2012 Profile by Sun Journal

Business

Putting a face on Maineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iconic spring water brand. Heather McBean, Poland Springâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Education and Community Outreach Manager

Investing in Maine and Maine People Since 1845. Maine people – and Maine values – are as much a part of our company as the natural spring water we have been bottling since 1845. Our respect for the environment, our stewardship of water resources and the land around them, and our commitment to being a good employer and a good neighbor are all part of our heritage as a Maine company. Name: Heather McBean ring: Role at Poland Sp Education and er Outreach Manag b: Best part of her jo t into ou “I love getting hing Whether it’s teac the community. d the an m about water kids in a classroo cal being part of a lo environment or nships tio la t, building re fundraising even ared ep in creating sh is an important st mmunities.” value with our co Contact info: waters.nestle.com Heather.mcbean@ 207.998.6483

Name: Eco, the e® Bottle Eco-Shap

• Three bottling plants - Poland Spring, Hollis and Kingfield, Maine • Spring sources - Poland Spring, Hollis, Kingfield, Fryeburg, Poland, Denmark, Dallas Plantation, Pierce Pond Township and St. Albans • Nearly 800 full-time and seasonal jobs • Annually, Poland Spring spends about $40 million on payroll and $65 million with local Maine companies • The men and women who work for Poland Spring live in about 125 communities across Maine • Since 2000, Poland Spring has given over $4.5 million and donated millions of bottles of water to local Maine communities and causes

g: land Sprin Role at Po ire a traordin Mascot Ex b: of Eco’s jo Best part all f ng g fans o of recycli e c n Remindin ta r o t the imp drated. ages abou hy and hy lt a e h g in and stay Look for Eco at these and other events! Poland Spring Heritage Day – May 26 The Dempsey Challenge – October 13 & 14

PolandSpringWorksforMaine.com 2

PROFILE 2012

Advertising Supplement, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 28, 2012

ADVERTISER INDEX Advertiser Index Education

Montello Heights............................ 39

Fa mily & Cosmetic Dental Assisting Program ...................................... 11 Thomas College .............................. 20

sunjournal.com

US M’s Lewiston-Auburn College...38

Entertainment Portland Sea Dogs............................. 4 Theater At Monmouth.................... 24

Sa ndcastle Clinical & Educational Services ....................................... 10 Smart Care ........................................ 9 St . Mary’s Regional Medical Center........................................... 40 The Meadows.................................... 8

Home Above and Beyond . ........................ 33

Finance An droscoggin Chamber of Commerce.................................. 28

Press Commercial Print Services

Pine Tree Orthopedic Lab.............. 12

American Concrete......................... 27 Cote Crane & Rigging ..................... 29

An droscoggin Valley Council of Government........ 13-14

Electrical Systems of Maine........... 38

Community Credit Union ............. 18

Gagne & Son Concrete.................... 33

Downeast Financial Group ........... 16

Hammond Lumber......................... 30

Franklin Savings Bank .................. 19

KBS Building ................................... 34

Gregory Strong................................ 15

Maine Contractors ......................... 39

Li sbon Community Credit Union ........................................... 19

Mount Blue Oil........................... 31-32

Mechanics Savings Bank . ............. 20 Modern Woodmen ......................... 17 Mo nmouth Federal Credit Union ......................................... 16 Northeast Bank .............................. 25

Fontaine Family Real Estate ......... 34

Redlon & Johnson........................... 37 St. Laurent ....................................... 37

Nonprofits AARP . ................................................ 4

Oxford Federal Credit Union......... 17

Retail

Poirier Associates ........................... 18

Budget Document Technology ..... 23

Rainbow Federal Credit Union ..... 15

Earrings & Company..................... .35

Health

MyJobWave.com............................. 25 Oxford Networks............................. 36

An droscoggin Home Care & Hospice....................................... 10 Cassiel’s Salon & Spa ...................... 27 Center for Advanced Dentistry ....... 8 Center Street Dental......................... 9 Central Maine Medical Center.....5-7

Ripley & Fletcher . ........................... 23 Ro opers Beverage & Redemption .......................... 21-22 Tambrands Inc./P&G..................... 26 Willow Tree Primitives .................. 35 Cover photo credit: Gini Haines

Business

Marshwood Center......................... 12

Poland Spring Water ........................ 2

Sun Journal 104 Park Street, PO Box 4400, Lewiston, Maine 04243 Lewiston 207.784.5411

Advertising Supplement, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 28, 2012

Farmington 207.778.6772

Rumford 207.364.8728

Norway 207.743.9228

PROFILE 2012

Sea Dogs Promotional Schedule

2012 Portland Sea Dogs Schedule

as of April 1, 2012 (Game times and promotions are subject to change)

207-879-9500 APRIL SUN

MON

TUE

WED

MAY THU 5

FRI 6

SAT 7

4:05 * 7:05 12 13

SUN

MON

WED 2

THU 3

FRI 4

SAT 5

6:05 14

SUN

6:00 9

6:00 10

6:35 11

6:35 12

MON

TUE

WED

THU

Fireworks June 21

FRI 1

6:00 8

7:05 16

7:05 17

10:35 18

6:00 19

6:00 20

1:00 21

1:35 13

6:00 14

6:00 15

6:00 16

7:05 17

7:05 18

7:05 19

6:00 10

7:00 12

7:00 13

12:00 14

7:00 15

7:00 8

1:00 22

6:00 23

6:00 24

12:00 25

6:35 26

7:05 27

1:05 28

1:05 20

6:35 21

6:35 22

11:35 23

6:00 25

1:00 26

1:00 17

7:05 19

7:05 20

7:05 21

6:35 22

1:05 29

6:35 30

6:35

10:35

6:00

1:00

1:00 27

7:05 28

7:05 29

7:05 30

7:05 31

7:00

1:00

2:05 24

7:00 26

7:00 27

6:00 28

7:05 29

Fireworks May 18

1:00

6:00

SUN 1

MON 2

TUE 3

WED 4

THU 5

FRI 6

SAT 7

1:00 8

7:00 9

6:00 10

7:05 11

7:05 12

7:05 13

7:05 14

All-Star Break

1:05 15

12:05 16

TOMBSTONE Giveaway to one lucky fan Courtesy of Jones, Rich & Hutchins “Mr. Belding” appearance at Hadlock Field – from “Saved By The Bell”

