InTouch
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER MARCH 2012
49th Annual Awards Dinner Wednesday, March 28, 2012 Waterville Elks Banquet & Conference Center 5:00 PM Social Hour ~ 6:00 PM Dinner Call 873-3315 to reserve a seat. $50 Per Person or $500 for a table of ten.
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: Hampton Inn
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BVP? What is it & What’s in it for you? by Diana Rafuse BVP is the business visitation program, a component of the Chamber’s Business Attraction and Retention Committee’s work plan. This program is managed jointly with the Central Maine Growth Council. The program, in a nutshell, consists of a oneon-one visit with a member of the Committee and a business representative (that’s where you come in!) to complete a business assessment survey. It gives us an opportunity to hear about your successes and challenges. It gives you an opportunity to learn about resources that are available to you locally, regionally or at the state level. These interviews
are confidential and scheduled at your convenience. They last approximately 30 minutes, or we can take as much time as you’d like. What’s in it for you? Well, a lot. By participating in these interviews, you gain insight about what’s going on in the business community. You gain access to resources and information that may actually help you with business challenges or that link you with people who can. What we’ve found by doing this for a while is that often times businesses aren’t aware of the support systems available to them or how to make the right contacts. By mutually sharing information we make getting what Continued on page 2
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Chamber Tip of the Month Did you know that for just $125 you can have an insert included in our InTouch newsletter -- both the mailed and email versions? We mail 825 InTouch's monthly to all members, area municipal officials, school officials and other political leaders. (You provide the 825 copies to us.) Let others know what you do!
April 11, 2012 2:00-7:00 PM Alfond Youth Center 126 North Street, Waterville Seminars and Events 2:00 - 3:00 PM: Marketing Roundtable Forum - - Join other businesses at one of our four tables to discuss how to use: QR Codes, LinkedIn, Facebook & Facebook 2.0.
Internship Fair Sponsor
Business After Hours Sponsor
3:30 - 5:00 PM: College Internship Fair - - Network with local college students that are looking for an internship. College students from Colby, KVCC 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 booth. Sponsored by the Central Maine Growth Council. 5:30 - 7:00 PM: Business After Hours - - sponsored by Oxford Networks
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
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Business After Hours: From the President’s Chair
People’s United Bank Wednesday, March 21 5:30-7:00 PM 335 Main Street, Waterville
Bowdoin Photography
Several months ago, your Mid-Maine Chamber board of directors took a position in support of the KV Gas pipeline proposed to extend through a large part of our region. This proposed pipeline would lower fuel costs to our hospitals, major manufacturers, schools, and municipal buildings as well as other businesses and eventually residences. As the required municipal votes make their way around the region, the Chamber has had a presence at each advocating for this new energy alternative. On a similar note, the Chamber board is reexamining the process that we go through with our public policy issues. Typically, we react to proposed legislation that a member brings to us as a concern. We’d like to make this process more effective and potentially more proactive. If you’d like to be involved with our public policy committee, please contact the Chamber and join us at our next meeting on March 2 at 7:30 AM in the Chamber boardroom. Happy Spring.
- Kimberly
IRS TIPS IRS provides information and assistance during the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. Ways to contact the IRS: http://www.irs.gov/contact/index.html?nav menu=menu3 2012 IRS standard mileage rate: Standard mileage rate for business stays at 55.5 cents per mile (unchanged from the July 1 mid-year adjustment).
www.centralmaine.com
Thank you to our 50/50 Sponsor:
CASH BAR & hors d’oeuvres 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! EXTRA PARKING AVAILABLE IN THE TIM HORTON’S BACK PARKING LOT.
BVP
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you need a lot easier. That data collected during the interview is carefully analyzed so that we can quickly determine patterns and common issues facing our local businesses. This enables us to react quickly when we see problems developing and organize a plan to deal with issues before they become critical. The data also helps us find our own weaknesses as organizations, as communities or even as state government as we look at the region as a whole. We think that one of the most worthwhile
efforts we can put our energy into to grow our local economy is to retain and grow our existing businesses. It is difficult to have our finger on the pulse of the business community without your help. We hope that when you get the letter of introduction from our Committee member, hoping to set up an interview with you, you’ll try to fit them into your schedule. We need your help. In the long run, the information collected will help shape the future of business development in our communities.
