Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Report 2011

$

<HDUV RI ([SHULHQFH 0LOHV RI )LEHU 2SWLFV 2XWVWDQGLQJ (PSOR\HHV $ZDUG :LQQLQJ &RPSDQ\

2[IRUG 1HWZRUNV LV SURXG WR KDYH EHHQ QDPHG %DQJRU 5HJLRQ &KDPEHU %XVLQHVV RI WKH <HDU .HQQHEHF 9DOOH\ &KDPEHU 3UHVLGHQW·V $ZDUG 5HFLSLHQW DQG D )LYH 7LPH %HVW 3ODFHV WR :RUN LQ 0DLQH &RPSDQ\ ,PDJLQH ZKDW ZH FDQ GR IRU \RX &DOO RU ORJ RQ WR ZZZ R[IRUGQHWZRUNV FRP WRGD\

3KRQH ,QWHUQHW 'DWD _ _ /LVERQ 6W /HZLVWRQ 0( $ /RFDO &RPSDQ\ $ :RUOG RI 237,216

BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Thursday | January 20, 2011 | 3

Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce President’s Message Our core mission: “To promote and advance a vital, healthy business environment.”

By John Porter, BRCC President

W

hen I joined the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce as its new president and chief executive less than a year ago, I was given a deceptively simple task: make the benefits of Chamber membership exceed the cost of joining.

I say deceptive because our “product” isn’t one service or benefit, but an array of initiatives and programs aimed at fulfilling our core mission, “To promote and advance a vital, healthy business environment.”

We pursue this mission on a macro-economic level through our advocacy on the public policy front and our growing role in regional economic development. We also fulfill our mission on a micro-economic level by giving our members access to shared resources, expertise and networking.

Complicating this task is the fact that the value of any one program or Chamber initiative is going to vary depending on the member business. For example, firms selling services and products primarily to other local businesses will find our networking events to be an excellent way to market themselves, and they may join solely to take advantage of this.

Others may be in industries that are highly regulated, and those members appreciate that the Chamber is working to keep those regulations reasonable.

Still others recognize that by investing in Chamber membership, they are investing in growing our region’s economy and making greater Bangor a better place to live, work and play.

The Chamber is also a resource for bene-

fits such as the ChamberBlue health insurance. And don’t forget our programs, focusing on employee wellness, leadership training, fostering ties with educators, engaging young professionals and bringing us closer to Atlantic Canada.

There is nothing simple about a staff of seven people, with critical help from active board and committee members, delivering all this “value” to more than 800 members in the Bangor Region.

And, to be sure, with a new management team on the job for just 10 months, there is much that needs to be done to maximize all the potential here at the Chamber, but we’ve come a long way.

Internally, we’ve adopted new and better financial and budgeting procedures. We’ve cleared our membership roles of dozens of dormant, nonpaying listings. We’ve updated our pay and benefits policies for staff. And, perhaps most significantly, we undertook a complete reorganization of Chamber staff, which is smaller and more focused than a year ago.

Externally, we’ve increased our involvement in Mobilize Maine and other regional economic development initiatives. Our Governmental Affairs group has created a mechanism for responding quickly to emerging issues in Augusta and elsewhere and has taken on more urgency.

We’ve also added new events and networking opportunities. We brought back the Chamber Business Expo, which was a great success. We sponsored debates throughout the political season and held a very successful executive reception prior to the fall gubernatorial forum. We created a special breakfast series, “Business Revolution: Are you ready for tomorrow?” that proved very successful in highlighting issues critical to regional economic development.

All our programs adopted new bylaws in 2011 and clarified their relationships with the

This advertising supplement was produced by the following Bangor Daily News staff: Cover Design: Josh Alves; Advertising: Linda Hayes; Articles: Debra Bell, David M. Fitzpatrick, Sheila Grant, Richard R. Shaw, Brian Swartz; Chamber editorial provided by committee chairs; Photography: Debra Bell, NEWS file photos, some photos provided by BRCC. Layout: Debra Bell.

Cover printed by Snowman Printing in Hermon; Inside pages printed at the Bangor Daily News Hampden Plant on paper made by a Maine company.

Chamber and our sister, 501 c(3) organization, the Bangor Region Community Council.

And finally, every nonprofit has to pay attention to the bottom-line and development issues in this environment. After clearing our books of inactive accounts, we believe we started the year with about 650 dues-paying members. Thanks in part to a program underwritten by Camden National Bank, we now boast more than 800 active members. We’ve also put more focus on creating better opportunities for members to raise their profile through sponsorships, which benefit both the sponsors and the Chamber’s bottom line.

None of this would be possible without a great staff, especially the efforts Executive Vice President Karen Cole. And Board Chair Mike Ballesteros, our Executive Committee,

Board of Directors and active committee members have provided vital and muchappreciated leadership.

We still have much to do, of course. We need to extend our influence as advocates for the business community. We should constantly evaluate our events and networking opportunities to make sure they are serving our members’ needs. And our programs, thanks to the work of dedicated steering committees, are and should be in a state of continuous improvement.

We also have to grow to reach our goals.

To that end, I will conclude with a challenge to our Board, our staff and the community: “The Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce, 100 years old and 1,000 members strong.”

Together, we can do it.

OUR BUSINESS IS

YOUR SUCCESS

To discover how our services • Website Design can help you achieve your • Freight Delivery business goals, contact: • Collections • Drug Testing Gus Demos • Leadership & Employee Business Services Specialist Development cdemos@emh.org • Employee Assistance cell: 207.659.9319 Programs office: 800.648.2727

4 | BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Thursday | January 20, 2011

Messages from the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Board Chairs

Incoming Chair Julia Munsey

H

appy Birthday, Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce! 2011 marks the 100th anniversary of what we now know as the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce.

In 1911, the Chamber was formed as a means for local merchants to come together to encourage trade relationships. In many respects not much has changed in the last 100 years. The core purpose of the Chamber — to stimulate regional prosperity — has largely remained the same. The tactics we use to encourage prosperity may have changed, but the commitment of the business community to grow and prosper is as strong, or stronger, than it has ever been. In this 100th year we — the Board of Directors, Chamber staff, members, volunteers, and program participants —

ment plan that ultimately resulted in organizational changes designed to meet the needs of our members and region as we move forward into our next century. We have a staff that we are confident has the skill set to meet the demands of our membership, our programs, and our advocacy goals on behalf of the region.

The focus of these changes is to use the resources of the Chamber to advocate for economic development in the Region and leverages the area’s assets for long-term prosperity.

This past year the Chamber partnered with other area organizations to take inventory of these regional assets and encourage discussion about creating a strategy for moving forward.

With Mobilize Maine, Eastern Maine Development Corporation, Bangor Region will come together to move the prosperity of Development Alliance, and the Greater Banthe region forward like never before. gor Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, the For the last two years the Chamber has Chamber is helping to create a regional ecoembarked on an aggressive reinvention plan. nomic development team that works togethThe board of directors engaged in an assess- er for the benefit of all. With a belief that

business is the engine that creates opportunity for everything else that exists in a community, these organizations have come together to collectively seek out and leverage economic development opportunities for our region.

Together we are creating one big engine.

The Chamber’s main role in the mix is to advocate on behalf of its members and to convene groups of people to work on behalf of initiatives that will serve the region. To that end the Chamber in 2011 will: • Work with Fusion, a BRCC program, to attract and retain young people in the region.

The Bangor region is uniquely positioned to grow its base of young people between the ages of 18 and 40 by taking advantage of the many local institutions of higher learning.

With the second youngest median age population in the state, the Bangor region needs to capitalize on this asset and make sure that these young people have the support,

See MUNSEY, Page 5

Outgoing Chair Michael Ballesteros

2010

has been a year of transformation at the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce. It began with the hiring of our new President and CEO, John Porter. With board input and support, John has made significant changes in every segment of the Chamber’s operation, from accounting processes and procedures to the addition of new personnel.

Infrastructure changes and the fine tuning of staff responsibilities have positioned the Chamber as a more effective and responsive membership organization.

In the months previous to John’s arrival, the Chamber Board implemented a comprehensive, examination, analysis and assessment of the Chamber’s performance, relative to its mission. The end result of that work is a two-year plan of strategic priorities, called “The Pillars”.

The Pillar’s goals were approved and the Chamber President, staff and board, began the difficult task of building a high-performing organization focused on creating value for its members and on helping this region to grow and prosper. Of critical importance to the Chamber and its members, the Pillars also explicitly call for making the Chamber a financially sound organization.

I’m very pleased with the progress the Chamber has made this year and it’s my

pleasure to share with you, some specific accomplishments, relative to our goals.

The 2010 membership goal included a five percent increase in the number of new members. We began 2010 with 650 members. As of this writing, the Bangor Region Chamber is 805 members strong: a 24 percent increase. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Camden National Bank for sponsoring a Membership Dues Program, which provided generous support to fund 50 percent of new member dues.

Our efforts to become a recognized advocate for our membership businesses and regional economic development have also garnered positive results in many areas.

The Chamber’s Hot Stove meetings are an excellent example of our role in the community as

See BALLESTEROS, Page 5

BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Thursday | January 20, 2011 | 5

Munsey Continued from Page 4 resources and connections they need to live, work and raise a family. Fusion is a wonderful professional bridge to support this initiative.

• Continue to advocate for the creation of the informally named Maine Event and Conference Center to replace the existing Bangor Auditorium. This new facility is a critical component to the attraction of visitors, businesses, and young people settling in our region. The new facility will enhance a retail corridor that stretches from Bangor International Airport to the Bangor Municipal Golf Course, through the Maine Event and Conference Center, Hollywood Slots, the Bangor waterfront and downtown all the way to the Bangor Mall. A contiguous destination center that can be used to attract visitors to our area is an important part of the economic development mix.

• Advocate for Business Retention and Development. With over 800 members, the Chamber is perfectly positioned to help retain and support the development of businesses in the Bangor region. As a resource and advocate, the Chamber has the opportunity to support business growth and retention through its many connections and resources. In 2011, the Chamber will partner with other area

organizations to support these efforts and present seminars and events that educate the public about this important work.

• Actively engage in Public Policy Advancement. Advocating in the best interest of its members is at the core of the Chamber’s mission. In 2011 the Chamber will continue to grow its advocacy role through the Governmental Affairs committee, its Early Bird Breakfast series, its work with the Maine State Chamber of Commerce and by enhancing our relationships with elected officials. With the State of Maine’s new administration, it is critical that the voices of this region be heard when it comes to business and economic development issues.

• Continue to grow and improve programs such as the Bangor Region Leadership Institute, Building Bridges, the Wellness Council of Maine, and Access Atlantica. These programs provide incredible value to both our region and members and are the fuel that drives the engine.

• Continue to expand our events, member and community communication, and member benefits so that the Chamber is a value added resource that exceeds expectations.

In 2011 the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce will strive for excellence in everything we do and prosperity for all. Let’s make those founding merchants proud!

Ballesteros Continued from Page 4 business and economic development advocates.

Subsequently, state representatives and senators throughout our region regularly attend the meetings.

With leadership from our Governmental Affairs Committee, these meetings have been transformed into a forum where significant business and policy issues are discussed candidly and openly with our state delegation. Representatives for both sides of the aisle often sit beside each other and are interested in hearing what specific governmental or legislative issues challenge our businesses. I’m certain that some solutions to current problems facing our region will be realized by the interactions of Chamber members and our state representatives at these meetings.

Currently the Chamber is involved in Mobilize Maine. Mobilize Maine is an umbrella economic development organization formed to create a regional strategy for growing the greater Bangor economy. Started with a grant from Fairpoint Communications, the organization is now a freestanding coalition that includes Eastern Maine Development Corporation, the Bangor Region Development Alliance, and the Chamber.

These organizations have been tapped to play specific roles in our regional economic development.

Eastern Maine Development Corporation will focus on business retention; The Bangor Region Development Alliance will lead business attraction; and the BRCC leads efforts in business advocacy.

Specific projects that the Chamber has collaborated on with EMDC and BRDA in 2010 include

expanding the Bio-med industry in our region and increasing the use of the electronic medical record into rural Maine. Initiatives like these open new educational and employment opportunities as well as quality of care to our residents.

We also have board members who are founding members of the Friends of the Maine Center. The Friends of the Maine Center is a group of motivated citizens that support the building of a modern event and convention center to replace the outdated Bangor Auditorium and Civic Center. They believe, as I do, that Bangor is a destination with exceptional businesses, an international airport, a developing waterfront and casino and a region that offers an unmatched quality of life. In combination with these assets, a state-of-the-art convention and event center will increase the draw to the Bangor Region as a business, vacation and special event destination.

I’m happy to report that the Chamber was able to have a break-even year while making significant operational changes and facing a struggling economy.

In closing, it has been my pleasure to serve as the 2010 Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Board Chair. Our accomplishments in 2010 are due to the hard work of our professional staff, and the dedicated board members and business members that serve the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce.

As I stated last year, we reside in a region that benefits from socially responsible, intellectually capable and civically minded individuals willing to donate time, talent and resources to make a difference. To these individuals along with the dedicated and talented Chamber staff I would like to express my sincere gratitude and respect.

Bangor Hydro Electric Company - Pleased to honor the 2011 Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Award Recipients

Congratulations...

Gary Smith, Brookings-Smith — Norbert X. Dowd Award Oxford Networks — Business of the Year Bangor Symphony Orchestra — Non-Profit of the Year Waterfront Concerts — Entrepreneurship Award Senior League World Series — Community Service Award Governor John Baldacci — Catherine Lebowitz Award for Public Service John Diamond — Arthur A. Comstock Professional Award Glenn Mower, Bangor Letter Shop — Volunteer of the Year Award

Your community partner & energy solutions provider.

