April InTouch Newsletter by Mid-Maine Chamber

InTouch

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER APRIL 2012

April 11, 2012 2:00-7:00 PM Alfond Youth Center 126 North Street, Waterville

Highlights in this Issue: P. 2: From the President’s Chair P. 2: Mid-Maine Chamber’s Centennial P. 4: Member Events Calendar P. 5: Good Health = Good Business P. 8: Member Spotlight: Are You Ready To Party??

Seminars and Events 2:00 - 3:00 PM: Roundtables  QR Codes: What are QR codes and how do I use them? Lisa Oakes will discuss how to use QR codes effectively.  LinkedIn: “I have a LinkedIn and have connected with all these people, what do I do with it now?” This roundtable discussion, with Cathy Dumont, will focus on tips to help you build and utilize a strong LinkedIn presence.  Facebook: Sara Todd, Pinncale IT, will cover the essential must-know information about Facebook pages for business, especially focusing on the new Timeline format. We will cover questions like, “How can you effectively use your page’s new cover photo?” and “Is it possible to have a ‘welcome tab’ now?” We will also go over some great and simple ways to make your Facebook business page into a sales-driving machine, without too much effort.  Cloud Technology 101: Why Business is Better in the Cloud. Join Matt Jancovic, Oxford Networks Director of Marketing and Customer Service, for an introductory discussion on Cloud Technology. What is it? How can it help your business? What are the pros and cons? 3:30 - 5:00 PM: College Internship Fair - Network with local college students that are looking for an internship. College students from Colby, KVCC, Unity and Thomas will be present. If your business can offer a paid/unpaid internship with a minimum of 10 hours per week, please join us. Contact Diane Anderson andersond@thomas.edu to reserve your space. Sponsored by the Central Maine Growth Council. 5:30 - 7:00 PM: Business After Hours - sponsored by Major Sponsors:

By Maine State Chamber

$1,000 Cash Prize Sponsor:

Measures of Growth in Focus 2012

Tuesday, March 6, the Maine Economic Growth Council released its 2012 Measures of Growth in Focus annual economic report today. Council Co-chairs, Sen. Chris Rector and Tim Hussey, president and CEO of Hussey Seating Company, presented the report to legislative leaders and the Governor’s office. This year’s report highlights 25 indicators that measure Maine’s progress towards long-term, sustainable economic growth. The Growth Council awards Gold Stars to indicators that demonstrate exceptional performance. This year, the Council awarded two Gold Stars to International Exports and Cost of Energy. Maine exported nearly $3.6 billion in commodities in 2011. This was a 13% increase from 2010. The export market continues to offer growth potential for Maine businesses. The price of electricity for both the retail and industrial markets fell. Retail dropped by just over 5% and industrial dropped by

15% from 2008 to 2009. Maine made some progress in closing the gap with U.S. prices and continues to today. The Growth Council also assigns Red Flags to indicators that need attention. The Council gave five Red Flags to Research and Development Expenditures, Cost of Health Care, Transportation Infrastructure, Fourth Grade Reading Scores, and Wellness and Prevention. “Maine and the country find itself in a period of economic recovery following the recent recession,” said Laurie Lachance, president and CEO of the Maine Development Foundation which is charged by the Legislature to administer the Council. “The key to our future success lies with our people. We need to ensure an environment where they reach their highest potential and where they are productive. This means they need to educated – and we must start at birth. They also need to be healthy;

they need to be entrepreneurial; and, they need to be engaged in the economy and their communities.” “The Measures of Growth report is a critical tool that allows policy makers, like myself, to evaluate where we have been and to make informed decisions about how we will get where need to go,” said Council co-chair Sen. Chris Rector. “A clear message from this year’s report is that we need to focus on improving the education and health of our people. Doing this will not only improve the lives of Maine people, but it will also save Maine taxpayers money moving forward. It is crucial to growing our economy.” “The private sector values the Measures of Growth report,” said Council co-chair Tim Hussey, president and CEO of Hussey Seating Company. “The information in this report keeps us focused on the big forces driving our economy. Continued on page 3

50 ELM STREET, WATERVILLE, ME 04901 • TEL: (207) 873-3315 • FAX: (207) 877-0087 info@midmainechamber.com • www.midmainechamber.com Nikki Desjardins, Chair of the Board • Kimberly N. Lindlof, President & CEO

Page 2

Business After Hours:

Oxford Networks

From the President’s Chair

Wednesday, April 11 5:30-7:00 PM at the Alfond Youth Center 126 North Street, Waterville

