February 2015 by Mid-Maine Chamber

InTouch

Monthly Newsletter· February 2015

2015 Business to Business Showcase By: Bruce Harrington, Board Member Mid Maine Chamber of Commerce’s Business to Business Showcase is right around the corner, and this year is shaping up to be the best showcase yet. Each year our members secure their booth space and prepare to attend the largest networking event in the mid-maine region, and every year our showcase businesses and our attendees are thrilled with the results. This year will be no exception. We have more booth space sold at the time of this writing than we did last year at this time, which means that we will have a sold-out showcase this year. So, if you have not secured your space yet, call now because space is limited and you do not want to be caught without a booth at this event. We have held the booth price to only $199 and give you access to thousands of local business people representing hundreds of businesses. We have grown the event each year and will feature 150 booths at this year’s showcase. The showcase will be held on Thursday, March 26, from 126, at the Colby College Field House. This is the third year in a row that we will hold the event at Colby, and each year has been better than the year before. There is plenty of parking around the field house area and lots of space to move around and network during the event. The cash bar will be opening at 3:00PM for those who like to enjoy a beer or glass of wine with your networking. We will have many businesses featuring food from their restaurants for you to sample throughout the day. You might also be able to try your luck in the indoor golf simulator that will be set up for the day.

The showcase is a great place for you to find the products and services that you might need in your business. From banking to accounting, marketing to catering, the Mid-Maine Chamber B2B has everything that your business needs to succeed. Oh – and how about those potential clients and business partners that you might meet or reconnect with. Yes, they will be there, too. We are marketing this event statewide through radio, a variety of print advertising, and a mix of online advertising that is sure to reach the business masses across the state. So, bring plenty of business cards for the drawings that each table will have, and to hand out while networking with other business professionals. But most importantly, bring a great attitude and be prepared for an excellent day of business networking. I look forward to seeing you there. For more information, check out MidMaineB2B.com or call the chamber office at 873-3315.

Highlights in this Issue: P. 2: Job Fair P. 3: Employer and Resource Events P. 4: Member Events Calendar P. 7: Member News P. 8: Member Spotlight: Day’s Travel Bureau

Major League Fishing Couldn’t Hide in Maine By Randy Coleman Major League Fishing anglers have seen the United States – east to west, north to south, from the farthest points in all directions, with a thousand stops in between. A glaring exception, until recently, would be Maine. Major League Fishing’s anglers had never spent a day or a night in the Pine Tree State. Not that they hadn’t wanted to – they just, well, hadn’t had the opportunities to experience the northeast tip end of New England. “When I heard we would be fishing in Maine, I was jacked. I couldn’t believe it. That was great news,” said MLF angler Mike Iaconelli. “Being from New Jersey, I’m the guy closest to Maine, and I’ve always wanted to go there. But for some reason, it just never had happened. I was thinking, finally, I get to see the place I’ve always wanted to visit.” Angler Byron Velvick said, “I’m excited. When we’re finished, I’m staying for awhile.” Why Maine? Setting up a Major League Fishing event in Maine also suited the league’s decision-makers nicely. “What we do is this,” said MLF Commissioner Don Rucks. “We try to find places where we get great fishing and regional interest. But it’s equally important to try to find a place that these guys don’t really know. “And that’s hard. I mean, where is that place?” Rucks said. “So we said, ‘Well? How about Maine?’ There was not a person involved in Major League Fishing that wouldn’t like to go to Maine. And nobody had been there.” So Rucks, Production Director Randy White and other MLF team members spent several months looking into everything from accommodations to accessibility to the fish-catching history of lakes throughout Maine. And after taking a close look at several venues around the state, Major League Fishing chose to film in what is known as “the mid-Maine” region. Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kimberly Lindlof made MLF’s choice much easier. Continued on page 2