BANGOR HYDRO ELECTRIC COMPANY PO Box 932, Bangor, Maine 04402 (207) 945-5621 • www.bangorhydro.com

6 | BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Thursday | January 20, 2011

2011 Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Committee Report

Governmental Committee Report: Issues of Impact 2011

A

n important part of fulfilling the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce’s mission to “To promote and advance a vital, healthy business environment” involves advocating for public policy that will help our region prosper and grow.

Rather than reacting to what policy makers propose, the Chamber seeks to define its agenda and bring it forward. “Issues of Impact” outlines the policies that the Chamber believes will most help its members. Drafted in the Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Committee, the document was endorsed by the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

As 2011 unfolds, Issues of Impact will inform and guide the Chamber’s officers and committee members as they advocate on behalf of the Bangor Region business community.

Special thanks are due to Rod Black and Arthur Comstock, co-chairs of the Governmental Affairs Committee, for their stewardship in creating this document, and to the members of the committee who helped to draft its various provisions.

Taxes The tax burden on Maine businesses is too high, and the tax structure discourages

growth. Despite a growing consensus, tax reform has been a difficult policy topic, mostly because structural changes always produce winners and losers. But, Maine cannot continue with an outdated and antigrowth system of taxation.

To that end, the Chamber supports: • No increase in, and ideally a reduction of, the overall tax burden for Maine people and businesses.

• Tax policies that encourage regionalization of local services.

• A lower income tax.

• Tax reform that will reduce the volatility of tax revenues.

• Examination of the affordability and structure of state retirement benefits.

Energy The Chamber endorses an energy policy that makes paramount the goal of lowering the cost of power and fuel. With this as a priority, it also makes sense to pursue strategic investments in alternative energy. Policy makers should consider that many, though not all, conservation initiatives can be the least expensive means for meeting our energy needs.

To this end, the Chamber supports: • Collaboration with Canadian energy sup-

“A community is like a ship; everyone ought to be prepared to take the helm.” -Henrik Ibsen EMHS salutes the 2011 award recipients.

pliers and the creation of an energy corridor through Maine, provided Maine businesses gain access to cheaper power as a result.

• Regulatory reforms that lower transmission and delivery costs for business.

• Research and development of offshore wind generation, bio-fuel manufacturing technologies and geothermal systems.

• Development and deployment of energy conservation and efficiency techniques and strategies, including the Efficiency Maine Trust and corresponding education efforts.

Health care The passage of national health care reform should prompt the state to conduct a comprehensive review of policies governing health care delivery, insurance, and wellness.

The Chamber supports: • Maximizing federal financial support of key initiatives, including: help for small businesses in their efforts to provide affordable coverage, development of health care information systems, and the development of new health-care delivery models that focus on patient wellness rather than fee-for-service billing.

• More focused attention on rural needs within the state’s health plan.

• A hard look at the usefulness of the DirigoChoice insurance program in light of new federal policies.

• A Certificate of Need process that controls costs, but also allows each proposed addition to our health care infrastructure to rise and fall on its own merits.

• A careful study of the long-term care and behavioral-health delivery systems.

• A strong focus on wellness and public health, including the integration of the Healthy Maine Partnership model more thoroughly with public, private and nonprofit organizations and the creation of a tax credit for employer wellness programs.

• Conducting a cost-benefit analysis of the community rating and guaranteedissue regulations now in place.

Education Educational opportunity and achievement are essential to the Region’s economic health and quality of life. Without an educated workforce with the skills to compete globally, the Region cannot succeed.

To that end, the Chamber supports: • Strategies aimed at enhancing access to higher education, including additional financial aid as well as transfer agreements between the Maine Community College System and four-year institutions.

• Making funding for the University System, Community Colleges, and Maine Maritime Academy a priority.

• A detailed analysis of the cost-effectiveness of the University System, Community College System and Maine Maritime Academy,

with the goal of finding structural efficiencies.

• A detailed analysis of the cost-effectiveness of K-12 education systems in the state and an emphasis on “best practices” among Maine K-12 schools.

• An analysis of the educational and financial returns on recent public school consolidation efforts and the development of next steps in that process.

• Expansion of early childhood education programs.

Broadband development Broadband capacity is now a critical component to economic development and is emerging as a strength within the region.This technology holds the promise of eliminating geography as a concern with respect to our economic growth. Further, the industry mix here — research labs, factories, educational institutions and biomedical firms — is such that strong broadband connections are a necessity for the Bangor Region to be successful.

The Chamber supports: • Efforts to leverage our assets to bring “data centers” to our region.

• Economic development strategies that target companies with a high demand for bandwidth.

• Public policies and investments that will allow for greater penetration of highspeed broadband in our market, especially ultra-high-speed connections used by technology companies.

Transportation Transportation is a key component of economic growth, and as such the Chamber supports making investment in our transportation infrastructural a priority. Maine’s geographic location and strong relationship with Canada make the state a critical partner in the economic well-being of the region known as Atlantica, a relationship that depends on good transportation links.

Therefore, the Chamber supports: • The permanent elimination of the 80,000-pound truck weight limit on Maine Interstate highways. The lifting of the limit on a trial basis has been a clear success.

• The development of a major east-west transportation link through Maine.

• The development of the Sears Island cargo port and further development of the Port of Eastport.

• The expansion of air service to and from Bangor International Airport.

• The preservation and expansion of a commercial freight rail system in the region, including the system serving Aroostook County.

Research and Development The future of the Bangor Region’s economy is tied closely to investments in research and development and should be advanced by productive public-private partnerships. Suc-

See IMPACT, Page 7

BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Thursday | January 20, 2011 | 7

Impact Continued from Page 6 cessful applications of R&D are found throughout our region and cut across all industries, from healthcare and construction, to energy and manufacturing.

The Chamber strongly urges continued focus on, and investment in, R&D and strongly supports: • Execution of the state’s science plan calling for “an environment where science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship stimulate Maine’s economy.” The Chamber supports the plan’s goal of R&D activity equal to three percent of gross state product by 2015.

• Working with local, state and federal governments as well as private investors to secure capital funding and infrastructure supporting research and development.

• Public/private partnerships that aid in commercializing new technologies, including venture capital and the business expertise.

Regional Collaboration Regional collaboration offers the opportunity to use public, private and nonprofit resources more effectively, but Maine’s long tradition of local control places a high value on local-decision making. In the recent past, the Chamber has been part of some successful regional collaborations, mostly notably with its participation in the Mobilize Maine economic development effort. Other local efforts have met with less success. But the possibilities for regionalization remains tantalizing.

Therefore, the Chamber supports: • A continued emphasis on regional, public/private economic development efforts, including the creation of a shared vision among those entities looking to grow the economy of the Bangor Region.

• Better collaboration among higher education institutions in our region.

• Cooperative efforts among regional health care providers to reduce overhead and further community wellness.

• Efforts by local governments to seek collaborations, affiliations, and if feasible, consolidation of services, even those services seen as the traditional province of municipalities.

Housing The Chamber regards housing as a critical social and economic issue directly affecting economic development. The collapse of the housing market over the past year demonstrates how closely tied this issue is to our general prosperity. By encouraging the creation of affordable housing and by achieving higher home ownership rates, the community creates a more stable workforce and enhances quality of life.

The Chamber supports: • Affordable housing initiatives from the Legislature and Maine State Housing Authority that focus on assistance for low-income families and first-time homebuyers.

• Review of land-use and other policies at the local and state level that contribute to high development costs.

• Banking regulations that support sound mortgage lending practices.

• Strategies that allow seniors to stay in their homes longer.

1959: Senator Edmund S. Muskie was the principal speaker at the annual meeting of the Bangor Chamber of Commerce. He discussed the nation’s defense budget. Seated, left to right are Ambrose S. Higgins, incoming president; Galen S. Cole, outgoing president; and Senator Muskie. Standing, Norbert X. Dowd, executive secretary; George A. Vose, vice president; and George W. Prince, treasurer. (NEWS file photo)

8 | BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Thursday | January 20, 2011

2011 Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Committee Report

2010 Golf Tournament

T

his fall, the annual Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament was held on Sept. 17th, 2010 at the Hermon Meadows Golf Course. Although the day started with rain, the grey skies turned to blue, and a great time was had by all. Fortunately, the “extras” for purchase did help some golfers improve their game.

A silent auction gave everyone a chance to participate in the fun, while the golfers and Chamber volunteers enjoyed delicious food by Oriental Jade under a tent supplied

by Maine Equipment and Party Rental.

The tournament was a hit due in large part to our community partners who

supported the event through sponsorships, donations, and participation. We’d like to thank major sponors: Stellar Partners, Inc. (Airport News & Gifts), Time Warner Cable, Hollywood Slots; golf cart sponsor: Camden National Bank; and other sponsors, including Bangor Hydro, Oxford Networks, Sea Dog, Fairmount Market, Dawson Sawyer Insurance and Days Jewelers.

Finally, our appreciation is extended to all the volunteers, chamber members, staff, and in particular the BBRC Golf Tournament Committee led by Kelli Roy, who all worked tirelessly to make this year’s event a success.

Biz Action Committee Report

By Andrew Hamilton, Committee Chair

I

n 2009, as part of Bylaw Amendments approved by the Board, the Bangor Region Chamber reconstituted and reinvigorated its longstanding Business Retention Committee by creating the Business Retention and Development Committee as a standing committee of the Bangor Chamber.

In 2010, the Committee (sometimes called the “Biz Action Committee”) got down to work. Before undertaking specific initiatives, the Committee discussed the number of existing economic development organizations in our region and decided not to repeat the functions and efforts of others, but rather to support and complement the existing business advocacy efforts pursued by the Chamber, including efforts of the Governmental Affairs Committee.

The focus of the Biz Action Committee quickly came to focus on the needs of area businesses for (1) equity capital funding through a Bangor Region Fund structured as a sidecar to the Small Enterprise Growth Fund, (2) education focused on sessions to advance emerging business in the region, and (3) advocacy for specific infrastructure projects.

Initiatives included: • Work with the University of Maine, Tar-

get Technology Center, Eaton Peabody, and the Small Enterprise Growth Fund to begin the early stages of structuring a sidecar community venture capital fund.

• The development and holding of the Business Revolution Series (“Are You Ready for Tomorrow?”) focusing on the following sessions: Innovation featuring companies such as Zeomatrix, EMHS, and Balance Hair & Body; Mill Redevelopment featuring Cianbro President Peter Vigue, Old Town Fuel and Fiber, and Jeff Letourneau of University of Maine; • BioMed featuring Jerry Whalen of EMHS, John Fitzpatrick of Jackson Laboratories, and UMaine President Bob Kennedy; • Energy featuring Kurt Adams (former PUC Commissioner and Chief Development Officer at First Wind), Glenn Poole of Verso Energy; and Bangor Gas • Coordination of the Chamber’s efforts with EMDC and CVB focused on the effort to develop a new arena and convention center for the region.

Next up will be advancement of specific initiatives to bring more affordable energy to the region.

We welcome the support and participation of Chamber members as we move forward in 2011.

Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Members (as of November 2010)

A:

@WORK Personnel • 304 Stillwater Avenue Furniture • A.A.A. Portable Toilets • A-1 Safe Storage • AAA Northern New England • AACom • AARP Maine • Absolute Hypnotherapy • Acadia Auto Group, Inc. • Acadia Benefits, Inc. • Acadia Clinical Research • Acadia Hearing Center • Acadia Trust NA • Acme Pizza • Action Committee of 50 • Adams Real Estate • Adams Taxidermy, Inc. • Advantage Gases & Tools • Advantage Payroll Service • Affiliated Healthcare Systems • Affordable Furniture Showcase • Affordable Home & Office Cleaning • Aflac • Airport News & Gifts • Al Benner Homes, Inc. • All Saints Catholic School • Allen Drucker, M.Ed PA • Allenfarm Fence Company. Inc. • Alliance for Maine’s Future • Allies Inc. • AllSew • Allstate Insurance Co.: Jack McDonald • Alltrades, Inc. • Alpaca Perfection by Peruvian Link • Alternatives • Amato’s • AME Management Group • Amedisys Home Health • American Heart Association • American Red Cross: Pine Tree Chapter • American Red Cross Blood Services • Anastasia International, Inc. • Andrew Fitzpatrick • Andrew Landry, Esq. • Anglers Restaurant • Animal Orphanage • Ann Marie’s Kitchen • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield • Anthony John’s • Antique Marketplace & Café • Applebee Enterprises Inc. • Assist2Sell 1st Choice Realty • Atlantic Defense Constructors, LLC • Atlantic Designs • Atlantic Provinces Chamber of Commerce • Avalon Village • Awards Signage & Trophies • A-Z Payroll

B:

B&D Fabrications by Design • Bacon Printing Company • Bagel Central • Bagley & Grant • Bair’s Driving School • Balance Hair & Body • Bangor Air, Inc. • Bangor Area Chapter, IAAP • Bangor Band • Bangor Bus Terminal • Bangor Center Corporation • Bangor Christian School • Bangor Daily News • Bangor Federal Credit Union • Bangor Frameworks • Bangor Housing Authority • Bangor Humane Society • Bangor Hydro-Electric Company • Bangor Insurance Group • Bangor International Airport • Bangor Letter Shop & Color Copy Center • Bangor Lodge of Elks • Bangor Mall • Bangor Millwork & Supply, Inc. • Bangor Motor Inn & Conference Center • Bangor Motor Sports • Bangor Museum and Center for History • Bangor Natural Gas • Bangor Nursing & Rehab Center • Bangor Pipe & Supply, Inc. • Bangor Plastic

