InTouch
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER MARCH 2013
Waterville Main Street: Convergence & Creation in 2013 By Jennifer Olsen, Director, Waterville Main St. As we help shape the core of Waterville, our initiatives in all four areas of the Main Street model give balance, structure and direction. Thanks so much for the warm welcome to Waterville! So much is happening here, and I’m still meeting all of you and learning about all that Waterville and our organization has, but I’m grateful for the chance to share what I see for downtown Waterville in the next year. Economic Restructuring: Healthy Maine Streets: We invite our downtown business owners to hear about this bold new program designed to boost productivity, reduce turnover, and help the whole community get healthier through no-cost strategies, with incentives to boot. Comprehensive Planning, Arts Development and Tourism Marketing: As the City takes on the next phase of its planning, Main Street will be right there in support of local business, pedestrian safety, and housing, with chances for all community members to get a voice. In addition, recent progress with artscentered development and destination market-
ing will continue. (Thanks to Scott Workman for the great photo.) Promotions: You'll be seeing our promotions volunteers bringing a new event to downtown once spring is here- a street dance on Main Street! In the meantime, the Maine Open Juried Art Show happens in March, the Poetry Express is headed our way, and be sure to pick up the Downtown Loyalty Flyers, where downtown businesses offer different specials every month. Organization: Did you know that training is available free of charge to all Main Street Communities? Volunteers, community leaders and business owners can all take advantage of training in topics that may interest them. March 15 -Historic Preservation and Green Downtowns May 31 –The 13th Annual Maine Downtown Conference September 27 - Fundraising and Downtown Leadership Development October 25 - Stellar Small Businesses: Survival Strategies to Thrive We also have sponsorship opportunities available for our events. If your business or cause needs some broad exposure, and you have a real interest in helping Waterville prosper, we will continue to help make those connections happen. Design: It's flower box planning time, so watch for these living works of art to burst into bloom along Main Street. We are hoping to add more pocket parks and street signs this season to brighten things up as well. Our designated Historic District has been approved at the state and national level, and we will celebrate in the spring! As always, if you have questions or concerns about our city center, or would like to get involved, please feel free to contact me via email: jennifer@watervillemainstreet.org, phone: 680-2055, or mobile: 447-5801. Find us on Facebook, or visit our website: www.watervillemainstreet.org.
Highlights in this Issue: P. 2: From the President’s Chair P. 2: Business Breakfast Spotlighters P. 4: Member Events’ Calendar P. 5: Stop Making New Years Resolutions P. 8: Biz Spotlight: GHM Insurance
March 27, 2013 Colby College Field House 2-7PM Booths still available! See orange insert for details.
50th Annual Awards Dinner April 11, 2013 Waterville Elks Register by calling 873-3315 or email prog.asst@midmainechamber.com.
Meet the Reps March 21 5:30-7PM at the Chamber
50 ELM STREET, WATERVILLE, ME 04901 • TEL: (207) 873-3315 • FAX: (207) 877-0087 info@midmainechamber.com • www.midmainechamber.com Brad Fisher, Chair of the Board • Kimberly N. Lindlof, President & CEO
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From the President’s Chair
Business After Hours:
Mid-Maine Chamber has two op-
The Brown House Company 71 Francis Street, Waterville March 20 5:30-7:00 PM
portunities that would benefit your business: Welcome ME, a free customer service training program for Bowdoin Maine businesses and organizaPhotography tions; and Business Breakfast Spotlighters. Welcome ME training is web-based and was specifically designed to support the hospitality and tourism industries in the state by creating superior customer service experiences. It is a statewide standardized training, offering tools and resources for all Maine citizens, whether they work directly or indirectly with visitors. The program’s goal focuses on better serving Maine’s customers. I believe that this one hour training is worthwhile for all of those who interact with customers and clients. The argument for superior customer service is compelling: 86% of consumers stop doing business with a company when they had a bad customer service experience; for every complaint there are 26 others who have remained silent; attracting new customers cost 5 times as much as keeping a current customer. Eighty percent of companies are convinced that they provide superior customer experiences, while 8% of their customers agree. I can’t think of a business or organization in our region that couldn’t benefit even slightly from mandating its employees to take an hour and complete the video training: www.WelcomeMEtraining.com. At the end, you and your employees can print out a certificate of completion for HR files, or post at your place of business. There’s a short test at the end of each module which is not difficult, but gets its point across. Check out the article on the right for more information on the Business Breakfast Spotlighters. Happy St. Patrick’s Day.