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

Page 2 Major League Fishing continued from page 1 “We looked you up, and we like what we see,” Lindlof told MLF officials. “We want you. How can we make this happen?” Mid-Maine Has Seen Famous, But MLF Was Also a Hit But famous films and actors aside, on most afternoons during Major League Fishing's competition week, the anglers actually did get “star” treatment. As they moved from venue to venue in the Waterville region, a ritual took place each competition afternoon. The MLF anglers would finish their days and idle back to the “secret” launch/pullout ramps, where they would be met by dozens of local anglers and fans. The fans, who knew the anglers primarily from television, wanted a meet-and-greet and, perhaps, an autograph or two. “I think that was one of the biggest surprises for us, and it was probably because we just didn’t know what to expect in Maine,” Duckett said. “We kind of figured that we’re as far northeast as we’re likely to ever go. We thought we could probably hide up here.” Ken Hoehlein, a Kennebec County tournament angler and a Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce director, knew better. “I know what the Major League Fishing guys were thinking. They thought, ‘We’re going to Maine and not nearly as many people will know us.’ But, hey, there’s a huge bass fishing community here, and people couldn’t believe that these guys were coming to our lakes. We tried to hide the fact that they were here, but the news got out and it spread,” Hoehlein said. “This is a big deal. I know when I first heard it, I thought, ‘You’ve got to be kidding! Those guys are coming here?’ This is fantastic.” As if to emphasize Hoehlein’s reaction, on Tuesday of competition week, Iaconelli (who was not competing that day) spent the morning meeting with a group of MLF sponsors. Iaconelli, - one of competitive bass fishing most outgoing and popular anglers and, unquestionably, its most volatile personality - had parked his personal truck near the lobby of the Lakeside Motel and Cabins, in East Winthrop, Maine, the location of the sponsor meeting. Iaconelli himself was standing outside the motel’s lobby when a Chevrolet Silverado truck, traveling eastbound about 50 yards away on Highway 100, screeched to a halt. The driver had spotted Iaconelli’s truck, then suspected he actually saw Iaconelli. Continued on page 6

Business After Hours February 25, 2015 Hamlin’s Marine & Barrel’s Community Market Hamlin’s Marine 290 West River Rd, Waterville

5:30 to 7PM

50/50 Sponsor: Sponsored by:

Complimentary hors d’oeuvres, fabulous door prizes, 50/50 raffle & more! WATERVILLE RESOURCES & JOBS FAIR Pittsfield area* Date:

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Time:

1:30PM – 4:30PM Facilities available for set up at 12:45PM Registration includes table space & chairs

Location:

Warsaw Middle School Gym 167 School Street, Pittsfield, Maine

Cost:

FREE

You are invited to participate in our Resources & Jobs Fair. Over 200 people will be unemployed when a factory in Pittsfield is closed due to the company’s reduction in floor space. The number of unemployed is much higher when the region is included due to company layoffs and seasonal work. The goal of this event is simple: To make as many opportunities as possible available to those who will soon be unemployed and those who are currently unemployed or underemployed in the area. This fair is open to employers who are currently hiring for positions. This is a great opportunity for your company due to the large pool of candidates. This fair is also open to resource providers. It is important to have providers of resources for unemployed and underemployed in order to provide assistance/programs. Pittsfield is a regional service center.* FMI: townmanager@pittsfield.org Spring Job Fairs Scheduled Around the State Maine Department of Labor www.maine.gov/labor/news_events/article.sht ml?id=635194