& Hand Surgery P.A. • Bangor Public Library • Bangor Publishing Company • Bangor Real Estate • Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce • Bangor Savings Bank: Bangor • Bangor Symphony Orchestra • Bangor Target Area Development Corp. • Bangor Tennis & Recreation • Bangor Theological Seminary • Bangor Tire Company • Bangor Travel Services • Bangor Truck Equipment • Bangor Water District • Bank of America • Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce • Bar Harbor Trust Services • Barresi Financial, Inc. • Batteries Plus • Beal College • Beatham, Bernier, Seekins & Colpritt CPAs • BeautiControl: A Mobile Spa • BeefO-Brady’s • Behavioral Health Center • Bella Hair Studio • Bennett’s Tire and Wheel • Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker, C.P.A. • Beth Gardner Insurance: State Farm • Better Business Bureau of Maine • Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate: Town & Country • Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate: Town & Country in Hampden • Black Bear Inn Conference Center & Suites • Black Bear Lawn Care Inc. • Black Bear Medical North • Black Beards U.S.A. • Blue Cat 5 Production • Blueberry Broadcasting/WVOM • Bonney Staffing Center • Bowman Bros. Inc • Branches, LLC • Brantner, Thibodeau & Associates • Brewer Eagles Club • Brewer Federal Credit Union • Brewer Physical Therapy & Spine Clinic • Brewer Rehab & Living Center • Brewer School Department • Brian Williams • Broadway Dairy Queen • Broadway Properties • Brogue Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. • Bronson Audio Visual & Event Services • Brookings-Smith • Bruns Chiropractic Clinic • Bucksport Bay Area Chamber of Commerce • Budget Document Technology • Bugaboo Creek • Burger King/Northcountry Management

C:

C.E.S., Inc. • Camden National Bank • Camp CaPella, Inc • Canteen Service Co. • Caron Signs • Carpenter Associates • Casco Bay Energy Company, LLC • Cashman Communications • CBE Valcom • Central Equipment Company & White: Sign Div. • Central Maine Moving & Storage • Central Maine Septic & Portable Toilet Rentals, LLC • Central Maine Wireless, LLC • Central Security • Chadwick Dental • Challenger Learning Center • Changing Seasons Federal Credit Union • Chapel

See MEMBERS, Page 10

BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Thursday | January 20, 2011 | 9

2011 Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Committee Report

Membership Committee Report

By Andy Fitzpatrick, Committee Chair

M

embership activities at the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce this year have been very busy, exciting and innovative. One of the major changes in 2010 was Kelly Enberg being awarded the Director of Membership Development position. Kelly has worked diligently and helped lead the Membership Committee along with supporting many other Board initiatives aimed at increasing membership services, activities, and overall participation.

In 2010, the membership team focused on efforts to ensure maximum benefits for all Chamber members and on rewriting policies to increase clarity and continuity among our membership goals. We held four successful Membership Orientations and restructured benefits packages for new members. We added new advertising options and have increased education especially with our member Web site software ChamberMaster. This online program allows members to update and manage their respective listings on the Chamber Web site.

Our largest and most exciting development effort this year came from Camden National Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sizeable contribution, giving all new members a subsidy 50 percent toward their first year of membership dues. Exactly 75 Bangor area businesses benefited from this program and greatly enhanced

This undated photograph, shows an aerial view of downtown Bangor complete with its Tourist Information stop (lower right). The Chamber of Commerce has always been the â&#x20AC;&#x153;go toâ&#x20AC;? place for visitors to get the Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overall membership numbers. We information about where to go and what to do. would like to take this opportunity to thank Camden National Bank once more for their ingenuity and outstanding support of area businesses.

Looking forward, the Membership Committee has designed a strategy for the coming year, including new recruitment efforts, retention programs, and increased benefits. Among these changes is the creation of an Ambassador Program, which will give Chamber members the opportunity to reach out to their peers and inform them of the benefits of Chamber membership. It will also provide additional contacts for Chamber members to discuss questions about Chamber. This will be a subcommittee chaired by Chris Olsen of Prudential Northeast Properties.

Overall it has been an exciting year for the Membership Committee. The focus of the Committee continues to be ensuring all Chamber members understand their opportunities and receive the maximum amount of benefits from their relationship with the Chamber. It is very exciting to note that our total number of active memberships has grown 20 percent in just the past 12 months. Thank you to everyone who has helped in that effort and we look forward to increasing our base even further in 2011.

Please feel free to contact Kelly Enberg at the Chamber with any and all questions regarding membership and what the Chamber can do for you at (207) 947-0307.

! "

&

#$%

10 | BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Thursday | January 20, 2011

2011 Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Committee Report

Bangor Region Leadership Institute Committee Report

By Michael Fern, BRLI Chair

Y

ou wouldn't know the person sitting next to you at a city council meeting is a graduate. Or, the person standing by your side at the local food pantry or manning the table at a charitable event. In fact, you might not even know several elected officials serving the community through public service have gone through it.

Yet for the 272 graduates who have experienced the Bangor Region Leadership Institute, many have taken what they've learned through nine intensive day-long classes and are doing precisely what the program was designed for - being future leaders.

Now in its 14th year, BRLI has undoubtedly made an impact in the greater Bangor region and beyond, as many of its graduates are found today serving on various community boards and committees, at the top levels of area companies or holding public office locally or statewide. And many will tell you they share the same vision and a common goal - they're doing what they can to make the region a better place to live and work.

Designed to provide emerging leaders with

PHOTO COURTESY BRCC

a diverse understanding of the forces that drive the Bangor region, along with the skills necessary to be actively involved in the area's economic, civic and social cultures, BRLI builds civic awareness and encourages active involvement through a nine-month program that includes presentations, site visits, and community-based projects. More importantly, it also helps participants gain a greater

awareness of their own strengths and skills and those of fellow classmates, thereby allowing them to build an intensive bond shared commonly by a network of fellow alumni.

BRLI has grown in popularity in recent years - likely fueled by the impact made by its graduates. With strong enrollment running at its maximum capacity of 26 students in each of the last five years, over 100 com-

Members, continued from page 8 Hill Floral • Charlotte White Center • Christmas Tree Ranch • Christopher Olsen • Cianbro Corporation • City of Bangor • City of Brewer • City of Old Town • CL Construction Inc. • Clear Channel Airports • ClifCo Ltd • CMC Technology Group • Coach House Restaurant • Coca Cola Bottling Plant • Coffee News USA, Inc. • Coffee Pause • Cole Land Transportation Museum • Collabric • Com-Nav, Inc. • Comfort Inn • Commercial Delivery Systems • Commercial Screenprint & Embroidery Inc. • Commissioner David Cole • Communications Technologies Inc. • Community Care • Community Cellular • Community Health & Counseling Services • Computer Essentials • Concentra Medical Centers • Concord Coachlines • Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Maine • Consumer Title • Context by Design • Country Inn At The Mall • Country Kennel • County of Penobscot • Courtyard by Marriott • Creative Arts Center • Creative Comfort Home & Hearth • Creative Imaging Group, Inc. • Creative Print Services • Cross Insurance • Cutcliffe Consulting

D:

D.C Rentals • Dahl-Chase Diagnostic Services • Daigle & Houghton • Dale Carnegie Training of MaineMichelle Geaghan • Darling’s • DaVinci Signs LLC • Dawson Sawyer Insurance Agency • Days Inn • Day’s Jewelers • Dead River Company: Bangor • Dead River Company: Brewer • Deane’s Car Care • Deb Dall Design • DeeEtte C. Bruns, Licensed Massage Therapist • Deighan Associates Inc. • Dennis Paper & Foodservice • Desperate Spaces • Dick Hogan Insurance Agency, Inc. • Dirigo Pines Retirement Community • Discovery House Bangor • DOC’s Place • Dogn’I Apparel • Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Center • Down East Credit Union • Downeast Capital,Inc. • Dream Kitchen Studio • Duff & Associates, Inc. • Dunnett Inc. • Dysart’s Restaurant

E:

E & R Weartech • Eagle Crest, LLC d/b/a Riverview Motel • Eagle Financial Strategies • East Orrington Congregational Church • East Side Rehab. & Living Center • Eastern Area Agency on Aging • Eastern Maine Community College • Eastern Maine Counseling and Testing Services, Inc. • Eastern Maine Development Corporation • Eastern Maine Healthcare: Acadia Hospital • Eastern Maine Healthcare: EMMC • Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems • Eaton Peabody • Econo Lodge • Edward Jones Investments: Gary Jordan • Edward Jones Investments: Marcia S. Bean • Edward M. Youngblood • Edwards, Faust & Smith, Certified Public Accountants •

panies have sent their ranks to BRLI. In addition to the project presentations, May's annual dinner included recognition of the latest recipient of the G. Clifton Eames Leadership Award: Dennis Marble, executive director of the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter and a past Steering Committee member.

The Annual Laugh-in, BRLI's premier fundraiser that features nationally-ranked comedians, was held in January 2010. The funds raised from the Annual Laugh-in help offset the costs of the program and allows the program to offer scholarships. The next Laugh-in is planned for Feb. 2, 2011, featuring comedians Keith Alberstadt and Bill Russ.

This year also saw the launch of BRLI's new Web site, brliexperience.org, which allows current class participants to keep up to date on class itineraries and schedules, and alumni a chance to reconnect with fellow classmates.

The success of BRLI depends heavily on the gracious donations of time and resources from alumni volunteers and member businesses. We thank the many who have volunteered their energy and talent to provide a quality experience for our participants and alumni.

And if you haven't applied, the next round for applications for September's class will begin in May. Elder Indpendence of Maine: A Division of Senior’s Plus • Electoral College Sportswear & Accessories • Elite Auto, Inc. • Ellen M. Leach Memorial Home Corporation • Ellis Commercial Management • Ellis Greenhouse • Ellsworth American, Inc.: Printing • Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce • EMHS: Rosscare • Employee Health Solutions • Epic Sports • Epstein Commercial Real Estate • Epstein Properties • ERA Dawson-Bradford Co., Realtors • ESOCO Orrington • Everett J. Prescott, Inc. • EZ To Use.com

F: F.A. Peabody: Hampden Division • Fairfield Inn

by Marriott • Fairmount Market • FairPoint Communications • Families And Children Together (FACT) • Family Fun Bowling Center • Farrell, Rosenblatt & Russell • Farrington Financial Group • Feld Entertainment • FGS/CMT, Inc. • Fiddlehead Inn Vegetarian B&B • Fields4Kids • Fireside Inn & Suites • First Light Shows • First Wind Energy, LLC • Fleming Appraisal & Associates • Fogg’s Firewood and Aerial Photo Service of Maine, Inc. • For Dogs Boutique, Training, Day Care and Grooming • Forest Society of Maine • Fort Knox Park Inn • Four Directions Development Corp. • Four Points by Sheraton Bangor Airport • Fox & Ginn Movers • Frank Webb’s Bath Center • Frank’s Bake Shop, Inc. • Fred’s Small Cabinets • Freightliner of Maine Inc. • Frost’s Garage, Inc. • Fruit Bouquets by Roger’s Market • Fusion Bangor

G:

GAC Chemical Corp. • Gaetani Eye Care Associates • Garelick Farms of Maine • Gass Horse Supply • Gateway Title of Maine, Inc. • Geaghan’s Restaurant & Pub • General Electric Co. • Gentiva Health Services • George Gonyar • Gerard Tassel • Getchell Brothers, Inc. • Giacomo’s • Gifford’s Ice Cream • Gilbert & Greif, PA • Gilman Electrical Supply Co. • Girl Scouts of Maine • Glacial Energy, Inc. • Gladjean Consulting, Inc. • Gold’s Gym • Good Samaritan Agency • Good Shepherd Food-Bank • Governor John Baldacci • Governor’s • Grace Evangelical College & Seminary • Granville Rental • Great Skates Entertainment Center • Greater Bangor Association of Realtors • Green Acres Kennel Shop • Greenway Equipment Sales • Greenworks, Inc. • Gross, Minsky, & Mogul PA • Gunn’s Sport Shop

H:

H.O. Bouchard, Inc. • Habitat for Humanity of Greater Bangor • Haley’s Tire & Service Center • Hammond Lumber Company • Hammond Street Senior Center, Inc. • Hampden Business Association • Hampden Floral, Inc. • Hampden-

See MEMBERS, Page 11

BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Thursday | January 20, 2011 | 11

Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours 2010

Members, continued from page 10

L: Lamey Wellehan • Law Office of Joseph M. Bal-

Inc. • Magic With Alan • Maine Aero Services • Maine Air Museum/Maine Aviation Historical Society • Maine Air National Guard • Maine Arts & Sports Academy • Maine Audio Information and Reading Service • Maine Auto Search • Maine Businesses for Social Responsibility • Maine Center for Integrated Rehab • Maine Commercial Realty • Maine Community Foundation • Maine Contracting • Maine Development Foundation • Maine Discovery Museum • Maine Distributors • Maine DOT • Maine Energy Inc. • Maine Equipment & Party Rental • Maine Ground Developers, Inc. • Maine International Trade Center • Maine Mental Health Connections, Inc. • Maine Network for Health • Maine Public Broadcasting Network • Maine Salt Company • Maine Savings Federal Credit Union • Maine School Administrative District #22 • Maine Staffing Group • Maine State Chamber of Commerce • Maine Team Realty • Maine Valve and Fitting Co. • Maine Veterans’ Home • Mainebiz • MAINE-Ly Titles Inc. • Maine’s Own Organic Milk • MainXPO, Inc. • Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine • Manna, Inc • Manpower • MAP Appraisals • Marden’s Inc. • Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant • Marit’s • Marketing Media • Marlene’s Uniform Shop • Marsh Property Management, LLC • Martes Inc. DBA City Park Grille • Martin & Gail Hipsky • Mary Cathcart • Mary Kay • McDonald’s Restaurants: Bega, Inc. • McDonald’s Restaurants: D & L Management Co. • Means Investment Co. Inc. • Med-A-Vision, Inc. • Melaleaca • MERT Enterprises • Metlife • Metromedia Energy • Mid-Coast Fine Antiques of Maine • Miguel’s Mexican Restaurant • Mike Youngblood • Milford Motel: Suites- on the River • Miller Drug • Modern Pest Control • Modern Screenprint Inc. • Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of Commerce • Morgan Hill Events Center • Morgan Stanley • Morita’s School of Dance • Motel 6 • Mount Desert Spring Water • Mr. Honey Do • Muddy Rudder • Muscular Dystrophy Association