TR April 27

6:00 pm 6:00 pm

Sea Dogs vs. Trenton Thunder (New York Yankees) College Fair at the Ballpark presented by UMaine Farmington

May 8

6:00 pm

Sea Dogs vs. New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Toronto Blue Jays) Josh Beckett Bobblehead to the first 1,000 fans made possible by U.S. Cellular “All the Hair You Can Spare” presented by 99.9 The Wolf & Akari

May 9

6:00 pm

Sea Dogs vs. New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Toronto Blue Jays) Nurse Appreciation Night courtesy of American Nurses Associa tion of Maine

7:05 30

TR May 1

10:30

1:05

7:05

7:00

6:00

SUN

MON

TUE

SUN

MON

TUE

FRI

SAT 1

Fireworks August 16 5

SEPTEMBER

WED 1

THU 2

FRI 3

SAT 4

7:00 8

12:00 9

7:00 10

6:00 11

6:00 21

1:00 12

7:05 15

7:05 16

7:05 17

7:05 18

1:00

7:05 14

7:05 26

7:05 27

7:05 28

1:35 19

7:00 21

7:00 22

6:00 23

7:00 24

6:00 25

1:35 7:00 29 30

7:00 31

6:00

6:35

7:05

1:00 26

7:05 27

7:05 28

7:05 29

7:00 30

7:00 31

6:00

1:00

7:05

7:00

Listen to games on:

WOXO 92.7 FM S.Paris/Oxford WTBM 100.7 FM Rumford/Bethel WEZR 1240 AM Lewiston/Auburn WKTQ 1450 AM S. Paris WTME 780 AM Rumford

12:00 25

THU

6:00

7:00 20

WED

Field of Dreams September 2

* = Doubleheader

6:00 pm

RI 6:35 April 17 23

7:00 19

Away

Sea Dogs vs. New Britain Rock Cats (Minnesota Twins) Sea Dogs Poster Giveaway presented by North East Mobile Health Services

7:00

7:00 24

Home

6:00 pm

6:00 April 16 16

Sea Dogs vs. Binghamton Mets Schedule Magnet Giveaway courtesy of Paul G. White Interior Solutions

7:00

7:00 23

7:00

1:00 pm

AL April 14

7:00 9

1:00

1:00 22

1:05

Sea Dogs vs. Binghamton Mets Sea Dogs Fleece Blankets to the first 1,000 fans made possible by U.S. Cellular

AUGUST

Fireworks July 3 & 25

6:00 pm

SAT 2

1:00

JULY

April 12

JUNE

TUE 1

AK AL BI BO ER HB NB NH

Akron Aeros (Indians) Altoona Curve (Pirates) Binghamton Mets (Mets) Bowie Baysox (Orioles) Erie SeaWolves (Tigers) Harrisburg Senators (Nationals) New Britain Rock Cats (Twins)

RE RI TR

Reading Phillies (Phillies) Richmond Flying Squirrels (Giants) Trenton Thunder (Yankees)

New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Blue Jays)

May 15

6:00 pm

University of Maine vs. Boston College at Hadlock Field

May 18

6:00 pm

Sea Dogs vs. New Hampshire (Toronto Blue Jays) “Mike Piazza Dog Tricks” Night made possible by U.S. Cellular

May 25

6:00 pm

Sea Dogs vs. Binghamton Mets FIREWORKS SHOW after the game

June 5

7:00 pm

Sea Dogs vs. Bowie BaySox (Baltimore Orioles) Bark in the Park – Mike Piazza Dog Tricks on the field

June 6

7:00 pm

Sea Dogs vs. Bowie BaySox (Baltimore Orioles) Leading Women Awards Night at Hadlock Field

June 7

12NOON

Sea Dogs vs. Bowie BaySox (Baltimore Orioles) Education Day with Activity Book courtesy of Irving Oil

June 8

7:00 pm

Sea Dogs vs. Richmond Flying Squirrels (San Francisco Giants) UNUM Teacher’s Hall of Fame Night

For the rest of the year, please visit www.seadogs.com or call 874-9300

AARP Maine: a mission, a legacy, an opportunity

You’ve Earned a

Say SM

earnedasay.org Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus founded what is now AARP more than 50 years ago. She probably never dreamed that her efforts would eventually result in an organization with 53 AARP state offices nationwide and a membership of almost 38 million people 50+. Already a powerful advocate in Washington, she no doubt did envision the critical role that AARP would play on Capitol Hill and in state capitols across the country. Dr. Andrus was a school teacher and the first female high school principal in the state of California. She saw firsthand the economic plight of retired educators in the postDepression era. Since Medicare did not become available until 1965, and pensions were meager, many retired teachers at the time found themselves living in poverty during their so-called “golden years.” Upon discovering that one of her retired colleagues was so poor she was actually living in a chicken coop, Dr. Andrus took action. Armed with the belief that everyone has the right to age with dignity, she began a campaign to provide affordable medical insurance for retired educators. Eight years later, the first-ever group health insurance coverage was offered to retired teachers nationwide. At that time, Dr. Andrus founded the National Retired Educators Association (NRTA).

PROFILE 2012

What happened next was incredible. Thousands of older Americans who were not retired teachers (and therefore not eligible for NRTA membership) contacted the Association wanting to know how they, too, could obtain health insurance. Recognizing that many other older Americans needed help as well, she decided to start a new association. In 1958, at the age of 73, Dr. Andrus founded AARP.

without undergoing major cuts, but thanks in great part to the voices of AARP members, that is exactly what happened.

