InTouch
Monthly Newsletter· April 2014
Highlights in this Issue: P. 2: From the President’s Chair P. 3: Marketing Tips: Grow Your Facebook Fan Base P. 4: Member Events Calendar P. 6: Waterville to Host Downtown Conference P. 7: Member News P. 8: Member Spotlight: Habitat for Humanity of the Waterville Area
Tuesday, April 29· Waterville Elks Banquet Center 5PM Happy Hour sponsored by
A limited number of tickets are available for this event at $50 per person. Contact Mid-Maine Chamber at 873-3315 to reserve your tickets.
6PM Dinner & Awards
Jackie & John Dalton
Bart Stevens Century 21 Nason Realty
Shane Savage Fairfield, Oakland, Unity & Winslow Pharmacies
Darlene Ratte Best Western Plus—Waterville
Kennebec Behavioral Health
Joshua Reny Town of Fairfield
Maine Film Center
Doreen Brown Hampton Inn—Waterville
50 ELM STREET, WATERVILLE, ME 04901 • TEL: (207) 873-3315 • FAX: (207) 877-0087 customerservice@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 With the recent announcement of the upcoming loss of 300 jobs in Pittsfield, I am reminded of how fragile and dependent our Bowdoin Photography local economy is. Although technically outside of the Mid-Maine Chamber region, this layoff will have a negative impact as I am certain many of those employees live in our region. The Town of Pittsfield recognized its relationship to our immediate economy and joined the Mid-Maine Chamber last year. This allows us to promote its upcoming Job Fair on May 14th from 3:00 to 6:30 p.m. at Warsaw Middle School Gym, 167 School St., Pittsfield. Please contact Kathryn Ruth at townmanager@pittsfield.org or 4873136 for more information. The truth is that, although sectors of our economy are rebounding, many businesses are still struggling and that is why it is so important for each of us to do our part and support our locally owned businesses. “Shop Locally” is a phrase that is probably overused and I think sometimes misunderstood by some. In general, it’s referring to supporting the local guy, the small business around the corner. Local entrepreneurs put their hearts and souls into the businesses that they create, often leveraging their personal assets like their homes, in order to feed their families and hire their neighbors. Please think of them first when you are shopping, remodeling your home, or engaging in any goods or service transaction for that matter. I understand the ease of utilizing the Internet, but try to use it for research or for items that one simply cannot get in our region. If you want jobs in this area for your children, you need to support those businesses that could be hiring them one day. And speaking of layoffs and employment, if you have any open positions, please post them on our Web site. It’s a free member benefit, and we have 4 pages of jobs listed there. For those looking for work, there are also 6,900 jobs posted at CareerCenter’s online job bank, www.mainecareercenter.com. Happy Spring.
- Kimberly
New Dimensions Federal Credit Union 61 Grove Street, Waterville April 16th · 5:30-7PM 50/50 Sponsor: Sponsored by:
Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks, fabulous door prizes, 50/50 raffle & more! WATERVILLE
Area Organizations Partner on “Kennebec Dream Launch” Business Plan Competition Kennebec Valley Council of Governments (KVCOG) Mobilize Kennebec Valley’s Innovation/Entrepreneur Action Team has partnered with Waterville Main Street, Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, Maine Small Business Development Centers, and the Small Business Administration to create the first annual Kennebec Dream Launch contest. Kennebec Dream Launch is a business plan pitch contest designed to enable entrepreneurs to jump-start their dream businesses. The competition is open to residents of Kennebec, Somerset and western Waldo counties, and submissions can include ideas for a new business, a new location for a business currently located in another region, or expansion of a current business with a new business concept. The grand prize
winner will receive a prize package worth more than $2,000 to help launch his or her dream. The competition is designed to initiate innovation and support entrepreneurial activity in mid-Maine. Small businesses are the backbone of our regional economy, and the toughest year of operation for these startups is the first year. By providing support and publicity, the competition will give its winner a head start during this challenging period. Kennebec Dream Launch will support entrepreneurial activity that strengthens our economy, transforms empty spaces into productive businesses, and helps promote Kennebec Valley as a great place to start a business. Continued on page 3.