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Kennebec Regional Development Authority’s Strategic Vision Submitted by Brad Jackson Mid-Maine Chamber’s Business Breakfast Series this year will include a few sessions of relevance to the Kennebec Regional Development Authority: regional development, foreign direct investment and Canadian connections. For the past year the KRDA has been exploring and /or implementing these very items. Beginning in June of 2013, the KRDA initiated an active foreign direct investment (fdi) campaign as part of its business attraction activities. From Ottawa, Ontario to London England we have met with the “c-suite” and principals of thirty firms over an 18 month period. The firms are vetted with competitive intelligence obtained on their plans. This allows us to prepare tailored presentations on how Central Maine makes business sense for their investment. We conclude every presentation with an invitation to see the value proposition in person. To date we have hosted three of the thirty firms. One has already incorporated into Central Maine; a second is in joint venture discussions with a Central Maine manufacturer (representing potentially $30M in annual sales); the third continues to explore finding a “good fit” for its project. These positive outcomes are the result of taking a “networking” approach to business attraction. Much of this investment is intended for central Maine – not FirstPark. The Executive Board appreciates that with greater investment into the Kennebec Valley region there will be greater investment activity into its primary project – FirstPark. This represents a substantial transition for KRDA. The organization is assuming a regional approach to the business of securing investment from beyond the state. It is also assuming greater self-reliance and turning away from its dependency on state-wide institutions to generate investment attraction. Since July of 2014 we have been envisioning the organization as a “regional authority” with all of the intended powers and capabilities which that may imply. Thus capacity building (obtaining new tools) will be a substantial feature of our organizational efforts over the next few years. Much of this will require addressing strongly entrenched mindsets. From this we hope to become more financially selfsufficient. All of this is intended to get the twenty-four client towns – whom invested into a joint project – toward a positive return on investment by providing additional dividends from the various sources of revenue. By stressing the “regional” and the “authority” in the Kennebec Regional Development Authority, we intend to build a competitive advantage in the state in securing additional investment.

A few comments from our Chamber Members about the Major League Fishing Show: Dave Roy—Kennebec Savings Bank -While I am not a bass fisherman, I found the Major League Fishing series filmed in mid-Maine very well done and entertaining. Even my kids were “hooked”. The tourism exposure that this will provide to our region is fantastic and will pay dividends for years. Hats off to Kim and her staff for their efforts and successes. If you haven’t seen this show, tune in, you won’t be disappointed. Sharon Wildes—My husband and I own the Pressey House Lakeside B&B at the head of Messalonskee l\Lake in Oakland and it was great as a small business to see national attention brought to our lake and area. Also, as a resident on Messalonskee Lake it was fascinating to see the major league fisherman commenting how terrific of a lake it was to bass fish. They got to see a bit of the joy that we have the pleasure of experiencing all year long. Chris Verzoni—Time Warner Cable-“It was great to see our area on national TV. I enjoyed watching the pros fish the same areas I do. I learned a few tips that I can’t wait to try in the Spring!” EFFICIENCY MAINE LAUNCHES SPECIAL INITIATIVE FOR WATERVILLE, WINSLOW, OAKLAND and FAIRFIELD SMALL BUSINESSES Efficiency Maine recently launched a special initiative to help Waterville, Winslow, Oakland and Fairfield business owners easily replace inefficient lighting in order to improve lighting quality and lower electricity costs. The high-efficiency replacement lights will significantly reduce electric consumption and operating costs. For a limited time, Efficiency Maine is offering qualifying businesses incentives that 75% or more of project costs. Many businesses will see a payback of about a year. Efficiency Maine’s Small Business Initiative is designed to reduce commercial customers’ utility costs by upgrading to state-of-the -art, energy-efficient lighting – with incentives of up to 75% of the cost of the upgrade provided by Efficiency Maine. Small businesses have significant efficiency opportunities, but the logistics and upfront cost of projects often prevent them from upgrading lighting or other equipment. To address this barrier, Efficiency Maine’s Small Business Initiative focuses intensive marketing and higher-thannormal incentives in a specific geographic region. The special promotion is a limited time offer, which intensifies the focus of businesses and their contractors on this

proven approach to lowering energy costs. According to Rick Meinking, Business Program Manager at Efficiency Maine, the goal is to get 70% of all small businesses in Waterville, Winslow, Oakland and Fairfield to join this initiative. Said Meinking, “By lowering peak demand on the grid, participating businesses help their bottom line and collectively reduce the price paid by everyone else in the community. It’s good business and good corporate citizenship.” The program has already been launched in Aroostook County and participants in Caribou, Fort Kent, Madawaska, Van Buren and Houlton are averaging $100 a month in savings on their electric bills. Businesses interested in lowering their energy costs may call Efficiency Maine at 866-376-2463 to schedule a free, noobligation lighting energy assessment. Efficiency Maine talked to area businesses about their new lighting program.