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. 92 MOOSE, B98.5, 1400 AM and 1490 AM are located in Augusta, in a back building up a ramp near Goodwill. Mr. Al Perry is the Market Manager. He oversees the company called Cumulus. Jon James is a Prime Time radio announcer from 5 AM to 9 AM for 92 MOOSE who has worked there for 21 years--a long time
for a DJ to be in one place! Both Mr. Al Perry and Jon James enjoy their jobs and say the best part is that they get to serve and give back to the community. Cumulus has raised thousands of dollars for local and national relief efforts, and has had many successful annual fundraising events for area organizations. Mr. Al Perry’s goal is for his stations to be like "family". He appreciates people listening to his stations while enjoying time with their family and takes great pride in giving back to the community. Local businesses pay Cumulus to advertise their businesses on Continued on page 3
27 Cool Street • Waterville, ME 04901 (207) 873-0721 • Fax (207) 877-2287 www.genesishcc.com Rehabilitation and Living Centers
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Is Your Business At Risk?
by Scott J. MacDonald ccording to the association of certified fraud examiners, data leakage costs US businesses $600 billion each year. Two thirds of this cost are made up of counterfeiting and document fraud. In most companies today, the IT infrastructure (email, software and business applications) are secure. What is most times overlooked is MFP and printer security. Documents that are considered “at rest” laying in corporate email or shared drives, or “in transit” from the computer to the printer or MFP to a recipient are normally flying under the radar. Most times, these documents are unsecured and open businesses up to litigation, compliance penalties and fines up to and including incarceration. Some of the most frequently cited legislation includes HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), SOX (Sarbanes Oxley), FERPA (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act) and GLBA (Gramm-Leach Bliley Act). While most of us have heard of document security concerns in the news or other media, there seems to be a false sense of security as we in Maine are further removed from the bigger cities that have these “problems”. The harsh reality is that these issues affect us all. In fact, recent legislation has put the responsibility on the local business to secure information and if necessary “prove” that it is in fact secure. Document Security is a far different issue than Network Security.
A
Centennial
Unsecured printers and multifunction devices can be entered into by open ports. Once these intruders have achieved this simple task, they now have access to latent document images on these devices and even potentially exploit other devices on the network, which could very easily include computer workstations and servers. This also serves as an avenue to aid in the deployment of malware, viruses, bots and keystroke loggers just to name a brief few. There are primarily four areas that need to be looked at when dealing with Document Security: Device Security – Is the data safe? Document Security – Are the documents protected? Access Security – is the machine locked down? End of life Security – Is the information destroyed? The good news with all of this is that most companies possess the existing hardware and software to “lock down” their current document security issues. Beware of companies that try to fix your situation by buying new copiers and printers. This has long been a marketing strategy that has allowed them to move their product, but yet has done little to secure the information in the business. For more information on this article, please contact Scott MacDonald at 877-1597.
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their radio stations. This is how the stations make away! I did not know so many people could hear their money and pay the salaries of the DJs. Busi- so much coming from such a tiny space! nesses like to advertise with these stations because 92MOOSE can be heard from Portland to Dover a lot of people choose to listen. As Foxcroft and B98.5 can be heard from well as offering great music, the DJs Brunswick to Bangor! I like B98.5. make it fun to tune in by offering Andy, the DJ, had a great voice and he giveaways. Giveaways can consist of let me go live on air! a free night’s stay at a hotel or a gift From the beginning, even before certificate to a restaurant. The DJs 92Moose was called 92 Moose, the also have "request-a-thons" where stations were a member of the Mid people can call in and ask for a song Maine Chamber of Commerce. They to be played. knew it would be a great and effective The DJs sit in tiny rooms with micro- Charlie live on way to connect to and learn about the air with Andy phones and lots of computer screens. community and let the community know from B98.5. They choose all their songs and adverabout them--a fantastic jump start for a tisements ahead of time and line them up on the beginning business. The Chamber continues to screen. They talk when they want to. They can set offer them the connection they need in order to up songs and talking and play them and walk serve in the greatest way possible. 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