Bowdoin Photography

We need your help. Mid-Maine Chamber’s Information Services committee is seeking your input on how to best enhance our communication with you. We need to find out what you value in our newsletter, and what’s not enhancing your membership. You will receive the survey via email. If you don’t have email and would like a printed copy, please contact Robyn at our office. It is brief and should take no longer than 5 to 10 minutes to complete. As an added incentive, we will pick one lucky winner from the completed surveys and award a $100 chamber gift certificate. Also, please note that in this newsletter is our universal waste drop off sheet. Please complete and return to us at your earliest convenience. Although we don’t insist that you pre-register, it is preferred so that we are staffed adequately and don’t have long lines. Please be aware that there is an expense associated with recycling your old equipment. As always, thank you for your participation; it’s important to get this material out of the waste stream so that it doesn’t pollute our environment. Happy Spring.

- Kimberly

Legislation Tracker Concerned about the workings of state government? Want to keep track of legislation during the 125th Legislature’s Second Regular session? Maine.Gov let’s you do just that. Track the progress and scheduling online at maine.gov/legis/lio/publications.htm

www.centralmaine.com

Sponsored by:

Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a Cash Bar. Door prizes, 50/50 raffle & other fabulous prizes! $100’s in Chamber Gift Certificates will be given away to one lucky winner in celebration of 100 years! Thank you to our 50/50 Sponsor:

Mid-Maine Chamber’s Centennial

Charlie Haberstock is 8 years old and has a business card collection of over 1,400 cards. He likes to know about each business and asks many questions so he decided to help us by interviewing some area businesses. Below are excerpts from his 2nd interview. Charlie received a little help from his mom, Carrie Haberstock.

The Chamber has also contributed in teaching us how to run and grow our business most effectively. Thanks in large part to the Chamber, our business has doubled since this time last year." "I like bugs," says KC, "They give us our business!" "Yes," says Dave, who fought in Afghanistan, "We've switched our target and downsized our weapons, and we love helping people!" n March 9, 2012, my Mom and I met with The guys specialize in exterminating carpenthe three men, ALL Veterans by the way, who ter and sugar ants--their most common pest rerun the company BUG BUSTERZZZ. They take moval requests. However, they have had many care of any wild animals or bugs that have berun ins with subjects a little ickier, like bed bug come a nuisance. Matt Allen, the president, does infestations, bat poop removal, dead skunks the inspections, office work and the bidding for below floor boards and squirrels in washing the prices of jobs. Dave King, CEO, and KC machines. I will spare you the details the guys Merry, Commercial/Construction Supervisor , shared with me except that bed bugs are so easy do the day-to-day operations--for the most part, to get you can get them anywhere you go--at the Dave the residential homes, and KC the commovie theater, restaurant, plane seat and school! mercial office buildings. They started with the People often confuse them with ticks. They are company four years ago with help from the Mid hard to get rid of but THANKFULLY we have Maine Chamber of Commerce. "40% of our these pros right in our area with reasonable pricbusiness comes from the members of the Cham- es compared to the bigger companies! ber," says Mr. Matt Allen, "The Chamber is how The bed bug epidemic is still going strong in we built our business from the ground up, the central Maine. Bug Busterzzz gets 3 to 4 calls a biggest help coming from mingling with every- month. A bed bug does not need a meal--of body at the Business After Hours. We are forev- blood!--for over a year. Once a female is preger grateful for the Chamber and will continue to nant, she will lay 3 to 8 eggs a day until she be a member for as long as we are a business! Continued on page 6

27 Cool Street • Waterville, ME 04901 (207) 873-0721 • Fax (207) 877-2287 www.genesishcc.com Rehabilitation and Living Centers

Page 3 Financial Advisor of Sullivan Wealth Management, Kevin Sullivan published a book, “Managing Income in Retirement: Planning With Purpose.” Sullivan provides readers strategies on how to set up their retirement income, manage their investments and enter retirement realistically. FMI: 660-6637.

for local schools, student tuitions for advanced educational opportunities, medical clinics, the Red Cross, road repairs, trash removal and many other projects in the area. The 2012 funds, at the discretion of the King and Queen, will be dedicated to purchasing needed school equipment, a construction project at a local medical clinic and for continuing educational scholarships for exceptional students.

tions. The Bank’s current marketing, human resources and executive staff will all report to Laura as part of her expanded role.