Sponsored by:
Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Door prizes, 50/50 raffle & other fabulous prizes!
Thank you to our 50/50 Sponsor:
Business Breakfast Spotlighters The Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce and Thomas College Business Breakfast Series is actually much more than just a great buffet breakfast spread and interesting, informative presentations on various pertinent topics. It is also a great opportunity to network and mingle with other business people from the organization. One of the 2013 chamber initiatives is to foster and encourage that networking aspect of our breakfasts and to that end we’ve added the business breakfast spotlighters program. Any chamber member in good standing can exhibit their products and services for FREE at our breakfasts. We will have as many as three per breakfast from non-competing industries. We ask that each exhibitor donate a prize of at least $50 for the raffle after the presentation. This is a great marketing opportunity to get in front of the areas business men and women for free! Take a look at the breakfast schedule for the rest of the year (see the yellow insert) and decide what breakfast topic might make sense for you to be a spotlighter at. Reserve it today! There is also an area towards the back of the room where members can get coffee and mingle prior to sitting down to eat. That’s also a great time to visit the spotlighter companies and check out their product and services. We’re asking chamber members that, if possible, to arrive around 7:15 AM to have time for this.
- Kimberly
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Breakfast continued from page 2
At the table, members are encouraged introduce themselves and pass around their business cards. We are, after all a ‘Chamber of Commerce’. As we always hear: “Buy Maine”, “Buy local” … we should also consider “Buy Chamber”. The next chamber breakfast on March 14th will feature: “Cover Your Assets”. The Waterville Chief of Police, Joe Massey, will share his expertise on how to protect your business from the most common internal and external threats. It is something we all should be paying attention to. Try and attend. Come early and bring a friend, as well as your business cards. Ted Helberg speaking at the December To sign up to be a spotlighter or to register Business Breakfast Series at Thomas College. for the next business breakfast series, contact the office at 873-3315. Dr. Charles Ruff, a local orthodontist, would like to welcome Amy Faloon to his team. Amy has been a manager at Fashion Bug for 21 years and due to their closing she was ready for a career change. Amy will be a scheduling coordinator at the office. External Affairs for Unity College. Thomas College announced the promotion of Dr. James Libby to Academic Dean. Dr. Libby will work closely with the Assistant Dean, department chairs, and faculty to catalyze growth of all degree programs, including masters, baccalaureate, associates, and nontraditional academic offerings at Thomas College. New Dimensions Federal Credit Union would like to welcome Brad Fisher as their new Business Development Officer. President Stephen Mulkey, an internationally recognized scientist, announced that Dr. Melik Peter Khoury has been appointed to the newly created position of Senior Vice President for Voted The #1 Electrical Contractor For Greater Waterville Area for 2011!
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Maine Employers Should Take Advantage of Tax Credits When Hiring in 2013 To learn more about the tax credit program or the bonding program, please contact the WOTC program coordinator at the Maine Department of Labor’s Bureau of Employment Services at 6237981 or visit a CareerCenter. The locations of Maine’s 12 CareerCenters are available at www.mainecareercenter.com.
Falls, Janine White of New Portland, Jody Watson of China and Dana Kempton of Skowhegan. Additionally, HRCHC would like to congratulate the new Board Officers: Joanne Joy, who will serve as Chair; Margaret Edwards Flynn, who will serve as Vice Chair; and David Leigh, who will serve as Secretary/ MaineGeneral Health recently elected new Treasurer. It would also like to recognize demembers to its board of directors. Joining the parting board members James Breslin, Brian board is Rome resident David Hay, MD; Man- LaCroix, and Doreen Holmes for their years chester resident Mark Johnston; Waterville of service. resident James LaLiberty, Esq. and Augusta resident Gary Peachey. LPL Financial has recognized Brian Bernatchez, CFP® an independent financial adviProvider Power, the parent company of Elec- sor at Golden Pond Wealth Management as tricity Maine, recently hired Candace a top financial advisor and named to the LPL Sanborn as Vice President of Marketing and Financial Chairman’s Council. This distincWilliam Fessenden as Director of Media tion is based on a ranking of all registered Strategy. advisors supported by LPL Financial LLC, the nation’s largest independent broker-dealer, HealthReach Community Health Centers is and is awarded to less than two percent of the pleased to announce that four new members firms approximately 13,100 advisors nationare joining its 2013 Board of Directors. These wide. new members are Gary Pierson of Livermore