In 2012, we are conducting listening sessions in communities throughout Maine to hear your opinions and ideas on how to protect Social Security and Medicare. We encourage you to participate in You’ve Earned a Say and make your voice heard. Your opinion counts! By But Dr. Andrus saw AARP as much more than a gateway completing the questionnaire, you are adding your own to health insurance for older Americans. She believed voice to the national discussion. that people’s older years should be an opportunity for new growth and participation in society. She referred to AARP was founded by one woman who was determined to AARP as “an army of useful citizens” who had the ability, make a difference in the lives of others. Dr. Andrus wrote the experience and the desire to promote and enhance in one of AARP’s earliest publications, “Our community is the public good. She gave us the motto that still guides us the place where we as older individuals can be the most effective.” This is part of Dr. Andrus’ extraordinary legacy today: “To serve, not to be served.” and today AARP continues to champion that philosophy. Here in Maine, AARP has an official state office located in Portland, but our work spans the entire state. During To learn more about AARP Maine, call 1-866-554-5380 or each state legislative session, our staff and volunteers are send us an email at aarpme@aarp.org. at the state house in Augusta almost every day. We meet with legislators, attend hearings, and deliver testimony, You can also go to our website at www.aarp.org/me or like working to represent our 228,000 members on issues us on Facebook at AARP Maine. of concern to them. We also work with communities in Maine to enhance the lives of Mainers 50+ through Jane Margesson information, volunteerism and service. AARP Maine Communications Director On the national front, AARP is committed to protecting Social Security and Medicare. We consistently reach out to and work with policy makers on both sides of the political aisle. We know that in 2011, our members watched all summer long as their vital benefits were debated on Capitol Hill. Few would have believed it possible that these programs would emerge intact

Advertising Supplement, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 28, 2012

PrO file

Business

Health

From left: Jamie Loggins, M.D., bariatric-general surgeon; Corinne Cook, M.S.M., registered-licensed dietitian; and Steven Bang, D.O., bariatric-general surgeon â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all of Central Maine Bariatric Surgery. Central Maine Bariatric Surgery is accredited by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence. www.cmmc.org

PROFILE 2012

Advertising Supplement, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 28, 2012

PROFILE 2012

The Meadows: A whole lot of fun and more By Dan Marois Feature Writer / Photographer The Meadows Living Center for Seniors on Route 202 in Greene has to be one of the best housing options for the elderly in central Maine. There’s clearly convenience, comfort, and care wrapped into one package under the watchful eye of owner, Rebecca (Becky) Laliberte. The Meadows is accessible for the physically challenged and uniquely constructed to offer an intimate, personal setting that makes each resident a name and not just a number. With only 23 rooms at The Meadows, residents feel like they are living with one big family. From the moment you enter the main dining area, there’s a sense of welcome and community. Unlike larger senior housing centers, the residents at The Meadows enjoy the personalized attention from a staff that knows them as individuals. “The Meadows provides retired residents with safety, security, and some of the best home cooking available,” said Laliberte, who has food-service experience and the ability to whip up fresh, homestyle cooking. “And while residents enjoy the privacy of their own rooms, they can also gather in the library/pool room, the outside patio, or the spacious dining room for activities or socializing.” On a recent visit, the residents are in the dining room taking in the bright morning sunshine. There’s chatter at one table with friends sipping coffee. Nearby, a resident is trying to finish a difficult jigsaw puzzle. Down the hall, there’s someone spending a few minutes on an exercise bike.

The Center for Advanced Dentistry says: ‘Relax! You’re at the dentist’s office!’ By Rich Livingston Feature Writer For many people, the notion that sitting in the dentist’s chair might be the most relaxing ex per ience of t hei r whole day wou ld be unthinkable. In fact, many people neglect proper oral health because they are so worried about a session with a dentist. The Center for Advanced Dentistry, on Maine Street in Auburn, has been dedicated to helping people overcome their fears and discomfort and to enable their patients to access a full ra nge of denta l ser v ices in comfor t a nd security. In addition to the use of the “oral conscious sedation” techniques the practice has employed for years, the arrival of Dr. Jonathan Bernstein, earlier this year, permits them to also use an intravenous (IV) form of conscious sedation, as well. With special training and certification in this process, Bernstein explained, “The level of sedation can be controlled more effectively, onset of sedation is quicker, and recovery is also quicker.” About 40 percent of Advanced Dentistry’s patients use some form of sedation.

of treatment stations, packed with the latest technology and all dedicated to the health and comfort of their patients.

“One of the most important of our continuing t rad it ions,” Ber nstei n sa id, “w i l l be t he The opportunity to become part of the long- upcoming seventh annual ‘Dentistry with a established L-A area practice was “exactly what Heart’ day, May 11.” The entire staff will be I was looking for,” Bernstein explained. “I place available to perform free extractions, fillings and restore implants to create strong, beautiful and cleanings on a first-come, first-served smiles where teeth have been missing, and basis to as many people in line as they can to support loose dentures and partials. I also possibly accommodate in one day. “It has been [have] surgical experience which includes our privilege to have treated dozens of patients selected remova l of w isdom teet h, [a nd on that day over the years. For some, that day we] provide comfortable laser treatment of may be their only access to appropriate dental care, and we are grateful to our staff and our periodontal disease.” suppliers for helping this happen every year.” “The loyalty and commitment of our staff is a big part of what attracted me to this practice,” Bernstein is happy to continue the Advanced Bernstein said. Bernstein is also, in his words, Dent i st r y t r ad it ion of u si ng t he late st an “avid outdoorsman,” who enjoys cycling, t e c h n o l o g y, c o m b i n e d w i t h h e a r t f e l t hiking, running and Nordic skiing, and so commitment to the comfort and well-being finds central Maine the ideal place in which of their patients, not just on “Dentistry with a to have settled. He lives in Auburn. The staff of Heart” day, but all year long. You can reach the nearly a dozen dentists, assistants, hygienists office by calling 784-7355, or visiting 220 Main and support staff bustle about a busy maze St., Auburn or www.auburndental.com.

And while smoking is not allowed in the private rooms or common areas, there’s a resident outside on the year-round patio lighting up. Room rates at The Meadows are affordable for many seniors with rates starting at $ 800 a mont h t hat includes t he room, three daily home-cooked meals, housekeeping and linen services, and many transportation and personalized services. There are different-size rooms to fit your budget and preference for singles or couples. Laliberte lives onsite and assistance for residents is available 24 hours a day. “You don’t have to worry about who you know, what you did for a living, or what your background is when you consider liv ing here,” said Laliberte. “At The Meadows, you are instantly family.” Laliberte is available to answer any questions about The Meadows by calling 946-3007, emailing her at RLalib3967@ aol.com, or by going to the website at mainemeadows.com.

PROFILE 2012

Dr. Robert Limoges, above, has been practicing in this community since 1976, and will continue his association with Advanced Dentistry for a few more years, along with a dedicated staff who have also been with the practice for years.

Dr. Jonathan Bernstein, DDS, above, who bears an uncanny resemblance to George Clooney, is an honors graduate of Northwestern University Dental School, in Chicago, and has since practiced dentistry in several locations in the Midwest as well as Buffalo.

Advertising Supplement, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 28, 2012

Center Street Dental: Caring for patients and the community By Kate Matthews and Tori MacDonald Feature Writers

about their oral health helps to instill good habits for years to come.”

ton-Auburn Area (YPLA A) and the LewistonAuburn Film Festival. They also are a sponsor of the annual Androscoggin County Chamber of Center Street Dental works hard to make their Commerce and Central Maine Community ColCenter Street Dental has been treating patients youngest patients have a fun and exciting visit. lege golf tournament for scholarships. in the Lewiston-Auburn area for nearly three The kids’ play area with books, toys, puzzles decades. The doctors and staff provide patients and a playful mural will keep even the most The office was recently the recipient of the New with cutting-edge services in a relaxed and active child busy. The staff love kids and have Member award presented by the Androscoggin friendly atmosphere, offering a wide variety of years of experience working with children in a Chamber of Commerce in recognition of Center services including tooth-colored fillings, root dental-office setting. Street Dental’s commitment to the community. canals, crowns, implants and dentures. Center Street Dental understands the impor- Center Street Dental is located just off Center Center Street Denta l a lso offers cosmetic tance of giving back to the community. Dr. Street. Please visit Center Street Dental online dentistry for those who are looking to improve Dunn coached hockey and soccer for over 12 at www.centerstreetdental.net, phone 207-784their smile. Porcelain veneers and various types years. Today they are a sponsor of The Franco- 2211, or stop by 26 Cross Street, Auburn, Maine. of whitening services are available, includ- American Heritage Center, a 2012 major spon- Emergency patients are seen same day and ing take-home whitening kits and their new sor for The Young Professionals of the Lewis- most insurances are accepted. in-office, instant-whitening system. The pract ice is cu r rent ly accept i ng new patients of all ages. “We recommend seeing patients shortly after their first birthday,” Dr. Rose explained. She added, “Getting children excited

Stop Work Pain ‘NO-LOST-TIME’

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Learn more at www .impacc.com

PLUS… Reduce Worker Comp costs

with unique approach to

Physical Therapy

SmartCare’s work injury Physical Therapy clinic averages only 6 treatment sessions per patient, (compared to national average 12 visits -- How many does your PT provider average?)

See lots more info at www. smartcarept .com SmartCare Physical Therapy…

Dixfield and Turner

Advertising Supplement, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 28, 2012

…562-8048

…www.smartcarept.com PROFILE 2012

M.O.D.E.L. Care at Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice provides a ‘patient focus’ Andrea LeBlanc, COO, of Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice, knows what it’s like to have a family member struggle with a terminal illness. Working with another health care service agency to advocate for and manage her sister’s health care needs (her sister lived out of state) caused her to probe her own agency’s performance and resulted in the development and implementation of a two-year plan to enhance AHCH’s quality care for all their clientele.

M.O.D.E.L. quality care is: Meaningful, Organized, Developed, Effective/Efficient, Lasting.

“M.O.D.E.L. Care”– an acronym for key concepts – formulates the paradigm for all components of their organization. “Meaningful, Organized, Developed, Effective/Efficient, Lasting quality care” orients almost 400 staff and about 300 volunteers, every Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice program and resource to have a total “patient focus.”

Hospice Care is about “living every day as a quality day” – the sooner a patient enters Hospice services the more comprehensive assistance they can receive. Along with a reduction in stress, with help from Hospice services sometimes peoples’ lives are extended as pain decreases and symptoms are reduced. The Home Care, Hospice Care, and Supportive Care Hospice House, often misconstrued as a place form the three core services offered to help to die, is actually a “short stay” additional recommunity members navigate acute, chronic source available to maximize patients’ comfort or end-of-life health challenges. Whether re- levels when adequate pain and symptom concovering from surgery, contending with an on- trol cannot be achieved at home. going serious illness, or dealing with unexpected and severe health problems, many have ben- Fina lly, Supportive Care fosters independent l iv i ng for i nd iv idua ls dea l i ng w it h efitted from using their Home Care program. hea lth difficulties that restrict their ability to maintain a household. Meals, housekeeping, and even transportation are a few examples of the supportive measures offered to encourage independent living or to help residents and visitors with special health care needs manage an extended stay in Maine.

Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice staff, left to right: Dennis Sicotte, bereavement coordinator; Andrea LeBlanc, COO; and Kathy Baillergeron, volunteer supervisor. We accept health insurance and private pay and we offer charity services, depending on the patient’s circumstances and the assistance needed. Also, Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice offers grief groups for those struggling with the loss of a loved one. Bereavement Coordinator Dennis Sicotte supervises a team of volunteer facilitators “to help people understand the grieving process. It’s just that – a process ... peerled support groups help them to understand the process.” There are three sessions lasting eight weeks held throughout the year. An ongoing group for children and teens also exists, as does a suicide support group. A telephone call or

alternate location can be arranged when transportation is problematic. Serving Androscoggin, Franklin, Oxford, Cumberland, Kennebec, Sagadahoc, and Somerset counties with offices in Bridgton, Topsham, Lewiston, Norway, Wilton, and the Hospice House in Auburn, Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice is a treasure in our midst that offers a spectrum of health care options administered by dedicated personnel. “We’re here for YOU!” emphasized LeBlanc, reflecting the values held by this agency with a 47-year commitment to our community’s health care needs.

15 Strawberry Avenue, Lewiston, ME 04240 • Phone: 207-777-7740 • Fax: 207-777-7748 • www.ahch.org

Sandcastle Clinical and Educational Services offers audiological services By Deborah Conway Feature Writer Founded in 1996, Sandcastle Clinical and Educational Services’ mission “is to provide a full range of clinical and educational services to individuals of all ages and abilities.” In 2010, Sandcastle opened its spacious and wellequipped new facility at 72 Strawberry Avenue in Lewiston where it provides a wide variety of medical and educational services for both adults and children including occupational and physical therapy, speech and language therapy, mental health services for individuals and families, and preschool and pre-K classes. The newest addition to Sandcastle’s repertoire is its ability to provide audiological services. In 2011, around the occasion of its 15th anniversary, Sandcastle welcomed Patricia Gosselin, Au.D., CCC-A, as its resident audiologist. Audiology functions independently and in collaboration with speech therapy and Gosselin’s presence “has given us an opportunity to provide a diverse and complimentary range of services in the community,” explained Stephanie Gelinas, M.S., CCC-SLP, executive director of Sandcastle. “It is part of our attempt to provide comprehensive health care.” Gosselin brings over 25 years of experience in private practice and large medical centers, in both Maine and the Boston area, to Sandcastle. She has worked with all ages, “from geriatrics to pediatrics,” and according to Gelinas, “is especially good with older populations.”

10 PROFILE 2012

According to Gosselin, “Indiv idua ls often don’t realize the effect that even a subtle loss of hearing has on their quality of life. Studies have shown that hearing loss affects both mental and cognitive health, earning power, and independence and quality of life.” Even a subtle hearing loss can lead to significant, painful and sometimes dangerous isolation and misunderstandings.

feedback. They fit into an individual’s lifestyle by connecting to a multitude of assistive and f unctiona l dev ices including cell phones, telephones, telev isions, computers, iPods, remote microphones and even dashboard technology available in many new vehicles. Proper fitting and instruction regarding the use and adjustment of the hearing aid is an important factor in ensuring success.

A lthough the cost of audiological ser vices can be somewhat daunting, Sandcastle can help individuals work with private insurance, Medicare and other private-funding sources to help them overcome the financial obstacles to better hea ring. Ma ny indiv idua ls who have benefited from Gosselin’s services have described their experience and outcome as “worth every penny.”

In addition, “The ear is your organ of hearing, and also of balance,” said Gosselin, who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of both hearing loss and balance issues in adults, children and difficult-to-diagnose populations.

Hearing devices have to be maintained and Gosselin also provides cleaning and repairs, as well as programming and reprogramming when necessar y. Sandcastle is also able to accommodate emergency appointments for sudden hearing loss.

Gosselin finds joy in her work at Sandcastle. “This setting, as a nonprofit, allows me to take the time to work with people to figure out how the technology might work best for them. I love what I do,” she added. Gosselin described her work as “not just a skill, but an art,” and believes that better hearing can be “empowering.”

Sandcastle’s audiolog y services begin with a diagnostic hearing evaluation. Results are shared w ith physicians. It is important to address any medically treatable issues before proceeding to amplification. Working in a relaxed “no pressure” setting, Gosselin takes the time to find out how an individual’s hearing loss is affecting his or her life. The patient and audiologist collaborate on t he best course of action based upon t he hea r ing loss, lifest yle, a nd f ina ncia l considerations, selecting the most compatible and cost-effective technology. “Hearing aids today,” explained Gosselin, “are more effective and sophisticated than they were even a few years ago. They are comfortable, automatic and less visible.” Today’s hea ring a ids a re able to a na lyze environmental information and automatically adjust to factors such as loudness, noise, and

Accord i ng to Gossel i n, “It’s not just t he diagnosis and fitting of a particular device that makes the Sandcastle audiology program so successful. It’s the aftercare, support and opportunities for collaboration with other Sandcastle services.”

And, according to Gelinas, Gosselin is “good at what she does.” Sandcastle strives to provide high-quality audiological services in a professional, thoughtful and supportive environment and invites you to discover how better hearing can improve your quality of life. For more information, call Sandcastle at 782-2150 to schedule an appointment, or visit www.sandcastlemaine.org/.

Hillary Dow Photo

Charlene O’Clair and Patricia M Gosselin Au.D., CCC-A, Audiologist, Sandcastle Audiology examine real-ear speech mapping, a state of the art tool to verify and fine-tune hearing aid performance. Advertising Supplement, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 28, 2012

Family and Cosmetic Dental Assisting program taught the way it should be By Rich Livingston Feature Writer / Photographer Helping their students find “the same passion and commitment” to dental health shared by all those involved with the instructional program of Family and Cosmetic Denta l Assisting (F&CDA) is a sentiment about which Angela Additon and Amanda Sasseville are in total agreement. The intensive 12-week t ra in ing prog ra m prov ided t h roug h t he practice of Dr. Mitchell Auster, in Lewiston, that will begin its fourth class this fall was their collective brainchild. “Dental assisting,” says their introductory letter to new students, “is a career focused on improving the oral health of the community and a valuable source of patient information.” The particular course offered by F&CDA enables its students to immediately begin careers in this quickly growing and vitally important field. All of Maine’s 16 counties currently have dental health professional shortages, an a larming statistic t hat t he F&CDA program is intended to help address. Certified Dental Assistant and Expanded Function Dental Assistant Amanda Sasseville began working as a general “chairside” dental assistant in this area, directly out of high school. She progressed through years of experience, training and certifications so that she is now able to provide a variety of para-professional dental services, including the placement of dental fillings. After accumulating experience as a chairside dental assistant, and then a registered dental hygienist, Angela Additon completed a Bache-

lor of Science degree in dental hygiene, earning the credentials needed to teach. Both women are Lewiston natives and they regard the class as a “way of giving back to the community.” “When I first started,” Additon said, “I often wished that ‘they would have taught me that,’ in my own training,” a sentiment echoed by Sasseville, who suggested, “W hy don’t we design our own course, the way we would have liked to have been taught?” Dr. Mitchel l Auster, who ha s pract iced dentistr y in Lew iston for some 38 years, quickly agreed to the suggestion and oversaw t he creat ion of a deta i led syl labus a nd supporting instructional materials, schedules and techniques. Additon and Sasseville said that Auster’s office “is unlike any other [we’ve ever seen]. We have a great family atmosphere. Dr. Auster has been so generous with his time and knowledge; we are really dedicated to perpetuating what he has accomplished.” Additon has also made clear that she intends to be the “first applicant, and also the first graduate,” of the new dental school being established later this year at the University of New England in Portland. Prospective students are encouraged to job shadow denta l assista nts a nd hyg ienists in Auster’s office before committing to the course. “Not everyone can work in the mouth,” Additon affirmed, “but those who can, should.” Job shadowing is intended to demonstrate what students can expect both during the intensive course, which includes lectures, labs and exclusive hands-on experience, as

well as when students embark on their own career paths after graduating and earning appropriate licenses. “We’re not looking for people who just want jobs,” the women agreed. “We want people who are looking for careers.” Fall classes, including both lectures and labs every week, will be held on Saturdays, from September 8 through December 1. Twelve students will be accepted for the program, and while most students in the first three sessions have come from the Lewiston-Auburn area, some have travelled as much as an hour each way, so unique is this program. In addition to clinical preparation, graduates will earn a CPR and first-aid certification and be competent to sit for the national radiology exam so that they will be qualified to administer dental X-rays. The curriculum covers everything from the fundamentals of sterilization and instrumentation, dental anatomy, and chairside set-ups; taking impressions, fabrication of temporary crowns and bridges; and local anesthesia set up and break down, radiation health and safety, and digital radiographs. Students apply for state board exams during the 10th week of the course, and the final session includes exam preparation and review. “This has been an exciting career for us,” Additon said, “and we want to help others learn all about it.” The fall session will begin with an orientation meeting at 5 p.m. on the evening of Wednesday, September 5. For more information, call 784-2142. Auster’s office, at 1065 Lisbon St., in Lewiston, includes state-ofthe-art technology at every level of care, and students will work with all of it.

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PROFILE 2012 11

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Advertising Supplement, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 28, 2012

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The joint purchase of 38,270 tons of road salt netted an estimated $177,200 in savings for the 53 participating towns and counties. Household Hazardous Waste collection activities removed 11,165 gallons of HHW from the solid waste stream. Operated the Environmental Depot in Lewiston from May to November and held nine one day collection events throughout the AVCOG region. Municipal Technical Assistance - assisted on average, six municipalities per day with planning, land use, environmental, and code enforcement issues. Regional Universal Waste Program collected fluorescent bulbs, batteries, TVs, and computers saving municipalities around 10% of the cost of recycling these products.

Regional Business Development

AVCOG lending of $830,000 leveraged nearly $4.8 Million in private investment and created/retained 155 jobs. Small Business Development Center counselors provided 2088 hours of service to over 314 clients; created 79 jobs; retained 45 jobs; started 31 businesses; helped submit 57 loan applications for a total of $12,357,270, of which 33 were approved for a total of $5,573,562, including equity contributions. Manufacturing Extension Partnership staff assisted 45 businesses resulting in the completion of 8 projects garnering the following impacts: $1,515,000 increased sales; $1,430,000 retained sales; $1,438,500 in cost savings; and $557,000 in avoided expenses. Maine Procurement Technical Assistance Center staff served 97 clients with completing government registrations, providing bid match services, GSA assistance, and one-on-one counseling assistance.

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14 PROFILE 2012

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Advertising Supplement, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 28, 2012

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PROFILE 2012 15

Downeast Financial Group: Carefully planned

Since 1953 Monmouth Federal Credit Union has been community-focused

By Rich Livingston Feature Writer / Photographer

It was November of 1953 when six people each bought $5 shares in a venture that became Mon mout h Federa l Cred it Un ion. T hat very modest start led to a steadily growing community-based institution with branches in its hometown and in Greene.

aging director. MFCU moved its place of business among several locations, and it was even in Walker’s home for several years, eventually moving to a Main Street address in 1970.

Gag ne, who has been w it h MFCU for 17 years, said Walker remains involved in the institution’s affairs. Walker became a member of Monmouth Federal Credit Union in 1954. He was member number 73, and since then he has been a significant part of MFCU’s history. His story was told in the August 2006 issue of Business Focus which reported on a reception honoring Walker for half a century of service.

A second branch of MFCU is located at 19A Patten Road, which is just off Route 202 in the center of town. The credit union shares the building with Greene Village Pharmacy. The credit union’s two locations serve the communities of Monmouth, Wales, Leeds, Litchfield, Greene, and Turner. Both locations have drive-through service and 24-hour ATM access.

moving away,” said Treasurer and Partner LoriAnn Gagne.

Senior Vice President and Partner Lena-Jo Hartley further explained, “We have clients in California, Florida, Texas, New York – all over, really – who continue to rely on us.” Hartley grew up in Lewiston, Maine and graduated in 1994 from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Health Policy Administration, and has been a cornerstone of Downeast Financial Group for nearly 17 years. The staff can’t quite agree about whether the portion of new business that comes from referrals from current clients is 90 percent or It was in that spirit that Michael J. Poulin, the more. “Could be as high as 98 percent,” was the first certified financial planner in the Lewisspeculation from Hartley. ton-Auburn area, founded Downeast Financial Group, in 1978, to help clients address financial In addition to helping clients navigate their fisecurity and pursue their dreams and aspira- nancial futures, Downeast Financial Group altions: college for the kids, comfortable retire- so provides comprehensive tax preparation and ment, insurance protection from burdensome planning services. healthcare costs. Intensified interest in personal financial health is often triggered by sig- “We’re usua lly cheaper than H&R Block,” nificant transitions in life, including marriage, Hartley quipped, “and we can integrate tax births, job changes and general economic con- planning with more comprehensive financial ditions. Managing your assets – home, savings, strategies.” Securities by licensed individuals investments, insurance – is usually secondary offered through Investacorp, Inc., a registered to whatever it was that stimulated interest in broker/dealer, member FINRA, SIPC. Investacorp is a subsidiary of Ladenburg Thalmann the first place. Financial Services, Inc., full-service financial The professionals at Downeast Financial Group company established in 1876. That firm was enprovide access to a full range of financial choic- trusted with investing the Nobel Prize money es, including Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SEP- awarded to Albert Einstein. IRA, or SIMPLE retirement accounts and 401ks; college savings accounts and individual non- Veteran L-A area insurance specialist, Dan retirement accounts. Investment strategies in- Goff, joined Hartley and Gagne at Downeast clude Mutual Funds, Stocks, Bonds, Variable Financial Group earlier this year. “We’ve got Annuities, Managed portfolios and Real Estate some new capabilities in areas such as group Investment Trusts, just to name a few. The firm health insurance and products for Medicare can also provide Fixed Annuities as well as Life, beneficiaries,” Goff said, “that will round out Accident, Health, Disability, and Long Term the range of financial services we offer.” Care insurance. Goff has been consulting w it h Dow neast Dedicated to helping people from all walks of Financial Group and its clients for nearly 20 life improve the quality of life for themselves years and has had his own insurance practice and their families, Downeast Financial Group since 1989. Hartley said “We’re delighted to has recently undergone its ow n caref ully have Dan with us full time, and to have him planned transition. While there is new owner- help us continue providing seamless service to ship, the long-standing relationships that have the clients to whom we’ve become so devoted, enabled the company to help clients through- over the years.” out central Maine and literally all across the Downeast Financial Group is headquartered country have been carefully preserved. in the meticulously restored Clifford Family “We are proud that many people who began mansion, at 460 Main Street, in Lewiston. working with us when they lived in this area Reach them by phone at 207-777-5400. have continued t hose relationships a f ter It’s really not easy for most people to talk about money. It’s often difficult to even think about money, your future, your family’s future. And it’s especially hard to wade into those waters without a well-qualified personal guide. But just as the most effective medical care is a product of trust and confidence between patient and doctor, the most effective financial strategies are produced by candid relationships between families and their consultants.

“W hen I first started, everything was done by hand,” Walker said, in the news story. “I Ma rg ie Gag ne, president, sa id t he credit even calculated the monthly interest on share union’s business was originally conducted accounts with a pencil and paper.”He said his in the center of town, but for nearly 10 years goal was to see MFCU reach a million dollars the main branch has been at 1176 Main St. at in assets. That milestone came in 1985 a week the Route 202 intersection. That building is before he retired from daily management identified by bold letters on the front as the responsibilities. MFCU assets had climbed to “Walker Building,” and the name recognizes $8 million when his colleagues honored him in more than 50 years of service to MFCU by 2006. He has continued as a director through Robert Walker, who is still a director. the present.

Walker told of the day when a federal examiner called him to ask if he could take over bookkeeping because the lady who had been doing needed to give up the duty. Within the first few months, MFCU had assets of $5,000 and it was open only from 2 to 4 p.m. every Friday. Walker was offered the opportunity of making his employment five days a week and he became man-

MFCU has partnered with Insurance Trust and Equinox Insurances Services which represents a wide variety of insurance markets and specializes in serving Maine credit union members and their families. Monmouth Federal Credit Union can be reached by phone at 9332667 in Monmouth or at 946-2463 in Greene, and by email at info@monmouthfcu.com.

Photos, at right, clockwise: 1.) Members of the MFCU administrative staff are left, Charlene Vannah, vice president, lending; center, Margie Gagne, president; and right, Lena Galipeau, office administration. 2.) The staff members at the Greene branch of MFCU are, left to right, Joy Stewart, loan officer; Patty Cantin, branch manager; Kayla Priestly, member services; and Kayla Lamontagne, member services. 3.) The staff members at the Walker Building, MFCU’s main branch in Monmouth, are, left to right, Sara Cantin, assistant member services supervisor; Stacey Hamner, member services supervisor; Tammy Calder, member services; and Rebecca Prestridge, bookkeeper.

Left to right: Dan Goff, Lori-Ann Gagne, Lena-Jo Hartley.

16 PROFILE 2012

Advertising Supplement, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 28, 2012

OFCU Inspiring and Enabling Financial Responsibility and Growth Since 1938, Oxford Federal Credit Union (OFCU) has been living their mission statement, “to inspire and enable financial responsibility and growth”. At the same time, OFCU has become a presence in the community, not only for their excellent financial products, but for their commitment to their community. Oxford Federal Credit Union lives the credit union philosophy, “People Helping People”, by offering financial services to the underserved, engaging youth in financial education and returning profits to members in the form of lower interest rates on loans and higher rates on savings. Each year, OFCU offers their Financial Literacy Program to the five high schools in Oxford County. The program is a look at life after college graduation; a glimpse into their future financial responsibilities. Students are given a salary to create their budget, then shop at different booths where they must consider various financial options; can they afford to buy a home? Or, will they rent? Can they afford that new car or will they need to lower their expectations? How much money do they need for food, clothing and personal needs?