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February 3– 11:00AM-12:00PM—MaineGeneral Medical Center Workplace Health invites you to meet Dr. Neil Haas, New Medical Director. 15 Enterprise Drive, Augusta. FMI: 872-4455 February 4—5PM -8:00PM, Central Maine Ca$h Coalition, Free Tax Preparation at United Way of Mid-Maine. To schedule an appointment: 8737700. February 5— Inland Hospital. 5:30 PM, Every Thursday evening through February 26, . Guided Snowshoe Tours at Inland Woods/Pine Ridge Trail.

February 9 –5:30PM—7:00PM Cooking Your Way to a Healthier Heart. MaineGeneral Medical Center, Augusta. FMI: www.mainegeneral.org/Pages/ ENRS/EventsSearchResult.aspx February 10—6:00PM, Formal Public Meeting to discuss bridge work, in the Town of Fairfield council chambers located at the community center, 61 Water Street, Fairfield. FMI: www.maine.gov/mdot/publicmeetings/index.htm February 11–5:00PM—8:00PM, Central Maine Ca$h Coalition, Free Tax Preparation at KVCC. Call United Way of Mid-Maine to schedule an appointment: 873-7700.

Thomas Hickman, U.S. Cellular downloaded our MidMaine Chamber’s mobile app during our Business After Hours at Kennebec Electric. He was the winner of a $25 chamber gift certificate.

January’s Business After Hours Champion’s Fitness Center and Inland Hospital Charlie Giguere and John Dalton welcome chamber members.

February 6—10:00PM, Jamie Kent & The Options February 13—11:00AM - 1:00PM. perform at Mainely Brews. Maine-ly Elder Care free blood pressure clinic at Uncle Dean’s, Waterville. February 6-8, 3rd Annual Maine Pond Hockey February 17 & 24—5:00PM – 8:00PM, Central Classic. Snow Pond– Sidney. Maine Ca$h Coalition, Free Tax Preparation at FMI: www.mainepondhockey.org Winslow Community Credit Union. Call United way of Mid-Maine to schedule an appointment: February 7– 9:00AM—2:00PM, Central Maine 873-7700. Ca$h Coalition, Free Tax Preparation at MidMaine Adult Education. Call United Way of MidFebruary 18-Resources & Jobs Fair –1:30PM – Maine to schedule an appointment: 873-7700. 4:30PM, Warsaw Middle School Gym, 167 School Street, Pittsfield. February 7- 10:00AM—Valentine Printmaking FMI: townmanager@pittsfield.org Workshop—Colby College Museum of Art. Free and open to all ages. February 22— Spectrum Generations Annual Ice FMI: 859-5600. Fishing Derby. FMI: contact Angela Derosby at 873-4745. Meet the Reps - January 15 at the Hampton Inn

March 1—Inland Hospital. Move and Improve; Individuals, worksites and organizations are invited to participate in this FREE 12-week physical activity program. FMI: moveandimprove.org or 973-7245. March 3– Waterville Opera House, 8:00PM presents Los Lobos . FMI: www.operahouse.org/Events/MusicComedy/

Maine Department of Labor has issued the results of its recent employer survey about the state’s regulations regarding workplace drug testing. During the summer of 2014, the department solicited the input of ME businesses and other organizations regarding the current statute governing employee-testing for alcohol / drug use in the workplace. The report is available at http://www.maine.gov/labor/labor_stats/publi cations/substanceabuse