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3 Ways to Grow Your Facebook Fan Base By Tracy O’Clair
Invite People: At the top of your Facebook Page, you will find a button called “Build Audience” which provides you with two options: “Invite Email Contacts” and “Invite Friends”. I recommend doing both. The first one will allow you to upload your emails from a file. These emails can be exported from your personal contact list, a CMS or an email service provider like Constant Contact. When you invite your email list to your Facebook Page, the email recipient will receive an invite from name of your Facebook Page and not your personal Facebook profile. I strongly recommend doing this a few times per year. The second option allows you to invite your Facebook friends. Unfortunately, there is no one-click option here and you must click each of your friends individually. However, this is a great way for your friends to show that they support you and your organization. Note: As a marketer/business owner, it is important to grow your personal online networks too. This will allow you to invite more people to not only your Facebook Page but your Facebook events as well. Collaborate with Other Page Managers: Find other Facebook Page managers who have a similar target market and agree to promote each other’s online community growth. For example, you are a restaurant
who hosts weekly entertainment. Entertainment entities such as bands and comedians who have Facebook Pages can share, like and comment on your status updates, events and promotions. This will show up in their activity feed and be promoted to their fan base. It works both ways. Other examples are animal shelters and veterinarians, nursing homes and gift shops, pizzerias and ice cream shops, etc. Link Your Profile to Your Page: Make sure your Facebook Page is connected to your personal Facebook profile. (Note: It’s also beneficial to have your employees do the same; however you should check with your HR department first.) You can connect your personal profile with your Facebook page by clicking on “About” from your Timeline – then “Edit” in the “Work and Education” box - and entering the correct information. If your business is listed but not showing the proper logo and preview (hovering over your Facebook Page name should populate a preview of your Facebook Page), then delete it and re-add it. Sometimes new pages will not populate and you will have to wait. Tracy O’Clair is owner of TOCmedia, an Authorized Local Expert for Constant Contact, and the host of Social Media Breakfast Central Maine, Wordpress Central Maine and #44Tweetup.
Jobs for Maine’s Graduates students from Vassalboro Community School assisted the Mid-Maine Chamber by assembling marketing materials for 800 gymnasts that will be participating in tournaments in Waterville in early April and May.
Mid-Maine Chamber President Kim Lindlof addresses Waterville Jr. High students along with fellow career panelists from Colby College, Thomas College and Central Maine Motors.
Kennebec Dream Launch Competition Continued from page 1. Kennebec Dream Launch consists of two phases. The first, which wrapped up on March 28, required entrepreneurs to submit a completed business plan. These plans will be reviewed by a committee made up of one successful entrepreneur, a fund manager from Maine Venture Fund, and the U.S. Small Business Administration regional administrator. Up to six aspiring entrepreneurs will be chosen to enter the second phase. Finalists will pitch their business plans in person to the committee on Monday, April 14. After “the pitch” and a thorough review of business plans and references, the committee will determine this year’s grand prize winner. The grand prize package includes: one year of membership with Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce; legal services provided by O’Donnell Lee McCowan & Phillips; a comprehensive media and marketing package provided by Catharsis Media; a five page Web site and design services from Central Maine Web; up to $250 worth of signage by York Signs; and one month of payroll services provided by Paychex Payroll. KVCOG and other existing support services will be available to the winner, as well as any other viable startup seeking resources. To learn more about Kennebec Dream Launch, contact Sarah Ross, executive assistant at KVCOG, at 453-4258 ext. 223 or visit www.kvcog.org.
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Mar. 22-Apr. 26: Maine Open Juried Art Show at Waterville Public Library. FMI: 872-5433 or www.watervillelibrary.org.
Apr. 18: Tricky Britches live at Mainely Brews Restaurant. 9PM. 21+. FMI: www.mainelybrews.com.