Creative Print Services Jeff Melanson 2 Greylock Road Waterville, ME 04901 Phone: 314-0412 jmelanson@creative-ps.com www.creative-ps.com Mid-Maine Electronics Jibryne Karter 2 Leighton Street, Unit 2 Waterville, ME 04901 Phone: 314-4442 jibryne@midmaineelectronics.com www.midmaineelectronics.com Powers Auto Center Susan Powers 1131 Main Street Clinton, ME 04927 Phone: 426-9099 powersauto@roadrunner.com www.powersautocenter.com Skyline Publishing Rodney Lindsey 7620 North University, Suite 204 Peoria, IL 61614 Phone: 309-692-3978 rodney@skylinepub.com www.skylinepub.com U.S. Small Business Administration Maurice Dube 68 Sewall Street Augusta, ME 04330 Phone: 622-8551 maurice.dube@sba.gov www.sba.gov/me Waterville Window Company Amy Quirion 22 Verti Drive Winslow, ME 04901 Phone: 873-0159 amy@watervillewindow.com www.watervillewindow.com
Page 4 March 1: South End Teen Center’s annual fundraiser—Battle of the Badge benefit basketball game between local police and firefighters. Held 7 PM at the Alfond Youth Center in WaterOpera HouseStudio Theater (93 Main Street, 1st ville. Doors open 6:30 PM. FMI: 873-5621 Floor), Tickets $12 adults, $10 students/seniors; FMI or to purchase tickets: March 3: 11AM-1PM, SEUSS ON THE LOOSE https://tickets.operahouse.org/TheatreManager/1/o hat making and wocket creation Held at Freshwa- nline ter Arts at Barrels Market - just drop by anytime. Freshwater Arts and Colby College Museum of March 10: Thomas College Alumni Association Art is offering this FREE community workshop. welcomes Bob Marley. Each ticket for $40 includes a VIP reception at 5:45 PM with a signed March 3: In honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday, Water- CD, hors d’oeuvres, and cash bar as well as a priville Public Library and Selah Tea Cafe will vate show at 7 PM in the Ayotte Auditorium. All sponsor poetry Open Mic from 4-6 PM. FMI: proceeds will benefit the Thomas College Alumni Kathleen Kenny, Waterville Public Library ChilScholarship Fund. FMI: www.thomas.edu/alumni dren's Dept., 680-2604. There will also be bingo, or call 207-859-1211. Seuss inspired food and more. March 16: 6-8 PM Gifford’s Ice Cream is openMarch 3: Unity Barn Raisers is hosting a Com- ing for the season and they are giving out free (2 munity Meal and Open Jam from 5-7 PM. Great scoop) cones; limit one per customer! local food and stay to play (or listen) to local musicians. All instruments and abilities welcome to March 16: Green Design, Good Design: Historic join in. Held at Unity Community Center. $7 to Preservation and Smart Energy Solutions at Bath, $15 donation encouraged. Bath Savings Institution, 105 Front St., downtown Upper Level conference room (elevator accessible). Maine Downtown Center, Maine PreservaMarch 5: Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area is thrilled to announce another Hope’s Place tion and the Environmental Funders Network prefacilitator training. Hope’s Place is HVWA’s pro- sent a practical and thought-provoking session gram for grieving children and teens, services are geared to everyone interested in retaining the aufree. This 20 hour training will be taught by the thentic historic character downtown, while being staff and volunteers at the Hospice Volunteers of protective of the environment. Advance registraWaterville Area’s Community Center, 304 Main tion and payment are required. FMI: Roxanne Street. FMI & to Register: Jillian Roy 873-3615, Eflin 626-3117 or at reflin@mdf.org. or jroy@hvwa.org, or visit HVWA’s website @www.hvwa.org. There will be a $30.00 proMarch 17: Kennebec Montessori School will cessing and materials fee. hold its annual Open House and Registration Day from 9:30 AM to noon at 38 Sheridan Dr., FairMarch 6: Suzanne Uhl-Melanson, CERTIFIED field. New registrations for 2012-13 for preschool, FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, of Uhl- kindergarten and elementary programs will be Melanson Investor Services, will be guest speak- accepted. All are welcome to visit the classrooms, er at the Waterville Area Women’s Club meeting meet the teachers and discover how the Montessoat 155 Silver Street, Waterville at 6 PM. Her topic: ri method of early childhood education works to WHAM! Women, Health and Money - We better nurture a love of learning. FMI: info@kennebec get ready for it, 68% of the population over 85 are montessori.org; 453-6055; www.kennebecmontes women! Have you heard about the “sandwich sori.org generation”? Hear some tips to assist you with your financial health. FMI: 859-8877. March 20: The Waterville Area Art Society and Waterville Main Street are proudly co-presenting March 9, 10, 16, 17 at 7:30 PM, March 11, 18 at the 2012 Maine Open Juried Art Show at the spec2 PM: Three Days of Rain, presented by Aqua tacular, newly-renovated Waterville Public LiCity Actors Theatre at 2PM at the Waterville brary in downtown Waterville from 6-8 PM.