M:

N.H. Bragg & Sons • N.S. Giles Foundations Inc. • National Able Network • Natural Sound Audio Services • Nautel, Inc. • NAWBO — Bangor • Nelson Durgin • Neurology Associates of Eastern Maine, P.A. • New England Communications • New England Equipment Consulting & Management • New England Health Search • New England Home Health Care • New England Mail Solutions

Gilpatrick Funeral Home • Hannaford • Hannaford Broadway • Harley the Plumber Inc. • Harmon AutoGlass DBA Portland Glass • HarpWorks Writing Services • Haverlock, Estey & Curran, CPAs • HCP Computers • Headlight Audio Visual, Inc. • Health Benefits • Healthcare Charities • HealthWORKS • Helen Munsey Home Decorator • Henry Associates Inc. DBA: The Henry Bridal Boutique & Formal Wear • Hermon Meadow Golf Club • Hermon True Value • Hermon True Value Hardware • Hero’s Sports Grill • Holiday Inn: Bangor • Hollywood Custom Rides • Hollywood Slots • Home Health & Hospice of St. Joseph • Home-Sweet-Home • Honeywell International • Hotel Equities • House Revivers Inc./Kelly Realty Management • Howard Tool Inc. • Hughes Property Management • Husson University

I:

Innovative Solutions Now, LLC • InSphere Insurance Solutions • Instant Title Service • InsureHealth • Interiors by Janis Stone • Irving Oil Limited

J:

J B Paint Co. • J Group Advertising • Jeff’s Catering, Inc. • Jenkins Beach/Cottage & Boat Rentals • John Bapst Memorial High School • John Miller • John T. Cyr & Sons, Inc. • John W. Lefebvre • Johnson Florist & Gift Shop, Inc. • Johnstone Supply • Joles Photography • JT Trash Disposal Service • Jump and Raft LLC. • JWClark Dental Studio

K:

Karen Schaller: Fundraising Database Consultant • Katahdin Area Chamber of Commerce • Katahdin Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, Inc. • Katahdin Trust Company • KE Security • Kelli Roy • Kelly Remmel & Zimmerman • Kelly Services • Ken Huhn • Kentucky Fried ChickenBroadway • Kentucky Fried Chicken-Longview Drive • Key Bank N.A. • Kiley & Foley Funeral Service • Kindred Healthcare • Kinney Office System • Kishintaikan International • Know Technology dacci • Les Otten for Governor • Liberty Mutual • Lighthouse Web Solutions • Linda S. Horton • Links Online Solutions • Linnehan Family Business • Literacy Volunteers of Bangor • Little Angels Daycare & Preschool • LL Bean • Loiselle, Goodwin & Hinds • Longhorn Steak House • Louis Silver Construction Company • Luna Bar & Grill

M. Ray Bradford Jr. Esq. PA • Machias Savings Bank • MacMillan Apartments • Magazines,

N:

See MEMBERS, Page 16

Eastern Maine Community College Great College. Smart Choice.

Technical Career & Transfer Education

Your business partner for customized employee training and education

Great College. Smart Choice. www.emcc.edu

12 | BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Thursday | January 20, 2011

2011 Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Committee Reports

Building Bridges Report

By Vicki L Rusbult, Chair

B

uilding Bridges will mark its 19th year in existence in 2011. Building Bridges is a BRCC program designed to support a dialog between educators and businesses in this region around employment opportunities. The program is publicized to a variety of educators representing a wide range of grades and student ages, from special education staff to counselors, librarians to administrators, and everyone in-between.

Beginning in January each year, program participants are introduced to a sampling of businesses and industries in this region including banking, tourism, retail, education, law enforcement, health care, research, military, energy, and more. Each weekly session includes a review of the business and industry hiring trends, career paths, required skill sets, and education requirements. The goal of the program has been to provide educators with the tools necessary to inform their students about future employment in this region and how to better prepare for employment post-graduation.

Recognizing that change can be a good thing, the Committee is now brainstorming for ways to revitalize the program.

Toward that end, we have trimmed the number of sessions from 19 to 16, and will offer 4.0 continuing education units. We are considering other changes to the program for 2011 – a workshop where area leaders would convene to discuss employment trends, jobs in this region, and forecasting for the future and a summer series with each session limited to one industry.

The Building Bridges Committee would like to thank the following businesses for participating as site locations for the 2010 session: • Bangor Savings Bank • Penobscot Theatre • L.L. Bean • General Electric • Bangor Hydro Electric • United Technology Center • Eastern Maine Health Care Systems • Maine Institute for Health and Human Genetics I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mary Brooks, former Chair of Building Bridges. After serving five years in this capacity, Mary has step back from the leadership role. Her dedication to this program was evident to all. Finally, thank you to the members of Building Bridges Committee (past and present) for donating their time and energy to this important program.

Wellness Council of Maine Report

By Rick Lyons, Committee Chair

C

ollectively, the Wellness Council of Maine, its Board, and its members, have been part of a year full of exceptional growth and change. Moving into our third year as a state wide entity, we currently represent over 60,000 employees from 112 organizations in 14 Maine counties.

The Wellness Council of Maine works to advance and promote good health among employees across Maine. By consulting with companies to develop and improve their worksite wellness programs, educating companies in the Well Workplace model, and recognizing companies who achieve excellence in employee health promotion, we represent an innovative approach to hold the line on healthcare costs at their origin, specifically the lifestyles of employees and their families.

Prevention is one of the first lines of defense against rising healthcare costs and WLCME gives its members the necessary tools to support and assist workforces’ efforts to become healthier.

2010 welcomed 25 new businesses and organizations to WLCME’s membership. A record total of 13 companies received national recognition from the Wellness Council of America in the form of Well Workplace Awards. Northeastern Log Homes of Kenduskeag was bestowed a Small Business Award.

Gold Awards went out to Affiliated Healthcare Systems, Bangor Hydro Electric Company, Charles A Dean Memorial Hospital, EMHS Home Office, Inland Hospital, Maine Department of Transportation, MSAD #22,

Sargent Corporation, Sebasticook Valley Hospital, and The Aroostook Medical Center.

Eastern Maine Medical Center and Occupational Medical Consulting, LLC, both received Platinum awards, the pinnacle of results-oriented worksite wellness programming! Maine now boasts four of the United States’ 16 Platinum Well Workplaces.

In September, WLCME hosted its second annual Workplace Wellness Leadership Symposium, bringing in nationally renowned worksite health promotion expert, Dr. Joseph Leutzinger, to Portland for a half day event that educated 150 leaders from 78 companies from Caribou to Saco.

2011 promises to be a year of expanded education, networking opportunities, and collaboration with regional wellness initiatives throughout Maine. Our focus will be member retention and recruitment through the elevation of communication and resource sharing between members and related service providers along with delivering cutting edge information and technology in collaboration with our licensing partner, the Wellness Council of America.

Through the combined success of our award winners and the efforts of business leaders who put time, energy and resources toward making Maine a healthier place for everyone, the word is spreading about the importance of workplace wellness. The leadership of the Wellness Council of Maine looks forward to continued success in 2011.

To find out more and to view a comprehensive list of participating businesses, visit the Wellness Councilof Maine’s Web site at www.wellnesscouncilofmaine.org.

BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Thursday | January 20, 2011 | 13

2011 Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Committee Report

Fusion Bangor Committee Report

By Scott Blake, Committee Chair

F

usion Bangor had a banner year in 2010. With hearty thanks to our sponsors, Bangor Savings Bank, Husson University, Eaton Peabody, ERA Dawson Bradford, and Dawson Insurance, we were able to provide interesting and inspiring programming to many young professionals in the region.

The headline events of the year were the gubernatorial forums that brought Cutler, LePage, and Mitchell to intimate settings with young people in Bangor. As part of our Noontime Networks series, each candidate spoke only briefly before engaging in Q&A with the audience. All the events were highly successful, giving participants much more access to the candidates than many other venues.

Through the Fusion Give Back program, we assisted Habitat for Humanity, Hike for the Homeless, Bloom207, United Cerebral Palsy of Maine, Families and Children Together, and others. We continue to make community involvement a priority for Fusion, helping to match young people with opportunities to give back. Additionally, Fusion Forward supplied professional development events and connections for young

PHOTO COURTESY FUSION’S FACEBOOK PAGE

Fusion Bangor’s Noontime Networks series brought all the gubernatorial candidates to speak and answer questions. people and Penobscot Job Corps students.

However, 2010 did end up being a bit more serious than we hoped. In 2011, we’re working hard to maintain the high standards we’ve established for Noontime Networks and our continued strong commitment to community involvement; but we’re also going

to be playing a bit harder in the coming year.

Young families are a group that we haven’t served as well as we might. We’ll be fixing that first with an event January 22nd at the Jordan Planetarium. We’re also planning on events at the Maine Discovery Museum and other kid-friendly places

throughout 2011.

Other exciting events are in the works.

Fusion had a very successful networking event with Business School and other graduate students at the University of Maine in September and we’re planning to replicate and expand that event in 2011. We have strengthened our partnerships with River City Cinema, Penobscot Theatre Company, Bangor Symphony Orchestra, the University of Maine Museum of Art, the Downtown Bangor Partnership, and the Downtown Bangor Arts Collaborative, among others, and are actively working both to help these organizations deliver on their missions and to cooperatively create new events for the Bangor region.

Through our ongoing participation in the Realize Maine Network, Fusion also connects young people in the Bangor area to the rest of Maine and young people in the rest of Maine to the Bangor area.

Throughout 2010, we’ve had a fabulous Steering Committee driving Fusion forward.

The change of the year brings a farewell to friends as the Steering Committee thanks outgoing members for their distinguished service and a welcoming of new energy as incoming members bring their ideas and commitment to shaping the future of the Bangor region.

14 | BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Thursday | January 20, 2011

Gary Smith: Norbert X. Dowd Award

By Brian Swartz SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR

F

or his outstanding community involvement during the past 50 years, the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce has bestowed its prestigious Norbert X. Dowd Award on Gary Smith of Brookings-Smith Funeral Homes.

“I feel honored and humbled to be the recipient,” Smith said. “We never looked for any recognition for anything we’ve done [in the community] in the past. We give back to the community because we’ve been given so much by the community. We’ve had wonderful support from this greater Bangor region, making Brookings-Smith their funeral home of choice.”

Born and raised in Bangor, Smith attended Bangor High School. Before graduating in 1955, he asked local funeral director Wilmot Brookings to talk about his profession during a BHS occupational class.

Brookings subsequently invited Smith and

other male students “to see his funeral home and his preparation room” at 133 Center St., Bangor, Smith recalled.

“I really had an interest in becoming a funeral director,” he said. “I thought about becoming a minister. Yet I’ve always loved nurseries, flowers; I was going to be a farmer.”

His “folks were all from Aroostook County,” and Smith spent each summer during high school working at the University of Maine farm in Orono and spending time with his grandparents in Presque Isle. There he met Harold “Ike” Graves and his son, Sidney, who owned Graves Funeral Home; “they stirred my interest in becoming a funeral director,” Smith said.

After studying economics and farm management at the University of Maine at Orono, Smith spent two years at the New England Institute of Anatomy, Sanitary Science, and Embalming in Boston. He also worked 12 midnight to 8 a.m. at J.S. Waterman & Sons, a funeral home established in 1832.

“They buried the elite and the very poorest of people,” Smith said. “I put in two rugged years

See DOWD, Page 15

NEWS PHOTO BY BRIAN SWARTZ

The prestigious Norbert X. Dowd Award is being bestowed on Gary Smith, who founded Brookings-Smith Funeral Home in 1960 in 2011.

Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce 100 years of advancing business in the Bangor Region

By Debra Bell SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER

I

n 1911, a group of businessmen formed the first Bangor Chamber of Commerce, aimed at supporting local merchants and advocating for all things business in the area and throughout the state.

1911 was certainly a year of turmoil for the city of Bangor. The great fire of 1911 destroyed a large chunk of downtown’s businesses. But, staunch Bangoreans picked themselves up by their boostraps and began the process of rebuilding. In fact, Chamber of Commerce’s were popping up across the country after the organization of a National Chamber of Commerce encouraged by President Taft.

To that effect, the President’s report in the Annual Report of the Bangor Chamber of Commerce noted that “never before were commercial bodies so active nor have they ever wielded a greater influence in the affairs of the

PHOTO COURTESY BANGOR REGION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Bangor Chamber of Commerce executive board members pose for a portrait at the 34th annual Chamber dinner in 1947. PIctured are (from left to right): Norbert X. Dowd, George W. Hawkes Jr., Andrew J. Pease, Captain Edward Ellsberg U.S.N.R. (featured speaker), William B. Hill, Earle R. Webster, Claude Hultzen, Sewall C. Brown. state and nation than at this present time...

“The influence of an organization depends on its membership. The larger the

membership the greater its influence. I hope to see a greater gain in membership this year than ever before. Considering the fire I think

we have done good work in this direction during the past year. I look for even better work during the coming year.”