Nicole Desjardins, Director of Sales at the Hampton Inn, was recently awarded with the 2011 Sales Revolution Champion, which is awarded to one sales person out of 1,850 Hampton Inn’s. Nikki The Maine Heritage Policy Center has hired was chosen based on usage of Hampton Sales & Peter A. Steele of Auburn to serve as communicaMarketing toolkit, use of sales tools, demonstration tions director. Steele has worked in the newspaper of everyone sells philosophy and continued reveindustry for more than 25 years. He is a member of nue growth. Nikki received a trophy, $500 gift card Androscoggin County Conservative Coalition, G. Richard Polkinghorn, MD, a medical oncologist and recognition in Hampton Highlights. Androscoggin County Fish & Game Association for 23 years, has joined the Harold Alfond Center and National Rifle Association. He also serves on for Cancer Care in Augusta and is a member of the Brian Bernatchez, CFP an independent financial the Board of Directors of Androscoggin Chamber MaineGeneral Medical Center’s active medical advisor at Golden Pond Wealth Management of Commerce. staff. Polkinghorn joins MaineGeneral from the was recognized as a top financial advisor and Maine Center for Cancer Medicine in Brunswick, named to LPL Financial Chairman’s Council in Lee and Kathleen Bushey, owners of Helping ME where he worked since 1998. 2011. This distinction is based on a ranking of all Hands and Helping Hands Trade School were registered advisors supported by LPL Financial recently honored as the 2012 King and Queen of Laura J. Hudson of Kennebec Savings Bank was LLC, the nation’s largest independent brokerthe Mardi Gras celebrations in Playa Flamingo promoted to Vice President and Chief Experience dealer and is awarded to less than two percent of Costa Rica. Since its inception in 2004, the Mysofficer. Laura will oversee marketing communica- the firm’s more than 12,8000 advisors nationwide. tics of Flamingo have donated over $125,000.00 tions, community relations, and employee rela-

Governor visits Meet the Reps also spent about an hour talking individually overnor Paul LePage stopped by the Mid with those in attendance. Maine Chamber of Commerce on February Nicole Desjardins from KV Connect (and 29th for the final round of this season’s Meet the Chamber) took this opportunity to prethe Reps. Meet the Reps is a Chamber event sent the Governor with a T-Shirt of behalf of designed to be a more casual, nonRotary (of which she is also a member) for confrontational opportunity for Chamber the Governors outspoken support in ending members to meet and talk one-on-one with domestic violence. their elected officials from their local, state, There were also numerous State Senators and national delegations about issues of con- and Representatives, local town councicern to their business. The Chamber’s Public lors/managers, as well as a couple candidates Policy committee, in partnership with KV running for local and state offices in attendConnect, hosts three sessions of Meet the ance interacting with attendees. Meet the Reps annually. While it is common to have Reps is open to the public and sessions for representatives from the Governor’s office next year will be announced late summer on attend, it was grati- the Chamber’s website, fying to have the www.midmainechamber.com in addition to Governor himself being published in the Chambers publicathere to talk with tions. As an educator and advocate for busiChamber members. ness, the Chamber encourages participation, The Governor engagement, and communication between all spoke freely on business leaders, professionals and young some of today’s hot professionals with their local, state and natopics and fielded tional government officials. Meet the Reps is questions; in addi- one venue that offers the opportunity to do tion, the Governor so… Govenor LePage

Measures of Growth Continued from page 1 This is important to me as a manufacturer and as an employer. In our business, we need to innovate and be productive in order to compete in a global market. Managing cost drivers, like energy and health care, while making investments in the Maine workforce and our state’s innovative capacity, will keep us competitive and successful into the future.” The Maine Economic Growth Council is comprised of 19 members, each appointed by the Governor, Senate President, and Speaker of the House. The Council represents a diversity of interests including government, business, education, labor, and environment. The Council was established by state statute in 1993 to develop a plan for the state’s economic growth and create specific measures and benchmarks to assess Maine’s progress. The Maine Development Foundation (MDF) empowers leaders, strengthens communities, and guides public policy. MDF was created by the Governor and Legislature in 1978 as a private, non-profit corporation with a broad mandate to promote Maine’s economy. For a complete copy of the report, please visit www.mdf.org.