Apr. 10: "Building Sustainable Communities: Apr. 3: Literacy Connections Conference at The Tasks We Face?” with Steve Nicholas at Thomas College. 8:30-3:30PM. FMI: 7PM at Colby College. FMI: 859-4736 or becky.dyer@barbarabush.org. events@colby.edu Apr. 3: MaineBiz Women to Watch LeaderApr. 13: One in Five 5k Race to benefit the ship Forum, Hilton Garden Inn, Freeport. 8Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center. 11AM. $25. FMI: www.mainebiz.biz/ 9AM at Thomas College. Register online: womentowatchforum https://runsignup.com/Race/ME/Waterville/ Apr. 4: Maine-ly Elder Care blood pressure OneinFive5K clinic at Shaw’s in Waterville 2-4PM. All Apr. 15: TOCmedia, Little Pictures of screenings free; participants entered to win Maine, & KV Connect present Social Media $25 gift card. FMI: www.maineBreakfast Central Maine #24: The Nature & lyeldercare.com. Functionality of Video in Today’s World of Apr. 4-5: 16th annual Girls Rock! Weekend- Advertising. 8-9:30AM at Thomas College. with Hardy Girls Healthy Women. Events at FMI: www.smbcme.com. Colby College as well as in Augusta & PortApr. 15: Maine Career Development Associaland. FMI: www.hghw.org. tion is pleased to present Don Asher, a career Apr. 4, 5, 11, 12 (7:30PM) & April 6, 12, 13 expert in finding the hidden job market, au(2PM): Shrek the Musical at Waterville thor, and great speaker. 1-3PM at Colby ColOpera House. FMI: 873-7000 or lege. FMI: 649-9761 or jimpeacock@peakcareers.com www.operahouse.org. Apr. 5: Met Live In HD Presents: La Bohème, Waterville Opera House. 12:55PM. FMI 873 -7000 or www.operahouse.org. Apr. 5: Colby College Wind Ensemble at Lorimer Chapel at 7:30PM. FMI: www.colby.edu or 859-4736. Apr. 5: Inland Hospital’s World of Woman's Wellness at Thomas College. 9-2PM. FMI: ewells@emhs.org or 861-3292. Apr. 9: Maine Development Foundation’s Leadership Unplugged: Climate Change, The Challenge of Our Time & an Opportunity for Maine to Lead the Way. 7:30-9AM at Colby College. FMI: www.mdf.org. Apr. 9: Pittsfield Business Resources Night & Job Fair at Warsaw Middle School Gym 5:308:30PM. FMI: 487-3136 or townmanager@pittsfield.org.
Apr. 19: Boomers: Reinventing Retirement with Jim Peacock of Peak Careers Consulting. Taking charge of your transition from full time employment. Free at Waterville Public Library. 10-11:15AM. FMI: http:// bit.ly/1dE70cr. Apr. 19: Rustic Overtones live at Mainely Brews Restaurant. 21+. FMI: www.mainelybrews.com. Apr. 21: Maine Film Center’s Monday Night Movies, World Cinema Masterpieces in 35mm, featuring Red Desert at Waterville Opera House. 7PM. FMI: www.mainefilmcenter.org. Apr. 24: Veteran Job Fair with CareerCenter at Augusta Armory 10-3PM. No charge for table space. FMI: 624-5156 or douglas.c.hudson@maine.gov.
Apr. 26: 4th annual Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area & L.N. Clark Inspiration Network 5K Run/Walk at 8:45AM at HVWA Apr. 16: Colby College Senator George J. Community Center. FMI: www.hvwa.org. Mitchell Distinguished International Lecture: Former U.S. Senator Thomas A. Daschle. Apr. 26: The Met Live In HD Presents: Cosí 7PM. FMI: www.colby.edu or 859-4736. Fan Tutte at Waterville Opera House. 12:55PM. FMI: 873-7000 or operahouse.org. Apr. 16: Daponte String Quartet at 8PM at Waterville Opera House. FMI: 873-7000 or Apr. 26: Sportsman’s Night at 6PM at Waterwww.operahouse.org. ville Elks Lodge. 3 raffle packages, 50/50, door prizes & more. FMI: 873-4335. Apr. 18: Maine-ly Elder Care blood pressure clinic at Hannaford, Elm Plaza, Waterville 2- Apr. 29: 6 – 7:30 p.m. Maine Poetry Express 4PM. All screenings free; participants entered at the Hathaway Creative Center. Poets of to win $25 gift card. FMI: www.maine- all ages are invited to submit poems for possilyeldercare.com. ble inclusion in the event by 7PM on Apr. 9. FMI:trabideau@watervillelibrary.org or 6802611.
Find more great mid-Maine events May 8: Crisis & Counseling Centers Annual Meeting at Waterville Elks Banquet & Conanytime at www.MidMaineFun.com! ference Center. FMI: crisisandcounseling.org/ news/annual-meeting.