The first Bangor Chamber consisted of 277 businesses and businessmen. Among those businesses are long-standing members of today’s BRCC including: N.H. Bragg and Sons and Bacon & Robinson Company (now Dead River).

The first Chamber board was comprised of: • Arthur Chapin, President • Charles F. Bragg, Vice President • Charles M. Stewart, Vice President • George H. Hopkins, Auditor • Donald F. Snow, Attorney • Wilfred A. Hennessy, Secretary • Howard F. Sawyer, Treasuer Directors included: • Frederick W. Adams • Augustus H. Babcock • Harry D. Benson • Frank D. Denaco

See HISTORY, Page 22

BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Thursday | January 20, 2011 | 15

Dowd Continued from Page 14 there, and it was a wonderful experience. That experience I had in Boston was outstanding.”

Smith briefly stayed in Boston with J.S. Waterman & Sons before returning to Bangor to work for Brookings. Bangor supported seven funeral homes in the late 1950s, and “we were the smallest one,” Smith said.

Brookings wanted to sell his business, so Smith acquired an interest in 1960 and completed the purchase in 1962. He and his wife, Barbara, worked diligently at developing their funeral business.

Early in his career, Smith sought advice from a particular Bangor business leader. “I had the privilege of knowing Norby Dowd” when the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce “office was on Franklin Street” and Dowd was the Chamber’s executive director, Smith recalled. “Norby was so helpful to me in understanding this community from a business standpoint. It was helpful to understand the dynamics of the community.”

Wilmot Brookings and his family had lived in their funeral home. The Smiths bought a house next door and moved there to raise their daughter, Holly, who “started helping out [in the funeral home] when she was old enough,” Smith said. Barbara and Holly had many duties from washing cars to making sure the funeral home was clean.

Over the years, Brookings-Smith physically expanded with a new chapel and other

facilities in Bangor. Gary Smith later acquired the Harvard Clark Funeral Home and the Phil Piper Funeral Home in Brewer and the LaBeau Funeral Home in Orono.

Merging the Brewer funeral homes, Smith and his family now operate the Clark-Piper Chapel at 55 South Main St., Brewer and the LaBeau Chapel at 72 Main St., Orono.

In 2007, Brookings-Smith built the Pine Grove Crematorium, which is adjacent to Pine Grove Cemetery in Bangor. This year, Brookings-Smith completed expanding its

turned to us in their times of need. We have an awesome responsibility to serve families well.”

For him, such service has ranged from belonging to the New Hope Hospice Board of Trustees and the Bangor Mechanics Association of the Bangor Public Library to serving as a Phillips-Strickland House trustee and on the John Bapst Foundation board. A long-time member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Bangor, he served on the Bangor Savings Bank Board of Directors from 1982 to 2009, including a term as vice chair. Smith currently chairs

“My community involvement, this award, it’s not about me.

It’s about my family and the talented and committed colleagues I’m fortunate to have been associated with and who have sacrificed to make this business successful.”

GARY SMITH, NORBERT X. DOWD AWARD WINNER Family Reception Center and the Life Tribute and Arrangement Center in Bangor.

Years ago, Gary Smith started volunteering with various organizations because “this is my home. I love this community and its people.

There is no place like the Bangor area in the world. If you took a vote of caring people, we’d be No. 1, here in this area and across Maine.

“When we started out here, we didn’t have anything,” Smith said during an interview at the Brookings-Smith Family Reception Center in Bangor. “It has been very much of a personal reward that people have accepted us and the business just as we are.

“We’ve given back to the community because they’ve given us so much,” he said. “They have

the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation.

He credits colleagues for making his community involvement possible. For some years Smith worked solo as a funeral director. “Your time is not your own,” he said.“It’s a 24/7 business,” and a funeral director “must be always available, weekdays, nights, weekends, holidays.

“People have to be willing to respond to the needs of the family when they need us,” Smith said. “My community involvement, this award, it’s not about me. It’s about my family and the talented and committed colleagues I’m fortunate to have been associated with and who have sacrificed to make this business successful.”

He explained that after Holly became a funeral director, she joined her father at

Brookings-Smith and continues to carry the same work ethic with compassion and sensitivity to the needs of the families. Her husband, James Fernald (also a funeral director) later joined the firm, and they are gradually purchasing the business.

“I can’t believe how fortunate I am to have family who want to perpetuate this business,” Gary Smith said. “Without them and our dedicated employees, we would not have made it. Some of our colleagues have worked many years here.

“I was able to do this because the family and my colleagues here provided me with the time to give back to the community,” he said.

Now 74, Smith has not slowed down as the years pass. He jogs to stay fit. A member and past master of St. Andrew’s Masonic Lodge, Smith belongs to the Scottish Rite Bodies and is a 33rd degree member of the Scottish Rite Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.

He is also member of the Anah Shriners.

Smith served as a member of the Board of Regents of the New England Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences in Boston and serves on the Maine Economic Research Institute board. He belongs to the Maine Funeral Directors Association, the National Funeral Directors Association, and the Selected Independent Funeral Homes.

Does he plan to retire or at least lessen his community involvement? “No, I have no plans to do anything other than what I’m doing now,” Smith stated. “I love working with families, helping them in their time of need. It’s something that has been very important to me all these years.”

10 great reasons to be a Chamber member 1. Networking: Through participation at BRCC programs, seminars, and eventsm we provide many excellent networking opportunities that help you build and maintain relationships with other businesses. Events include Business After Hours, Early Bird Breakfasts, the golf tournament, seminars, luncheons, cultural activities, and more. Whatever the size of your company, your Chamber membership will help you build and expand connections to the business world, making this an important benefit of membership.

2. Referrals: Each year, the Chamber assists thousands of people looking for local products and services, as well as places to go and things to see. As the area’s regional chamber, we advocate for the success and advancement of all member businesses; therefore, it is our policy to provide referrals to members only. In addition, we provide an area for free distribution of business cards and brochures in our Information Center.

3.Advertising: The Chamber offers effective, low-cost advertising opportunities. Members may choose to place an ad or insert a flyer into the Chamber News or on the BRCC Web site. We include all member businesses in our online directory and provide links to member Web sites. In our “Chamber Advantage” mem-

ber-to-member discount program, businesses may advertise a discount, which we include on the list that’s provided to member businesses and online. Cards are given out to member employees, drawing customers to member businesses. In addition, many sponsorship opportunities exist to offer additional exposure.

4. Training: The Chamber offers a wide range of professional development and informational seminars throughout the year on topics beneficial to our members. The programs are designed to help your company prosper. Whether it’s a seminar on employment issues or a hot stove session that will keep you informed about legislative issues, all you have to do is get involved to realize the full potential of your membership.

5. Health Insurance Plan: Chamber BlueOptions health plans are available to small businesses with two to 50 employees and self-employed people who are members of the BRCC. The suite of insurance plans is a joint offering of the Maine State Chamber Purchasing Alliance, local chambers, and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Maine.

Unlike most insurance plans for small businesses, the eight options are available for each employee to choose from, rather than a typi-

cal “one size fits all” approach.

6. Advocacy: The Chamber serves as a strong voice in both local and state government, collectively representing members on issues that impact businesses. Through its Governmental Affairs Committee, the Chamber takes a proactive approach to influencing public policies it believes will lead to, or maintain, a healthy state and regional business climate. BRCC focuses on policy areas that are critical to the economic vitality of the region.

In the past, those areas have included: Education, health care, regionalization, R&D, taxation, transportation, and housing.

7. Support: Members are entitled to a number of free services to help with your business start-up, expansion, and marketing plans, including access to the member database -- a great way to reach out to other members and the business community. We can provide economic and demographic profiles, employment figures, cost-of-living indexes, and more.

Members are eligible for a discount for events, meeting room rentals and mailing labels.

8. Visibility: There are many ways members can increase visibility: serve on a committee, conduct a workshop, submit an article for the Chamber News, sponsor an event or

program, or participate in one of many networking events. Each month, a section of the Chamber News is devoted to member news and a Member Spotlight. Grand openings, business relocations, and company milestones are a way for us to work with you on ribbon cuttings, press releases, and photos to the media. When you have important news to share, we can help spread the word.

9. Recognition: Your Chamber has several awards and programs to recognize members who provide exemplary service, reach milestones, achieve outstanding honors, or earn special honors. Awards are presented at the annual dinner and throughout the year.

10. Credibility: Chamber membership sends your customers the right message: yours is a reputable company that actively participates in the local business community. Members are encouraged to display a membership decal at their business location. By getting involved, you’re giving back to the community by becoming knowledgeable about business issues and being active in local projects. As a member of the Chamber, you have the opportunity to join various committees so you may have a voice, make a difference and make connections.

16 | BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Thursday | January 20, 2011

Oxford Networks: Business of the Year

By David M. Fitzpatrick SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER

F

or its leadership, innovation, and economic activity in the Bangor region, Oxford Networks has been named the BRCC’s Business of the Year.

President and CEO Craig Gunderson says the company’s success here is entirely because of his people. “We have a team of energetic, customer service focused employees in Bangor and across the state who enjoy their job, love their customers, and rise to meet any challenge,” Gunderson said. “As a locally owned and operated company, our employees can relate to each other, fellow Maine companies, and the community.”

Oxford Networks, which began as a local telephone company in 1900, has flourished in recent years under the umbrella of a shared-values system that Gunderson says is key to the company’s success.And that’s a story all its own.

Gunderson and Oxford’s current chairman and former CEO, Rick Anstey, once worked at another company that embraced a shared-values program and built its success on the

“Continuing to find ways to serve the business community is what we’re focused on.”

CRAIG GUNDERSON, OXFORD NETWORKS CEO AND PRESIDENT strengths of its happy and satisfied employees.

But when the company was bought out, the shared-values program was the first thing to go.

Gunderson knew he didn’t want to work for a company that didn’t embrace those ideals.

Anstey came to Oxford Networks, soon followed by Gunderson. Oxford wasn’t the kind of company it is today, with employees rating it rock bottom through the shared-values consultants Anstey brought in to turn the company around. The company improved in every way, and for the past five years it has earned the prestigious designation as one of the Best Places to Work in Maine.

Oxford has carried this success north to Bangor, where it first extended its fiber-optic network to serve business customers in 2008. In the past six years, Oxford has invested $24 million in its fiber-optic network in Maine, with close to $5 million of that in Bangor, bringing fiber-optic speeds right into customers’ businesses.

Oxford’s customer-service commitment shows in the monthly surveys it conducts. A survey team including Gunderson visits various customers and asks questions to determine how Oxford is doing. Gunderson hand-writes the customer’s answers, presents them to the board of directors, and keeps them right in his desk drawer.

“Recently, we did a number of surveys up in Bangor, and the accolades that our people got — it’s huge,” Gunderson said. “The feedback has been incredibly positive.”

Gunderson trusts his team’s judgment calls, whether it’s with a business decision or for a community project. Whether his team suggested sponsoring the Waterfront Concerts, giving away holiday turkeys, participating in United Way, or helping out at the Bangor homeless shelter, he always gave them wide latitude to get things done.

Gunderson is very impressed with everything his team accomplishes. “They hit these

nications • Oxford Networks

Penobscot Veterinary Services • Penquis • People’s Bank • Pepsi Bottling Group • PHD Consulting, Inc. • Phillips-Strickland House/Boyd Place • Phoenix Employment & Rehabilitation Services • Pike Industries • Pine Hill Golf Club • Pine Tree Karate & Fitness • Pine Tree Physical Therapy • Pine Tree Waste Inc. / Casella Waste Systems, Inc. • Pinnacle IT • Pinnacle IT • Pleasant Hill RV Park & Campground • Plisga & Day Land Surveyors • Pottle’s Transportation Inc. • Premier Home Care • Premier Limousine & DJ • Prentiss & Carlisle Inc. • Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc./Rainbow Sales and Service • ProRealty • Prudential Northeast Properties • Pulse Marketing LLC • Pumpkin Patch RV Resort

Wealth Management • RE/MAX Advantage Realty Group • Realty of Maine • Records Management Center • Red Brick Lending, LLC • Residential Mortgage Services • Results Physical & Occupational Therapy • ReVision Heat LLC • Rhoades Building Products • Richard P. Hawkins • Richard S. Cattelle, Inc. • Richard Whitmore Logging • Richardson, Whitman, Large, & Badger • RiverCity Cinema • Riverside Inn • Robinson Ballet Company • Rod Hathaway • Ronald McDonald House of Bangor, Inc. • Roof Systems of Maine • Roy & Associates, CPAs PA • RT Ziegler Financial Services • Rudman & Winchell, LLC

Q: Qualey Granite • Quality Jewelers • Quality Tire &

See MEMBERS, Page 18

NEWS PHOTO BY DAVID M. FITZPATRICK Oxford Networks CEO Craig Gunderston

home runs — these incredible home runs,” he said. “A normal corporate guy would say ‘I’ve got to limit risk, and I can limit risk by doing my normal stuff that everybody else does.’ In this culture, where you hire great people, you trust them, you give them the ability to make mistakes and learn from their mistakes — they go out and just do incredible things.”

In the future, Gunderson said Oxford Networks will continue its “edge-out expansion,” where services extend out from central hubs like Lewiston and Bangor.

“Oxford’s focus is on serving the business community in Maine,” he said, “and continuing to find ways to serve the business community in Maine is what we’re focused on.”

Members, continued from page 11 • New England Outdoor Center • New England School of Communications • New Form Building Systems, Inc. • Nickerson & O’Day, Inc. • Nicky’s Cruisin’ Diner • Nonesuch Farm B & B • Norris, Inc. • North Country Rivers, Inc. • Northeast Merchandising Corp. • Northeast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates, P.A. • Northeastern Log Homes, Inc. • Northern Maine Water Testing, Inc. • NORTHPOINT Financial Services • Northstar Photography Inc. • Norumbega Financial • Noyes Construction • Nurse Anesthesia of Maine, PLLC

O:

Oak Grove Spring Water Co., Inc. • OcéCanon • OHI • Olive Garden Italian Restaurant • One Lupine Fiber Arts • One Steel Recycling • Organized Solutions • OrganoGold • Oriental Jade Restaurant & Sampan Grill • OTT Commu-

P:

Paddy Murphy’s • PAGEmployment, Inc. • Papa John’s Pizza • Paper-n-Clay • Parker K. Bailey & Sons • Parks Pond Campground • Parkside Children’s Learning Center • Pathway Church • Pat’s Pizza • Paul Bunyan Campground • Paul’s Pellet Sales • PBC Consulting, LLC • Pemberton Swift, Inc. • PenBay Computer Systems, Inc. • Penobscot Cleaning Services, Inc. • Penobscot Community Health Center, Inc. • Penobscot County Federal Credit Union • Penobscot County TRIAD • Penobscot Eye Care • Penobscot Guide Service • Penobscot Home Performance • Penobscot Job Corps Academy • Penobscot Nation Boys & Girls Club • Penobscot Theatre Company • Penobscot Valley Country Club •

•••CONG RA T UL A TI ON S•••

Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce for 100 years of service to Maine!

C O U N S E L O R S &

A T

L A W

Service Center, Inc. • Quinn Agency • Quirk Auto Park

R: R.H. Foster Energy, L.L.C. • Ramada Inn • RBC

BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Thursday | January 20, 2011 | 17

Governor John E. Baldacci: Catherine Liebowitz Award for Public Service

By Debra Bell SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER

F

or his work as a public servant who has advanced economic opportunities for the Bangor region, the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce honors Governor John E. Baldacci with the Catherine Liebowitz Award for Public Service.

Baldacci may not be a resident of Augusta anymore, but his record of advancing the Bangor region started even before taking office eight years ago. His role as a city councilor, a member of the state senate, a congessman, and eight years as Governor has given this Bangor boy a significant amount of insight into how best to help his hometown grow.

“I served with [Catherine Liebowitz] and saw how she volunteered so much of her time and effort to [the people of Maine],” Baldacci said. “It’s an honor to be associated with someone like her and the work she has done. I’m humbled.”

In each role, Baldacci has had a chance to advance the case for Bangor as a regional hub – and one worthy of helping grow businesses. And, as Governor, “my goal has always been to see the Bangor region grow into an economic engine.”

“We’re seeing a growing [Bangor] waterfront, work going on in Old Town, and the area is becoming alive,” the Governor said.

The wind power initiative at the University of Maine, Gov. Baldacci said, is helping to situate the Bangor region as a powerhouse.

As Governor, Baldacci worked to eliminate the personal property tax on business equipment and crafted a tax reform proposal that was supported by the Chamber. In

NEWS FILE PHOTO

Governor John E. Baldacci is the recipient of the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce’s Catherine Liebowitz Award for Public Service. addition, Baldacci never lost sight of the prize: jobs in Maine.

During the poor economy, focusing on jobs meant largely honing in on keeping the jobs that were already available. Keeping the mills open and people employed was as important as growing new jobs, he said. Baldacci's efforts, along with those of Maine legislators and employers, meant that mills in Millinocket, Lincoln, Old Town, and Brewer could help workers get back to work and bring home a steady paycheck. Those jobs create a ripple effect, allowing the Bangor Region to continue to grow and prosper. Workers will shop, dine, and be entertained in the area, he said.

Looking toward the future, “the creative economy is the powerhouse for the Bangor region.” That creative economy goes beyond the arts; it encompasses tech jobs such as the wind energy project headed by the University of Maine’s engineers and researchers. It also encompasses technologies such as the

Old Town Fuel and Fiber Mill - another University of Maine research collaboration.

That project brought “200 people to work there and represents $10 million in payroll.”

Baldacci was also instrumental in the development of Pine Tree Development Zones and bringing broadband Internet connections throughout the most rural parts of Maine. But even beyond jobs and economic development, Baldacci saw the importance in creating “destinations” in the Vacationland state.

Baldacci said that’s why it’s so important to support events like the National Folk Festival and developing new avenues for bringing people into Maine. He’s particularly interested in watching the plans for the new Bangor Arena.

“I think there’s concern about getting into a lot of debt with this project,” he said.

“At the same time, we might be losing a lot of business because the current arena isn’t the right set up. We need to look at what we need to do to draw large conventions to our area. I know that when they come into Bangor for the first time, they’ll do business here and want to come back.”

HUSSON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Introducing the Husson MBA A 36-credit hour program with tracks in general management, health care management, and non-profit management, as well as a concentration in Hospitality Management.

The School of Business also offers the following dual-degree programs: • BS in Accounting/MBA • BS in Computer Information Systems/MBA • BS in Business Administration/MBA • Independent Program of Study BSBA/MBA, allowing for dual concentrations in the undergraduate phase.

For more information, visit us at the School of Graduate Studies Open House on February 5, 2011, or email graduateschool@husson.edu.

Since 1898 www.husson.edu/mba

18 | BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Thursday | January 20, 2011

Senior League World Series: Community Service Award

By Sheila Grant

E

ach year the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce selects a recipient for the Community Service Award based on that group or organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts to make the Bangor Regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quality of life better either by helping others directly or by enhancing community or regional assets that add to that quality of life. The 2010 Community Service Award recipient is the Senior League Baseball World Series organization in Bangor.

When the city of Kissimmee, FL opted to give up the World Series, Bangor was one of four finalists to put in a bid, competing against cities in South Carolina, George and St. Petersburg, FL for the event. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were awarded the tournament,â&#x20AC;? said Mike Brooker, Bangorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Senior League Baseball World Series tournament director.

Before that, Bangorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s facilities at Mansfield Stadium had to pass muster with inspectors sent here from the Little League organization, and organizers had to present a plan of operations that clearly demonstrated how the event would be sustained over time. Best-selling author and Bangor resi-

Members, continued from page 16

S:

S.W. Cole Engineering Inc. â&#x20AC;˘ Saint John Board of Trade â&#x20AC;˘ Salibaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rug Sales, Inc. â&#x20AC;˘ Samâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club â&#x20AC;˘ Sandollar Spa & Pool â&#x20AC;˘ Sandra A. Morin, Acct. â&#x20AC;˘ Sargent Corporation â&#x20AC;˘ Sargent, Tyler & West â&#x20AC;˘ Schoppee Dairy, LLC â&#x20AC;˘ SCORE Bangor â&#x20AC;˘ Scotts LawnService â&#x20AC;˘ Sea Dog Brewing Co. â&#x20AC;˘ Seaboard Federal Credit Union â&#x20AC;˘ Seacoast Scaffold and Equipment Corp. â&#x20AC;˘ Seacoast Security â&#x20AC;˘ Sebasticook Valley Healthcare â&#x20AC;˘ Securitas Security Services, USA â&#x20AC;˘ Senator Richard Rosen â&#x20AC;˘ ServiceMaster Contract Services â&#x20AC;˘ SERVPRO of Bangor/Ellsworth â&#x20AC;˘ Seven Islands Land Company â&#x20AC;˘ Sewall Company â&#x20AC;˘ SGC Engineering LLC â&#x20AC;˘ Shaun N. Dowd, DMD â&#x20AC;˘ Shaw House â&#x20AC;˘ Sheila Pechinski â&#x20AC;˘ Showcase Homes of Maine Inc â&#x20AC;˘ Sierra Communications Inc. â&#x20AC;˘ Simply Unfor-

NEWS FILE PHOTO

dent Stephen King donated more than $1 million toward construction of Mansfield Stadium in 1992. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Stephen King has provided some funding over the years, and as part of the operation plan early on he gave us a letter of support that indicated that in the first five years if we came up short he would help bail us out, but we never did,â&#x20AC;? Brooker said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been able to pull it off every year.â&#x20AC;?

The Senior League Baseball World Series, for

athletes in the 15-to-16 age division from all over the world, has been played in Bangor since 2002. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a pretty good economic stimulator for the area,â&#x20AC;? Brooker said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a way that we are able to showcase Bangor on the international stage. We have teams coming in from all over the US and four international teams.â&#x20AC;?

Ten teams compete in the event. Five are United States regional winners. One is the host team, which has been from Bangor for seven of the nine years, Brewer one year and

getable Events By Mackie â&#x20AC;˘ Skelton Law Office â&#x20AC;˘ Sleep Well, Inc. â&#x20AC;˘ Smart EyeCare Center â&#x20AC;˘ Snowman Printing & Stamps â&#x20AC;˘ Spectacular Event Center â&#x20AC;˘ Spectrum Medical Group, PA â&#x20AC;˘ Spragueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nursery â&#x20AC;˘ Spruce Run Association â&#x20AC;˘ SST Aero Services â&#x20AC;˘ St. Joseph Healthcare â&#x20AC;˘ Stagecoach Express Catering â&#x20AC;˘ Standard Electric Co. â&#x20AC;˘ State Farm Insurance: Amanda Leclair â&#x20AC;˘ Sterns Lumber Co. Inc. â&#x20AC;˘ Stevens Wellspring Group â&#x20AC;˘ Stillwater Health Care â&#x20AC;˘ Streets Landscape & Lawncare â&#x20AC;˘ Sunbury Village â&#x20AC;˘ Sutherland Weston Marketing Communications â&#x20AC;˘ Sweet Dreams Mobile Auto Detailing â&#x20AC;˘ Swish Maintenance

Bank: Union St. â&#x20AC;˘ TD Bank: Wilson St. â&#x20AC;˘ TDS Telecom â&#x20AC;˘ TechFrog â&#x20AC;˘ Telephone Museum â&#x20AC;˘ Tender Lawn Care â&#x20AC;˘ Terelar Advertising Productions, LLC â&#x20AC;˘ The Advertising Specialists of Maine, Inc. â&#x20AC;˘ The American Folk Festival â&#x20AC;˘ The Bangor Area Homeless Shelter â&#x20AC;˘ The Bangor Interpreting Agency â&#x20AC;˘ The Bangor Y â&#x20AC;˘ The Best Western White House Inn â&#x20AC;˘ The By Us Company â&#x20AC;˘ The Byer Manufacturing Co. â&#x20AC;˘ The Charles Inn â&#x20AC;˘ The CPA Solution, LLC â&#x20AC;˘ The Curran Homestead â&#x20AC;˘ The Documentalist Inc. â&#x20AC;˘ The Getchell Agency, Inc. â&#x20AC;˘ The Greater Bangor Convention & Visitors Bureau â&#x20AC;˘ The Ground Round â&#x20AC;˘ The Housing Foundation â&#x20AC;˘ The Jackson Laboratory â&#x20AC;˘ The Lane Construction Corp. â&#x20AC;˘ The Lucerne Inn â&#x20AC;˘ The Maine Edge â&#x20AC;˘ The Overhead Door Company of Bangor, Inc. â&#x20AC;˘ The Sheridan Corporation â&#x20AC;˘ The Sports Arena â&#x20AC;˘ The

T:

Tail Waggin Training Center â&#x20AC;˘ Target Marketing Maine â&#x20AC;˘ Tastefully Simple â&#x20AC;˘ TBA Inc â&#x20AC;˘ TC Hafford Basement Systems â&#x20AC;˘ TD Bank: Exchange St. â&#x20AC;˘ TD

Orono one year. International players are winners from the Canada, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) districts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The international teams played in their own countries and won the district national tournament in those countries to get into the World Series,â&#x20AC;? Booker said.

While Booker modestly denied knowing why the Senior League was selected for the Community Service Award, benefits that hosting this international event have brought to the region are clear.

According to the Bangor Regional Chamber of Commerce, the annual influx of young baseball players, family members and spectators for the weeklong event positively affects the region due to its tourism economic impact, its opportunity for international exposure through ESPN television coverage of the final championship game, and through the local pride that it engenders in residents to host a successful international youth event in their back yard.

For more information about the Senior League Baseball World Series, visit www.worldseries.bangorinfo.com.

UPS Store â&#x20AC;˘ The Warren Center for Communication & Learning â&#x20AC;˘ The Weathervane Factory â&#x20AC;˘ Thistles Restaurant â&#x20AC;˘ Thomas DiCenzo, Inc. â&#x20AC;˘ Thomas School of Dance â&#x20AC;˘ Tim Hortonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s: Brewer â&#x20AC;˘ Tim Hortonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s: Main St. Bangor â&#x20AC;˘ Tim Hortonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s: Odlin Rd. â&#x20AC;˘ Time Warner Cable â&#x20AC;˘ Toby Wood â&#x20AC;˘ Top Hat II Dance Studio â&#x20AC;˘ Town of Bradley â&#x20AC;˘ Town of Eddington â&#x20AC;˘ Town of Glenburn â&#x20AC;˘ Town of Hampden â&#x20AC;˘ Town of Hermon â&#x20AC;˘ Town of Holden â&#x20AC;˘ Town of Milford â&#x20AC;˘ Town of Orono â&#x20AC;˘ Town of Orrington â&#x20AC;˘ Town of Veazie â&#x20AC;˘ Tractor Supply Company â&#x20AC;˘ Trade Winds Car Wash â&#x20AC;˘ Transco Business Technologies â&#x20AC;˘ Tuesday Forum â&#x20AC;˘ Tuffy Bear Discount Furniture

U: U.S. Cellular â&#x20AC;˘ U.S. Congressman Michael H. See MEMBERS, Page 20

&RQJUDWXODWLRQV %DQJRU 5HJLRQ &KDPEHU RI &RPPHUFH RQ \RXU WK $QQLYHUVDU\ 6HUYLQJ WKH %DQJRU 5HJLRQ VLQFH ZLWK *UHHQ &OHDQLQJ -DQLWRULDO 6HUYLFHV DQG &RPPHUFLDO 6SHFLDOW\ &OHDQLQJ

ZZZ VYPFRQWUDFW FRP

BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Thursday | January 20, 2011 | 19

Bangor Symphony Orchestra: Non-Profit of the Year

By Debra Bell

PHOTO BY MICHAEL YORK

The Bangor Symphony Orchestra is 115 years old this season. Conductor Lucas Richman took over the podium this fall and the organization is enjoying a resurgence in interest.