March 23: Waterville Elks Banquet & Conference Center is hosting their 1st Open House on from 2-4 PM they encourage local businesses to send a representative or two to see our facility and enjoy a few appetizers. From 6-8 PM they invite future brides and their families, as well as anyone planning anniversaries. They will have several vendors available to access information that will also help you plan your event. March 24: Matt Tavares & Chris Van Dusen will be at the Children’s Book Cellar to introduce their new baseball books from 10 AM-noon. March 28: Business Day at the Statehouse, sponsored by the Maine State Chamber of Commerce. 8 AM-noon in Hall of Flags, Free. Purpose is to emphasize the importance of preserving & retaining our existing jobs, strengthening our economy through the creation of new opportunities, and keeping Maine businesses competitive in today's economy. RSVP to Linda: 623-4568, x16 or lcaprara@mainechamber.org. March 31: 10 AM-12 PM EGGSPLORING ART beginning with a scavenger hunt at the Museum followed by an egg-decorating workshop at Freshwater Arts in Barrels Market. Freshwater Arts and Colby College Museum of Art is offering this FREE community workshop. To register, 8595613. March 31: Hammond Tractor will be hosting an Open House at 216 Center Rd., by Ross Nason Fairfield from 9 AM-2 PM. 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 12, 13, 14: 4th Annual Alfond Youth Center Kids with Cameras student photography exhibit at 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.
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
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What Price for Success?
by Bill McPeck
During the winter, many employees experience a winter funk often brought on, in part, by a postholiday letdown, failed New Year's resolutions, short days - long nights, cold weather, bad weather, or holiday credit card bills coming due. This kind of low-level winter depression or cabin fever seems to be a seasonal fact of life here in Maine. As an employer, it is important for you to recognize that it is very common for people to experience low motivation/energy or to feel down during the winter. Despite this winter not being hard (40 degree days in February are OK with me), I still detect the presence of winter funk. I was standing in the check-out line in WalMart recently and the woman in front of me commented to the cash register associate that she was tired of winter and ready for spring. It is important to note that there is a big difference between a winter funk and the more severe conditions of seasonal affective disorder and clinical depression. The biggest differences are in the severity and intensity of symptoms and the length of time the symptoms are present. Winter funk or cabin fever usually lasts just a couple of days as you can eventually find something to celebrate, be grateful for, be happy about or some pleasure in your life. Help your employees recognize that the best coping mechanisms for winter funk or cabin fever are simple steps like eating right, exercising, and
Good Health = Good Business not focusing too much on the weather outside. Suggest to your employees that they consider trying these strategies: #1: Try to pinpoint what is getting you down. #2: Don't let your mood dictate your plans. Keep up your social contacts. #3: Watch your diet. It is harder to eat healthy during the winter. #4: Find more ways to be physically active. Even a short brisk walk will help. #5: Get more light, especially sunlight, into your life. #6: Don't make life-changing decisions while you are experiencing a funk. (Adapted by Bill McPeck from Six Ways to Beat the Most Depressing Days of the Year by Emily Main, Rodale.com) Bill McPeck is a Certified Worksite Wellness Program Consultant and Director of Employee Health and Safety for Maine State Government. Contact Bill with your questions and comments at 287-6783.
Money Saving Tips In addition to helping the environment, green operating practices are generally savvy business practices. Though maybe more expensive at first, often green alternatives end up paying for themselves in a short period of time saving business owners money. For instance, those businesses that have taken the Lower Valley Energy ComLite lighting challenge report an average savings of 30% in their lighting bill. Similarly, finding ways to reuse supplies and reduce office consumption saves money because you have fewer business expenses.
to cut office energy costs that really add up! Turn all appliances and computers to a sleep mode. Place reminder stickers and signs to turn off lights. Make sure that all appliances and building operations are well maintained and working at maximum efficiency. Switch from desktop computers to laptops (laptops use as much as 90% less energy).
Office Operations There are many simple things that an office can do FMI: http://www.waterville-me.gov/departments/ mmsc/
Fifth in a series:
Childhood health and our prosperity EDITOR’S NOTE: Today’s young children are tomorrow’s business leaders, policy makers, and parents. Capable children are the basis of a prosperous and sustainable society. Our future prosperity starts with their success.
The Solution – like the pieces of a puzzle, consistent supportive relationships and early education come together to make children healthy and productive. Their successes contribute to Maine’s economic and community development, and a better society. Supporting quality early childhood experiences will save Maine money. Business with family-friendly work policies benefit the most when it comes to reducing the costs associated with dependent care responsibilities. Family supportive companies have the advantage of employee loyalty (reduced turnover), allowing for a return on employee investment, which some companies estimate to be between $20,000 and $40,000, or an average of one-andone half times the person's annual salary, by the time the employee is fully trained and profiting the company. Employees who would normally waste time worrying about family and work issues are more productive on the job. ("Family Friendly Benefits." Starting a Child Day Care Business, How to Start a Daycare from childcare.net. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 June 2011. <http://www.childcare.net/ library/) There are several ways your business can help be more family friendly: allow flexible work arrangements where employees can change their shifts around family obligations, or allow employees to work from home for part of the day. For free children’s books and tips on how to make your business more child-friendly, please contact United Way of Mid-Maine at 873-0686, PO Box 91, Waterville, ME 04903-0091 or tchapman@unitedwaymidme.org This early childhood development message is brought to you by the Greater Waterville Alliance for Early Childcare and Education.
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Maine SBDC Free Online Tutorials By Tammy L. Rabideau, MLS The Maine Small Business Development Center provides many free online business development workshops and tutorials on the Maine SBDC Web site. These online workshops provide a high volume of relevant information to support business success. The online tutorials can be viewed any time, day or night, in the comfort of your office or home. Access the online workshops at: www.mainesbdc.org/index.cfm/spKey/ workshops.html From the Maine SBDC Web site: “Maine SBDC's free ondemand workshops are completed by thousands of small business owners every year, from Maine and worldwide. Ondemand workshops are a great way to familiarize yourself with the basics of business from anywhere, anytime. All ondemand workshops are free.” Some of the Maine SBDC online workshops available by category: Veterans Business Initiative– Preparing Your Business for Deployment Business Basics– Marketing for Small Business New Economy Retailing– E-Marketing and Social Networks Master Merchandising Understanding the Day Tripping Tourists
Patricia Jacobs, who was raised in Brunswick, has been named to the position of president, AT&T New England. In her new role, Jacobs will oversee AT&T’s legislative and regulatory objectives as well as guide AT&T’s public and external affairs strategies in MA, ME, NH, VT and RI. Ms. Jacobs replaces William Leahy, who now leads AT&T’s legislative strategy for all 50 states. Nancy Smith was named the 2011 Branch Manager of the year for all of The Bank of Maine branches across the state.
Maine PTAC – Marketing to the Government– Introduction to Government Contracting and Marketing to the Government PRIME Microbusiness Series– Budgeting Basics and Preparing a Cash Flow Projection Personal Selling – How to Make More Sales One-on-One Special Interest– DEB Connecting with Contractors Exceeding Customer Expectations and Project Management Additional information about these workshops and other Maine Small Business Development Center workshops and services is available at the Maine SBDC Web site: http:// www.mainesbdc.org/. 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
Cindy Sturtevant has accepted the position of Physician Office Liaison for MaineGeneral Health, replacing Lisa Beeckel’s following her promotion to Practice Administrator. Cindy comes to us with a wealth of health care and physician practice experience as well as involvement with our local business community through the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce. Please join MaineGeneral Health in welcoming Cindy to her new role. She can be reached at 626-1094.
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Information Services Amici’s Cucina Public Policy Chamber Boardroom Bus. Attraction & Retention Chamber Boardroom Ambassadors’ Luncheon Cancun Mexican Restaurant Executive Board Chamber Boardroom Board of Directors Chamber Boardroom Membership Chamber Boardroom
Upcoming Events Mar. 8: Business Breakfast Series 7:30-9 a.m. Thomas College Ten Workplace Wellness Tips for Small Businesses Presented by Willow Sherwood, executive director of WELCOA. Despite limited resources, small businesses can implement a workplace wellness program for employees. Workplace health promotion can help improve employee health, boost productivity, increase employee morale, reduce employee turnover and increase your bottom line. Mar. 21: Business After Hours 5:30-7 p.m. People’s United Bank 335 Main Street, Waterville CASH BAR, Parking available in the Tim Horton’s back parking lot. Do you have traffic, pedestrian or bicycle issues in Waterville? Is there a traffic area that you think is unsafe or an intersection that could be improved? Let the Waterville Safety Council know what's on your mind. Call the Rev. Mr. Peter P. Joseph at 872-2225 or Jeff Miller at 8727284. Waterville Safety Council was founded in 1944 to focus on the safety of drivers and pedestrians in Waterville and to lower its accident rates.
Page 7 with your submission. Submit photos to the Challenge by posting them on Downeast’s Facebook page, facebook.com/downeastenergy. Spectrum Generations announced the expansion of their Bridges Help at Home Geriatric Care Management Division to include Home Safety Assessments. Bridges Help at Home provides in-home care for help with hygiene, housekeeping or transportation, LifeAid Medical Alert Systems, and Geriatric Care Management and Consulting.
As part of Catholic Schools Week Celebration, St. John 's Catholic School students, families and staff collected cereal to donate. The "Super Cereal Bowl" service project served two purposes: to make a difference locally, and for its students to enhance their math skills. Every class from preschool to 6th grade participated. At the end of the week, in math KVCC unveiled its new health care simulation class, the 5th and 6th graders computed which class laboratory. The TD Simulation Lab was created in brought in the most cereal. On Feb. 8th, students part with support from The Foundation for Maine’s delivered more than 209 boxes of cereal to the Mid Community Colleges, including a $100,000 dona-Maine Homeless Shelter after hearing of its need tion from the TD Charitable Foundation, the chari- from volunteer coordinator Rick Dorian who spoke table giving arm of TD Bank, America’s Most to the school recently. Convenient Bank®. The TD Sim Lab is designed to serve KVCC’s Nursing and Allied Health Depart- Waterville Rotary Club President Don Plourde, ments, which include more than a dozen health care presented a $10,000 check to Gerry Queally, CEO programs, and is unique among higher education and Denver Brown, Nutrition Director at Spectrum institutions in Maine in its capacity to promote Generations. The donation, which was presented interdisciplinary educational opportunities. at the Rotary Club’s weekly meeting, will support the agency’s Meals On Wheels and We Sustain Nicholson & Associates P.A. recently changed its Maine programs. name to Nicholson, Michaud & Company. ColorGraphics LLC recently installed a new The Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center in Summa cutter capable of cutting large decals and conjunction with MaineGeneral opened The Chil- other rolled medias up to 54” widths. This is the dren Advocacy Center on February 13 at largest such cutter in Maine and increases ColorMaineGeneral Medical Center’s Seton Campus to Graphics already expanding capabilities. help reduce trauma for young victims by streamlining the painful, repetitive and long, drawn-out inKVCC has launched a new program in renewable terview process. energy (RE). Dana Doran, KVCC's Director of Energy Programs, recently said, "The Renewable Attention outdoor photography enthusiasts! Enter Energy Management Advanced Certificate is the your work in the Downeast Energy Calendar Chal- latest in KVCC's growing arsenal of RE training lenge for a chance at fame, glory, a coveted spot in programs that has been created to respond to marthe 2013 Downeast Energy calendar… and a free ket need." FMI www.kvcc.me.edu/energyservices / tee shirt! Photos should be of wildlife or landscapes, and taken in ME or NH. Please provide the Alfond Youth Center received a grant to help name of the location where the photo was taken serve more military families in Maine. Effective immediately until 30 September 2012, they will provide FREE FAMILY MEMBERSHIPS and FREE YOUTH MEMBERSHIPS to all military families and youth. No refunds to anyone who has Concerned about the workings of state already paid for a program. They will also offer government? Want to keep track of legislafree Boys & Girls Club youth activities: every protion during the 125th Legislature’s Second gram, day camp, and all lessons that is offered. Regular session? Maine.Gov let’s you do just Residential Camps and American Heritage Tours that. are discounted 10%. This is an opportunity for Track the progress and scheduling online at FREE After School and Summer Childcare! maine.gov/legis/lio/publications.htm
Legislation Tracker
Tractor Supply ribbon cutting in Waterville. Middle three pictured above: Christian Savage, Program Assistant Mid-Maine Chamber; Dennis Bowman, Store Manager & Waterville Mayor, Karen Heck.
