launch L-Acommittee. “We hope people follow this story chapter bychapter, and change their perceptions about us.”

Rinck Advertising, an Auburn-based advertising and pub-lic relations agency, has contributed its services in-kind todeveloping the logo and PR strategies for the effort.

T.H. Creations, a Lewiston-based web site developmentcompany, is creating a web site to promote the contest.Companies interested in finding out more about the con-test and how they can be a part of it should visitwww.launchlamaine.com, or contact the Growth Councilat 784-0161 or the Chamber at 783-2249.

P A G E 6 N E W S L E T T E R OF THE ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2009-2010BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Art Boulay, ChairStrategic Talent Management

Susan Stacey, Chair ElectCentral Maine Community College

Robin Robbins, TreasurerAndroscoggin Bank

Peter Murphy, Past ChairNeokraft Sign Co

Jan BarrettWare Street Inn Bed & Breakfast

Bob BernierAdvantage Gases and Tools

Susan BerubeWGME-13

JoAnne CampbellMechanics Savings Bank

Michael Cox Central Maine Orthopaedics

Doug DiVelloCentral Maine Healthcare Corp

Adam DunbarWells Fargo Advisors

Patti GagnePatti Gagne Agency, Allstate Insurance

Stephanie GelinasSandcastle Preschool

Joyce GibsonUSM at LAC

Clif GreimHarriman and Associates

Kevin HealeySt. Mary’s Health System

Elaine HemenwayPayroll Management Inc

Jennifer HoganCommunity Credit Union

Gretchen JonesSkelton Taintor & Abbott PA

Mary LaFontaineCareer Center

Kurk LalemandNext Level Business Coaching

Darlene Cadorette LevesqueWhite Rock Distilleries

Rick MalinowskiProcter & Gamble

Scott McKenneyHilton Garden Inn

Bryan McNultyBates College

Iman PoeraatmadjaBurgess Computer

Laurie St PierrePercy's Burrow

Peter SteeleTwin City Times

Peter TraillNason Mechanical Systems Inc.

Hillary Verrill, YPLAA Chair

Jennifer WilleyCanteen Services

P A G E 7 N E W S L E T T E R OF THE ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MEMBER IN FOCUS:Ware Street InnBy Toni Seger, ProseWorks ™

It’s an urban oasis. That’s how Jan Barrett characterizes The Ware StreetInn and it’s an apt description. I’m sitting in a delightfully airy, glassed indining area filled with period appointments and choice knick knackswhile surrounded by gardens and tranquility. Eclectic and filled with per-sonality, this award winning B ‘n B is an entertainment in itself.

For one thing, you can play; Find the Shoes. The Ware Street Inn wasoriginally the private residence of the Wellehan family, as in LameyWellehan, whose shoes Mainers havebought for nearly a century. Growing up inL/A, Jan Barrett witnessed the loss of shoemanufacturing and, in celebration of theindustry that built her inn, she’s collecteddisplay shoes crafted in all sorts of medi-ums. A lot of the shoes are made of glassand were gifts from friends who knew shecollected them. Some of the larger shoesare filled with shells because Jan is a waterperson. All of them are fun to find. EvenJan doesn’t know how many there are orwhere they all are.

Jan’s father was in the military, so the fam-ily moved around a lot including overseas,but Jan always thought of L/A as herhometown. Because she grew up speakingFrench, she offers that as an added attrac-tion to guests who appreciate being able to converse in their nativetongue.

Jan Barrett seems a natural for a B ‘n B, but she’s only owned an innabout 11 years. Before that, she worked in the US Senate offices ofSenators Ed Muskie and George Mitchell. However, her last job in thepolitical arena was as a state lobbyist for a law office. When she had tolobby on behalf of tobacco, this former smoker decided she needed anentirely new life with something that made her happy.

After drawing up a list of pros and cons, Jan decided she wanted to ownand operate a B ‘n B. She got a degree in hospitality management, butafter an extensive search as far south as the carolinas, she couldn’t findthe right property. So, she got a job as a sous chef to improve her cookingskills and it was in that capacity she found the ideal property. Ironically, itwas her childhood dream house, the Wellehan family home. First con-structed in 1940, it came on the market after its original owners died. Janhad come full circle back to her beloved roots. She loves the house somuch, she even owns the blueprints. A half-dozen part-timers assist her ina wide variety of tasks at the full season inn. Jan says she and her hus-band Mike can go on vacation and know everything will be handled beau-tifully.

Jan’s roots are richly enfused with L/A’s Franco-American culture and Janhas been heavily involved with all of it. Rotary, Franco-AmericanHeritage Center, Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council are just theboards Jan regrets she can’t give time to anymore. “I can’t just sit on aboard. I have to participate,” she says energetically. That energy has led two Rotary district conferences including a recent conference that cele-

brated Franco-American heritage from Quebec through Maine. “I’m veryfortunate to have a successful business in the place I want to live themost, so I’m thrilled to be able to give something back, especially to TheChamber which has been invaluable in developing this business.”

Today, Jan’s understanding of local heritage has made her an exceptional-ly active member of The Chamber where she has led its board and is nowfocused on its regional image committee. “We have so much to offertourists and we’re getting that message out, but we also need to changeperceptions within our own population so they value their surroundingsmore.” In that regard, Jan works with others on a PowerPoint presenta-tion about L/A directed at youth and other groups.

The L/A story is an intrinsic part of TheWare Street Inn. Whether it’s businesstravelers who like to feel they haven’t lefthome or parents visiting their children atBates College, Jan brings a personal touchto every traveler’s stay. “For me, market-ing is an ongoing process of developingpersonal relationships. You have to intuitwhether your guests would enjoy eating ata common table or whether they’d prefermore privacy. We strive to be ‘guest-cen-tric’. We want your travel experience tobe tailored to you.” Jan isn’t kidding. TheWare Street Inn tries harder even by NewEngland Inns’ standards. They providecloth napkins, sterling silverware and fullplace settings. Today’s B ‘n B has to be acombination of old world relaxation and

new world technology. All of Jan’s rooms have work areas with wi-fi,TV’s with VCRs, comfortable reading chairs and an assortment of pil-lows. The rooms also have individual names that suit their decors with astory behind every name.

With her extensive knowledge of the local economy, Jan serves on a smallbusiness advisory panel for Congressman Mike Michaud. “It’s a fascinat-ing experience because I’m always learning something new about thisarea.” When the economy got sluggish, Jan decided to create a newincome stream with catering services. The process required expanding thekitchen so it could be certified as ‘commercial’, but with her husbandMike already in the restoration business that wasn’t a problem. Jan has noshortage of catering clientele which isn’t hard to understand when youview her display book of mouth watering Hors d’oeuvres and party plat-ters.

Jan loves to cook more than anything and she’s gotten awards for herbreakfast menu which includes her signature item, stuffed French Toast.I’m especially interested in this tasty dish because I intend to have it onmy upcoming birthday. Jan also makes her own apple cider syrup, variousberry syrups, even orange marmalade syrup. She likes to cook so much,she’s writing a cookbook that is also an anecdotal presentation of her ownlife connecting her kitchen experiences with life experiences. I’m sure it’sgoing to be a great seller. FMI: www.warestreetinn.com or call 783-8171.

P A G E 8 N E W S L E T T E R OF THE ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Prst StdU.S. POSTAGE

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PERMIT #27LEWISTON, ME

04240P.O. BOX 59LEWISTON, ME 04243-0059

THRIVING IN THE POST RECESSIONBUSINESS CLIMATEBy Rick Dacri, Dacri Associates

Slowly employers emerge from the recession. Many were forced to makedifficult choices and decisions that impacted their business, customers andworkforce. Now begins the process of rebuilding, restoring profitability,and repositioning for growth.

On October 28th, Rick Dacri will lead a half day Chamber workshop onthe challenges employers will face with a post-recession workplace.Unlike previous recessions, this one was most severe and the recovery willbe slow. Many of the lesions learned from past recessions will no longerapply. A new paradigm will be needed.

In this workshop, participants will learn how to increase efficiency andproductivity while eliminating unnecessary burdens shouldered from the

past. By creating a new workforce strategy, you will be able to move yourorganization to the next level. Participants will get specific examples ofhow organizations can thrive in this post recession environment and willhear what other area companies are doing to position themselves.

The recession took a toll on most. Many, however, have used this period toreposition their company and refocus their workforce for the recovery,allowing them to gain new customers and upgrade their talent. Understandwhat you need to do. While the last three years have been painful, it alsoprovided many with new opportunities. As one local executive stated “weare a better company because of it.” Make sure your company is ready tomove forward.

Rick Dacri of Dacri Associates is a human resource consultant, featuredspeaker at regional and national conferences, and author of the book“Uncomplicating Management: Focus On Your Stars & Your CompanyWill Soar.” Since 1995 his firm, Dacri & Associates has helped organiza-tions improve individual and organizational performance. Rick connectswith people in a positive and challenging way to offer practical solutions.He can be reached at, [email protected] and www.dacri.com.

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