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Aerial Photos of Maine Matt Hunt 24 Center Street Oakland, ME 04963 465-8312 matt@a2zcomputing.com www.aerialphotosofmaine.com Budget Document Technology Tom Ouellette 251 Goddard Road Lewiston, ME 04240 782-7427 touellette@bdtme.com www.bdtme.com Central Maine Community Access Television (CATV) George McGregor 61 Water Street Waterville, ME 04901 453-9895 georgemcgregor3@gmail.com www.centralmainecatv.org Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. Michael Madore 98 Maine Street Brunswick, ME 04011 313-4407 mmadore@primeres.com www.sethjacobs.com Smith Advertising Mac Smith PO Box 1968 Presque Isle, ME 04769 227-8484 mac@smithadvertising.me
Thomas College welcomes legendary coach Dick Whitmore as the interim Men's Basketball Coach.
’92, was inducted into the 25th Annual Maine Women’s Hall of Fame UMA. The Maine Women's Hall of Fame was established in 1990 by the Maine Federation of Business and Professional Women. The Hall of Fame is dedicated to women who have met these specific criteria: the woman's achievements have a significant statewide impact, the woman's achievements significantly improved the lives of women in Maine, and the woman's contribution has enduring value for women. Her nomination was sponsored by James D. Libby of Thomas College.
Century 21 Surette Real Estate announced the following recognitions for members of its team: Master Emerald Producers to Alice Burrill & Jeff Jolicoeur; Masters Ruby Award to Pam Casavant; $3 Million Sellers to the Russell team, Mike Bard & Jessica O’Halloran Smart; $2 Million Sellers to Cheryl Bardwell & Jill Huard; & $1 Million Sellers to Courtney Blood, Harold Charles, Kathy Reynolds, Tina Clifford, Josh LaVerdiere & James Orr. CongratuBig Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine lations, team! is pleased to announce its newest board Uhl-Melanson Investor Services, located member, Lori Roming of the Unity Founat 155 Silver St, Waterville, is proud to dation. She has volunteered with BBBS announce that Suzanne Uhl-Melanson, for several years & serves on the GovernCERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, ance Committee. Congratulations, Lori! AAMS (Asset Allocation Management Specialist), CLTC (Certified Long-Term Salvation Army of Northern NE anCare), AIF® (Accredited Investment Fi- nounced that Kristin Melville has joined duciary®) is celebrating her 15th year of its Development Department as the Donor providing professional and comprehen- Relations Director, bringing more than 20 sive wealth management and financial years of professional nonprofit developconsulting services since 1999. Great ment and fundraising experience to the organization. Welcome aboard, Kristin! work, Suzanne! Nicole McSweeney has been named vice president of Development and Communications at MaineGeneral Health. In this new position, Nicole will oversee Philanthropy and Marketing and Communications. Since joining MaineGeneral in 2002, she has been promoted to positions of increased responsibility, impact and leadership. She most recently served as director of Marketing and Communications. Congratulations, Nicole!
Royce Cross, president & CEO of Cross Insurance, was named 2014 Business Leader of the Year in the large company category by Mainebiz. He will be recognized at its May 8 reception along with two other Maine business leaders. Congratulations, Royce!
Town of Fairfield announces Officer Ryan Johnston was hired as a full time police officer and Officers Patrick Mank & Jordan Brooks were both sworn in as Welcome On March 15, 2014, Thomas College reserve officers recently. President Laurie G. Lachance, M.B.A. aboard!
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Waterville to Host Maine Downtown Conference May 2 By Jennifer Olsen, Waterville Main Street porates urban design, promotional member trying to “Do what you can events, communihelp my commuwith what you have, ty buy-in and nity thrive, I came where you are.” business supports. upon the Main Maine’s program, -Teddy Roosevelt Street model back established by the in 2004. I saw legislature in 1999 many communities using a scatter- is administered by the Maine Deshot approach to revitalization velopment Foundation. 10 towns without much success, but Main fully participate in Maine‘s proStreet programs start with the as- gram, with another 20 more regissumption that everyone leads; and tered in the Maine Downtown Netprogress is made through collabora- work, its capacity-building first tion at the local level. As the fa- step. Whether or not your commumous quote from Teddy Roosevelt nity has either formal program, all above signifies, the best places start are welcome to take part in the from their strengths and build teaching and learning that goes on around what is already working, through the Annual Conference. rather than hoping for an outside What attendees can expect are angel to come and save them. educational sessions that focus on On May 2nd, hundreds of profes- historic preservation, beautification sionals who care about this topic and walkability, small business from all across Maine will convene strategies for success, public poliin downtown Waterville for the cy, and destination development, Maine Downtown Center’s Annual from those who have accomplished Downtown Conference: Downtown great things in Maine. In addition, is the Place: Quality, Thrive, and experts from “away” will also shed Age. A day-long event, the confer- light on national trends that affect ence teaches community leaders our communities, with Waterville best practices in the field of down- as a backdrop- and a case study! town development, using the pa- I’m proud to be representing tented Maine Street 4-Point ap- Waterville, and hope you will conproach to improve community vi- sider attending for your business brancy. and the community you live in. Since 1980, communities all Registration is available online across the United States have seen through the Maine Development marked improvement in their Foundation’s Web site: mdf.org. downtowns through the use of a balanced, cohesive plan that incor-