Jobs for Maine Grads (JMG) is proud to announce that JMG and the People’s United Community Foundation are teaming up once again to provide important financial literacy education to students through grant of $6,000 to support its financial literacy program. Kennebec Montessori School has received accreditation from the National Council for Private School Accreditation, which recognizes the excellence of early childhood, elementary and secondary private schools through its consortium of 18 accrediting associations nationwide. Century 21 Surette Real Estate was named the Top Office Closed Units and Top Office Adjusted Gross in the State of Maine at the Century 21 Annual Awards Rally. Century 21 International also awarded them with the Quality Service Pinnacle Office. The deadline for submission of presentation proposals for the April 20, 2012, volume 7 PechaKucha Night Waterville event is March 22, 2012. FMI on submitting a proposal or sponsoring the event contact pechakucha.waterville@gmail. com or facebook.com/PKNWaterville. Efficiency Maine is accepting incentive applications from organizations across Maine for its Competitive Program of $2.5 million to fund large electrical energy efficiency and distributed generation projects. Receive a $50 rebate for recycling outdated refrigerators and freezers. The program offers to pick up the old units at homes, at no cost. Efficiency Maine is offering free energy audits for small businesses in Maine through the end of April, 2012. FMI: www.efficiencymaine.com.
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50 Elm Street Waterville, ME 04901
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Waterville Hampton Inn
Hampton Inn is owned by three Maine entre-
preneurs who saw an opportunity to fill the need in Waterville for a top-branded hotel. We were the second of four Hilton branded properties that have been built in Maine by our owners. Their properties are Hampton Inn Presque Isle, Hampton Inn and Hilton Garden in Freeport. Our owners believe strongly in investing in Maine and building stronger communities through employment opportunities. Waterville Hampton Inn opened in July 2001 with 81 smoking and nonsmoking rooms. Hampton Inns are all franchised and part of the Hilton family. We are conveniently located off I-95 exit 127. We offer a variety of amenities, including a deluxe continental breakfast, indoor heated pool, exercise room, business center and wired/wireless Internet. If you are looking to hold a meeting or banquet, we have the space to accommodate up to 65 people. Catering options are also available.
12 Monument St Winslow, Me 04901 207-872-2636 www.wcfcu.com COMMUNITY PEOPLE YOU KNOW
Hampton Ninjas that are involved in several community fundraisers: Polar bear dip, MS Walk, Walk for Hope and the Freaky 5K. Renovations have been ongoing since our opening and this year we will be undertaking more improvements. Our lobby and breakfast areas will be remodeled, new drapes hung throughout the hotel, easy chairs with footstools Hampton Innâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s General Manager, David in our queen bedded rooms and new carpeting Doucette, is a Maine native and has been emand wallpaper in the hallways. We will also be ployed with the hotel since its opening. David replacing furniture in our guest rooms and makhas over 30 years experience in the hospitality ing improvements to the exercise room. industry. David believes that our continued We offer a variety of options for guests who success is in part due to the longevity of our live or work locally: meeting rooms for your front desk and management team. It is crucial business needs, pool parties in the winter that our staff know our guests and ensure their comfort while they are staying with us. Custom- months, rehearsal dinners, group blocks for weder service is the ultimate goal in hospitality, and dings, reunions or special occasions. Please call or come in to see Nicole Desjardins, Director of we are fortunate to have a staff that strives for Sales, for more information or booking, Niexcellence with every guest. In fact, we have cole.desjardins@hilton.com. Please check out several employees called the Fabulous our Web site at www.hamptoninn.com.
166 College Ave., PO Box 215 Waterville, ME 04903-0215 www.az-cpa.com
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