Full Service Office Supplies Retail Store and Furniture Showroom in Downtown, Skowhegan

The Paper Klip New & Used Furniture A Local, Independent, FamilyOwned & Operated Company www.WarrensOfficeSuppplies.com 800.924.9006

Page 4 April 2, 4, 11: Spectrum Generations and the Maine Senior Medicare Patrol Program are offering a 3 day volunteer training introduction to the Medicare and MaineCare systems to help reduce fraud, waste and abuse. This 3 day introduction to the Medicare and MaineCare systems will be held at the Prince of Peace Church on Eastern Avenue, Route 17, Augusta. FMI & to register: Pat Greenleaf, Spectrum Generations Senior Medicare Patrol Coordinator at 623-0764 ext. 102. April 3: Through a partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services and the Maine Department of Labor, the Maine State Chamber is hosting a conference 8 AM - 1:30 PM at Hilton Garden Inn, Freeport to help employers explore the possibilities of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and learn how hiring people with disabilities makes good business sense. April 10: Join Hardy Girls Healthy Women for an upcoming webinar, Sparking Girls’ Activism and Social Change with Lyn Mikel Brown, EdD from 3 - 4:30 PM. Dr. Brown will critically examine popular ad campaigns and describe marketing strategies as she explores the cooptation of girl power and the sexualization of girls in media. Participants will learn the importance of engaging girls in creative, forceful reactions to such media messages, and get tools and strategies to scaffold girls' activism. Cost $29.95. FMI: http://hghw.org/content/webinarsparking April 10: Maine Development Foundation invites you to attend the 3rd Session - Maine: A Destination for World-Class Talent. The conversation will be with Auro Nair, Ph.D., General Manager Scientific Research Services at The Jackson Laboratory. Auro will talk about how they attract talent and offer some insight as to what Maine should consider as we work to attract talented individuals from around the world. FMI: Cheryl Miller 626-3116 or cmiller@mdf.org. April 12: Bring your lunch and join Amber Desrosiers, LIVE HEALTHY Program Coordinator for some great tips and free materials to help you make choices that are good for you and your family – and your budget. At noon in the Medical Arts Conference Room, Inland Hospital. FMI or to register: @emh.org or 861-3392. April 12, 13, 14: 4th Annual Alfond Youth Center Kids with Cameras student photography exhibit at

and recognition. FMI: Ruth Saint Amand, RSVP director, 861-3428 or 800-427-1127. REM Center, 93 Main St., Waterville. Any child up to 18 years of age may submit photo’s until April 4, 2012! FMI: Steve Aucoin, 873-5686.

April 24-25: Maine Partners in Emergency Preparedness Conference hosted by Maine Emergency Management Agency, International Association of Emergency Managers Region 1, State Emergency April 14: United Way of Mid-Maine is hosting Response Commission and Maine Association for their 3rd Annual Dodge ball Tournament 10 AM - 2 Local Emergency Managers. This is a two day PM at Kennebec Valley Community College. learning and networking experience with preparedProceeds from team registrations, business sponsor- ness partners and exhibitors. ships, and sales of lunches and t-shirts are added to FMI: www.maine.gov/mema/prepare/conference/ the United Way of Mid-Maine’s 2011 campaign funds and benefit the community. April 25: U.S. SBA is hosting a free Meet the Lenders program from 1 - 5 PM at the Augusta Civic Center. Meet one-on-one with lenders, bring April 14: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kennebec Valley is hosting Bowl for Kids Sake at Sparetime your business plan and financial statements, learn Recreation in Waterville at noon, 1:30 PM and 3 about borrowing and lending for small business PM. All proceeds benfit kids who participate in the growth and hear the SBA small business finance Big Brothers Big Sisters one-to-one–communityupdate. FMI: Marilyn Geroux , Marilyn.Geroux@ based mentoring program and the after school site- SBA.Gov 622-8382. based mentoring program. FMI & to register: 6263408 or www.heroeswanted.org. April 27: Opening night of the Waterville Opera House at 7:30 PM. All tickets are $20. There will April 19: Thomas College Student Internship Ex- be a selection of songs from Opera House musicals position is being held on from 3:30 - 5:00 PM in the past and future performed by local favorites; Circus, Student Commons Function Room. This is a regu- a short piece by Bossov Ballet Theatre; and a film lar event each semester, at which time current representing the Maine International Film FestiThomas interns showcase the work they have done val. The performance will recognize the rich history for their employers. We invite all students and any of the theater, assert the Opera House as a modern employers who might be interested in learning more and efficient performance venue, and celebrate the about internships at Thomas College. This is a won- performing arts in our community. FMI: 873-7000 derful event that recognizes student success and the or operainfo@operahouse.org. support of employers. Please RSVP to internships@thomas.edu. April 28: The "wicked funny" Bob Marley makes his long-awaited return to the Waterville Opera April 19: Uhl-Melanson Investor Services, LLC House stage 8 PM. His show will have the audience will be co-hosting an educational dinner presentalaughing from the floor all the way to the improved tion “LEGAL ESSENTIALS” by local attorney balcony! All tickets $25. FMI: 873-7000 or operainWaldemar G. Buschmann of Weeks & Hutchins at fo@operahouse.org. 5:30 p.m. at Eric’s Restaurant, College Ave, Waterville. A discussion on the probate process, April 28: American Red Cross Blood Drive from 9 wills, powers of attorney and when trusts make AM - 2 PM in the Medical Arts Conference Room, sense. FMI & to register: 859-8877. Inland Hospital. Give the gift of life! Call 1-800GIVE LIFE or visit americanredcross.org to sign up April 21: MaineGeneral’s HealthReach Retired today. Bring a photo ID; walk-ins welcome. & Senior Volunteer Program is having their 15th Chamber Tip of the Month annual Spring Auction at Winslow Elementary School. Dinner, from 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM, is sponDid you know you can rent the Chamber sored by Spectrum Generations Meals on Wheels Board room (which holds about 26 people program and the auction begins at 5:30 PM. This seated) for $45 for 4 hours or $75 for the auction is RSVP's biggest fund raiser, with proceeds day? This includes coffee/TV/VCR/Projector supporting direct volunteer expenses such as trainservices. For non-members, it’s $75 for 4 ing, insurance coverage, mileage reimbursement hours or $125 for the day.

Prime Financial You dream it... We help you realize it Prime Financial has become the trusted partner for many clients, both in Maine and across the country. We understand that each stage in life presents unique challenges and opportunities. We also know that wherever you are in life – expanding your business, adding to your family, looking forward to your retirement or any stage in between – being prepared for change is crucial to future growth. Contact us today for a personalized consultation in regard to your financial future. Securities offered through Investors Capital Corporation Member FINRA / SIPC Advisory Services offered through Investors Capital Advisory 753 West River Road, Waterville, Maine 04901 800-877-9450 Fax 207-877-8876

Page 5

Alcohol Awareness for your Workplace by Bill McPeck This is the first of a two part series. pril is Alcohol Awareness Month. As an employer, why should you care? Alcohol is Maine’s most used and abused drug. According to a 2010 national survey, over 64% of employed adults age 18 or older use alcohol; over 29% of those who use alcohol are binge drinkers and 8.5% are heavy drinkers. Maine is listed among states with the highest percentage of adults who binge drink, estimated at 18.7% – 25.6%. Binge drinkers and heavy drinkers are considered to be high risk drinkers. “High risk” refers to binge drinkers (those who drink 5 or more drinks on any one occasion) and heavy drinkers (on average, women who drink more than 1 drink daily and men who drink more than 2 drinks daily). According to the 2010 national survey, almost three quarters of binge and heavy drinkers were employed full or part time. While most people drink responsibly, high risk drinking not only has societal social and economic costs, high risk drinking also has both direct and indirect costs to employers. These costs include impacting work performance and productivity,

health, workplace safety, healthcare costs, and workplace relationships. Family members with alcohol problems also impact an employee’s attendance and performance at work. While high risk drinking should be of concern to employers, employee use of alcohol can create other problems as well:  Approximately 1.83% of workers drink before coming to work and over 9% of workers work with a hangover, while about 15% of the U.S. workforce uses or is impaired by alcohol on the job.  Job stress and job alienation are two ways work influences off-the-job employee drinking behavior.  Alcoholics and problem drinkers are more likely to have had three or more employers in the last year, missed more than two days worked in the past month due to illness or injury, and skipped more than two days of work in the past month. Alcohol and drug abuse cost employers money. In today’s economic climate, many Maine businesses struggle to stay afloat. Employee and family alcohol abuse decreases profits and effects morale in the workplace.

Good Health = Good Business

 Healthcare costs for employees with alcohol problems are about twice as high as for the average employee.  Each untreated substance abusing employee costs their employer an estimated $640 annually.  Problem drinkers spend four times as many days in the hospital as the national average.  Employees with alcoholism use twice as much sick leave as other employees, are five times more likely to file a workers’ compensation claim, and are more likely to cause injury to themselves or others while on the job.  What is alcohol misuse and abuse costing you? Find out by using the alcohol cost calculator at: http://www.alcoholcostcalculator.org. Bill McPeck is a licensed social worker and a Certified Worksite Wellness Program Consultant. He is currently Director of Employee Health and Safety for Maine State Government. Substance use and abuse is one of Bill’s specialties. Contact Bill with your questions and comments at 287-6783 or william.c.mcpeck@maine.gov.

WorkReady: A strategic workforce development program By Jim Baumer

Efforts initiated by the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, in concert with KVCOG and the Censuch a wide worker demographic. Whether targettral Maine Growth Council, helped bring the proing a single mom re-entering the workforce, a laid gram to the region. Additionally, the Central/ off manufacturing worker, or a recently down-sized Western Maine Workforce Investment Board, professional, a WorkReady “makeover” helps inwhich helped launch the initial pilot of the program crease your odds in getting a new job. in the state, brought the necessary coordination and For those unfamiliar, WorkReady is a 60-hour facilitation to that first pilot program in Waterville foundational skills training program developed to back in the fall of 2008, and each subsequent promeet the requirements set forth by key Maine emgram since. ployers, providing businesses with workers pos“I think WorkReady meets the employment sessing basic skills—skills like showing up for needs of this community,” said Susan Tuthill, direcwork, on time, as scheduled, ready for work; able to tor for Mid-Maine Regional Adult Community work as a team; understanding the appropriate way Education. “WorkReady provides candidates with to handle and react to workplace conflict; knowlthe essential skills they need to access and acquire a edgeable about basic business practices—all identi- job.” fied by employers as baseline skills required in new WorkReady is now firmly rooted in Waterville, employees. as well as Fairfield, where a unique partnership WorkReady, began as a localized pilot in Lewis- exists between Mid-Maine Regional Adult Commuton, back in 2006. It is now a statewide initiative— nity Education and Lawrence Adult Education, with mainly because it provides employers with the these neighboring programs working in tandem to kinds of candidates they are looking to hire. offer WorkReady. Other key current partners, in

It’s rare to find a program that meets the needs of

addition to the initial group that helped bring the program to the area are Waterville Public Library and KVCAP. Generous funding from United Way of Mid-Maine for the past two years has allowed the program to progress beyond the pilot stage to where it has become integrated in the community’s ongoing workforce development strategy. Over 30 area employers have participated and offered in-kind support, like participating in the WorkReady mock interview days. FMI information about WorkReady in the area and upcoming programs, contact Director Susan Tuthill, Mid-Maine Regional Adult Community Education, 873-5754, or Director Pat Theriault, Lawrence Adult Education, 453-4200, X 315. Jim Baumer is the Director of Business Services for the Central/Western Maine Workforce Investment Board. He's also an entrepreneur, a writer, as well as an independent publisher with two books in print and a new one on the way.

Page 6

IRS Tax Center Tools

By Tammy L. Rabideau, MLS

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has developed a number of online tax centers (http://www.irs.gov/businesses/index.html) to facilitate finding tax information for small businesses and the self-employed. The Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center (http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/index.ht ml) provides links to small business forms and publications, employment tax information, an A-Z index of business topics and more. There is a link to “Filing Season Central”, an assistance center for filing business returns which includes a link to tax tips. There is a section on deducting business expenses and another with information specific to businesses with employees. The Self-Employed Individuals Tax Center (http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/selfempl oyed/index.html) provides links to information for individuals who are self-employed independent contractors. The IRS provides tax centers for certain industries/professions (http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/industrie s/index.html) such as agriculture, automotive, child care, construction, e-business & ecommerce, entertainment, fishing, payroll professionals, real estate, restaurants, trucking and more. The IRS Video Portal

Centennial

(http://www.irsvideos.gov/) contains video and audio presentations on topics of interest to small businesses, individuals and tax professionals. There are video clips of tax topics, archived versions of live panel discussions and webinars. The Virtual Small Business Tax Workshop (http://www.irsvideos.gov/virtualworkshop/) helps business owners understand federal tax obligations. The IRS web site provides printable and online tax calendar tools to manage tax due dates and actions. In addition, the IRS provides information about and tools for filing and paying business taxes. For more information and/or assistance with business taxes, contact your local IRS Office (http://www.irs.gov/localcontacts/index.html). You can also contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service: call 622-8528 in Augusta or 1-877777-4778 elsewhere.

Tue. 8:00 AM

April 12

Thur. 7:30 AM

April 17

Fri.

April 25

Wed. 8:00 AM

April 27

Fri.

7:30 AM

Bus. Attraction & Retention Chamber Boardroom Executive Board Chamber Boardroom Public Policy Chamber Boardroom Membership Chamber Boardroom Board of Directors Chamber Boardroom

Upcoming Events April 5: Business Breakfast Series 7:30-9 a.m. Thomas College Customer Service LL Bean’s Jill Bruce, Assistant Manager of Performance: Customer Satisfaction, gives us a look at what makes Maine’s top outdoor retailer succeed. April 11: Business to Business Showcase/Business After Hours 2-7 p.m. Alfond Youth Center 126 North Street, Waterville

Tammy Rabideau is Business & Career Center Coordinator at the Waterville Public Library. FMI: 207.680.2611 or business@watervillelibrary.org, http://www.watervillelibrary.org/departments/ness/, http://www.facebook.com/wplbcc

Continued from Page 2

dies--for up to 10 months to a year! Heat treatments and chemicals at least three times is how to exterminate bed bugs. Any time you take in something used, like roadside furniture or secondhand books, videos, clothes, you increase your odds of getting bedbugs. So, BE CAREFUL!! "This job is so fulfilling," says Matt, "because people are so relieved and thankful. They are supposed to relax and rest in bed instead of worrying if they are going to get bitten!" Bug Busterzzz likes to follow this principle: "Prevention before Intervention. With the warmer climate, we see an increase in household pests," says Mr. Allen, "Thank you for considering calling us!"

April 3

Adams Speech Therapy Tara Adams 155 Kennedy Memorial Drive Waterville, ME 04901 Phone: 872-5775 adamstherapy@roadrunner.com Raymond James - SWM, LLC David & Doris Smith 180 Main Street Waterville, ME 04901 Phone: 660-4508 doris.smith@raymondjames.com

From Left to Right: KC Merry, Matt Allen, Charlie Haberstock & Dave King

Page 7 Gifford’s Ice Cream offers flavors such as Moose Tracks, Deer Tracks & Lobster Tracks and now they also offer people tracks by teaming up with L.L. Bean to offer a new flavor, “Muddy Bean Boots.” Muddy Bean Boots is made with Gifford’s “Old-Fashioned Vanilla” ice cream, crisscrossed with sweet caramel ripple and tossed with rich chocolate brownie bites. The caramel signifies the dark-brown leather Bean boots, and the brownie bits represent the mud. The UPS Store has a copy and print center! They do digital printing, full or self-service color/B&W copies, Faxing, laminating, and binding. Located at 8 Waterville Commons Drive. FMI: www.theupsstorelocal.com/5559/.

your banner for rich, photo-quality results and feature in-house finishing for hems and grommets. Color Graphics offers a 3-year colorfast warranty against fade and peel. The Waterville Opera House presents their new website www.operahouse.org. Among the improvements, there is now a “Buy Tickets” button next to all events and upcoming events listed on the page.

St. John School is currently accepting registrations for the 2012-2013 academic school year for our prek through sixth grade programs. Students in the Attention outdoor photography enthusiasts! Enter school typically fall into the 90th percentile in your work in the Downeast Energy Calendar Chal- standardized testing. If you would like to visit the lenge for a chance at fame, glory, a coveted spot in school, sit in on a class and have a tour contact the 2013 Downeast Energy calendar and a free tee them today. FMI: www.stjohnschoolwinslow.org or shirt! Photos should be of wildlife or landscapes, 872-7115. and taken in ME or NH. Please provide the name of the location where the photo was taken with your Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) is submission. Submit photos to the Challenge by partnering with Northern Essex Community Colposting them on Downeast’s Facebook page, face- lege (NECC) in Massachusetts to offer a Sleep book.com/downeastenergy. Technologist Certificate program to students in Maine. The intensive 9 month, 28-credit program The United Way of Mid-Maine Waterville Area will be offered in the fall of 2012. It will combine Warming Center has had nearly 70 individuals online classes, an 8-hour lab session at a sleep lab spend time at the Warming Center since it opened located in Maine, and 1 night per week of clinical in mid-January. The Warming Center team has work at a hospital or clinic located near a student’s reviewed the feedback to date and they are already residence. discussing how they will approach next year. FMI: 207-873-0686 or tchapman@unitedwaymidme.org. Waterville Country Club has kicked off its 2012 season and is offering a great Spring Special: pay Representatives from the SCORE office in Augusta $100 deposit per person and play as often as you recently awarded Thomas College $2,000 in suplike for the month of April! If at the end of the port of the Capital Campaign to construct a new month you choose to join, your deposit will be credacademic center and library. SCORE’s gift of ited towards your membership dues. They also offer $2,000 will be matched by the Harold Alfond Foun- corporate memberships which are designed to keep dation, as part of their $5 million challenge grant rates reasonable for businesses as well as to enterawarded to Thomas in March of 2011. tain their clients. There’s a full service restaurant with delicious food that’s open to the public along Silver Street Tavern announces that the MUG with clothing and equipment in the Pro Shop that CLUB is coming in April featuring 20 oz. glass can be purchased at a member discount. The course mugs and great Beer Specials with membership. is pristine and one of central Maine’s best kept Prizes will be awarded every month to members secrets. Individual and family memberships are only. Check it out! available at some of the best rates for the area. FMI: www.watervillecountryclub.com or Lee Spaulding Color Graphics LLC can produce Banners at 465-2838 or at the Pro Shop at 465-9861. (Indoor/Outdoor and Pop Displays) in ONE day! With over 50 different media on the shelf, they can Planning a trip abroad? You need to know about the produce a custom banner from 64" to 50' in just one exotic diseases and other health risks you may enday. Using a 6-color process, they digitally print counter. Workplace Health at MaineGeneral can