As a community
Tues., Apr. 1
8:00 AM
Business Expansion & Retention Chamber Boardroom
Wed., Apr. 9
12:00 PM
Ambassador Luncheon Weathervane Restaurant
Fri., Apr. 11
7:30 AM
Public Policy Committee Chamber Boardroom
Fri. Apr. 18
7:30 AM
Executive Committee Chamber Boardroom
Wed., Apr. 23 8:00 AM
Membership Committee Chamber Boardroom
Fri., Apr. 25
Board of Directors Chamber Boardroom
7:30 AM
April 10: Business Breakfast Series 7:15-9AM at Thomas College Summit Room, Spann Student Commons “We Talk About Customer Service—What We Really Want is Customer Satisfaction!” with Marcel Gagne, business representative for Goodwill of Northern New England. To register, visit www.midmainechamber.com or e-mail Christian at prog.asst@midmainechamber.com.
April 16: Business After Hours 5:30-7PM New Dimensions Federal Credit Union 61 Grove Street, Waterville Join us for networking and more! This is a great opportunity to mix and mingle with other business professionals! Remember your business cards. No registration required. Join us!
April 29: Annual Awards Dinner See front cover for award winner and ticket information.
Ezhaya Scholarship Application Deadline Friday, April 25, 2014 Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce region high school seniors who will be attending an accredited New England college or university are eligible and invited to apply.
Learn more and download the application at www.MidMaineChamber.com
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In the next month, Summit Natural Gas will begin installing gas lines along College Avenue. Due to the fact that Maine DOT will be paving College Avenue this summer, there is a 5 yr. moratorium on disturbing that new pavement, so if you are a business or resident on College Avenue and you want natural gas, now’s the time or you’ll be waiting 5 yrs. FMI: Mike Stinchfield at 621-8000; summitnaturalgasmaine.com. Frances Hollis Brain Foundation & Davis Family Foundation each awarded Kennebec Behavioral Health (KBH) $4,578 to provide a variety of supports to homeless children who are guests of Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter. Now in its 3rd successful year, the Educare Central Maine (ECM)/Shelter partnership will be expanded to enable KBH to partner with ECM staff. They will train Shelter staff to better understand the link between homelessness & adverse health & mental health outcomes, help parents & Shelter staff understand children's needs at different developmental stages & to develop a model of care for very young children that can be replicated in other shelters. In 2012, over 40 children age 5 & under & their family caregivers were served through this partnership. Other funders include the United Way of Mid-Maine and the Maine Community Foundation's Charity Fund. American Cancer Society will not be continuing its “Daffodil Days” fundraiser but encourages supporters to get involved in other ways, including Relay for Life and various volunteer opportunities. FMI: 373-3700. Spectrum Generations is offering eligible seniors a program called Money Minders which pairs them with volunteers to help them establish and maintain a monthly budget, pay bills accurately, and avoid financial fraud and scams. FMI: Shannon at 607-4406 or
shall@spectrumgenerations.org. Barrels Community Market has launched its Members Bulk Buying Club, which will allow member-owners to buy certain items not currently in stock on the sales floor in bulk at a discounted rate. FMI: melissa@barrelsmarket.com. Lawrence Adult Education is your connection for information on how you can use Maine's expanding high-speed internet connectivity to help you meet educational goals, enrich your life, obtain health information, access governmental services and enhance economic and community development. FMI: adulated@msad49.org or 4534200.
Fact: U.S. has dropped from 1st to 16th place globally when it comes to the attainment of a college education. Sadly, too many students aren’t getting the education needed for the workforce today. In order to better prepare our next generation of leaders, AT&T attended the Summit on College Opportunity @ the White House w/the President & First Lady to support College Summit & to announce an initiative called ScholarJob. This initiative will provide HS students from low income families the tools needed to get through college so they can start their careers. AT&T’s commitment of $800,000 over the next 4 yrs, along with support of other top comanpies, will support College Summit’s initiative to help students make the connection between completing their education and getting a career. Beyond its monetary commitment, AT&T will work w/College Summit to develop a HS curriculum that is more suitable for the workplace. College Summit serves 50,000 students annually & provides a system for improving college & career preparedness in 180 HS in 15 states. AT&T is hopeful that this initiative, w/greater biz involvement, will boost college success among students, creating a talented workforce & strengthening U.S. competitiveness.