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Insource Renewables Vaughn Woodruff 659-1054 113 North Lancey Street, Suite 10, Pittsfield www.insourcerenewables.com La Belle Bridal Boutique Linsey Gervais 859-1967 48 Main Street, Waterville www.labellebridalboutique.com New England Naturopathic Health Dr. Corrie Marinaro 873-9380 179 Main Street #408 Waterville www.naturopathicme.com Orion Property Professionals Derek Taber 897-8586 141 Marvel Street, Farmington Primp My Paws Mobile Pet Grooming Michelle & Scott Gerald 307-0500 23 Wood Street, Fairfield www.primpmypaws.us Sonny’s John Fidrych 453-7624 146 Main Street, Fairfield www.sonnys-pizza.com Spiro & Company Lori Yotides 441-2103 Belgrade www.spiroandcompany.com Waterfront Concerts Chris Rudolph 358-9327 275 4th Street, Old Town www.waterfrontconcerts.com

Jobs for Maine’s Graduates is happy to welcome several new members to its Board of Directors. The group brings a fresh perspective, experiSaulter Dental Hygiene Center would like to ence and passion to an organization striving to announce and welcome Cynthia Austin IPDH to improve the state’s economy by preparing our practice. We offer affordable dental cleanMaine students for success in the workings, and Cynthia is offering night and weekend force. New to the board are: Leona Michelsen, appointments for those with busy schedules. dir. of marketing, Central Maine Power; Chris Call to schedule your dental cleaning. 861Cimino, executive VP of biz. dev., C.M. Cimino, 8080. Inc.; Heather Douglass, export dev. manager & marketing coordinator, Shipyard Brewing Co., Andrew E. Silsby has been named President and and JMG alumnus; Jeremy Fischer, Esq., attorney, Drummond Woodsum; Ryan Low, VP for Chief Executive Officer of Kennebec Savings administration & finance, UMaine System; and Bank. Silsby President of KSB since June of Heather Perry, superintendent, MSAD 3. Wel2014 and is the institution’s 13th leader since come aboard! its founding in 1870. Area natives Mariah Gleaton and Daniel Eccher have joined the Waterville general practice law firm, Weeks & Hutchins. Tracy Warren has been promoted to vice president and loan officer at Kennebec Savings Bank.

Andrew Silsby, President and CEO of Kennebec Savings Bank has announced that Marie Charest has been named Vice President, Compliance & Community Reinvestment Act Officer.

Benjamin Brown, MD has assumed the role of medical director at MaineGeneral Medical Center’s (MGMC) Thayer Center for Health in WaterDaniel G. Lugo, currently vice president and dean of admissions and financial aid at Franklin ville. & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa., has been named vice president for College and Student Advancement at Colby College. MaineGeneral Health recently elected new members to its board of directors. Joining the board are Vassalboro resident Cathy DeMerchant and Fairfield resident Joey Joseph. Elissa Emmons of Richmond will join the board in February. Stephanie Calkins, MD of Oakland was elected board chair. Matthew T. Proto, who leads Stanford University's admissions marketing and communications efforts, has been named vice president and dean of admissions and financial aid at Colby College. Workplace Health has a New Medical Director, Neil Haas, MD, MPH, FACOEM.

Maine is in the top 10!

http://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/everystate-ranked-by-its-food-drink

E-mail your people news, member news & calendar events to customerservice@midmainechamber.com by the 3rd Friday in February for our March InTouch newsletter.

Page 6 Continued from page 2 Lobster Rolls and Sasquatch The cult-style popularity of Major League Fishing’s anglers also surprised Lindlof. From the beginning, Lindlof had courted the filming of Major League Fishing, which is the No. 1 fishing show on television. But Lindlof does not fish, therefore, she freely admits she was surprised at the sheer size and scope of the production, as well as the popularity of the anglers. “I feel like those of us in Waterville and Winslow and around the Belgrade Lakes and China Lake, we are what Maine is about. I know that when people outside Maine think of us, they immediately think about lobsters and lighthouses. Well, we’ve certainly got great lobster rolls, but around here we’re about more than tourism and gift shops,” Lindlof said. “So when I heard about Major League Fishing, I thought this is something that fits. We’re about outdoor activities and beautiful, recreational lakes. And though I’m not an angler, I know our fishing’s good. So, I just made sure Major League Fishing knew we wanted them.” Lindlof added, “But it did catch me a little off guard was how popular these guys are.” Then midweek, Lindlof got an even bigger dose of “star power.” Leading a one-day film tour of Waterville, Lindlof was accompanied by Major League Fishing producers and Sasquatch, the popular character from Jack Link’s Beef Jerky’s “Feed Your Wild Side” commercials. “People were literally running after us,” Lindlof said. “Everyone wanted their picture taken with Sasquatch.” MLF Anglers Liked What They Experienced The lobster rolls, a first-time treat for many, got rave reviews. So did the