Because of its work, the BSO is the BRCC’s Non-Profit of the Year.

SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER

A

fter 115 years, the Bangor Symphony Orchestra is still one of the oldest continually operating orchestras in the nation. That doesn’t mean the organization doesn’t make changes, however, and the BSO has spent the last few years reorganizing its structure and injecting a new enthusiasm in order to ensure the successful future of the orchestra.

For its efforts, this year the BSO was named the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit of the Year.

“We’re just over the moon about this award,” said BSO Executive Director David Whitehill, who joined the organization in 2007. “We’ve done a lot of work the last few years at the organizational level. The BSO has a rich history, but we know we need to look to the future as well.”

For the BSO, that meant first taking a prudent look at its day-to-day operations.

In order to cut back on expenses, the symphony’s administrative offices were moved to Husson University and its ticketing operations were transferred to the University of Maine’s Collins Center for the Arts, allowing the BSO to streamline its functions. The staff was pared down and responsibilities were reassigned. The BSO underwent a marketing rebranding campaign with the help Sutherland Weston Marketing Communications. In addition, the orchestra’s musicians moved their previous two-weekend rehearsal schedule to one weekend.

“We examined every aspect of the BSO from soup to nuts,” said BSO Board President

Samuel Lanham. “We kept what worked, discarded what didn’t work, and modified our operations respective to the times we live in.”

The changes worked, and the BSO remained solvent while other orchestras around the nation either dissolved under financial pressures or were forced to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and reorganize their structures.

The BSO took another big step forward with the hiring of new music director Lucas Richman. A well-respected conductor and composer, Richman was selected during an international search that saw the BSO receive around 200 applications for the position. Richman, who recently received news he was part of a Grammy-nominated classical music recording, has already injected a new sense of excitement and positive energy among both the audience and musicians since he took the BSO podium in October 2010. He is also eager to begin working with young musicians in Maine.

“He’s so excited and passionate about the youth,” Lanham said.

As is the entire organization, which has instituted a program designed to introduce young people and their families to the BSO.

The Know Your Orchestra! Program is a voucher offer, distributed by schools and private music teachers in Maine, through which youngsters can attend an orchestra concert for free, invite a friend to attend for free, and invite a parent or guardian for $10 each. Each voucher is coded so that BSO officials are able to tell how and from where students are receiving the voucher. So far,

youngsters from Bowdoinham to Fort Kent have attended Bangor Symphony concerts on Know Your Orchestra! vouchers.

“In terms of the future, there’s no question that young people are important,” Whitehill said. “Children have this energy associated with them. When you see a lineup of strollers before a concert, that’s a victory in our book. It means people are taking advantage of the program. And we’re seeing people return using the vouchers all season long. For some people, it’s their version of a season pass.”

New subscribers to the BSO have also received a special incentive this year. The BSO offered half-price season tickets to concertgoers who had never before subscribed, or former season ticketholders whose subscriptions in years past had lapsed. This season, 29 percent of the BSO’s subscribers are new.

“We wanted to ensure that everyone in our community can take part in enjoying the symphony,” Whitehill said.

Congratulations to all of the 2011 Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Award Recipients!

We are pleased to support our local chambers of commerce as they work diligently to enhance the communities we live in.

Opening in Hampden mid-2011! www.katahdintrust.com Ashland • Bangor • Caribou • Eagle Lake • Easton • Fort Fairfield • Houlton • Island Falls • Limestone • Mars Hill Oakfield • Patten • Presque Isle • Van Buren • Washburn • Commercial Loan Offices: Bangor & Scarborough

20 | BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Thursday | January 20, 2011

John Diamond: Arthur A. Comstock Professional Service Award

By Debra Bell SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER

J

ohn Diamond is no stranger to being a part of civic and community-oriented groups. In fact, he believes that it is the responsible thing to do when it comes to strengthening a community.

And that mindset is partly why Diamond is the recipient of the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce’s 2011 Arthur A. Comstock Professional Service Award.

“I believe in civic and community involvement,” Diamond said.“It’s something my wife Marcia and I’ve tried to pass on to our kids, just as our parents did with us. Being involved in community life is something I truly enjoy.”

The Arthur A. Comstock Award is given annually to a person who embodies a spirit of giving and has donated time and expertise to enhance the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce and the region.

Diamond’s community may have moved — he recently took a job as the Associate Vice Chancellor for University Relations at the University of Arkansas — but his effect on the Bangor Region’s community is obvious. He became a member of the BRCC’s Board in 1993 when he was Director of Public Affairs at the University of Maine in Orono. In 2008 he served as Vice Chair, and became the BRCC’s Chair in 2009.

“I always enjoyed the [Chamber] and its ability to make a difference in our community and in the state,” said Diamond, who stepped down from the Chamber’s Board in September. His term officially ended on Dec. 31, 2010.

But while on the Chamber’s board and executive committee, he helped to enhance the vision of the organization.

“We worked really hard to look at the needs of the region and ascertain the best way to move [the region] forward,” he said.“There was a lot of great groundwork laid by my predecessors and it helped us build a strategic

plan for the next decade and further.”

Outside of his work with the Chamber, Diamond has been an advocate for the Bangor Region, has been involved with the University of Maine Alumni Association, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, American Legion Baseball, Glenburn little league, John Bapst Memorial High School music and sports boosters clubs, the Catholic Foundation of Maine Board of Trustees, as a board member for the United Way of Eastern Maine, and as a board member for the American Folk Festival.

In addition, he represented Bangor in the Maine House of Representatives for eight years, four of those years as a Majority Leader.

“My wife and I both grew up in families that were deeply engaged in civic groups and charitable organizations,” he said. “It was a responsibility to be part of the community.

In fact, the opportunity to make a difference was part of what motivated me to stay so involved in the Chamber. There are many people and families who served in the

Chamber that have been good role models for me: including the Bradfords, the Braggs, the Lafayettes, and the Woodcocks.”

“The Comstock family is another example of involvement. I know Arthur very well and I’m very flattered to receive this award,” Diamond said. “I think the world of both Arthur and Betty. The two of them epitomize the term ‘community service’ because they do so much and have done so much for so long.”

Diamond may have left Maine for warmer pastures, but his heart remains with the Bangor Region, he said. “I’m very optimistic about the direction the Bangor Region Chamber is going in,” Diamond said.“This region will play a leadership role in Maine and its quality of life. And the people running the Chamber have exactly what’s needed to move the region forward. I’ll be cheering long and loud for them.”

Members, continued from page 18 Michaud • U.S. Postal Service - Bangor • U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe • U.S. Senator Susan Collins • UBS Financial Services Inc. • UniFirst Corporation • Union Street Athletics • Uniship Courier Services • United Bank Card • United Cerebral Palsy of Maine • United Technologies Center • United Way of Eastern Maine • University College of Bangor • University Credit Union • University Inn/Academic Suites • University of Maine • University of Maine Alumni Assn. • University of Maine System

V:

Congratulations to all Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce award recipients and nominees.

NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE NOT BANK GUARANTEED | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

Member FDIC |

Equal Housing Lender

www.BHBT.com • 1-888-853-7100

Vacationland Inn • Vacationland Realty • Vafiades, Brountas & Kominsky, LLP • VanceGray Wealth Management, Inc • Varney Agency • Verizon Wireless — Stillwater Ave • versionZero Design • Verso Paper • Volunteers of America NNE • Voyager Networks of New England

W:

W. Tom Sawyer Jr. • W.B. Mason • W.C. Weatherbee & Sons, Inc. • W.S. Emerson Co. Inc. • WABI-TV • Wal-Mart: Bangor • Wal-Mart: Brewer • Ward Green Group • Waste Management of Maine • Watch Me Shine Preschool • Waterfront

Concert Series • WBRC Architects/Engineers • Weathervane Seafoods • Webber Energy Fuels • Webber Supply, Inc. • Weber MT, Inc. • Wellman Paving Inc. • Wellness Council of Maine • Wells Fargo Advisors • Wells Fargo Home Mortgage • Wellspring, Inc. • Westgate Manor • Whittens 2Way Service • Willey Law Offices • Willis HRH Northern New England • Wilson’s Lawn Service, Snow Plowing • Windswept Gardens LLC • Wings For Children & Families, Inc • Winterberry Heights Assisted Living & Memory Care Community • Winterport Winery • Wireless Zone (Verizon Wireless) • Wireless Zone- Bangor Mall • Wiseman Spaulding Design, Inc.-Antiquity Tile • WKIT/WZON: The Zone Corporation • Wood Associates • Woodard & Curran • Woodlands Assisted Living of Brewer • Work Opportunities Unlimited Inc. • WorkSource Staffing Services/Springborn Staffing • WQCB/WBZN/WEZQ/WWMJ/WDEA • WVII-TV 7/Fox 22

Y: Yachanin Building Construction • YMCA of Old Town and Orono • Yoshi: Japanese Restaurant

BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Thursday | January 20, 2011 | 21

Waterfront Concerts: Bion Foster Entrepreneurship Award

By Richard R. Shaw

A

year ago, Alex Gray stood on the Bangor Waterfront and envisioned a few headline concerts the following summer. Now, with seven big name shows and nearly 50,000 paid tickets to his credit, the 34-year-old Old Town promoter’s Waterfront Concerts LLC has received the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce’s newest accolade.

The Bion and Dorain Foster Entrepreneurship Award recognizes an individual or business whose innovation and creativity succeeded in opening new economic opportunities for the region. The signing of Celtic Woman, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, Jason Mraz, Miranda Lambert and Smackfest proved Gray’s gift for promotion.

“Ticket proceeds coupled with payments for municipal services ... provided the city with about $100,000 in revenue from the

2010 concert series,” reported Eric Russell in the Bangor Daily News. “In addition, several area restaurateurs, hoteliers, retailers and business leaders have agreed that the concert series was a huge success.”

Gray’s inaugural venture, sponsored by Hollywood Slots, enjoyed stellar support from city staff, including Bass Park Director Mike Dyer, Parks and Recreation Director Tracy Willette and City Engineer Jim Ring.

Shirar Patterson, business and economic development officer and staff liaison for Downtown Bangor Partnership, praised the shows, which ran from July 28 to Oct. 10.

“Events such as the Waterfront Concert Series have been part of a long-term vision of our waterfront redevelopment,” Patterson said. “These types of events that bring large numbers of people and activity to Bangor make our community even more attractive to investors and business owners.”

Working out of his Old Town home, Gray is determined to keep his business local.

Waterfront Concerts LLC has only one other staffer, production manager Robbie Snow.

Teaming with Bob Duteau of Live Nation, they stage concerts in such places as Oxford, Portland, Lewiston and Wiscasset.

“My impression of Alex is that he’s a very sharp guy,” said John Porter, president and CEO of the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce.“He partnered with Live Nation and cut a good deal with the city. ... As we debate a new Maine center [arena], we know that if you do it right, people will come to the region.”

The son of Seth Gray and Pam Gray, Alex graduated from Old Town High School in 1994, earning a University of Maine engineering degree five years later. Entrepreneurship runs in his family, since his ancestors established the Old Town Canoe Co. in 1900. At age 21, he started a live music club in Orono named Ushuaia, which in its seven years faced numerous legal challenges before closing in 2006.

“If it weren’t for Ushuaia, I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now,” Gray said, hav-

NEWS FILE PHOTO

Alex Gray is the driving force behind Waterfront Concerts. ing learned from the well-publicized experience. “Bangor gave me a chance, and I’m grateful for that.”

With the unanimous approval of the City Council, Waterfront Concerts will be back next year featuring a planned 10 to 15 shows and a new amphitheater. The contract is good from May 1 through Oct. 12, and Gray hopes to utilize every month. Acts could include comedy, “tweens” (9- to 12-year-old range), rap and the Boston Pops Orchestra.

Research shows that abou about 70 percent of the country’s healthcare costss are due to modifiable behaviors iors and lifestyles.

NEWS FILE PHOTO

Leaders from the Bangor Chamber of Commerce were part of the City’s 125th birthday celebration.

For more than ten years, the staff at Eastern Maine Medical Center’s Wellness Services Servic has coached ached employees of local businesses sinesses to lead healthier lives.

Let us improve rove the th lives of your employees. To learn employees rn mo more, please call (207) 973-4600.

(2 73-4600.

22 | BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Thursday | January 20, 2011

Glenn Mower: BRCC Volunteer of the Year

By Debra Bell

“By making sure that [the Chamber] can move ahead, it will make the community a better place.”

SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER

T

he Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce’s Volunteer of the Year is a man who knows that, while money isn’t everything, managing it properly can make a difference, both in business and the community.

Glenn Mower, controller at Bangor Letter Shop, is being recognized for his contributions to the Chamber’s bottom line — quite literally.

Mower has been a volunteer with the Chamber for the past five years, primarily involved with the Wellness Council of Maine and currently serves as Treasurer, but has also served on the Chamber’s finance committee and the Bangor Region Leadership Institute steering committee.

“The Chamber staff chose Glenn as our volunteer of the year because he’s given the Chamber his help when it needed it most.

We remade our accounting system in 2010, and Glenn was always there with advice and counsel for our bookkeeper,” said John

History Continued from Page 14 • John P. Frawley • Edwin N. Miller • John M. Oak • Eugene T. Savage • John G. Utterback Committee Chairs were:

GLENN MOWER, VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Porter, president and CEO of the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce.

Mower’s contributions to the Chamber may seem like they’re in the background, but in reality, his work has helped the mission of the Chamber and has made it easier for the staff to help businesses thrive.

“By making sure that [the Chamber] can move ahead, it will make the community a better place,” Mower said. “I was totally surprised when [Board Chair Michael Ballesteros] called me with the announcement chosen by the chamber staff.”

But anyone who knows Mower — even in passing — can see why he was the best choice for this award. Not only is he an invested businessman, but he believes in the philosophy of volunteering your time and talents to make the community better.

Before he became the controller at Ban-

gor Letter Shop in 1995, he worked as an assistant store manager and in other positions at Sears from 1974-1993, then for Harley Plumbing and Heating as their accountant from 1994 to 1995. Throughout his working life, he has remained heavily invested in community.

Mower knows the importance of giving back to the community. He is heavily invested in the Boy Scout program serving as a Cubmaster for the past 31 years, director of the annual Council Pinewood Derby and Pack Wagon Scramble, and a member currently serving as the Audit Committee Chair of the Katahdin Area Council board. Under his leadership he has worked with over 600 scouts and has inspired 42 scouts to earn the Eagle Scout rank including his own two sons.

Mower, a Husson University graduate, is the President of the Husson University Alumni Association, President of the Ban-

• John M. Oak, Agricultural Interests • Franklin E. Bragg, City Affairs • Charles M. Stewart, Conventions • Henry W. Cushman, Finance • C.A. Robbins, Membership • A. Langdon Freese, Municipal • B.M. Kirstein, New Industries • W.A. Hennessy, Publication • William H. Whittemore, Taxation • Edward R. Adams, Transportation Records of the Chamber’s happenings

also included large quarterly meetings of the membership to provide updates, get input and develop strategies to help businesses and patrons alike advance Bangor as a destination.

In that vein, the mission of the Chamber has not changed much.

In fact, in Chapin’s 1912 report, he reaffirms what members of the BRCC today know: “I will read a few sentences which appear

More Bank for Your Business.

MORE CONVENIENCE. MORE SERVICE. MORE CONTROL. Visit your nearest TD Bank, connect to www.tdbank.com or call Jeff Plourde at 1-888-751-9000 and open a business account today.

TD Bank, N.A.

NEWS PHOTO BY DEBRA BELL

Glenn Mower, controller at Bangor Letter Shop is the Chamber’s 2010 Volunteer of the Year. gor/Waterville Chapter-Institute of Management Accountants, audit chair of the Common Sense Housing board and a member and past president of the Bangor Breakfast Kiwanis. He is an officer and auditor of St. Andrew’s Lodge #83, F&AM and investment committee chair of the Bangor Masonic Foundation board. Glenn is an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Bangor and the New England Methodist Conference.

Mower has brought sense to the Chamber’s handling of dollars, and for that the organization is grateful.

on the membership card. I think they are well worth attention. They are as follows: In Bangor, as in every other communi ty, there are citizens, who, when asked to join the Chamber of Commerce, inquire: What am I going to get out of it?

It is not a question of what YOU are going to get out of the Chamber of Com merce that will count for BANGOR.

See LEADERS, Page 23

BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Thursday | January 20, 2011 | 23

KahBang Art & Music Festival: Fusion F.L.A.V.A. Award

By Debra Bell SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER

T

he organizers of Bangor’s newest music and arts festival will be recognized for its contribution to Bangor’s economic climate.

The Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce gives its Fusion F.L.A.V.A. Award (Fusion Leadership And Vision Award) to an individual, organization or business that “promotes the common good of young professionals in the Bangor region, makes significant contributions to the advancement and development of those individuals, or demonstrates a notable commitment to providing them with opportunities for leadership and civic involvement.”

It’s almost like the award was written for the KahBang Music and Arts Festival.

And the organizers of the KahBang festival are the recipients of the 2010 Fusion Flava award.

The KahBang Festival was started by a core group of eight 20-somethings from

Leaders Continued from Page 23 But it is a question of what you are going to put into the Chamber of Commerce.

You must have absolute faith in BANGOR, or you cannot make OTHER PEOPLE have faith in the best city in Maine.

Every one of us should bear in mind these sentiments.

the Bangor area who wanted to provide the region with something they never had — a national-caliber arts and entertainment event geared toward the area’s younger generation.

“The KahBang festival started in 2009 and was created by myself and seven other people all from the Bangor area,” said head organizer Christopher Michaud. “We really wanted to throw an event geared toward the youth — like us — offering something we hadn’t had before.”

In its first year, KahBang was a one-day event and 2,000 attendees. It also was the first ticketed event on the Bangor Waterfront. In 2010, the event had expanded to nine days and added art, film, and music to its festival lineup and attendance had nearly quadrupled.

“There was interest from every downtown venue,” Michaud said.

In 2011, the festival will once more be nine days long and incorporate national and local music acts, incorporate downtown merchants into the festivities even more, and once more involve art exhibits.

“We’re expanding the festival, but we

also really liked the format from last year,” Michaud said. “We’ve built this festival completely from scratch. All the money stays in Bangor. We raise funds through ticket sales and sponsorships and the main interest is quality.”

And, Michaud said, quality doesn’t just come from national acts. It’s also about showing off the creative economy centered in downtown Bangor. “We like to have a mixture of both national and local music acts, but the focus has always been on this as a discovery festival,” Michaud said. The “discovery” might be a great local act, or a breakout artist just starting to make a name for himself. The discovery also means that young people will start viewing Bangor as the primary cultural center of the state.

“We’re super excited to win this award,” Michaud said. “It feels good to be legitimatized by the Chamber of Commerce.

We’re all in our twenties and it’s hard to be taken seriously sometimes. We didn’t think like business people in the beginning, but in our third year, we’ve buttoned down and streamlined. This year is going to be awesome.”

Again I urge every member to work at all times for the best interests of the organization. By so doing it means having an active concern for Bangor’s progress. With united and whole-hearted effort we cannot fail in obtaining the best results.”

Chapin was a grocer and the mayor of Bangor from 1899 to 1901. In his role as the leader of the newly developed Chamber, he began the process of strengthening his community. Today’s leadership follows in a line

of proud, tough leaders.

The membership of the Chamber ebbed and flowed, but at its roots always remained strong. Strong leaders helped advance the case for doing business locally.

But it was always about more than just the members. Part of the mission of the Chamber was to advance Bangor. By advocating for the city and providing a strong base for its business membership, the people of the Bangor region ultimately benefitted.

NEWS PHOTO BY DEBRA BELL

(Above) Christopher Michaud is one of the organizers of the annual KahBang Art and Music Festival. (Below): Audiences were able to interact with artists. (NEWS File Photo)

Working together with the Bangor Merchant’s Association, the Chamber advocated for business growth, balance throughout the city in growth, and in the development of incentives and events aimed at increasing business to Bangor merchants.

Several of those outreach events included the Downtown Dollar Days and Paul Bunyan days. Full page ads in the Bangor Daily

See CHAMBER, Page 24

24 | BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Thursday | January 20, 2011

Chamber Continued from Page 24 Commercial (now the Bangor Daily News).

The Chamber also took advantage of its unique position to advocate on behalf of its members and the city to encourage people to visit Bangor. Forging relationships with legislative leaders was an imperative way to get Bangor’s message to the people who had control of legislation that could either positively or negatively affect the region.

Originally, the Chamber only served Bangor.

Other outlying communities had their own Chambers.It wasn’t soon before Bangor’s Chamber combined with several other area Chambers.

In 1996, the Chamber’s name was changed to the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce. That move not only merged resouces, but created a larger and more powerful organization capable of advocating for more members.

The BRCC has endured several wars, always looking out for the interests of the people in business and in the region. Advertising campaigns encouraged people to do their civic duty and vote, or to buy war bonds. In essence, the BRCC has always had the people of the area in mind.

That’s where the development of many of the Chamber’s programs come into play.

See ANNIVERSARY, Page 26

PHOTOS COURTESY BRCC

(Above): Technology has certainly changed since the BRCC formed in 1911. In this file photo, a typewriter is being used by William Hennessy. Today, typewriters have given way to computers, laptops, smart phones, and the Internet.

(Photos at right): Chamber After Hours networking events are also an opportunity available to BRCC members. The Chamber has held Chamber After Hours events for several decades. Education events, such as the Business Revolution Breakfast Series, also provide insight into business in the Region.

Congratulations Glenn Mower!

Chamber Volunteer of the Year

from all of us at BANGOR

LETTER SHOP

We’re So Much More Than Quick!

•••CON GR AT U LA T I ON S•••

Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce for 100 years of service to Maine!

The Forest Society of Maine extends its congratulations to the 2011 award winners. Thank you for your dedication and service to the Bangor region!

To find out about FSM s unique approach to land conservation in Maine, please contact us today!

115 Franklin Street, 3rd Floor * Bangor, ME 04401 * 207-945-9200 * info@fsmaine.org * www.fsmaine.org

C O U N S E L O R S &

A T

L A W

BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Thursday | January 20, 2011 | 25

2011 BRCC Executive Committee

Ex-Officio Board Members City and town managers of the municipalities served by the Bangor Region Chamber Kerrie Tripp, CVB President Mike Aube, EMDC President Tom Palmer, Community Council Chair Rebecca Hupp, BIA Executive Director Mike Dyer, Bass Park Director Anne-Marie Storey Rudman & Winchell, Member-at-Large

Julia Munsey

Dan Tremble

James Gerety

Rod Black

Chair

Vice Chair

Treasurer

Governmental Affairs

Oxford Networks

Fairmount Market/Ground Round

Bangor Mall

Ziegler Financial

Arthur Comstock Associate Member, Member-at-Large

Contact Information

Betsy Vickery

Andy Hamilton

Michael Ballesteros

Membership Chair

Business Retention & Development

Eastern Maine Community College

W.S. Emerson

Past Chair

Mailing Address:

E-mail:

519 Main Street Bangor, ME 04401

admin@bangorregion.com

Telephone:

www.bangorregion.com

Web site:

(207) 947-0307

Eaton Peabody

Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Staff

John Porter

Karen Cole

Jamie Laliberte

Kelly Enberg

Johann Sabbath

Marcia Baker

Martha Talbot

President

Executive Vice President

Director of Wellness Council of Maine

Director of Membership Development

Director of Program Development & Member Value

Administrative Assistant

Bookkeeper

Congratulations to Gary Rosscare values aging and strives to improve the lives of older adults.

Visit our website to learn more.

Smith, recipient of the Norbert X. Dowd Award!

www.rosscare.org

Stay Close. Gor Far.

'()%* %&& " $ "# !

26 | BANGOR DAILY NEWS | Thursday | January 20, 2011

Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Directors

Anniversary Continued from Page 24

Rich Armstrong

Mary Brooks

Susan Chaar

Lynne Churchill Dan Dauphinee

Snowman Printing

Courtyard by Marriott

Concentra

Courtyard by Marriott Northeastern Log Homes

Andy Fitzpatrick

Emil Genest

Jane Irving

Renee Kelly

Jerry Livengood

Associate Member

SAD #22

Bangor Savings Bank

University of Maine

Bangor Natural Gas

The development of “Business After Hours” events, was initially designed to allow member businesses to network with each other after the work day was done. Networking is a proven way to not only increase business to business transactions, but it’s also a way to allow business owners to better meet client needs. Each business after hours is hosted by a member business.

Today’s Chamber has many new programs and committees that 100 years ago would have been unheard of. Fusion: Bangor is a program of the Chamber that encourages young business people to network, receive support, and reverse the brain drain that Maine is experiencing. Aimed at 20-40 year olds, Fusion has brought on a new generation of leaders, priming them for the future.

The Chamber’s Facebook and online presence are also advancements that have helped the Chamber advance its mission. Now anyone, from across the region or across the country can access information about who to do business with. The authority that being a member of the Chamber brings with it is priceless, especially for smaller businesses.

The Wellness Council of Maine is another fairly recent addition to the Chamber’s programs. WCLME provides support and education to businesses to improve worker health and satisfaction.

The BRCC also knows the merit in celebrating local leaders and began giving awards, including the prestigious Norbert X. Dowd award for an exemplary business man or woman. What started as one award has grown to nine awards granted annually. As the times change, additional awards are added. And it’s not just the board that picks; nominations from fellow chamber members are accepted.

As the BRCC looks to another 100 years serving the Region and its businesses, the Chamber has its eyes on adapting to changing technology and additional challenges. And it’s the people of the region who will be the winners.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRCC

Cathy Mahar

Dennis Marble

Camden National Bank Greater Bangor Area Homeless Shelter

Suzanne Spruce EMHS

Steve Rich WBRC A/E

Andy Sturgeon Marion Syverson J.W. Sewell Co.

Norumbega Financial

John Simpson

Lee Speronis

Consultant

Husson University

Congratulations Gary Smith, winner of the Norbert X. Dowd Award.

It’s the dedication of business people like you that makes our communities so strong.

Thank you Gary—for committing your time and talent to serve others. We’re proud to share your dedication to helping Mainers achieve their dreams. As Maine’s largest independent bank, we know that neighbors helping neighbors is what makes our communities strong.

And that’s what makes Maine strong.

www.bangor.com | 1.877.Bangor1 (1.877.226.4671) Member FDIC