Family Violence Project’s donation wish list: diapers, baby wipes, sheets, blankets, pillows, towels, laundry detergent, household cleaning supplies, personal care items (soap, shampoo, feminine products), alarm clocks, cookware & silver ware, cooking utensils, school supplies, backpacks, gift cards for food or clothing, gift cards for gas, prepaid phone Maine Poetry Express returns to Waterville thanks to Waterville cards, clean/gently used furniture. Public Library, Colby ColGood Will-Hinckley scrapbooks and letters lege, Waterville Main Street tell many stories. If you like history, volunteer and Waterville High School! at the L.C. Bates Museum to help store and Deadline for submissions is catalog its collections: lcbates@gwh.org . 7PM on Wednesday, April 9. Authors of seMaine Development Foundation is now ac- lected poems will be invited to read their origicepting applications for scholarships which nal work at Hathaway Creative Center on will be awarded to eligible employees nomi- April 29 at the Maine Poetry Express’s stop in nated by their employers. Apply online at Waterville. www.mdf.org/events/next-step-maineThe Maine State Council of the Society for scholarship-application-period-open/632. Human Resources Management is accepting th Sunset Flowerland has tulips, daffodils and applications for the 9 annual “Best Places to crocus already in bloom! Enjoy them in your Work in Maine” awards. All businesses with home now and plant them outside as tempera- 15 or more employees are encouraged to apply at www.bestplacestoworkme.com by May 23. tures increase. FMI: 453-6036.
50 Elm Street Waterville, ME 04901
PRE-SORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #146 Waterville, ME 04901
Address Correction Requested
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Habitat for Humanity – Everyday People Providing a Hand Up. Everyday People. The kind of people who,
continue to live in safe, decent homes for years to come. These projects include paintamongst other things, help with funding, join ing, landscaping, weatherization, and minor a committee, swing a hammer, provide meals repair services. WAHFH is currently working and hospitality at work sites, and serve on on a Women’s Day Build Program to assist committees that manage the "behind the local veterans with additional Brush-Withscenes" activities. Business professionals, Kindness projects in the area. skilled tradesmen, homemakers, retirees, givAdditionally, WAHFH is very excited to ing back takes all kinds of kinds. Waterville announce that a ReStore will be opening at 24 Area Habitat for Humanity (WAHFH) underSilver Street in Waterville in the near future. stands, appreciates, and encourages that. Aiming to open the doors this Fall, WAHFH WAHFH’s mission is simple: to enhance will spend the next few months building up our community by helping qualified families inventory though donations and arranged pickto become independent owners of decent, afups. The ReStore mission is to provide the fordable homes – and WAHFH does this by public with good quality, new/used building payments are kept affordable. providing a “Hand Up, not a Handout.” This all-volunteer affiliate serves 13 cities materials and supplies, tools, hardware, home WAHFH offers homeownership opportuniand towns, and it is with the help of everyday furnishings and appliances for their home imties to families who are unable to obtain conprovement needs, at extremely discounted people that it has built four houses for local ventional house financing. Generally, this partner families, most recently a solar home in prices. includes those whose income is 50 to 75 perVolunteering rewards like nothing else. For cent of the area's median income. In most cas- Oakland, developed a weatherization program more information on programs, ways to volunthat enables qualified, low-income families to es, prospective Habitat homeowner families teer, and a full-list of acceptable ReStore “tighten up” their homes and reduce their enmake a small down payment. Additionally, items visit WAHFH online: Waterergy bills, and Brush-With-Kindness projects, they contribute 300 to 500 hours of "sweat villeAreaHFH.org, email Habiequity" on the construction of their home. Be- an exterior home preservation program that tat@WatervilleAreaHFH.org or call Executive offers painting, landscaping and minor repair cause WAHFH houses are built using donaDirector Holly Towle at 441-6748 today! services to eligible homeowners so they can tions of land, material and labor, mortgage
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 $150 per month. Call 873-3315 or email info@midmainechamber.com. Disclaimer: 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 Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce.