2 | Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Report | January 28, 2017
Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Report | January 28, 2017 | 3
BANGOR REGION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Phone: (207) 947-0307 | Fax: (207) 990-1427 admin@bangorregion.com | bangorregion.com Chamber & Visitor Center Office: 20 South St., Bangor From Main Street, take Railroad Avenue to Summer Street. We’re near the waterfront! For complete information about relocating to the Bangor Region, visit bangorregion.com
Table of Contents 4 5
2017 Annual Report:
Shelley Sund, Director of Marketing & Events Brian Cotlar, Director of Membership & Sales FEATURE WRITING: Josh Plourde | PRINTING & DISTRIBUTION: Bangor Daily News DESIGN & LAYOUT: AD SALES:
Information in the this publication was carefully compiled to ensure maximum accuracy. However, the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce cannot guarantee the correctness of the information provided herein. For the most current information available about the region, our programs or our members, please visit www.bangorregion.com.
16
21 Communities A Note from our Chamber President
Deb Neuman
17
6 7
Chamber Staff, Officers, Directors Outgoing Chair Report
18
Renee Kelley
8
Incoming Chair Report
Lee Speronis
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
9 10 11
19
Penobscot Theatre Company
Non-Profit of the Year
Michael Ballesteros
Arthur A. Comstock Professional Service Award
Abe & Heather Furth
Bion and Dorain Foster Entrepreneurship Award
20
Q&A with Carrie Meo
Government Affairs Business Action Membership Committee
Maine Troop Greeters
M. Jane Irving Community Service Award
BRCC Volunteer of the Year Award
PROGRAM REPORTS:
Woodrow Cross
21 Building Bridges 22 FUSION:Bangor 23 Wellness Council of Maine 24 Bangor Region Leadership Institute
Dennis Paper & Food Service
25-28 Issues of Impact 2017
Business of the Year
29-33 Membership List
Catherine Lebowitz Award For Public Service
34
2017 AWARD HONOREES:
13
14 15
Norbert X. Dowd Award
Benjamin Breadmore
Benefits of Your Membership | Join Form
Congratulations 2017 Award Recipients
EMHS MEMBERS: Acadia Hospital • Beacon Health • Blue Hill Memorial Hospital • Charles A. Dean Memorial Hospital Eastern Maine Medical Center • EMHS Foundation • Inland Hospital • Maine Coast Memorial Hospital Mercy Hospital • Rosscare • Sebasticook Valley Health • TAMC • VNA Home Health Hospice
4 | Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Report | January 28, 2017
Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Report | January 28, 2017 | 5
Chamber President It’s all about YOU!
By Deb
Neuman President,
BANGOR REGION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
"Traveling Paul" A gift from Steve Wong, Creative Arts Center in Brewer.
One of the best ways to attract and retain businesses and to grow our workforce is to tell the stories about the people and places that make this region a great place to live, work, learn and play. So, this year we made an effort to spotlight our members, member businesses and the 21 communities served by the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce. We partnered with local media to bring our members on radio and TV to talk about their businesses. We wrote stories about member businesses and featured those stories in our newsletters, membership guide and Annual Report. We celebrated many grand openings with ribbon cuttings and very big scissors. Members of the staff and Board embarked on a “21 Community Tour” to visit all of the communities in the region we serve. We stopped into member businesses, toured local landmarks and attractions, met amazing people and discovered new things about our region that made us appreciate this place even more. We worked to serve YOU, our members by listening to you through a member survey and through one-on-one conversations. We have implemented changes and added new services to our menu based on your feedback. For example, we co-sponsored an HR Conference this year with Eastern Maine Development Corporation to respond to our members who had questions related to hiring, training and managing employees. This year we provided YOU with opportunities to network with other businesses and to learn new skills and tools to help you start and grow your business. We offered “Success Seminars”, “Business After Hours”, “Early Bird Breakfasts” and more. Our newsletters, email updates and social media content has been focused on providing you with information and the opportunity to promote your businesses and organizations. Our Governmental Affairs, Business Action Committee and our Board of Directors have taken the lead on projects and issues that will impact YOU and our region. We provided support to our programs: BRLI, Fusion, Building Bridges and the Wellness Council of Maine. We developed a two year strategic plan and continue to work towards efficiencies and maintaining a fiscally sound and well run organization to continue to serve you well into the future. YOU - our members and partners are the reason we are here.
This year we reached a milestone - surpassing the number of members this organization has ever had. That provides you with more opportunities to connect with more businesses. We could not do what we do to serve you without the support of our volunteers and our staff aka “Team Chamber”. It was a year ago that I had the honor to assume the position of President and CEO of this organization. As with any new job, there is a lot to learn, master and absorb. I have been so fortunate to have had the support of our Board Chair, Renee Kelly, who has been there to answer questions and assist me with managing both the expected and unexpected. Renee is a tireless leader who has contributed so much to the Chamber as well as to our region, state and well beyond. She is not one to “blow her own horn” so I will gladly do that for her! I am also grateful for the support from incoming Chair, Lee Speronis and our entire Executive Committee and Board of Directors. We are fortunate to have a strong team of leaders and volunteers with diverse experience, expertise and perspectives to lead this organization. Speaking of volunteers, this organization would not be able to serve YOU well or impact our region in a positive way without our many volunteers who contribute countless hours serving on various committees, lending a hand with our events and anything else we need to get the job done. Nor would we be able to do what we do without an amazing and committed staff aka “Team Chamber”. Our team of six professionals is small but productive, creative, adaptable, innovative and willing to do what it takes to best serve you and to make a positive impact on this organization and our region. We work hard, we have fun and we truly love what we do. In 2017, we will continue to work with you to find ways we can best help you achieve your goals and work on projects to continue to grow our region’s economy. Let us know what your goals are for the coming year so we can help you achieve them. Let us know what your concerns are regarding your business. Let us know what we are doing well and were we can improve. Our job is serving YOU, our members. We are looking forward to working with all of YOU in the coming year!
6 | Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Report | January 28, 2017
Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee, 2017
Deb Neuman
Lee Speronis
CEO & President
Chair, Husson University
Rob Frank
Business Action Chair, WBRC A/E
Suzanne Spruce,
Renee Kelly
Chair Elect EMHS
Past Chair, University of Maine
Carrie Meo
David Dunning
Membership Comm. Chair, Darling’s Auto
Cathy Crowell
Treasurer, Bangor Savings Bank
At-Large S.W. Cole Engineering
Board of Directors, 2017
Pete Boudreaux
David Austin
Wayfair
Eaton Peabody
Amy Gaff Gaftek
Tony Caruso
Bangor International Airport
Lisa Larson
Eastern Maine Community College
Sarah Dubay
Alice Dyer
PCHC
Peter Geaghan
Geaghan’s Restaurant
Jaclyn Fish
Cross Insruance
Bob Potts
Emera Maine
Bangor Savings Bank
Jodi Reynolds Berry Dunn
Staff, 2017
Paige Wilcox
Wilcox Wellness & Fitness
Ex-Officio Representatives:
Emeritus Directors:
Michael Aube
Arthur Comstock,
Tanya Emery
Stephen Rich
EMDC
City of Bangor
Nicole Gogan, City of Brewer
Shelley Sund
Director of Marketing & Events
Brian Cotlar
Director of Sales & Membership
Marcia Baker
Administrative Assistant
Shelly Reilly
Program Coordinator
Roxane Dubay
Director of Wellness Council of Maine
Jose Flores
Hollywood Casino
Kerrie Tripp,
Greater Bangor CVB
Consultant
Gov. Action Chair Consultant
Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Report | January 28, 2017 | 7
Outgoing Chair Report Last year when I was writing my report,...
By Renee Kelly, Outgoing Board Chair, BANGOR REGION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
...our board was in the midst of a search for a new CEO to lead the Chamber. We were looking for a dynamic leader and communicator, skilled at building relationships and promoting business growth. I am pleased to note that we found just such a leader in Deb Neuman. Starting on the first work day of 2016, she has demonstrated over the course of the year that she is an excellent communicator and partnership builder. In the short time that she has been in the position, she has put a spotlight on our members, developed pathways for new projects that will enhance the region’s growth, and worked with the team to grow the Chamber’s membership to its highest number ever. The board has worked with Deb over the course of the year to adapt our operations and build our team to best address the needs of our members. We reviewed and advocated for issues that we believed to be important to our business community. We also began work on initiatives such as a regional food hub and entrepreneurial support through our business action committee to create business development opportunities in our region. This fall, the board and our partner programs created a new strategic vision for the Chamber’s next three years of activities. We surveyed our membership and asked our partners to help us to identify the needs of our members and our community. We then assessed the Chamber’s assets and opportunities to determine our role in meeting those needs. As part of this process, we also determined the core values of the organization as we strive to meet our members’ needs:
MEMBER-CENTRIC
CULTURE
BRCC’s strength comes from its diverse membership. We will strive to advance the prosperity of our members and focus on delivering value through our programs and services.
BRCC promotes an organizational culture that empowers employees to lead and take ownership of their work within a supportive, team environment. BRCC engages its board and volunteers so that input leads to action.
OPERATIONAL INTEGRITY BRCC will be a high performing, financially sound organization.
SUPPORTING THE REGION
INNOVATION & CREATIVITY BRCC is an innovative and adaptive organization, working with partners and members to seize opportunities and respond to challenges in our region.
BRCC represents the entire region and will advocate for and engage members in all of our 21 communities. These core values along with the four strategic priority areas we identified will guide our work for the next three years. While we affirmed the Chamber’s role in business advocacy and networking for our region, we determined that the Chamber can take a leadership role in two additional areas that are important to our region: promoting the region as a great place to start and grow a business by showcasing our members’ successes and helping develop and connect talent who will contribute to our region’s workforce. We will work in a more deliberate way with our affiliated programs such as the Bangor Region Leadership Institute, Building Bridges and Fusion to recruit, develop and engage our future leaders and workforce. This work will be supported by our fantastic Chamber team. I am proud of their service to the business community and to each other. They are a dedicated team who works diligently to meet the needs of our members, showcase their businesses and to deliver the best networking and educational events in the region. They believe in the Chamber’s mission to promote a vital and healthy business environment and strive every day to deliver value to our members. As my term as board chair comes to a close, I want to thank the membership for the honor and privilege of serving the business community in this role. My personal passion is supporting entrepreneurial businesses in our region and beyond, and I appreciate the opportunity to bring focus to those opportunities through our work at the Chamber. I look forward to continuing to work with all of you in the years to come to grow and support businesses in our region!
8 | Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Report | January 28, 2017
Incoming Board Chair Leadership through Service
By Lee Speronis, Incoming Board Chair J.D., B.S., C.H.E., C.H.I.A., Assistant Professor and Director of the School of Hospitality, Sport and Tourism Management at Husson University’s College of Business.
The Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce is poised and positioned to lead our business community for the next decade through its service to its membership. The Chamber’s Vision to promote and advance a vital healthy business environment is a clear message to our membership that we are listening. Membership surveys are being utilized by the outstanding staff and CEO to gain insight from our diversified membership. Indeed our mission is to become a member-centric organization by promoting business growth, developing professional talent, creating membership networks and advocating for our members. All parts of the Mission are focused on leading by and through serving our membership. The Chamber is operating on a sound financial foundation through efforts led by our past chair Renee Kelly. Renee stressed that both the board members and the general membership must be engaged. Through improved governance, transparency and communication we thank Renee for her service as our Board Chair. We still have much to accomplish and standing still is not an option. The BRCC will continue to move forward by serving its membership through our 2017-19 Strategic Vision. Our board pledges to be focused on the style of servant leadership. The Board will emphasize that we are here to listen to our staff and our members. We will be here to empathize and to nurture them. We will always place our staff and members first, and we will help to provide them both with opportunities for professional growth toward the achievement of their goals. Finally, we will be stewards to the role entrusted to us as board members and we will always work towards achieving a greater sense of community. I wish to thank the many men and women in this wonderful community who have inspired and mentored me to be a servant leader. Any and all success that I have achieved to this point is shared by all and I would ask that you continue to mentor the many remarkable young stars developing around us on a daily basis. While we are emerging from a divisive election season, we must continue to listen to each other and find our common ground and that common ground can always start with service to our community. My Husson shirts are emblazoned with the words “Character and Humility” and I strive to live by those words every day. Thank you for this honor and we will all move forward together with your assistance and guidance.
Congratulations to all the Bangor Chamber award winners! It’s the dedication of businesses and people like all of you that make our communities so strong.
Member FDIC
1.877.Bangor1 | www.bangor.com
Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Report | January 28, 2017 | 9
Committee Report
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS By Stephen Rich, Chair The Governmental Affairs Committee focuses on outreach for our members, and advancement of the Chamber’s longstanding commitment to Bangor Region advocacy. The committee tracks legislation and government-related issues at all levels of government, and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding positions the Chamber should adopt. The committee is responsible for the Chamber’s yearly “Issues of Impact” document, which outlines the Chamber’s advocacy priorities. Our 2017 “Issues of Impact” was unveiled at the Annual Breakfast this past December and is contained within this report. The committee’s marquee program is our Hot Stove Roundtable forum held at Eastern Maine Community College’s Rangeley Hall typically on the second or third Saturdays from December through May. Municipal, State and Federal officials and staff exchange thoughts and ideas with business and service center leaders, engaging in lively discussion about issues that concern our members. Past conversations ranged from state tax policy, to research and development importance, energy and transportation policy, and much more! All Chamber members are encouraged to attend our Hot Stove Roundtable sessions – we hope to see you there! Governmental Affairs Committee works to promote productive relationships between Chamber members and local/state/national elected officials. The committee, along with Chamber staff, identifies and prioritizes issues of importance to the Bangor region business community and communicates that to the public.
Meeting dates: Second Monday of the month | Time: 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Congratulaaons to all of the 2017 Award Recipients! Hot Stove Session at Eastern Maine Community College, 2016
Thank you for making the Bangor Region a vibrant community in which to live, work, and play.
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10 | Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Report | January 28, 2017
Committee Report
BUSINESS ACTION By Rob Frank, Chair The Business Action Committee, which oversees economic development initiatives, has retained its focus on advancing one or more discreet initiatives at a time. I must thank all of our early-rising committee members for their great ideas and “action”! We are in the midst of brainstorming sessions addressing the renewed interest in Bangor/Brewer as a navigable destination and boating resource. Much is underway through the hard work and cooperation between staff and councilors in Bangor and Brewer. While we anxiously await the results of an Army Corps permit for moorings in an expanded mooring field, we are looking at ways that our harbor can integrate with the two amazing waterfront parcels on each side of the River, while re-imagining the entire range of boating possibilities that can co-exist whether paddle, wind, or powered. Last Summer’s concert series was an eye opener for the potential that can return to our once-river dependent economy. We are pleased to report that the entrepreneurial environment is alive and well: The “Bangor Angels” group has just begun another round of investments in start-ups in our region and beyond; The Scratchpad accelerator program will return in FY 2017, and we welcome CoVort workspace to Downtown while it quickly supplies a built up demand for co-working space. This Fall we joined many like-minded attendees to celebrate the official opening of UpStart Maine at the Target Technology Center in Orono. They will unify the outreach, marketing, and branding of the Bangor Region as
MAINE’S LARGEST & MOST TRUSTED
WHERE SECURITY MEETS STRENGTH
an innovation hub. If you haven’t been to a Top Gun or Big Gig pitch from some of the companies that have moved through these organizations….. you’re missing out! Our Bangor Region Chamber web-based initiative in direct response to growing demand for a “single portal” to promote activities and opportunities occurring within the region is currently in the web-design phases, graduating from our idea table less than a year ago. Kudos to the Bangor Forward initiative for lending insight and approach to this exciting development in the works. And finally, the Regional food hub initiative (Bangorregionfoodhub.wordpress.com) has completed the first phase of their survey - identifying demand by the region’s larger institutional food consumers. The survey is on their website, the initial results of which have identified (a $5M) unmet need in our region for locally grown food! With other recent changes within local and statewide food distribution hubs, including the Good Shephard acquisition in Hampden, we see the potential for strong synergies to evolve as these groups interests continue to intersect!
The Biz Action Committee works with staff to identify economic retention and development opportunities in the Bangor region and working with community and economic development partners, the committee works to take action on opportunities and projects that will enhance and expand economic opportunities in the region
Meeting dates: First Thursday of the month Time: 7:45 - 9:00 am
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Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Report | January 28, 2017 | 11
our membership engage with the Chamber in meaningful ways which are beneficial to their businesses. Some of the ways the Chamber can help your business include networking with other business professionals, connecting with local and state resources to navigate the ever-challenging business climate, and providing marketing and media support. Over the past six months, we have also provided value through creating “Special Member Events” By Brian H. Cotlar, BRCC Director of Membership & Sales like our Free Movie Night with the Bangor Drive-In and Free Corn The Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce acquired 77 new Maze Tickets to Treworgy Family Orchards. These special events members through November of 2016, making the total active are free to all employees of our member businesses, as a way for membership 839 Members. This is the highest active membership member businesses to thank their staff for their hard work. Based count the Chamber has on record! (The last record-high for on the positive member feedback we received in 2016 around membership was 835 members in June of 2010.) Additionally, these events, we plan to expand our Special Member Events to we see a newly revived interest in joining the Bangor Region offer one per quarter in 2017. Chamber from both new and long-standing businesses throughout Finally, please know that our Membership Committee is here to our 21-community region. We believe that providing real and help our members. Chamber members can feel free to reach out quantifiable value to our membership is of paramount importance, to the Membership Committee at any time, although we believe and the goal is to make sure each member is experiencing value in proactively reaching out first, so expect to see or hear from well in excess of the cost of their annual dues investment. For us! If there is a member who feels they are not getting the best this reason, the BRCC Membership Committee, led by BRCC possible value out of their Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Membership Committee Chair Carrie Meo, will change it’s primary Membership, we want to hear from you! Please don’t hesitate to focus in 2017 from acquisition of new membership to care, contact BRCC Director of Membership, Brian Cotlar at (207) 947engagement, and support of our existing members. 2017 will be 0307 or brian@bangorregion.com or feel free to connect with any an exciting year for our members. We’re committed to helping one of our Membership Committee members.
Committee Report
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
The Membership Committee serves as the support group for membership activities at the Chamber. Together, they work with staff and the Board of Directors to clarify membership policies, promote member attraction and retention and achieve overall membership goals.
Meeting time: Second Wednesday of the month | Time: 12:00 - 1:00 pm
12 | Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Report | January 28, 2017
Grow with us! GROW YOUR
GROW YOUR
As a Chamber member you’ll have visibility and credibility in the community and access to resources that will help you expand and manage your business. We can enhance your marketing through our communication channels, provide practical how-to information through seminars and programs, and business to business discounts.
Your Chamber takes seriously its mission to influence public policy on behalf of the region’s businesses. We work tirelessly for sensible regulations, fair taxes and smart public investments that allow our economy to grow.
BUSINESS
GROW YOUR
NETWORK The Chamber offers the best opportunities in the region to meet new customers, future employees and trusted suppliers. Our Business After Hours, Early Bird Breakfasts, the Business Expo, golf tournament, awards dinner and other events put you in touch with the region’s business elite. Being an active Chamber member, serving on committees or volunteering, will enhance your reputation in the community.
INFLUENCE
GROW OUR
COMMUNITY Your Chamber membership supports programs that serve young professionals, build leadership capacity, bring educators and business people together and promote employee wellness. More importantly, by being a part of the Chamber, you are signaling your support for a more vibrant and sustainable community, something your colleagues and customers will recognize the minute they learn you are a member.
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Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Report | January 28, 2017 | 13
Woodrow Cross Woodrow Cross, founder of the Cross Insurance family of companies, Chairman of Cross Financial, and patriarch of the Cross family, has guided the business from its start in 1954. Today, the business has grown to more than 800 employees at 42 locations in 5 states. Lee Speronis, who served on the selection committee for the prestigious Nobert X. Dowd Award, said, “Mr. Cross has served his business and our region’s business community with distinction. He and his company have contributed significantly to the overall good of the business community and to the betterment of the Bangor region. Throughout the growth of his company, he has created and maintained hundreds of jobs in his main office here in Bangor. Mr. Cross’ family name adorns our Cross Insurance Center as a tribute to his dedication to this community.” In celebration of his recent 100th birthday, the City of Bangor formally honored Cross with a key to the city as a symbol of the City’s eternal appreciation of Cross’ accomplishments and dedication to the community. The city issued a letter with the key, where they stated that Cross was a driving force behind the new arena and is “living proof that with hard work, perseverance can really lead to positive change.” A serial entrepreneur since he was six years old, Cross founded his first business in the 1920s, selling seeds door to door. By the time he turned 10, he had ventured into chicken farming where he learned to leverage his business’s potential by taking out loans to purchase baby chicks to later sell for a profit when they matured. In his teens, he transitioned to working in his father’s general store, and soon after assumed responsibility for the business. When the United States entered into World War II, Cross enlisted in the Army, serving in the Pacific theater, including campaigns in New Guinea and the Philippines, as well as occupation duty in Japan. Woodrow married his wife, Janette, and began raising a family of three sons and two daughters. Upon his discharge from the service, the Cross family relocated to Bangor. While working at various construction jobs to support his family, he decided it was time for a career change and obtained his license to sell insurance. Woodrow founded Cross Insurance in the family home. Nine years later, as the company continued to grow, he hired employees and moved the business to downtown office space. Cross Insurance acquired its first agency in 1963 and has since acquired more than 100 agencies and grown into an industry powerhouse. While proud of the business he has built over the decades—a mainstay of the Bangor area economy, and respected throughout
the region—Cross doesn’t minimize the skills and dedication that are needed to stay competitive: “It’s very easy to get discouraged, but I always tried to figure out the problem. I didn’t run from it, and if I needed help, I’d get it. If I needed to do more work, I did it.” A recipient of many industry, community and personal accolades, Cross received an honorary Doctorate of Business Administration degree from Husson University in May 2006. He has long been an advocate for business and employee development in the Bangor region. Mentoring new hires of all ages, supporting professional growth, and encouraging community involvement have been central to his business practice. He is a long-standing church member and supporter of numerous civic and nonprofit organizations throughout the region.
NORBERT X. DOWD AWARD Our most prestigious honor recognizes a member of the business community whose commitment of time, resources and talent has made the Bangor region a better place to pursue one’s livelihood and dreams.
AWARD SPONSOR:
PAST RECIPIENTS INCLUDE: Harold L. Nason, Frederic S. Newman, Jon Grant, Herbert E. Sargent, Larry K. Mahaney, Curtis Hutchins, Galen Cole, Wilma A. Bradford, D. Arthur Johnson, R. Leon Williams, Douglas H. Brown, Samuel Saliba, Thomas A. Greenquist, Carl & Helen Libby, Malcolm E. Jones, Stephen & Tabitha King, G. Clifton Eames, Margo Cobb, Stan Israel, Joe Cyr, Ralph Leonard, Leonard Minsky, Peirce Webber, Abe & Frieda Miller, Lloyd E. Willey, Jack E. Quirk, Harold O. Bouchard, Charles F. Bragg, Ed Darling, Richard & Elizabeth Warren, Edwin N. Clift, Sister Mary Norberta Malinowski, John Rohman, Danny and Carla Lafayette, Gary Smith, John W. Bragg, Peter G. Vigue, Miles Theeman, John Simpson, Andrew Hamilton
14 | Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Report | January 28, 2017
(L to R) Tom Gagne - Chief Financial Officer, Rick Robertson - Chief Operating Officer, and Ron Dennis - President.
Dennis Paper & Food Service BUSINESS OF THE YEAR This award recognizes a business operating in our region that has set an example in leadership, innovation and quality, and/ or has provided noteworthy economic opportunity to the people of the Bangor Region.
AWARD SPONSOR:
Dennis Paper & Food Service is an employee-owned broadline distributor offering more than 9,000 brand name and local products throughout Maine and New Hampshire. Operating out of central Maine, the company—started more than 100 years ago— delivers thousands of food items and related provisions daily to small businesses across Maine and New Hampshire. Quality, performance and service are the key pillars to their success. Five Russian immigrant brothers originally founded the company as a bottling service known as Washington County Bottling Works in the 1920s. Deliveries were made by horse-drawn wagon, limiting the territory covered to the Cherryfield area. The company developed its own brand of soft drink known as University Club Soda, and began bottling and distributing national brands, such as Hires Root Beer and Nesbitt’s Orange, and later began distributing malt beverages. In the 1970s, the company expanded its operations once again, this time to include paper and plastic disposable products and janitorial supplies. In 2001, after close to 40 years in Veazie, the Dennis Paper & Food Service Company briefly moved to Bangor before settling in Hampden at a 55,000 sq. ft. distribution center. Also in 2001, the company changed its name to Dennis Paper and Food Service and began offering a complete line of foodservice products, stocking perishable and frozen items such as produce, groceries, meats, cheese, and frozen foods. In 2012, the company completed its first expansion of 20,000 sq. ft., adding multi-temperature storage capabilities. In 2015, through the foresight and generosity of Ron Dennis, the company became 100% employee-owned, guaranteeing a new level of loyalty and continuity as it continues to grow. Through business-to-business sales only, thousands of restaurants in Maine and New Hampshire receive products through Dennis Paper and Food Service, now one of the largest employers in the area. A significant and ever-growing segment of the company’s food product lines are sourced locally, including produce and seafood, reflecting a growing interest among restaurants and consumers. Peter Geaghan, of Geaghan’s Pub and Craft Brewery, nominated Dennis Paper and Food Service. Geaghan’s Pub has worked with them since the early 1980s. According to Peter, “We go way back, probably to the early 80s, when produce, meats, and seafood
all came from different places. Dennis Paper and Food Service became, and has remained, the one local distributor that’s a full service provider. One of the most impressive things about the company, besides its great integrity and strong family ties, is its forward-thinking move towards being fully employee owned. That’s going to take the company into its next phase of success.” In order to meet an ever-growing customer demand, the company has recently broken ground on a new 30,000 sq. ft. warehouse expansion that is set to be completed in the Spring of 2017. This expansion will nearly double its current refrigeration
and freezer storage space, resulting in expanded product offerings. In tandem with this expansion, a 3,000 sq. ft. test kitchen and conference center is being added to its warehouse. Altogether, Dennis Paper and Food Service will soon boast a 105,000 sq. ft. facility. Rick Robertson, Chief Operating Officer of Dennis Paper & Food Service, recently spoke to the company’s substantial growth: “We had 22 employees in 2001. Since then, we’ve increased revenue 1500% and hired nearly 120 more employees. Service is part of our industry and part of our name. We have a lean management staff and the employees are empowered to make decisions on the spot to help the customer, and that service is key to our success.” Reflecting on the company’s future, Robertson said,“With the completion of the current expansion, along with our passion to compete, Dennis Paper and Food Service is positioned for continued growth. Sales revenue and job growth are key parts of our short and long term plans. That growth will continue to be driven by increased territory in New England, new product offerings, and partnering with new customers each and every day. Our employee owners have been responsible for propelling our business. Through their continued desire to compete, our future looks bright.”
PAST RECIPIENTS INCLUDE: WABI-TV, Bangor Daily News, Telford Aviation, Sargent Corporation, Cianbro, Miller Drug, Bangor Savings Bank, Oxford Networks, Cross Insurance, WBRC Architects-Engineers, Hollywood Casino, RH Foster Energy, Darling’s
Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Report | January 28, 2017 | 15
Benjamin Breadmore Benjamin Breadmore is the Town Manager of Holden. He is credited with bringing a new energy and strong progressive leadership to Holden that has led to rapid growth, with more economic activity since starting his tenure than in the preceding eight years. As a result, Holden is growing as a destination for professionals to live and work with its scenic views, municipal amenities, and extremely favorable mill rate. Holden has seen nearly 40,000 sq. ft. of new commercial buildings in the past year, and 48 new houses have been built in the past two years.
Ben has brought forth both Charter and “Zoning Ordinance amendments that facilitate much easier development in our community while maintaining Holden’s character.
”
ROD BLACK, HOLDEN TOWN COUNCIL CHAIRMAN Breadmore got his start in municipal government as a code enforcement officer in Brewer. He initially started as an intern in 2009, was hired full time in the following year, and shortly after became head of the Code Enforcement Department. In the fall of 2014, the Holden Town Council hired Breadmore with the charge to “bring development to Holden,” according to Holden Town Council Chairman Rod Black. “In taking on that challenge, Ben has brought forth both Charter and Zoning Ordinance amendments that facilitate much easier development in our community while maintaining Holden’s character.” Being the Town Manager in a smaller town means wearing multiple hats, ranging from code enforcement and economic development to road commissioner. Breadmore explained, “One major advantage of being a town our size is that we’re a one-stop shop. I get to assist developers with their projects from start to finish, and this means they get consistent answers every time they come to our office.” Breadmore was recently voted as Vice President of the Northern Maine Chapter of the Maine Building Officials and Inspectors Association. He is a founding member on the Emerging Leadership Council for the International Code Council, which works to create strategies to develop the next generation of Code Officials and
design professionals. Breadmore’s mission from the beginning is to revamp the way Holden operates, particularly with respect to how the town government relates to the community. “When I got started in 2014, the sign outside our town hall was cracked - our sign is our image. We’ve worked hard to enhance the image of Holden as a professional place to live in and do business,” said Breadmore. The town recently remodeled its front office and parking lot. “We have happy taxpayers walking through the door as well as energized developers that take note: Holden is a professional environment,” added Black. Recently, Breadmore worked with Holden businesses to orchestrate a television commercial as a group purchase, reducing the cost barrier for the town and a dozen area businesses, providing an affordable way to promote themselves without any cost to Holden taxpayers. The commercial led to several new business leads for the town. “Holden is a great place for young professionals to live and work. We’re not an industry capital like Bangor or Brewer, but we offer a quiet place full of character with a favorable mill rate, full time police, fire, public works, and curbside pickup,” said Breadmore. “Holden is an untapped resource, but with recent growth, we have an increasing number of reasons for people to stop and set up shop in Holden, not just drive through.” He further voiced his commitment to supporting economic growth in the region as a whole, whether or not that activity finds its home in Holden. Breadmore expressed great surprise with news of this award, joining a high-level list of past recipients. “I was absolutely floored when I got the phone call. It’s such an honor. The first thing I thought was that I’m going to get to be in front of an audience of 1,200 people and I’ll get to plug Holden.” In a nomination for this award, Roger Huber of Farrell, Rosenblatt, & Russell celebrated Ben’s efforts: “Benjamin Breadmore, like prior award winners, gets things done. His plans, actions, and efforts are well thought out, organized, and carefully orchestrated, never getting lost in indecision. He excels in bringing together decisionmakers and stakeholders, facilitating constructive discussions and, ultimately, selecting a course of action that is in the best interest of the Town of Holden and the Bangor Region.”
PAST RECIPIENTS INCLUDE: Sen. Susan Collins, Cong. Michael Michaud, Sen. Olympia Snowe, Gov. John E. Baldacci, Habib Dagher, Sen. Richard Rosen, Sen. Ed Youngblood, Ben Sprague & Jerry Goss, D’arcy Main-Boyington
CATHERINE LEBOWITZ AWARD FOR PUBLIC SERVICE This honor goes to an individual or individuals from the public sector who has advanced the cause of economic opportunity in the Bangor Region.
AWARD SPONSOR:
16 | Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Report | January 28, 2017
Maine Troop Greeters M. JANE IRVING COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD This recognition goes to a group or organization that has made the Bangor Region’s quality of life better, either by helping others directly or by enhancing community or regional assets that add to that quality of life.
AWARD SPONSOR:
The Maine Troop Greeters’ mission is to express the nation’s gratitude and appreciation to our troops for their dedication to our country, for those going overseas for a safe return and for the returning for a joyful homecoming and to make their stay in Bangor as comfortable and pleasant as possible. Kerrie Tripp, Executive Director of the Greater Bangor Convention & Visitors Bureau, submitted one of the several nominations for the Maine Troop Greeters. In her nomination, she described the group as a central part our community: “Their warm hospitality to the troops and travelers at Bangor International Airport is a wonderful reflection of our community, and they have quickly become an asset to our region. No matter where I travel, folks have heard about the Maine Troop Greeters and often say, ‘I was greeted by them and will never forget it.’” The group, which formally became a nonprofit in 2003, got its start on a wintery morning in 1991 when dozens of citizens drove to Bangor International Airport to welcome planes of returning troops from Operation Desert Storm. These troop “welcomes” grew throughout that spring and summer. At one time, more than 1,500 people gathered to meet a single flight. Since then, hundreds of volunteers have welcomed more than 1.5 million troops on their way through Bangor. Debra Milner serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Maine Troop Greeters. Milner and the board work to get more people involved. She believes the group continues to grow stronger with a stated commitment that “someone will be there until everybody comes home.” Bangor International Airport, home to the Maine Troop Greeters, has served as our nation’s main departure and arrival point for troops serving around the world. Milner described the group’s relationship with the airport as extremely collaborative. “There
are no words to describe our relationship with BIA. They’ve always been incredibly supportive of us.” The Maine Troop Greeters have been gifted with thousands of items of memorabilia as tokens of appreciation from the troops who have passed through Bangor. Challenge coins, patches, dog tags, correspondence from family members, flags, service medals, and much more are now part of its history. The greeters believe these gifts are a tribute not only to the efforts and service of the troops but also serve as important reminders of those who’ve sacrificed their lives in service to our country. As a result, the group has worked to form the Maine Troop Greeters Museum at the Bangor International Airport that will preserve this memorabilia and create a place of healing and remembrance for all who visit. Fundraising is currently underway; the committee reports being nearly halfway to their $500,000 goal. They intend to officially open to the public in November 2017. Major General Nelson E. Durgin, who also submitted an award nomination on behalf of the organization, expressed deep excitement and appreciation for the museum: “The Maine Troop Greeters Museum is going to be a wonderful asset to the community and will continue to tell the story of the role that Bangor and the airport have played as a military base and community asset over the years.It will make sure that the story of the troop greeters, and those they have welcomed, is not forgotten.” Those interested in learning more about the Maine Troop Greeters or supporting the Maine Troop Greeters Museum can learn more atmainetroopgreetersmuseum.org.
Those interested in learning more about the Maine Troop Greeters may visit www.themainetroopgreeters.org or to support the Maine Troop Greeters Museum www.mainetroopgreetersmuseum.org. PAST RECIPIENTS INCLUDE: George Eaton II, Hilda Hutchins McCollum, Senior League World Series, Bill Lucy, Hammond Street Senior Center, City of Bangor, Mark Woodward, Eastern Maine Community College
Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Report | January 28, 2017 | 17
Penobscot Theatre Company The Penobscot Theatre Company—the Northeastern most, yearround professional theatre in the country—strengthens the cultural fabric of our community by “illuminating the human condition, inspiring imagination, uniting diverse people in shared experiences, deepening understanding, and developing empathy.” For more than 40 years, Penobscot Theatre Company has grown in the heart of Maine and continues to help makes the Bangor region a great place to live, work, and play. The organization annually employs more than 120 professional theatre artists and technicians, including 12 full-time employees. The theatre’s home is the 120 year old Bangor Opera House. Its bright facade provides a visual beacon on Main Street that represents the cultural and artistic vibrancy of Bangor. Brian Hinrichs, Executive Director of the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, celebrates the organization’s high caliber productions, both onstage and off. “This is a company of artists that continuously creates original productions of new and classic works for the stage that entertain, delight, and challenge audiences throughout Maine. They are committed to youth and the community at large. Of particular note, this past summer, through partnerships with the Penobscot Nation, they produced an original play drawing on native legends, touring it from Indian Island to Acadia National Park. It was an exemple of community engagement and artistic innovation, all the while involving youth.” Bob Potts, Communications Specialist at Emera Maine and a frequent actor with the Penobscot Theatre Company, described the collaboration with the Penobscot Nation in one of several nominations received on behalf of the organization: “Transformer Tales: Stories of the Dawnland was an original work created in collaboration with Penobscot elders, artists and scholars, and it culminated with four public performances: one on Indian Island,
two in Bangor, and one on Mount Desert Island. Thirty-six youths participated, including five young citizens of the Penobscot Nation. It was powerful to hear the Penobscot language spoken for the first time on the stage, and many participants commented on the impact of sharing their history and culture.” Bari Newport, the theatre’s artistic director, joined the organization from Atlanta, GA, in 2012. Mary Budd, the organization’s Executive Director, said that Newport has helped grow the theatre’s audience and subscriber base with an uncanny grasp of our community: “She’s focused on quality and the diversity of what we offer, crafting a ‘tapestry of work’ every year. Since her very first season, she’s offered something for everyone and produced works in such a way that even skeptics will find something delightful and surprising that fuels their hunger for more.” A recent economic impact study found that the Penobscot Theatre contributes more than $2 million annual impact to our region. The theatre regularly draws visitors from throughout New England and Atlantic Canada, and it serves as a key selling point for the quality of life in our region for many prospective residents and new hires. Budd said that, while the economic impact in the theatre is noteworthy, the impact it has on relationships with the community is most important. “If there’s one thing we may have learned in this election year is that our nation and our state and local community is deeply divided. How do we heal these divisions? Theatre offers a path for community growth. At its very core, theatre exists so we can understand one another, ourselves, and the world around us better.” The Penobscot Theatre is a mainstay and catalyst in the thriving arts community that has blossomed within Bangor and surrounding communities.
NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR This award is given to a non-profit agency that has made a notable difference in the lives of the people who live in the Bangor Region.
AWARD SPONSOR:
PAST RECIPIENTS INCLUDE: American Folk Festival, Bangor Humane Society, Eastern Maine Medical Center, Bangor Symphony Orchestra, Maine Discovery Museum, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals of EMHS, Acadia Hospital, Foster Center for Student Innovation at the University of Maine, Greater Bangor Convention and Visitors Bureau
18 | Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Report | January 28, 2017
Michael Ballesteros ARTHUR A. COMSTOCK PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AWARD This award recognizes an individual who embodies Arthur’s generous spirit, donating over an extended period of time his or her expertise to both the Chamber and the community at large.
AWARD SPONSOR:
Michael Ballesteros is the Plant Manager at ALCOM, LLC, the largest aluminum trailer manufacturer in North America, with more than $100 million in total sales per year. Prior to assuming his current position, Mike was Manager of Customer Support at The Jackson Laboratory, and previous to that, was the Dean of Corporate and Professional Services at Eastern Maine Community College. He has been involved with the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce since 2006 as a board member, serving as Chair of the board in 2010. Over the past two years, Mike successfully led an effort to improve an organizational gap between the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce and the Bangor Region Community Council. The Bangor Region Community Council is a separate 501(c) (3) organization, affiliated with the Chamber that can receive charitable contributions and oversees the Chamber’s four nonprofit programs: Bangor Region Leadership Institute, Building Bridges, FUSION, and the Wellness Council of Maine. Funds raised or generated by the Council are used to support the programs. The Community Council is composed of former members of the Chamber’s Board of Directors and representatives from the four programs. In recent years, the programs expanded under the leadership of a group of dynamic young professionals, but communication and fellowship between the Council and the Chamber had diminished, in part due to the rapid growth and strong success of the four programs. It became clear that each of the programs could be better served with an evolution of the Community Council’s existing structure. Ballesteros led a joint team to bring programs and program leadership closer together with the chamber board and chamber leadership, and he took a very inclusive approach. Julia Munsey, a past chair of the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce who worked closely with Michael as an immediately preceding board chair, applauded his efforts: “Michael has a very thoughtful style and his leadership is strong in the way that he engages people. The programs will be better served as a result of the time and hard work he devoted to bring the community council and the chamber closer together.” The chair of the Community Council now holds a seat on the Executive Committee of the Chamber, and the vice chair of the Community Council elected from program leadership also holds
membership on the Chamber board. These two representatives from the Community Council are a “voice at the table” where none existed previously, and will continue to bring the two groups closer together. Reflecting upon the success and inclusivity of the efforts, Ballesteros said: “There are many young executives and professionals on the steering committees of the programs overseen by the Community Council and I’m most proud that we’re able to tap into their knowledge, ideas and energy. These are exceptional people with strategic vision and the ability to get things done.”
has a very thoughtful style “ Michael and his leadership is strong in the way that he engages people. The programs will be better served as a result of the time and hard work he devoted to bring the community council and the chamber closer together.
”
- JULIA MUNSEY, Past Board Chair This award, named for Arthur Comstock, recognizes an individual who embodies Arthur’s generous spirit, donating expertise to both the Chamber and the community at large over an extended period of time. Ballesteros felt honored with the news of the award, noting that Arthur has always been a great personal mentor: “It’s truly an honor having seen Arthur’s commitment to our region by selflessly giving of his time and talent for so many years.” Andy Hamilton, who nominated Ballesteros for this award, stated: “In the last 2 years, Mike has helped to lead a rebuilding and rebirth of the Bangor Community Council that has resulted in a transition from possible fragmentation to consensus action. Mike has exemplified the work of Arthur Comstock in giving so generously and so effectively to the Bangor Chamber and the Bangor Community Council.”
PAST RECIPIENTS INCLUDE: Irv Marsters, John Simpson, John Diamond, Nelson Durgin, Andrew Hamilton, Steve Pound, Dennis Marble, Ric Tyler
Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Report | January 28, 2017 | 19
Heather and Abe Furth have played a key role in the ongoing revitalization of Downtown Bangor and Orono through their highly celebrated restaurants, brewery, and rehabilitated downtown buildings. Since opening Woodman’s Bar & Grill in 2005 in their early twenties with business partner Mark Horton, the couple has expanded their ventures to three restaurants and two brewery locations in Bangor and Orono. They credit this rapid growth to a strong mutual trust with their employees, partners, financiers, and advisors, as well as a spirit of collaboration among other businesses and developers in downtown Bangor and Orono.
to do your research, “trustYouyourhavenumbers, and seek guidance from those that know more than you. Most of the time it feels too good to be true. - HEATHER FURTH
”
Abe described their start and rapid growth during a recent interview: “When we were just starting at 23 years old, trying to open a restaurant, we were so fortunate to have people show up and help us make it work. Twelve years later, Mark and Heather and I get along better than ever because we have realized our own strengths and each other’s strengths. We have a really good understanding of each other. We’ve continued to have really awesome employees and managers, and we’ve all been able to grow together.” In Bangor, the Furths purchased and fully renovated previously underutilized or undeveloped properties at 89 and 91 Main Street in 2011 and 26 State Street in 2015. Their development philosophy is aimed at creating dynamic residential space and bringing more residents into downtown, similarly seen with their earlier acquisition of 2 Mill Street in Orono, home to Verve and Orono Brewing Company.
The couple is adamant that having downtown residents is vital to maintaining downtown businesses: “People want to eat and shop where they live; they love their towns.” To an outside observer, it might easily seem that the couple are risk takers who continue to get lucky. Tanya Emery, Director of Community & Economic Development for the City of Bangor, says they take a much more calculated approach. Emery further explained: “Heather and Abe are smart and innovative investors who have brought tremendous energy to Bangor through their projects. They take great risks but approach it with thoughtfulness and wisdom, and they do a tremendous amount of homework ahead of time. In the case of their State Street building, they didn’t just take the storefront that was there and make it work, they restored it to something that was both historically appropriate and more visually stunning. Redeveloping historic buildings can be enough to undo a lot of people, but Abe and Heather have always been able to deal with any surprises gracefully. They work hard with their team to get through.” To these points, Heather added: “You have to do your research, trust your numbers, and seek guidance from those that know more than you. Most of the time it feels too good to be true. We put our noses to the grindstone and powered through the past 12 years. Sometimes I pull my head up and can’t believe what happened.” When asked what has changed since getting their start, the Furths noted the significant boom of craft beer, crediting Nocturnem, Geaghan’s Brothers, and Central Street Farmhouse as setting the foundation of the emerging beer culture in the region. Bangor recently scored 11th in Travelocity’s Small Metro Area Top Beer Destinations, a distinction that would not have been possible even five years ago. Orono Brewing Company, started by the Furths with Horton and brewmaster Asa Marsh-Sachs, currently sells more than 95% of their beer by the pint, growler, and can at their brewery locations in Orono and Bangor. Going forward, the Furths will likely continue to redevelop downtown buildings while growing their existing businesses and supporting the emerging brewing industry in Maine and the U.S. The couple agreed that the region is among the most vibrant places to live right now and it’s only getting better.
PAST RECIPIENTS INCLUDE: Webster Atlantic Corp.-Mark Wellman/Tori Britton, Waterfront Concerts - Alex Gray, Sutherland Weston Marketing Communication, Geaghan’s Pub and Craft Brewery, Cerahelix, Inc., C&L Aviation Group, Husson University
PHOTO BY JEFF KIRLIN
Abe & Heather Furth BION AND DORAIN FOSTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP
AWARD
This is the Chamber’s newest award, recognizing an individual or business whose innovation and creativity have succeeded in opening new economic opportunities for our region.
AWARD SPONSOR:
20 | Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Report | January 28, 2017
Q&A with
Carrie Meo
Vice President of Fixed Operations, Darling’s Auto Owner, Anthony John's Day Spa
BRCC VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR The Volunteer of the Year award is given each year to an individual who has contributed significant time and talent to furthering the Chamber’s mission.
How long have you been volunteering with the Bangor Region Chamber? I have volunteered for about three years now.
What advice would you give others who are interested in becoming more involved with the Chamber? I would tell them not to wait! No matter the size of the business or fiscal status, joining the Chamber should be the first step in any business plan. The Chamber is a wealth of resources -- learning about and deciphering business laws, HR regulations, how to get help with financing, participating in interactive workshops, getting help with marketing, networking, growing your business, website development and management, advocacy, Hot Stoves…the list goes on and on. Now is the best time to join! What have you learned about the Chamber in your time as a volunteer that surprised you - or might surprise others? I was surprised by the number of programs that are housed under the Chamber umbrella: Fusion Bangor, Building Bridges, Wellness Council, BRLI, and a few others.
What have been your volunteer positions/roles/activities? When looking back over your time as a volunteer, what are I have served on both the Membership and Governance you most proud of? Committee for the past two years, and I have volunteered to help As part of the Membership Committee, I am most proud with many Chamber events. of seeing the new businesses who have joined the Chamber flourishing and growing. Why did you become involved with the Bangor Region Chamber? Tell us about you? (job, family, interests, other volunteer As an active business person and owner in the Bangor area, activities) owning both a small and large company, I believe it is imperative I have been married for 16 years to the love of my life, Ed. We and extremely important to give back to the community. I have 3 grown sons, Matt, Dan and AJ. We love spending time wanted to seek out other like-minded individuals whom I could together traveling and playing card games. Some of my hobbies learn and grow from; to tap into all the resources the Chamber include listening to books on tape, especially those relating to offers. I also wanted to share my knowledge, experience and self-improvement and health and going to the country concerts advice with other business professionals. on the Waterfront! And, I actually love to work! I am the owner of Anthony John’s What do you enjoy most about volunteering with the Day Spa on Stillwater Avenue in Bangor and also part owner Chamber? of Darling’s. Both of my businesses practice the philosophy I enjoy the professional networking, increased connections, of giving back and it has become my mission to cultivate that education, and knowledge gained from so many different pointsculture in my business and personal life. I have volunteered of-view (non-profit, for-profit, universities, colleges, hospitals, for many things over the years, but a few stand out; Komen for and small businesses to large businesses). Volunteering with 17 years and Champion the Cure for the past 3 years. Through the Chamber changes the networking dynamic and increases volunteering with the Chamber and other groups, I have been the level of professional contacts for me. I enjoy attending the able to meet and learn from so many people, and I am so very various workshops hosted by the Chamber as well as sharing grateful! my input with the Board of Directors.
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Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Report | January 28, 2017 | 21
BRCC PROGRAMS: BUILDING BRIDGES
By Pamela Proulx-Curry, Chair
Building Bridges had another successful year of connecting local educators with the Bangor region business community. A group of 12 educators from area public schools, technology centers, and post-secondary institutions participated in the Chamber’s 5-month program that provided members of the Building Bridges cohort with a behind-the-scenes look into local businesses and organizations. Participants were able to connect with some of this region’s top business and nonprofit leaders and learn about different industries, their position in Bangor’s economy, human resource needs, and hiring trends. By facilitating dialogue between education and business, two sectors necessary for a healthy economy, this Chamber program helps meet a vital area need. Connecting educators with business leaders helps them to understand current and future workforce needs so that academic programming can keep pace with those needs This past year, the program continued to build the bridge
between educators and business leaders. This included an updating of the curriculum to provide educators with a broad overview of the major current, as well as emerging, employment sectors in the area. The 2016 program year opened with an orientation at the UMaine Innovation Center. Host sites for the following programs included: EMCC Public Safety (Fire, Police and EMS), Eastern Maine Development Corporation, an on-line learning presentation of Career
Exploration, UMA-Bangor Campus, Bangor Savings Bank, UMaine Forest bio Products, Darlings, Advanced Structures and Composites Center at UMaine, Penobscot Community Health Care, Penquis Cap/Charlotte White Center, St. Joseph Hospital, Bangor Mall/Retail, General Electric, Air National Guard, and the Penobscot Job Corps Center. Of course, this program would not be possible without the continued support of our corporate host and sponsors. Enrollment is open for the 2017 program, but the class is filling up fast. Teachers, administrators, career counselors and workforce specialists are all encouraged to attend to gain a unique insight into our local economy. Please contact the Chamber to reserve your spot! Thank you to the Building Bridges Steering Committee and Chamber staff, especially program coordinator, Shelly Reilly, for another successful year. We look forward to working with Shelly to continue the great work Building Bridges does to unite business and education in the Bangor region.
22 | Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Report | January 28, 2017
BRCC PROGRAM: FUSION:Bangor
By Erin Barry, FUSION:Bangor Chair 2016 marked FUSION:Bangor’s 11th year of connecting young residents in the Bangor region to each other and the community. While this mission has not changed, the strategies we deploy to achieve it are constantly evolving. To highlight the Bangor region in 2016, we made a concerted effort to schedule many of our socials and Newcomers’ Nights at locations that might be new to attendees. This, coupled with the energy and excitement that has surrounded FUSION over the years, made for strong attendance at all of our events. We continued our Feed Your Brain lunch and learn series, educating participants on great topics including "Volunteerism and Financial Planning". FUSION participants also enjoyed other one-off events, including a great fall tailgate at a University of Maine football game. And, as always, we ended the year with our annual Extravaganza and Awards Ceremony, which in 2016 was presented by Bangor Savings Bank. The theme of this year’s Extravaganza was “Prom Night” and we thoroughly enjoyed seeing the attendees dressed to the nines in prom dresses, tuxedos and suits. It was a wonderful night spent celebrating the Bangor region and honoring our four outstanding awardees. Perhaps one of our most exciting achievements in 2016 was the addition of a summer volleyball league to our FUSION:Sports lineup. Notably, our volleyball league saw 18 teams in its first year alone! Between our dodgeball, kickball and volleyball leagues, our FUSION:Sports leagues continued to see record numbers, registering hundreds of participants each season. The success of FUSION:Sports is largely thanks to the generous support of our champion sponsor, Bangor Federal Credit Union, and we are so grateful for this partnership. Our successes in 2016 are thanks to the outstanding support of our sponsors, the FUSION Steering Committee and subcommittees, Chamber of Commerce staff and Board, and Community Council – thank you all! We would like to give a special thank you to Shelly Reilly, our Program Coordinator. Shelly’s cheerful spirit, can-do attitude, and commitment to the success of FUSION and the other Chamber programs has been an inspiration to all of us. And to all who have attended our events, thank you for your participation. FUSION is honored to be a part of this community and is excited to help to further enrich the greater Bangor region in the years to come!
Congratulations to the Chamber Award Winners! 907-1000 stjoeshealing.org
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Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Report | January 28, 2017 | 23
BRCC PROGRAM: WELLNESS COUNCIL OF MAINE
By Paige Allen, Community Health and Counseling Services, Executive Committee Chair The WLCME held two events in 2016, led by Roxane Dubay, Executive Director. The Events Committee, Susan Berry, Chair, Maine Department of Education, held the 7th annual symposium in April at Morgan Hill Events Center. Attendance was just shy of last year’s record breaker with 138 attending. Many thanks to Cianbro as lead sponsor. National keynote presenter, Tony Buettner, from Blue Zones, shared how Blue Zone’s communities across the country are improving population health. In October, the events and awards committees teamed up to bring the Maine Wellness Leadership Summit to Point Lookout. Educational presentations and awards filled the agenda. Our keynote presentation was from the City of Portland’s CityFit wellness program leaders. The WLCME Empower awards recognized five leaders in well-being including three from our Bangor Region: Bangor Savings Bank, City of Bangor, and Employee Health Solutions, teamed up to receive the regional award. Unlimited Solutions Clubhouse received non-profit of the year and RSU 22’s wellness team, led by Brittany Layman, was the group awardee. WLCME’s national partner, the National Wellness Institute, welcomed Carrie Phelps as Director of Membership and Resource Development. Carrie and the WLCME awards committee will continue working towards a national award process. The WLCME Awards Committee thanked Maureen LaSalle, Saint Joseph’s College in September as Maureen moved to another organization. Jenna Chase has taken the committee spot for Saint Joseph’s and will continue into 2017. Our WellBiz ME small business project partnered with Anthem, Justin Allen, Chair, Employee Health Solutions, was highlighted in a variety of print, including Mainebiz magazine, presentations, exhibits, newsletters, and social media channels. WellBiz ME is free for small business members and available online. The program supports the planning and implementation of a wellness program for Maine’s small businesses. It’s been a busy year of growth across the state, due in large part, to the volunteers on the 2.4" high Executive Committee, Penny Townsend, Cianbro, Mike Bennett, Cianbro, Alice Dyer, Cross Insurance, Glenn Mower, Bangor Letter Shop in addition, Deb Neuman, BRCC, and our Steering Committee, Chair, Jamie Laliberte, EMHS. Ben Billings, the Jackson Laboratory, Vice-Chair, moved to a new organization in April leaving the vice-chair position open for the remainder of the year. We wish Ben well in his new position. Thanks to all for sharing their time, leadership, and expertise on behalf of the WLCME.
From the Maine Wellness Leadership Summit, at Point Lookout. 2016 Empower Award winners: L-R: Danielle Reardon, Carrie Lemos, and Kevan Shave (Unlimited Solutions Clubhouse Non-profit awardee), Tom Downing (Lifeline Center for Workplace Wellness-Individual awardee), Christopher Lobley (Bangor Savings-regional awardee) Brittany Layman (RSU 22 group award winner),Bonnie Irwin (Bangor Public Health & Community Service-regional awardee) and Tricia O’ Connor (athenahealth-for profit winner). Photo credit: Elizabeth Clayton
Saint Joseph’s College (Award sponsor for Summit), L-R: Jill Keimach, Mariah Hebert, Emma Davis, and Jenna Chase. Photo by: Elizabeth Clayton.
Congratulations
to all of the 2017 Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Award Recipients! We are pleased to support our local chambers of commerce as they work diligently to enhance the communities we live in. To find one of our banking locations, visit
www.KatahdinTrust.com
24 | Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Report | January 28, 2017
BRCC PROGRAM: BANGOR REGION LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
By Kirsten Ismail, Chair The 2016 year was a successful year and a year of leadership transition. Ed Troscianiec moved into the Ex Officio role and I succeeded him as Chair of the program. For a second consecutive year we set a record for applications received for the 2016/17 class year. We believe our ability to attract and select leaders for our program will lead to a great class experience and a beneficial outcome for the community. We also received a high number of nonprofit partner applications. We are excited to have the Class of 2017 working with Unlimited Solutions Clubhouse Solutions (USC). USC serves people with mental illness and operates under a consensus decisionmaking framework. We believe exposure to USC’s structure and community enhances the curriculum of our program and the class experience. The Steering Committee has agreed to refocus our energy on BRLI’s mission statement. As a result we have placed an emphasis on providing opportunities to give back, strengthening our bonds with alumni, and building on leadership development opportunities.
our first BRLI Alumni Appeal this November and have finalized our sponsorship opportunities for partnering with us. Sponsorships serve an important role in our program’s success and advancement as the leadership institute in the region.
BRLI Alumni Network: We successfully held and launched quarterly BRLI Alumni Socials. Special consideration went into the location of these socials to bring awareness to small businesses and nonprofits in our community. Plans are in place to continue this networking and reconnecting time for Alumni.
Leadership Development:
Our program’s curriculum has continued to evolve with the needs of our community’s leadership. This year we‘ve added introductory board training so our graduates are prepared to serve on various board or committee capacities. In our endeavor to provide leadership development programming we partnered with the Ward Green Group and held a half day leadership development workshop in the spring. Plans are in place to hold a similar workshop in 2017. Giving Back: We are thrilled to report a total of 9 students have We successfully held and organized four received either graduate or undergraduate credit for opportunities through the BRLI Serves initiative to the BRLI program from Husson University since 2015. engage alumni and give back. We started the year Lastly, we are grateful to the businesses, educational preparing meals for the Ronald McDonald House. In institutions, and community leaders who support our the spring we participated in the Downtown Big Dig program. We are also indebted to the volunteers that project by cleaning up and planting new flowers in a make up the Steering Committee, the subcommittee flower bed in West Market Square. We also did our members, the BRCC and Community Council board. part as volunteers at the American Folk Festival and A heartfelt thank you to the leadership and staff of this holiday season we are supporting the Toys for Tots the Bangor Chamber of Commerce, especially Shelly toy drive. Reilly, your tireless support of our program is deeply We formed a Development Committee and initiated appreciated.
Bangor Bangor Region Region Chamber Chamber of of Commerce Commerce Annual Annual Report Report || January January 28, 28, 2017 2017 || 25 25
An important part of fulfilling the Chamber’s mission, “To promote and advance a vital, healthy business environment” involves advocating for public policy that will help our region prosper and grow. Rather than react to what policy makers propose, the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce seeks to define its agenda and bring it forward. “Issues of Impact” outlines the policies that the Chamber believes will most help its members. Drafted by the Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Committee, this document is endorsed by the Chamber’s Board of Directors.
26 | Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Report | January 28, 2017
HEALTH CARE Health care remains a chief concern among Maine employers as a significant cost of doing business and a driver of public sector costs. The Chamber supports: • Amending the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to mitigate penalties on small business, redefine full-time employees as those working 40 hours per week, stabilize insurer participation on the exchange, reduce consumer exposure for high deductibles and co-pays that result in bad debt for health care providers. • Expanding Medicaid (MaineCare) to fully leverage available federal dollars under the ACA • Working to ensure that national and state policy affecting access to insurance coverage reflect the needs of Maine’s businesses, employees, low income citizens and health care providers.
The Chamber endorses an energy policy that makes paramount the goal of lowering the cost of energy for all Mainers. As a result, the State, regulators, generators, and local utilities should continue to pursue strategic investments in all energy forms that lower the overall cost of energy. The Chamber supports:
• Supporting the needs of Maine’s aging population by implementing a comprehensive plan that addresses health care workforce shortages, replacement plans for aging facilities, and innovative community and facility based services. • Maintaining support for the Fund for Healthy Maine to improve the health status of Maine’s workforce and families.
TAXES
• Fully leveraging Maine’s Omnibus Energy Act of 2013 to increase the supply of natural gas in the state and the region, including a new regional infrastructure to relieve the gas supply bottleneck. • Further development of wind, bio-fuel, solar, hydro, and geothermal technologies as-well-as alternative energy in transportation to lower the overall cost of energy.
The tax burden on Maine people and businesses is high and discourages growth. Maine cannot continue with an outdated, anti-growth system of taxation. The Chamber supports: • No increase in, and ideally a reduction of, the overall tax burden for Maine people and businesses. • An approach to municipal revenue sharing that does not exacerbate the problem of already high property taxes. • Tax policies that encourage regionalization. • Maintaining and building on the progress made toward lower state income taxes. • Tax policies that make Maine more attractive for the recruitment of businesses that will serve as a magnet to a young workforce. • Tax policies that will provide an incentive for retirees to stay in Maine as-well-as attracting others. • Tax reform that will reduce the volatility of tax revenues, with an eye toward broadening the sales tax base. • Continued scrutiny of state spending and government efficiency.
ENERGY
• Development and deployment of energy conservation and efficiency, and strategy and policy that encourages businesses to upgrade inefficient heating and lighting. • Exploring greater collaboration with Canada such as creating an energy corridor through Maine and purchasing Canadian energy to lower Maine’s energy costs.
Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Report | January 28, 2017 | 27
EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT A continuum of lifelong educational opportunity and achievement is essential to the region’s economic health and quality of life. Without an educated and globally competitive workforce, the region cannot succeed. The Chamber supports: • Efforts to improve the cost-effectiveness of public, primary and secondary education combined with continued use of public funding to keep college affordable through tuition support, financial aid and student loan forgiveness programs. • Continued effort by the Maine Legislature to reach the 55 percent commitment to pay for General Purpose Aid for costs associated with K-12 education, bearing in mind the need to keep the state’s tax burden from growing. • Expanded access to early childhood education programs as a funding priority. • Educational partnerships that increase the number of college-bound high school seniors.
REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY & COMMUNICATIONS
• Establishment of grants to expand workforce development programs, including private employee training. • Support for returning veterans in the community and regional workforce.
TRANSPORTATION Transportation supports economic growth, spurs job creation, and enhances quality of life. Priorities must focus on economic growth and competitiveness, greater regional and global connectivity and productivity, job creation, and enhancing our quality of life. As such, the Chamber supports:
Broadband capacity and communication capabilities, and a growing awareness of the importance of digital literacy, are critical to economic development, and continue to be a growing strength in this region for eliminating geography as a concern with respect to economic growth. The Chamber supports: • Leveraging assets to bring data centers to the Bangor region. • Economic development strategies to attract companies with a high demand for bandwidth, leveraging the “backbone” assets now in place. • Public and business policies and investments that will allow for greater permeation of broadband, especially ultra-high-speed connections used by technology companies.
• A comprehensive state plan for the repair, maintenance, and expansion of roads and bridges, funded by grants, bonding, and other resources allocated in accordance with state priorities. • The preservation and upgrading of an up-to-date rail network capable of providing commercial freight services to key points in Maine and beyond, with special emphasis on east-west rail connectivity via Montreal. • Expansion of passenger, freight and ground services; supporting allied business operations at Bangor International Airport. • Development of the Searsport cargo terminal, including necessary dredging to maintain future viability and competitiveness, and continued development of the Port of Eastport. • Public transportation and pedestrian amenities that serve the needs of the region’s population and enhance the livability of our downtowns and other centers of commerce. • Marketing and other developmental efforts and initiatives that serve to support the region’s transportation related potential in commercial and industrial trade and production, and tourism.
• Improved broadband for health care in Maine by ensuring the availability and reliability of telemedicine, which is especially critical for patients in rural Maine.
28 | Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Report | January 28, 2017
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT/ COMMERCIALIZATION The future of our region’s economy is tied closely to investments in research, development, and commercialization and should be advanced by public-private partnerships. The Chamber supports: • Raising public awareness and understanding of R&D’s value to Maine’s economy. • Implementing the state’s 2010 Science and Technology Action Plan calling for “an environment where science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship stimulate Maine’s economy,” as-well-as the goal of R&D activity equaling three percent of gross state product. • Fully leveraging R&D investments approved by voters in 2014, and continued support for allocating money to competitive funds to maximize R&D investments. • Leveraging the work of business accelerators and incubators aimed at converting research into new business opportunities. • Investing in R&D through bonds, including the R&D bond that will go before voters in June 2017. • Attracting and retaining students in our region through investing in modern STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education facilities where Maine’s workforce needs are greatest.
REGIONAL COLLABORATION
Regional collaboration offers the opportunity to use public, private and nonprofit resources more effectively in addressing economic and social issues. The Chamber supports working with area chambers of commerce in the four-county region (under a Regional Resources Council), to identify criteria and approaches to align businesses, governments, and educational institutions around a transformative Continuous Learning Region, to include: • Encouraging collaborative efforts between municipal and county government and between government and business to realize cost savings and better serve our communities.
SOCIAL IMPACT Social stability is the foundation of all communities and the catalyst for future growth. The Chamber regards social issues, such as substance abuse and addiction, domestic violence, violent crime, child abuse, mental illness, poverty, and homelessness as direct threats to future economic development. Working toward solutions to these various social issues is necessary to spur economic growth in the Bangor Region. The Chamber also recognizes these social issues are complex and multifaceted. By advancing ideas that address these social issues, Maine residents are provided a better quality of life and the business community creates a more stable and productive workforce. The Chamber supports: • Measures to reduce substance abuse and addiction which affect so many Maine people. • Measures to reduce instances of domestic violence, violent crime, and child abuse and programs to provide support to victims. • Programs to aid sufferers of all forms of mental illness and aid their integration into the workforce. • Measures to reduce poverty and homelessness, especially among children and young adults who represent the future of our community and economy.
• Fostering collaboration between educational institutions, businesses, and government to align educational opportunities with regional needs and workforce development • Encouraging cooperative efforts among regional health care providers to improve quality, reduce costs, address the overall health of the population within the region. • Working with government and business to create a nurturing environment for entrepreneurship and to encourage innovation.
Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Report | January 28, 2017 | 29
2017
Membership list provided as of December 14, 2016.
Membership List #
304 Stillwater Avenue Furniture 3Point Cleaning 93.7 & 94.1 The Wave @WORK Personnel
A
A-COPI/Kinney Imaging Systems AAA Northern New England AARP Maine Acadia Auto Auctions Acadia Benefits, Inc. Acadia Hearing Center Acadia Safaris Acadia Trust NA ACom Action Committee of 50 Adams Real Estate Advance Auto Parts-Bangor Advance Auto Parts-Brewer Advanced Modifications, Inc. Advantage Payroll Service/Paychex Affiliated Appraisal Services Affordable Home & Office Cleaning AIM Recycling LLC Airgas Inc. Airport News & Gifts Al Benner Homes, Inc. Alan P. Hess Ameriprise Financial All Points Insurance Allen / Freeman / McDonnell Agency Allen Drucker, M.Ed PA Allenfarm Fence Company. Inc. Alliance Digital Networks Allies Inc. Alterity Financial Group Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter Amato’s Amedisys Home Health American Folk Festival American Heart Association American Lung Association American Red Cross Blood Services American Red Cross of Northern and Eastern Maine Ames Associates Anah Shriners Anchor Design Company
Angelo’s Pizzeria Anglers Restaurant Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Anthony John’s Day Spa Salon and Boutique Aquatic Development, Inc. Arista Hospitality Consulting LLC ATC Tennis Center of Bangor and Hampden Atlantic Designs Aubuchon Hardware Auto Radiator Service Avalon Village Awards Signage & Trophies
B
Bagel Central Bairs Hermon Driving School, Inc Bangor Area Homeless Shelter Bangor Area Recovery Network, Inc. Bangor Area Staffing Solutions Bangor Band Bangor Brass & Woodwind Repair Bangor Christian School Bangor Daily News Bangor Drive-In Bangor Elks Lodge Bangor Escape Rooms Bangor Federal Credit Union Bangor Frameworks Bangor Gas Company Bangor Historical Society Bangor Housing Bangor Humane Society Bangor Int’l Airport (BGR) Bangor Land Trust Bangor Letter Shop & COLOR COPY CENTER Bangor Mall Bangor Mall Cinemas Bangor Media, LLC Bangor Millwork & Supply Inc. Bangor Motor Inn & Conference Center Bangor Motor Sports Bangor Municipal Golf Course Bangor Nursing & Rehab Center Bangor Pilates Studio Bangor Pipe & Supply, Inc. Bangor Public Library Bangor Publishing Company Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce
Bangor Region Community Council Bangor Savings Bank Bangor School Department Bangor Symphony Orchestra Bangor Target Area Development Corp. Bangor Tire Company Bangor Travel Services Bangor Truck Equipment Bangor Water District Bangor Wealth Management Bangor Wine & Cheese Bankers Life Bar Harbor Bank & Trust Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce Barresi Financial, Inc. Baystate Financial bbd marketing llc Beal College Beatham, Bernier, Seekins & Colpritt CPAs BeautiControl- A Mobile Spa Bedworks of Maine, The Behavior Health Solutions for ME Bell Imaging & Design Bennett Wholesale Florist Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northeast Real Estate Bernatche Auto Body BerryDunn Best Western White House Inn Beth Gardner Insurance-State Farm Better Business Bureau of Maine Better Homes and Gardens,The Masiello Group Black Bear Inn & Conference Center Black Bear Medical North Black Bear Tech Black Beards U.S.A. Blaze LLC, Bangor Blue Seal Feeds - Bangor Blueberry Broadcasting/ WVOM Bob Ziegelaar Bonney Staffing Center Bouchard Cleaning & Restoration, Inc. Bowman Constructors Boyington Productivity Solutions, LLC Branches, LLC Brantner, Thibodeau & Associates Brewer Eagles Club Brewer Family Dentistry
30 | Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Report | January 28, 2017
Brewer Federal Credit Union Brewer Motor Inn Brewer Rehab & Living Center Brewer School Department Brick Oven Bangor Rye Bakery Broadway Veterinary Clinic Brogue Insurance & Financial Services Bronson Audio Visual & Event Services Brookings-Smith Brown Business Consulting Bruns Chiropractic Clinic Bucksport Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Budget Document Technology Buffalo Wild Wings Business Lending Solutions
C
C&L Aviation Services Cake Concoctions, LLC Caleidoscope Communications Camden National Bank Camp CaPella, Inc Canteen Service Co. Carden Kennels, Country Club for Pets Care and Comfort Carpenter Associates Cars.com - Dennis Gears Carter Architectural Design, LLC Casco Bay Energy Company, LLC Casella Resource Solutions Catholic Charities Maine-Bangor Celtic Landscaping LLC Central Equipment Company & White Sign Div. Central Maine & Quebec Railway Central Maine Moving & Storage Central Maine Wireless, US Cellular Authorized Agent Central Security, LLC Central Street Farmhouse Certified Network Systems, Inc. CES, Inc. Challenger Learning Center Changing Seasons Federal Credit Union Chapel Hill Floral Charlotte White Center Chick-Fil-A Bangor (Schultz Enterprises, LLC) Choquette Financial Services, Inc. Chris Olsen Cianbro Citizens of Maine, LLC City of Bangor City of Brewer City of Old Town Clear Channel Airports Clear Path Financial Services Closer North CMC Technology Group Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes Coca Cola Bottling Plant COESPACE Coffee Hound Coffee Bar Coffee News USA, Inc. Coldwell Banker American Heritage Real Estate Cole Land Transportation Museum
Collins Center for the Arts Com - Nav, Inc. Commercial Delivery Systems Commercial Screenprint & Embroidery Inc. Community Care Community Cellular, U.S. Cellular Authorized Agent Community Health & Counseling Services Computer Essentials Computer Room Concentra Urgent Care Concord Coachlines Concrete Coring of Maine, LLC Consigli Construction Co., Inc. Consumer Title Context By Design Corenna Consulting LLC Country Inn At The Mall County of Penobscot CourseStorm, Inc. Courtyard by Marriott CoVort Coworking Space CPF Senior Living Dirigo Pines, LLC Creative Arts Center Creative Companies, The Creative Dental Solutions Creative Print Services Cross Ins. Center Cross Insurance Curran Homestead Village CUSO Home Lending
D
D & S Auto LLC DA Carson Carpentry Darling’s Agency Darling’s Ford VW Audi Darling’s Honda Nissan Volvo DaVinci Signs LLC Dawson Insurance Agency Day’s Jewelers Days Inn Dead River Company - Bangor Dead River Company - Brewer Deighan Wealth Advisors Dennis Paper & Foodservice Design Shorty & Company Designs By Aaron Dewey W. Martin, CPA DeWitt Rentals Digital Workshop Discovery House Bangor DMCP Group, LLC-DBA: Dunkin’ Donuts DOC’s Place Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Center Dorr Lobster Double Blue Sports Analytics, Inc. Doug Guerrette State Farm Dougherty Project Management Down East Toyota Rental Down to Earth Professional Land Services, Inc. Downeast Capital, Inc. Downeast Direct Cremation, LLC Downeast Horizons, Inc
Downtown Bangor Partnership Duff & Associates Dunnett Inc. Dysart’s Broadway Restaurant/Pub/Event Center Dysart’s Cold Brook Rd - Restaurant/Open 24/7
E
Eagle Crest, LLC d/b/a Riverview Motel Eagle Financial Strategies East Side Rehab. & Living Center Eastern Area Agency on Aging Eastern Maine Community College Eastern Maine Development Corporation Eat More Cheese Eaton Peabody Ed McCurdy MC/DJ Edible Arrangements Educate Maine Edwards, Faust & Smith, CPAs Electric Power Systems Elite Auto, Inc. Ellen M. Leach Memorial Home Ellis Commercial Management Ellsworth American, Inc. - Printing Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce Emera Maine EMHS - (Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems) EMHS - Acadia Hospital EMHS - Affiliated Healthcare Systems EMHS - Beacon Health EMHS - Eastern Maine Medical Center EMHS - Foundation EMHS - Rosscare Employee Health Solutions Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Epic Sports Epstein Commercial Real Estate Epstein Properties ERA Dawson-Bradford Co., Realtors Ervin Architecture Escape Bangor ESOCO Orrington Evenrood’s Everett J. Prescott, Inc. Evergreen Home & Hearth Explore Bangor EZ To Use.com
F
F. W. Webb’s Bath Center F.A. Peabody - Hampden Division Fairfield Inn by Marriott Fairmount Market FairPoint Communications Families And Children Together (FACT) Farley Financial Group, LLC. Farrell, Rosenblatt & Russell Farrington Financial Group FGS/CMT, Inc. Fields Pond Audubon Center- Maine Audubon Fields4Kids Fireside Inn & Suites
Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Report | January 28, 2017 | 31
First Advisors First National Bank First Point Financial Services Fleming Appraisal & Associates Forest Society of Maine Four Points by Sheraton Bangor Airport Frank’s Bake Shop & Custom Catering Freightliner of Maine Inc. Frost’s Garage, Inc.
G
G. Clifton Eames Learning Center GAC Chemical Corp. Gaftek, LLC Gateway Title of Maine, Inc. Geaghan’s Pub & Craft Brewery Gene’s Electronics-Dish Authorized Dealer General Electric Co. General Rental Center Generations Boutique & Art Studio Genesis HealthCare Orono Commons George Adams CPA, MBA Gerard Tassel Getchell Brothers, Inc. Gifford Electric Gilbert & Greif, PA Girl Scouts of Maine Gold Star Cleaners-Bangor Gold Star Cleaners-Brewer Gold’s Gym Good Samaritan Agency Good Shepherd Food Bank Governor Paul LePage Governor’s GPW Computer Consulting, Inc. Grace Evangelical College & Seminary Gracie Theatre at Husson University Graduate Painting, LLC Granville Stone Greater Bangor Association of REALTORS Greater Bangor Convention & Visitors Bureau Green Acres Kennel Shop Green Gem Holistic Healing Oasis Greenmark IT, LLC Greenway Equipment Sales Gross, Minsky, & Mogul PA Groth & Associates a Financial Advisory Practice of Ameriprise Financial Gunn’s Sport Shop
H
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Bangor Hahnel Bros. Co. Hammond Lumber Company Hammond Street Senior Center, Inc. Harley Plumbing and Heating Plus Harvest Moon Deli - Bangor Harvest Moon Deli - Orono Haverlock, Estey & Curran, CPAs HBL Boudreau Agency HCP Computers Headlight Audio Visual, Inc.
Healing Resources of Maine Health Search New England Healy Chiropractic Henry’s Bridal Boutique & Formal Wear Hermon Meadow Golf Club Hero’s Sports Grill High Tide Restaurant Hilton Garden Inn Holiday Inn - Bangor Holly No. 7 - Birth Center & Family Health Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway Bangor Home Health & Hospice of St. Joseph Housing Authority City of Brewer Howard Tool Company, Inc. Hughes Property Management Human Resources Association of Eastern Maine Husson University HW Staffing Solutions
I
In Harmony Business Services Independence Advocates of Maine Infinity Federal Credit Union Initial This, Inc. Innovative Solutions Now, LLC Invironments Irving Oil Ivy & Lace
J
J B Paint Company J.T. Hicks & Company, PA Jeff Kirlin Jeff’s Catering, Inc. Jenkins Beach/Cottage & Boat Rentals JL Landscape, Inc. Joey Fixes Computers John Bapst Memorial High School John T. Cyr & Sons, Inc. Jolain’s Gourmet Catering Junior Achievement of Maine Junk-A-Haulics Justin Russell Photography JWClark Dental Studio
K
Kaplan University Kappa Mapping Katahdin Area Chamber of Commerce Katahdin Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, Inc. Katahdin Federal Credit Union Katahdin Trust Company Kathryn Maietta, LCSW KDS Capital, LLC Ken Huhn Kentucky Fried Chicken-Longview Drive Kentucky Fried Chicken/Taco Bell-Broadway Key Bank N.A. - Bangor Mid Mall Key Bank N.A. - Brewer Key Bank N.A. - Water Street Key Lock & Safe
KFI Kiley & Foley Funeral Service Kindred Healthcare Kinsley Power Systems Kosta’s Restaurant & Bar-Brewer
L
L & K Manufacturing DBA Cobbler Technologies Lamey Wellehan Lander Group Lanham Blackwell & Baber, P.A. Lasting Impressions Family Dentistry Law Office of Joseph M. Baldacci Legal Shield Liberty Bell Moving & Storage Liberty Mutual Insurance Lighthouse Radio Network, Inc. WHCF 88.5 FM Lindsco Equipment Links Web Design Literacy Volunteers of Bangor Living Innovations LL Bean Loiselle, Goodwin & Hinds Longhorn Steak House Lou Silver Inc. Lowe’s Home Improvement - Bangor Lucerne Inn
M
M. Ray Bradford Jr. Esq. PA Mabel Wadsworth Women’s Health Center Machias Savings Bank-Bangor Machias Savings Bank-Brewer MacMillan Apartments Magic With Alan Maine Air National Guard Maine Center for Integrated Rehab Maine China Network Maine Cloth Diaper Maine Community Foundation Maine Construction Group Maine Contracting Maine Department of Economic and Community Development Maine Development Foundation Maine Discovery Museum Maine Distributors Maine DOT Maine Energy Inc. Maine Equipment & Party Rental Maine Forest & Logging Museum/Leonard’s Mills Maine Geeks Maine Ground Developers, Inc. Maine Innkeepers Association Maine International Trade Center Maine Jewelry & Art Maine Lakes Publishing, Inc. DBA-The Real Estate Book Maine Mental Health Connections, Inc. Maine Parkinson Society Maine Public Broadcasting Network Maine Real Estate Network (The) Maine Salt Company
32 | Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Report | January 28, 2017
Maine Savings Federal Credit Union Maine Staffing Group Maine State Chamber of Commerce Maine State Legislature/Senate Maine Streaming Media Maine Technology Users Group Maine Trailer, Inc. Maine Troop Greeters Maine Yoga Adventures MAINE-Ly Titles Inc. Mainebiz Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine Manomet Sustainable Economies Program Manpower Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant Marsh Property Management, LLC Mason’s Brewing Co. Materials Recovery Solutions Matheson Valley dba. Advantage Gases & Tools McDonald’s Restaurants - Bega, Inc. McLaughlin Seafood, Inc. Means Wealth Management Med-A-Vision, Inc. Memorymaker Photography MERT Enterprises, Inc. Mexicali Blues Milford Motel - Suites- on the River Miller Drug Millers Workshop Modern Pest Services Moe’s Original Bar B Que Monty Rand Photography Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of Commerce Morgan Hill Event Center Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Morita’s School of Dance Motel 6 Moxie Auctions, LLC Moyse Environmental Services, Inc. Multi Management Group Murphy’s Lawn Care, LLC Murray’s Lock Service Mutual of Omaha Myerowitz Chiropractic & Acupuncture Clinic Myofascial Center of Bangor
N
N.H. Bragg & Sons N.S. Giles Foundations Inc. National Multiple Sclerosis Society National Safety Council of NNE Nautel, Inc. Nelson Durgin New England Communications New England Home Health Care New England School of Communications NGS, Inc. Nickerson & O’Day, Inc. North Country Rivers, Inc. Northeast Coffee Company Northeast Technical Institute Northeastern Log Homes, Inc. Northeastern Workforce Development Board
Northern Border Regional Commission Northern Maine Distilling Company (The) Northstar Photography Norumbega Financial Not So Empty Nest (The) Nourish Salon & Spa Noyes Construction Nurse Anesthesia of Maine, PLLC
O
Oak Grove Spring Water Co., Inc. Office Depot Office Pride of Maine OHI Olive Garden On-The-Line, LLC Oriental Jade Restaurant & Sampan Grill Orkin Pest Control Orono Bog Boardwalk Orono Brewing Company Osteopathic Center for Family Medicine OTT Communications Overhead Door of Bangor Oxford Networks
P
Pack Baskets of Maine Panda Garden Restaurant Parkside Children’s Learning Center Pat’s Pizza Paul Bunyan Campground PenBay Computer Systems, Inc. Penobscot Cleaning Services, Inc. Penobscot Community Health Care Penobscot County Federal Credit Union Penobscot County Republican Committee Penobscot Eye Care Penobscot Financial Advisors Penobscot Home Performance Penobscot Job Corps Center Penobscot Theatre Company Penobscot Valley Dermatology Penobscot Veterinary Services Penquis People’s United Bank Pepsi Bottling Group Perkins Home Services Phenix Title Services Phillips-Strickland House/Boyd Place Photo Booths Of Maine Pine Tree Food Equipment Pine Tree Waste Inc. / Casella Waste Systems, Inc. Plisga & Day Land Surveyors Portland Glass Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce Pottle’s Transportation Inc. Predictive Success Corporation Premier Home Care Prentiss & Carlisle Inc. Prevention Works PrintBangor Pro-Realty
Providence Service Corporation Pub in the Port Pulse Marketing Agency
Q
Quality Inn Quality Jewelers Quality Tire & Service Center, Inc. Quinn Agency Real Estate Quirk Auto Group Quirk Insurance
R
R&K Construction, Inc. R.H. Foster Energy, LLC Rachel’s Jewelry RainStorm Consulting Ramada Inn Randlett Chiropractic, LLC, P.A. Randy Tompkins RBC Wealth Management Realty of Maine Records Management Center RedWire Online Marketing Redzone Wireless Regency Mortgage Residence Inn by Marriott Residential Mortgage Services Results Physical Therapy & Wellness Center Richard P. Hawkins Richard Rosen Richard S. Cattelle, Inc. Richardson, Whitman, Large, & Badger RM Flagg Food Service Equipment and Maine Kitchen Cooking School RM Weymouth Insurance Robert Cross, Loan Officer NMLS# 1469943 - Residential Mortgage Services Robinson Ballet Company Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maine Roof Systems of Maine Roy & Associates, CPAs PA RSU 22 Rudman-Winchell, LLC
S
S & D Accounting, LLC S.W. Cole Engineering Inc. Saint John Board of Trade Saliba’s Rug Sales, Inc. Sam’s Club Sandollar Spa & Pool Sandra A. Morin, Acct. Sandy Blitz Sarah’s House of Maine Sargent Corporation SCORE Bangor Scotts LawnService Sea Dog Ventures Seaboard Federal Credit Union Seacoast Security
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Sealander Architects Season’s Securitas Security Services, USA Seeds of Hope Food Pantry SequelCare of Maine Serendipitous II ServiceMaster Contract Services SERVPRO of Bangor/Ellsworth Seven Islands Land Company Sewall SGC Engineering, LLC Shaw House Shepherd’s Godparent Home Sherwin Williams Sierra Communications Inc. Sign Services Inc. Sleep Number - Bangor Mall 10206 Sleep Well, Inc. Slipping Gears Cycling Smart EyeCare Center Snowman Group (The) Somic America Specialty Sweets Spectacular Event Center & Catering Spectrum Medical Group, PA Sprague’s Nursery Springborn Staffing Spruce Run-Womancare Alliance St. Joseph Healthcare Stagecoach Express Catering Staples - Bangor Mall Starboard Leadership Consulting Stephen B. Rich AIA Stillwater Environmental Engineering, Inc. Sullivan Tire - Bangor Mall Blvd Sullivan Tire - Brewer Sullivan Tire - Hammond Street SuperSlow Zone Susan G. Komen Maine Affiliate Sutherland Weston Marketing Communications SystemArchitecture.NET Systems Engineering
T
T & T Capital, Inc. T&B Title of Ellsworth LLC Target Marketing Maine Target Technology Incubator TBA Inc TC Hafford Basement Systems TD Bank - Exchange St. TD Bank - Stillwater Avenue TD Bank - Union St. TDS Telecom Teddi-Jann Covell Tender Lawn Care The Advertising Specialists of Maine, Inc. The Bangor Y The Charles Inn The CPA Solution, LLC The Ground Round The Housing Foundation The Jackson Laboratory
The Lane Construction Corp. The Maine Edge The Maine Fit The Sheridan Corporation The Sports Arena The Tarratine The UPS Store Therapeutic Bodywork Learning Center, LLC Thermographic Assessments & Home Inspection Thistles Restaurant Thornton Construction Tiller & Rye Tim Horton’s- Main St. Bangor Tim Horton’s- Odlin Rd. Timber Kitchen & Bar Time Warner Cable Business Class Time Warner Cable Media Sales Tip Whip Town of Eddington Town of Glenburn Town of Hampden Town of Hermon Town of Holden Town of Orono Town of Orrington Town of Searsport Town of Veazie TownePlace Suites - Bangor TownSquare Media Trade Winds Car Wash Transco Business Technologies Treworgy Family Orchards Tri County Career Center/Maine Department of Labor True North Property Management Tuesday Forum Tuffy Bear Discount Furniture
U
U.S. Congressman Bruce Poliquin U.S. Senator Angus S. King Jr. U.S. Senator Susan Collins U.S. Small Business Administration UBE Physical Therapy and Performance UBS Financial Services Inc. UCP of Maine UniFirst Corporation Union Street Cleaners Uniship Courier Services United Insurance United States Postal Service United Technologies Center United Way of Eastern Maine University Credit Union University Inn/Academic Suites University of Maine University of Maine Alumni Association University of Maine Augusta at Bangor University of Maine Foundation University of Maine System Uno Pizzeria and Grill UPS
V
Vacationland Inn & Conference Center Vacationland Realty Vafiades, Brountas & Kominsky, LLP Valhalla Corp. VanceGray Wealth Management, Inc Varney Agency Verizon Wireless Verve Burritos, Bangor Verve Burritos, Orono Voyager Networks of New England
W
W.A. Bean & Sons W.B. Mason W.S. Emerson Co. Inc. WABI-TV Wal-Mart - Bangor Wal-Mart - Brewer Walden Park, LLC Wallace Events WardGreen Group Watch Me Shine, Inc Waterfront Concert Series Wayfair, LLC WBRC Architects/Engineers Weatherbee & Sons, Inc. Webber Group Webber Supply, Inc. Wellman Paving Inc. Wellness Connection of Maine Wellness Council of Maine Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC Wellspring, Inc. WESCO West Market Square Artisan Coffeehouse Westgate Center for Rehabilitation& Alzheimer’s Care Whitmore Contracting Inc. Whittens 2-Way Service Whoopie Pie Cafe Whoopie Pie Cafe, Brewer Wicked Wines, Inc. Wilcox Wellness & Fitness Wilde Agency The Willey Law Offices Wilson’s Lawn Service, Snow Plowing, Line Striping Wings For Children & Families, Inc Winspeed Communications Winterport Boot Shop Wireless Zone (Verizon Wireless) WKIT / WZON - The Zone Corporation WLBZ 2 Woodard & Curran Woodlands Senior Living of Brewer Woodman’s Bar and Grill Worcester’s Wild Blueberries WVII-TV 7/ Fox 22
XYZ
Xtreme Adventures, Maine YMCA of Old Town and Orono
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Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Report | January 28, 2017 | 35
We’re incredibly proud of our team and all of the people who make the Bangor Region such a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
AUGUSTA | BANGOR | BREWER | ELLSWORTH darlings.com 2016
36 | Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Report | January 28, 2017