local blueberry pancakes. The fishing was good. And the pristine beauty of several venues caught the anglers’ attention. “Occasionally, though, I get the chance to see a place for the first time, and it just kind of grabs me. That’s the way it was here,” Duckett said. “I was driving around, looking at the history downtown in Waterville and across the river. I saw the old mills and the walking bridge. You can look around everywhere and see a lot of well-maintained, white houses. You see how clean the area is. You also see the rocky landscape around the water. It looks unspoiled,” Duckett said. Angler Alton Jones had arrived at MLF’s headquarters hotel, the Best Western Plus, on Sunday afternoon before competition started on Monday. After parking his boat, he said to a hotel employee, “This looks like a really nice area.” “It is,” said the employee. “Especially in the summer.” “I’ve always wanted to see a moose,” Jones said. “What are the chances we’ll see one?” “Not so great around here," the employee answered. "Chances are a whole lot better if you travel about an hour north.” “Well, I probably won’t have time to do that,” Jones said. “I’ll just have to come back.”

Tues., Feb. 3

8:00 AM

Business Expansion & Retention Chamber Boardroom

Thurs., Feb. 5

12:00 PM

Information Services— Joseph’s Fireside

Thurs., Feb. 9

7:30 AM

Public Policy Chamber Boardroom

Fri., Feb. 20

7:30 AM

Executive Committee Chamber Boardroom

Wed., Feb. 25

8:00 AM

Membership Committee Chamber Boardroom

Fri., Feb. 27

7:30 AM

Board of Directors

February 12: How Can Maine Businesses Thrive in the Economy of an Environmental Century? Largely defined by the extreme challenges created by climate change, Dr. Stephen Mulkey believes that this century will become known as the environmental century. As we enter a period of crises and incredible opportunities, Dr. Mulkey, President of Unity College, will address ways we can respond to these changes and face the challenges of sustainability. To register; 873-3315 or customerservice@midmainechamber.com February 25: Hamlin’s Marine & Barrel’s Community Market 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM Hamlin’s Marine—290 West River Rd, Waterville A great opportunity to mix and mingle with other business professionals and community leaders. Remember to bring plenty of business cards!

Track proposed legislation: Legislative Documents www.maine.gov/legis/lio/publications.htm

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Maine Public Relations Council recently presented its 2014 Golden Arrow Awards, recognizing ME communications experts for excellence in public relations. The Golden Arrow Awards were judged by industry experts from the Agricultural Relations Society located throughout the U.S. Congratulations to Woodfords Family Services for its “Marketing Materials Makeover,” which won the Nonprofit Silver award