help you with: Education, written materials, food and water precautions, mosquito avoidance, motion sickness, altitude sickness, and traveling with chronic illness. Schedule an appointment 4 - 8 weeks prior to departure, when possible. Some vaccine series require several days or weeks to administer and take full effect. FMI: MaineGeneral Travel Medicine or 621-7550. Congratulations to Oakhurst Dairy. Company President Bill Bennett accepted an award recently for Honorable Mention for Outstanding Dairy Processing & Manufacturing. It came from the 1st U.S. Dairy Sustainability Awards from the Innovation Center for U. S. Dairy. Recently, 40 JMG students from Belfast Area High School, Brewer High School, Mt. View High School, Nokomis Regional High School, Old Town High School, Maine Central Institute, and Waterville Senior High School had the opportunity to attend the 3rd Annual Bank of America Leadership Day in Belfast. This trip provided students with the opportunity to interact with a variety of leaders from Bank of America during interactive learning modules. They split into groups for a tour of the facility, learning about the life cycle of a credit card. They then participated in a mock interview session. They learned how to properly prepare for interviews and practical examples of interview dos and don’ts. The information will be relevant to roles they may be seeking in the future in various industries or higher educational opportunities. Jobs for Maine’s Grads need approximately 25 volunteers to act as event judges for its upcoming Career Development Conference (CDC), which will be held on Friday, April 27 at the Augusta Civic Center. Volunteers will receive training, as well as free breakfast and lunch that day. If you are available on April 27 and would like to volunteer at CDC, please contact Cyndi Fortier at 6207180 x203 or cfortier@jmg.org.

We have recently learned that Patricia Aho, commissioner of the department of environmental protection, is seeking invitations to specific site visits. If you are interested, please contact Commissioner Aho at 287-7688 or 800-492-0859.

PRE-SORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE

50 Elm Street Waterville, ME 04901

PAID PERMIT #146 Waterville, ME 04901

Page 8

Are you Ready To Party??

Are You Ready To Party on 4 Sanger Ave in

But did you know we have a huge line of paper goods for your parties? We carry professional stage make up year round and some of us can even give you a black eye….strictly with make up! Are You Ready To Party also rents tableware. Yes, you rent the dishes; you use them and we wash them. It’s a pretty good deal, and gives you more time to schmooze with your guests, knowing that the dreaded dishes will be done by someone else. Many calls ask if we have enough tables, chairs or dinnerware for their event; the funny thing is they then need 6 tables. Any guesses on how many tables, chairs, or place settings we have? We have about 600 tables, 5,500 chairs, and enough place settings to feed 1,700. I am just happy we do not have to cook all that food. Be sure to stop in at 4 Sanger Ave, Waterville, or online at www.areyoureadytoparty.net.

Waterville is a full service party retail and rental store. This spring, we have joined forces with our Formalwear supplier and have a free App. It is currently only available for Apple products and can be downloaded to your iPhone or iPad by going to the Apple Store and downloading “Tuxedo Builder”. What will the App do? The App, “Tuxedo Builder” will allow you to pick out the tux you want to wear by choosing the style, color, vest, tie, shoes and, best of all, once all is selected you can take a photo of yourself and it will show you how smashing you will look! Keep in mind we have been renting tuxedos for over eleven years reaching the “Elite” status numerous times, which means we rent a lot of tuxedos. Are You Ready To Party is also booking tents, tables, chairs and bounce games for the upcoming summer. Of course you all know this.

12 Monument St Winslow, Me 04901 207-872-2636 www.wcfcu.com COMMUNITY PEOPLE YOU KNOW

166 College Ave., PO Box 215 Waterville, ME 04903-0215 www.az-cpa.com

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.