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March 2: Let’s Go! Skating Party at the Alfond Youth Center’s outdoor skating rink in Waterville. Sponsored by Inland Hospital from 2-4PM. This is a free event with an opportuni- Development Foundation. This will be from ty to sign up to win a $500 L.L. Bean gift 9AM to noon at the Community Room, Bath card! FMI: ewells@emhs.org. Savings Institution, 105 Front Street, Bath. FMI: Roxanne Eflin at 626-3117 or March 9: Friends Morning Out class to make reflin@mdf.org. shamrock bevels at Stained Glass Express from 9:30AM to noon. Cost $45, March 16: Pine View Homes is all materials included. FMI and to offering a free finance seminar at register: 872-9305 or info@ Pine View Homes, 499 Augusta Road, Winsstainedglassexpress.com. low from 10AM to noon. This is a no obligation seminar with a bank representative availMarch 11: Premier Marketing Group is able to answer any questions. FMI: payer offering a webinar from 3-4PM that will dis- @pineview1955.com. cuss affordable tools that enable you to attract new customers, capture customer information, March 16: Kennebec Montessori School and interact with your customers easily and will hold its annual Open House and Registrainexpensively. They’ll also show you systems tion Day from 9:30 to noon, at 38 Sheridan that allow you to calculate measurable results Drive, Fairfield. Everyone is invited to come and return on your marketing investment. and tour the classrooms, meet the teachers and FMI: 1-800-427-6767 or mikew@pmginc.biz. learn more about the Montessori approach to early childhood education. New registrations will be accepted at this time for 2013-14 for March 13: Thomas College 2013 Career fair from 9:30AMchildren 2.9 to 9 years of age. FMI: 453-6055; 1:30PM in the Mahaney Gym at www.kennebecmontessori.org. Thomas College. Looking for employees or interns? FMI or to March 20: Augusta CareerCenter & Emregister: www.thomas.edu/careerfair or Diane ployer Support of the Guard and Reserve have Anderson, Careerhelp@thomas.edu or call teamed up to secure the Augusta Armory for a 859-1464. Veteran Job Fair (general public also welcome) from 10AM-3PM. There is no charge March 13: Maine State Chamber Legislafor table space. FMI: douglas.c.hudson tive Strictly Social networking reception from @maine.gov. 5-7PM at Senator Inn & Spa, Augusta. It’s an ideal way for you, the Maine business leader, March 22: Waterville Opera House to interact with legislators, business associhosts comedian Paula Poundstone at ates, new and prospective Maine State Cham8PM. Tickets cost $25. FMI: ber members, and government representatives http://www.operahouse.org/ in a relaxed setting. To register please email: EVENTS/MusicComedy.aspx. rstoddard@mainechamber.org. March 28: Tracy O’Clair of TOCMedia will March 15: Historic Preservation and Sustain- host a Getting Started with Constant Contact able Design: Economics, Heritage and Envi- Email seminar at the Waterville Public Lironment seminar brought to you by Maine brary from 10:15AM-12:15PM. Registration
Required. FMI: toclair@toc-media.com. March 29: Premier Marketing Group is offering a webinar from 8-9AM that will discuss affordable tools that enable you to attract new customers, capture customer information, and interact with your customers easily and inexpensively. They’ll also show you systems that allow you to calculate measurable results and return on your marketing investment. FMI: 1-800-427-6767 or mikew@pmginc.biz. March 29: Kennebec Valley Community College will host its 7th annual fundraising gala, “An Evening of Jazz,” to raise money for student programs and resources. The event will be held from 6-10PM in the Alfond Recreation Center at the new KVCC campus on Route 201, formerly the central campus of the Good Will-Hinckley School. FMI: 453-5020 or foundation@kvcc.me.edu.
The Easy-To-Use Web Portal at "OpenCheckbook.maine.gov" provides Mainers unprecedented access to State budget information. Maine Open Checkbook is designed to allow users to easily find the information they need using various search criteria. Organization, vendor/ employee, fund type, category, or any combination of the four can sort financial data results which is built on more than 5 million data records. Details surrounding vendor payments will be uploaded to the website every month and employee compensation, including salary information and benefits, will be updated on an annual basis. The new Web site (http:// www.maine.gov/opencheckbook ) was developed at no cost to Maine taxpayers and was created by the Maine State Controller’s Office, in partnership with the state’s egovernment portal provider, InforME.
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Stop Making New Year’s Resolutions For this first column of 2013, I was asked to write about how to best keep your New Year’s resolution. The answer is quite simple, don’t make one. If you made one this year, chances are you have already broken it. In their book One Word That Will Change Your Life, the authors note: “Every New Year, 87 Good Health = Good Business percent of adults create new goals and resolutions….Only half will stick to their convictions for even 30 days. Most resolutions are long forgotten by summer.” New Year’s resolutions don’t work for a variety of reasons. So rather than do something that doesn’t work, try setting a SMART goal. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time specific. The successful use of goals, though, requires more than just the creation of SMART goals. A successful goal process actually involves three steps: • Having a clearly defined goal or goals • A plan for how to achieve the goal or goals • A measurement system to help track progress towards achieving the goal or goals The plan for achieving your goal or goals needs to consist of an identification of the key behaviors necessary for goal achievement and how and when you will implement these key behaviors on a daily basis. The implementation needs to be consistent and part of a daily routine. The measurement system can be as simple as having a tracking system for recording how often the key behaviors are performed. The tracking system should reflect daily, weekly and monthly actions. The tracking system will help to keep the coachee focused and on track. What gets measured gets done. The setting of goals is, however, only a motivator for an estimated 30% of the population. If you are not motivated by goal setting, consider identifying areas to focus on rather than setting specific goals. Establishing areas of focus will still give you direction without setting specific expectations for outcomes. By focusing on one particular area, you can focus on tasks rather than outcomes. Another alternative to goal setting is what is known as The One Word process. The One Word process involves applying a single word to six life domains. The six life domains are: physical, mental, relationships, financial, emotional and spiritual. Once you establish your word, the question you ask yourself is how will I apply the word throughout the year in each of the life domains? It is not too late. Use one of these strategies and create yourself a happy, successful and prosperous 2013. References: Bregman, Peter. “Consider Not Setting Goals in 2013. Available electronically at: http:// blogs.hbr.org/bregman/2012/12/consider-not-setting-goals-in.html Accessed: December 14, 2012. Britton, Dan. Page, Jimmy. Gordon, Jon. 2013. One Word That Will Change Your Life. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons. Bill McPeck is a Certified Wellness Culture Coach and Worksite Wellness Program Consultant. He is currently Information Integration Manager at Viridian Health Management. Contact Bill with your questions and comments at 355-1203 or bmcpeck@viridianhealth.com.
Buddies Groceries 43 Main Street Oakland, ME 04963 Phone: 465-2621 Steve Phair buddiesgroceries@localnet.com www.buddiesgrocery.com Lucky Rock LLC 373 Hussey Hill Road Vassalboro, ME 04989 Phone: 318-9322 Betsy Poulin betsy@luckyrockdesign.com http://luckyrockdesign.com Mane Management Salon 2333 Riverside Drive Vassalboro, ME 04989 Phone: 872-9800 Linette Gamache lindygamache@aol.com www.manemanagementsalon.com Tree Spirits Winery & Distillery 152 Fairfield Street Oakland, ME 04963 Phone: 861-2723 Bruce Olsen bruce@treespiritsofmaine.com www.treespiritsofmaine.com
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KVCC plans Agriculture Cluster at Alfond Campus By Jonathan Humphrey Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) is in the process of establishing an agriculture-oriented education hub at its new Harold Alfond Campus that will offer at least four distinct programs and a dozen career paths to students. The KVCC Agriculture Cluster will be based at the Alfond Campus farm where preparations are now underway to establish the first two of the programs two year degrees in Sustainable Agriculture and in Culinary Arts – by this fall. “The college examined the challenges associated with establishing a secure and sustainable food system in our region and identified these academic programs to support the effort,” Kathy Englehart, Math and Sciences Department Chair for KVCC, said. The Sustainable Agriculture program will provide students with the technical and small business skills needed to manage or develop a small farm or agricultural business. Curriculum will include: soil, plant and animal science, crop production, integrated pest management, farm infrastructure, and sustainable livestock management. The program's development got a boost in January thanks to a $100,000 grant from Jane’s Trust to hire a farm manager and purchase equipment. The Culinary Arts program will provide a strong foundation in culinary arts using an innovative farm to table focus. Curriculum would include basic and advanced food preparation techniques, nutrition, menu planning, kitchen sanitation and safety, food purchase and storage,
and meal serving. One-year certificate options for these programs are also planned. Plans call for students to begin enrolling in both programs this spring with classes to begin in August. Other programs being developed for the Agriculture Cluster to begin in the fall of 2014 include: Food Technology - introducing students to the principles of food science including the selection, preservation, processing, packaging, distribution and use of safe, nutritious and wholesome foods. Quality Control Technician providing a foundation of scientific principles, problem solving, and technical skills. Curriculum would include record-keeping, guidelines and regulations, quality control, and technical writing and reporting as well as a selection of science electives to meet the needs of various regional employers. Career opportunities for students emerging from the Agriculture Cluster and its programs would include jobs in occupations including farm manager/ supervisor, agriculture technician, nursery/greenhouse grower, agribusiness owner, quality control technician, chef/cook, food service manager, baker/baker’s assistant, food preparation worker, food science technician, agricultural technician, agricultural inspector, and seed production and sales. More information on the KVCC Agriculture Cluster will be posted online at www.kvcc.me.edu as it becomes available.
March 1
Fri.
7:30 AM
Board of Directors Chamber Boardroom March 5 Tue. 8:00 AM Bus. Expansion & Retention Chamber Boardroom March 7 Thur. Noon Information Services Silver Street Tavern March 8 Fri. 7:30 AM Public Policy Chamber Boardroom March 15 Fri. 7:30 AM Executive Board Chamber Boardroom March 27 Wed. 8:00 AM Membership Chamber Boardroom
Upcoming Events March 6: Leading Women’s Luncheon 11:30AM-1PM O'Brien's Event Center This is a quarterly series of female speakers presenting their path to success & their struggles along the way. Speaking at the luncheon will be Carolann Ouellette, director of Maine Office of Tourism. Men and Women are welcome. Cost is $20 for members who register ahead of time, $25 registration at the door, and $25 general admission. Reservation required & includes a luncheon buffet. March 14: Business Breakfast Series 7:15-9 AM Thomas College Cover Your Assets Waterville Chief of Police, Joe Massey, will share his expertise on how to protect your business from the most common internal/external threats. March 20: Business After Hours 5:30-7 PM The Brown House Company 71 Francis Street, Waterville This is a great way to mix and mingle with other business professionals!
27 Cool Street • Waterville, ME 04901 (207) 873-0721 • Fax (207) 877-2287 www.genesishcc.com Rehabilitation and Living Centers
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Maine Children’s Home of Little Wanderers is the winners of the Booth Make-Over contest. ColorGraphics and Leo Marketing will do a complete Booth Make-Over for them, which include large graphics, a retractable display, tabletop display and a marketing makeover. Make sure you go to the Business to Business Showcase event and check them out and see the Little Wanderers fabulous new booth! ColorGraphics is a print and sign production shop and Leo is a fullservice creative marketing company.
ville area on Thursdays. FMI: 1-800-9249006. Mainebiz--Maine’s award winning business publication-- received a newly designed publication. Produced in a smaller size, with upgraded paper and color throughout, the “new” Mainebiz debuted with the February 4th issue.
Maine Development Foundation and the Maine State Council of the Society for HuU.S. Cellular recently extended man Resource Management are pleased to its military discount to include announce a new scholarship program for military veterans. Now, active adult and non-traditional aged students, the duty, reserve military and veterans can all Next Step Scholarship Fund. They are curreceive a 15 percent discount off of their rently accepting applications for monthly calling plan charges on individual 15 to 17 available scholarships in plans $39.99 or higher and family plans 2013, with awards of $1,000 to $59.99 and higher. U.S. Cellular thanks and $2,500. These scholarships will be appreciates the brave men and women curgiven to employees who are enrently serving in the military and wanted to gaged in taking the next step in their educaextend their discount to recognize veterans tion through pursuit of an associate’s degree, who have devoted years of their life to serva bachelor’s degree, or an industry certificaing and protecting our country. tion, and who are considered promising contributors to the companies or organizations Champions Fitness Club has just purchased for whom they work. Scholarship applications 2 new Life Fitness 91XI Elliptical. Elliptical must be submitted by employers, who can training is a non-impact cardiovascular activi- ‘nominate’ eligible employees. FMI: ty that can strengthen one’s heart and lungs www.mdf.org/events/Next-Step-Maineand reduce wear and tear on your joints. It Scholarship-Application-Period-Open/632/. can help one drop body fat, reduce one’s blood pressure and make one feel amazing. Spectrum Generations is seeking volunteers FMI: lisa@championsfitnessclub.com or interested in healthy living to train to become terry@championsfitnessclub.com. “health coaches”. Health coaches help older adults improve their health and their lives by AT&T contributed $450,000 to leading structured activities in an interactive Cell Phones for Soldiers’ new initi- workshop format. A selection of workshops ative “Helping Heroes Home” and offer volunteers a choice in level of involvelaunched a July 4th Causes camment and varying time commitments. FMI: paign that raised an addition $50,000 for the Vicki Foster at 620-1659. program in just 45 days. Warren’s Office Supplies/Paper Klip is Unity College becomes the first in higher offering a Free Tumbler by mail when you education to tie every aspect of its curriculum buy 2 Post-it Full Adhesive Notes 12- Packs. to the mitigation of global climate change. They also provide free delivery to the Water-
The Unity College Career Services Department prides itself on its approach to diversity. This approach includes comprehensive services to members of the LGBTQ community. The department has earned the 2013 Gold Level of LGBTQ Career Center Certification from the OUT for Work (OFW), a group that functions as a complimentary component in the total education experience of LGBTQ students, primarily in the development, evaluation, initiation, and implementation of career plans and opportunities Did you know that Central Maine Chrysler Dodge Jeep collects used eye glasses and cell phones on behalf of the Clinton Lions club? The cell phones are given to battered women for emergency purposes. It is with great pleasure and pride that Capital Area Staffing Solutions, Inc. celebrates 10 Years of assisting businesses of the Kennebec Valley recruit the best possible personnel to their workforce! Since 2003, Capital Area Staffing has placed hundreds of people in new jobs, many of those permanent in nature, and has earned a reputation in the business community for providing the highest quality employees! We would like to thank you for your kind support – it would not have been possible without you – and look forward to the next 10 years! Legislation Tracker Concerned about the workings of state government? Want to keep track of legislation during the 125th Legislature’s Second Regular session? The State’s Web site let’s you do just that. Track the progress and scheduling online at: maine.gov/legis/lio/publications.htm
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GHM Insurance Agency is a family owned local independent insurance agency offering exceptional service and competitive rates for auto and homeowner insurance, boats, motorcycles, and snowmobiles, most types of business insurance, life, disability, and long term care insurance, as well as a full range of employee benefits. With access to many of the finest insurance carriers available in Maine, the friendly and knowledgeable staff at GHM are always happy to meet with individuals, families, and business owners to provide a review and no-obligation proposal of their various insurance policies. The staff at GHM prides itself on its involvement in community service and is involved with many local organizations. Additionally, the GHM team works hard every day to provide outstanding service to its customers and in 2009 received the Governors Award for Business Excellence. GHM also was named a Best Practices Agency by the Independent Insurance Agents Association of America in 2010 and has remained a Best
Practices Agency since. GHM also received the Shep Lee Award for distinguished community service from the Institute for Family Business, an honored member of the Jeremiah Milbank Society of the Boys & Girls Club of America, and received the Millennium Award from the Mitchell Scholarship Institute, and the William R. Cotter Award from the Water-
ville Regional Arts Community Center. In 2010, Bill Mitchell was named the business person of the year by Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce. GHM was founded in 1901 by John B. Friel and was acquired by Paul Mitchell in 1964. Bill Mitchell joined the firm in 1981 and has since acquired the agency from Paul. The agency opened a branch in Auburn in 2007. Today, GHM employs 29 professionals of which 25 are licensed insurance
agents and 8 have Certified Insurance Counselor designations. GHM has been a President's Club Agency with Hanover Insurance for 10 years (less than 5% of all agents receive this prestigious honor) and an MMG Insurance Partner Agency since 2010. Some of the other outstanding insurance carriers that GHM is proud to represent include Memic, Peerless, Acadia, Patriot, Travelers, Hartford, Concord Group, Vermont Mutual, Great Falls, Union Mutual, Patrons Oxford, and several others. The success of GHM has allowed Bill Mitchell to expand his business endeavors to include the development of KMD Plaza located at 270 Kennedy Memorial Drive in Waterville, creating up to 50 jobs, and most recently developing Penny Hill Park located at 295 Kennedy Memorial Drive, which upon completion will create up to another 50 jobs in Central Maine. Please visit GHM at one of their conveniently located offices in downtown Waterville or 34 Center Street in Auburn.
Have some news you would like to share? Submit a short announcement to the Chamber office by the 3rd Friday of the prior month. Inserts are also available for $125 per month. Call 873-3315 or email info@midmainechamber.com. Disclaimer: The Mid-Maine Chamber’s InTouch newsletter is published monthly as a benefit to members and affiliates. All member news is compiled and submitted solely by our members; therefore, we reserve the right to omit and/or edit as appropriate, and cannot guarantee complete accuracy of all announcements. Sponsorship inserts do not necessarily reflect the position of the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce.