4 minute read
A MESSAGE FROM CHAMBER LEADERSHIP
CLIF GREIM
Board Chair; President, Frosty Hill Consulting
Advertisement
DANA CONNORS
President, Maine State Chamber of Commerce
ONE YEAR AND THREE EDITIONS LATER , our pride in OneVoice Maine magazine continues to grow with each publication. Building upon the themes of the two previous issues, this edition focuses on another Mainer who has left a significant and indelible mark on our state – Harold Alfond, the founder of Dexter Shoe Company.
As you read these stories, you will quickly understand Harold’s philanthropic spirit is as legendary as his business acumen. Rooted deeply in collaboration, Harold certainly committed his life to making Maine a better place to live and work for all.
“True philanthropy requires a disruptive mindset, innovative thinking, and a philosophy driven by entrepreneurial insights and creative opportunities,” entrepreneur Naveen Jain once said. Harold possessed that mindset – using innovation, leadership, and engagement in the development of his manufacturing endeavors, as well as in the projects supported by his philanthropic foundation.
At just 36 years old, Harold established the Harold Alfond Foundation, and since his passing in 2007, the foundation has continued his philanthropic legacy through investments that make “enduring, transformative contributions to the community and state of Maine.” Today, the Foundation invests in education, health care, and youth and community development causes, following the values of Harold Alfond, which maintain that:
Young people are the future of Maine and deserve healthy communities, high-quality educational opportunities, and the chance to learn and grow through teamwork and athletics.
The health and well-being of our communities rely on addressing pressing needs with strong leadership, creative and entrepreneurial solutions, and teamwork.
An educated and healthy citizenry is vital for the future success of Maine, the well-being of our communities, and the strength of our economy. Those who live, work, play, and grow in our state deserve the best educational institutions and health care services.
Harold’s passions and principles resonate profoundly throughout the causes and communities in which he’s invested. American banker David Rockefeller noted that, “Philanthropy is involved with basic innovations that transform society, not simply maintaining the status quo or filling basic needs that were formerly the province of the public sector.” Whether you know it or not, Alfond Foundation grants are at work benefiting communities in every corner of our state.
We owe a debt of gratitude to Harold for his vision, care, and passion. We hope you enjoy this edition of OneVoice Maine as we attempt to spotlight some of his many impactful projects. And more importantly, as we progress through the pandemic recovery, we hope you find projects in your community that inspire you, that transform your corner of Maine, and that empower the next generation of Mainers to do the same.
ACCESS ADVOCACY AWARENESS
Through our various networking events, our more than 5,000 member businesses and their employees have numerous opportunities to share best practices and create solid business contacts each year. Our policy-oriented events also give members the opportunity to interact with issue experts, opinion leaders, and policy makers in a meaningful way. We have the most respected advocacy presence of any business association in Maine. No other association covers as many issues with broad public policy implications as the Chamber. Covering workers’ compensation, health care, energy, tax policy, education, workforce development, environmental policy, and more, our team of advocates is the largest in the Statehouse. Whether it’s our Impact newsletter, “The Bottom Line” podcast, “The Maine Take” livestream program, or our many other Newsroom resources including Daily Business Headlines emailed every workday morning, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce makes it easy for members to stay current on all of the important issues that impact Maine businesses and our state’s economy.
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
Someone has to speak up for Maine businesses. That’s where we come in. The Maine State Chamber of Commerce is here, because you have a business to run, product to produce, service to provide, people to employ, and a community to support. You cannot do all those things and make sure the Legislature in Augusta is acting in your best interests. We’re here to influence the outcomes in the Legislature, as well as provide you with information, programs, and events that are a real return on investment of your membership dues. We are taking care of business in Augusta, so that you can take care of yours.
Contents
FEATURE STORIES
Harold Alfond (1914–2007) ..............................................................6 Harold Alfond’s Vision and Generosity Position Maine for Global Education Leadership: University of Maine System............62 The Harold Alfond Foundation: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow................................................... 72
MAINE VOICES
A Message from U.S. Senator Susan Collins .................................. 16
SCHOOL PROFILES
A History of Support from the Harold Alfond Foundation: University of New England ............................................................ 18 Bringing Promising Futures within Reach: Thomas College ......... 24 Seeing the Potential in Every Person: Maine Community College System................................................34 The Gift that Started It All: Colby College ......................................38 A $100 Million Promise: The Roux Institute at Northeastern University .............................54
COMMUNITY PERSPECTIVES
The Waterville Legacy of Mr. Harold Alfond ..................................28 A Legacy Like No Other: The Alfond Scholarship Foundation...............................................42 Health Care Here at Home ............................................................46 Good Shepherd Food Bank ............................................................58