Bangor International Airport’s $8 million terminal modernization project’s biggest renovation portion is poised to start soon. It’s domestic terminal hasn’t seen a major update since the ‘70s. Changes include rearranging the airline ticket counters, bringing them all to the north side of the building near the current main entrance, pushing back the counters & the front wall to open more space for queuing passengers, installing windows along the front of the terminal Central Maine Web is now offering responsive or to let in more natural light, replacing flooring/ mobile web design. Using the latest standards in light fixtures, & adding wood finish. The TSA will move its baggage screening behind the wall. A CSS3 and HTML 5, Central Maine Web can creconveyor belt will take the bags from the ticket ate websites that display differently depending counters to the room on the other side for the inon whether a viewer is using a PC, tablet or line baggage screening process which should phone. This is becoming all-important as more speed up check-in times, get passengers out of and more potential clients use their phone as their primary tool used in shopping for goods and line & to their gates on the 2nd floor faster. services. Central Maine Web specializes in sim- The terminal portion is funded through a series ple, functional, attractive designs that rank high of federal & state grants, passenger facility on major search engines like Google. FMI on charges (a $4.50 charge added to the ticket of mobile / responsive design or other services: every boarded passenger that airports can use to Ken LaVoie at 873-9321, enhance safety/security/capacity), Airport Imken@centralmaineweb.com, visit centralmainprovement Program funds, the TSA & “minimal eweb.com. out-of-pocket costs” from the airport. Sheridan Corp.’s construction will last about 18 mos., but Thomas College will no longer require standard- the terminal will remain open. BIA served ized test scores for admissions. The College will 487,775 passengers in ‘13, the most since ’05. adopt an SAT/ACT test-optional policy for all undergraduate applicants beginning with students More than 60 individuals participated in a Compentering in Spring, 2015. Instead, Thomas ColTIA A+ certification course held recently at lege will continue to concentrate on a student's KVCC's new lecture hall on the Hinckley Campus. high school record and activities as the primary The course, along with many others, is being made possible through the MCCS Maine is IT! factor in offering admission. program, which was funded with a $13.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to enaCENTURY 21 SURETTE REAL ESTATE IS THE #1 OFFICE IN THE STATE! Michael Byrne, President ble Maine's community colleges to add new proand Courtney Blood, Vice President are pleased grams, credentials, and short-term training in to announce that the company received recogni- information technology. tion for Top Office in Maine in Closed Units. Top Century 21 office in Maine in Gross Commission Closed for the 14th year in a row!

Business Breakfast Series Mark Pitman 5 Ways to Make 2015 Your Nonprofit's BEST Year Yet

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Page 8 2014 Marked our 90 Year sin Business at Day’s Travel Bureau! Day’s was established in 1924 by Walter J.P. Day. At the time, Walter was working as a clerk in a local grocery store. In 1936, the agency moved to its current Waterville location at 205 Main Street, incorporating the trade business with the sale of newspapers, magazines and gifts. Ninety years later, it is still operating from the same location. In 1963, current owner, Sandy Day, returned to Waterville to join his father in running the business. By 1964, Day’s had eliminated the dry goods aspect of the business in order to devote all of its time to the travel industry. In 1971, Day’s Travel Bureau expanded to serve the Augusta area and in 1977 the agency purchased the 173 State Street location, which has been its permanent Augusta address since. The travel industry continues to thrive, despite the onslaught of Internet-based reservation systems. Its offices are busy planning winter getaways, honeymoons, family and group travel. It’s maintained the notion that computers and their online-only agencies simply cannot replace the

in Columbia, SC where she trained and worked as a travel consultant for 3 years before returning home to Maine in 2010. Personal service, destination education, industry knowledge, customized itineraries and face-to-face communication are just a few elements that its agents are able to provide. In addition relationship that is built between its travel conto unparalleled client service and support, both sultants and its clients. offices offer a “price match guarantee," in conjunction with its trusted suppliers on any packJeff Day, travel consultant in the Augusta locaage or cruise found on the Internet. For those tion, has over 28 years experience in the travel industry, which began when he joined the family who are tech savvy, Day’s does provide a Web site with a built in search engine, which can be business after graduating from Husson College in 1986. Jeff specializes in corporate and desti- found at www.daystravel.com, as well as direct email access to all of our agents. Plus, now you nation travel. Michele Whitten, an Augusta nacan stay updated on what’s hot in travel, current tive from the Waterville agency, has been with Day’s since 1985 upon graduating from Associ- promotions and travel news with its new and improved Facebook page! “Like” us at faceated Schools of Miami where she studied to become a travel professional. Michele specializ- book.com/travelwithdays. es in leisure and business travel. The Waterville Voted Greater Waterville areas “#1 Travel office would like to welcome its newest agent, Agency” 19 years running, come see what a Amanda Pooler. After high school, Amanda relocated to Lakenheath, England until 2007 when difference a DAY’S makes! she returned stateside to South Carolina. It was

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 customerservice@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.