Do they understand the difference between ‘wanting’ and ‘needing’? Add in credit card and student loan debt and they are faced with the reality of budget revisions. OFCU teaches Oxford Hills Middle School eighth graders the basics of a checking account, how to write a check, balance a checkbook, use a debit card and manage an online account. By educating students with personal finance skills they acquire a foundation to build upon. OFCU contributes to education in other ways, like sponsoring a drug prevention speaker; providing scholarships for each high school in Oxford County; Financial Literacy education for Region 9; and providing financial education workbooks for classroom use. OFCU recognizes the Student of the Month at OHCHS and participates in the Renaissance Fair at MVMS. Social responsibility is an important component of OFCU’s culture. OFCU contributes to local charities and the community regularly, sponsoring events like Free Ski at Black Mountain, giving everyone the opportunity to ski or tube while supporting a local business. Supporting local food pantries is a priority, and in 2010, OFCU won the Dora Maxwell award, from Maine’s Credit Union League, for going above and beyond in social responsibility for providing refrigerators to several local food pantries. In addition, each year OFCU raises money for local food pantries. Each summer OFCU holds a Yard Sale, with items donated by the staff, all proceeds go to charity. Unlike other places that profit from their coin machines, OFCU donates the 5% fee to the charity. By definition a credit union is a ‘cooperative bank’ which merely means anyone who holds a share (savings) account, becomes a member-owner. This not-for-profit cooperative structure makes credit unions unique from other financial institutions. Anyone who lives, works, worships or goes to school in Oxford County is eligible to become a member at OFCU by opening a Share (savings) account with a $5

deposit. OFCU serves their community to strengthen their connection with members; it’s part of their promise at OFCU, whose tagline says it all, let’s grow together.

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Advertising Supplement, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 28, 2012

PROFILE 2012 17

Poirier Associates: Financial products and services for businesses and individuals LEWISTON — Retirement is still quite a few years off for Marc Poirier, but he has good reason to believe the financial services business he founded 40 years ago will be in good hands when that time comes. Marc’s son, Joe, at 26 years of age, is well equipped to take over the family financial services business, and he has been on a track to that goal since the age of ten. Marc and his son, who is now a junior partner of the firm, recently talked about the days when Joe was helping out around the office nearly every day and recalled how he assisted with the filing from a step-ladder. Joe recognized the importance of making clients feel at home and made a point to greet people as soon as they arrived, shaking hands and introducing himself. Joe commented “I saw from a young age the value of providing financial services to our clients and how fulfilling it is to help people realize their financial goals.”

percent is spent with individuals analyzing their financial, retirement and estate planning needs.”

The size of Poirier’s clientele ranges from firms of just one or two people to as many as several hundred employees. The firm’s range of financial products and services includes fixed-income investments, equity investments, retirement/education planning, and investment accounts. The firm’s risk management products and services include life insurance, annuities, disability income and long-term care planning, health insurance and business planning. “There’s nothing we might be called upon to do related to financial services that is too big or small, and there is nothing that is too sophisticated,” Poirier said. “Newly referred clients often tell us they are pleased to learn they don’t have to travel outside of Lewiston to get quality financial products and services they need along with access to some of the finest financial professionAs an honor student at Lewiston High School, als in the country,” Poirier said. young Joe Poirier’s aptitude for financial planning didn’t go unnoticed. In his final semester at Sandy Ramich* is another valued member of the LHS, Poirier took Entrepreneurship and Busi- Poirier Associates team. She has been the firm’s ness Law where students were challenged with administrative assistant for the past 24 years. creating a viable business plan. Poirier created Poirier said she provides important help to clia financial planning firm which earned a first ents with back-office support. “Our clients know place finish from the local chapter of the Service we are just a phone call away, and that their service needs are handled quickly. Sandy receives Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE). compliments for her efficiency from our clients Today, Poirier is continuing his training and on a regular basis,” Poirier said. studying to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL TM professional. “Joe Poirier Associates is one of central Maine’s leadhas been a fully licensed member of the firm ing providers of financial services for individufor five years now, but his experience here goes als and small businesses. The firm serves more back 16 years,” the senior Poirier pointed out. than three thousand individuals, families and “I began in this business 40 years ago,” Poirier businesses in Lewiston, Auburn and the sursaid. “I have been blessed to have some very rounding area and is licensed to conduct busiloyal clients who go back with me the whole 40 ness in ten states. Poirier Associates can be years. They have been a big part of my success reached by calling 207-786-0651. by continuing to refer their friends and family.” * S andy Ramich provides administrative supMarc has received several company awards over port services only. Marc R. Poirier and Jothe years as evidenced by the walls in his conferseph R. Poirier offer securities through ence room. He is a life and qualifying member of AXA Advisors, LLC (NY, NY 212-314-4600), the Million Dollar Round Table and completed a member FINRA, SIPC. Investment advisory training course at the Wharton School, Univerproducts and services offered through AXA sity of Pennsylvania in 2007 certifying Marc as Advisors, LLC, an investment advisor regisa Retirement Planning Specialist. tered with the SEC. Annuities and insurance offered through AXA Network, LLC. AXA The business has been at its current location for Advisors and AXA Network do not provide 18 years. It’s in the renewed Gateway section of tax or legal advice. Poirier Associates and Lewiston in a suite of offices on the second floor Highland Financial Group are not a regisof the Bilodeau Insurance building at 541 Lisbon tered investment advisor and are not owned Street. “Fifty percent of our time is spent workor operated by AXA Advisors or its affiliates. ing with businesses helping them set up emAGE 67697 (3/12) (exp. 03/14) ployee benefit plans,” Poirier said, “the other 50

Joseph Poirier, left, and Marc Poirier, right, offer services through AXA Advisors, LLC.

18 PROFILE 2012

Community Credit Union: Still on the leading edge of growth and expansion By Rich Livingston Feature Writer / Photographer

women in the workplace, and she’s been a fabulous leader for this community and the credit union, guiding us through extraordinar y growth and expansion of services.” Steckino When Donna Steckino came to Community has helped define what “community service” Credit Union in 1979, the institution offered means and has made it an integral role in the its members basic Passbook savings accounts, credit union’s daily activities. Over the last Christmas clubs and loans. That’s all! After several years, Community Credit Union has nearly 33 years, Steckino will be retiring in been recognized with many national and state May from a credit union that now provides a awards, most recently being awarded four nafull range of retail financial services via tellers, tional awards for community service, member telephone, ATMs or Internet technology. service and financial literacy efforts. “It was a really big deal when we first introduced certificates of deposits and checking accounts in the early ’80s,” Steckino reminisced. “With all the new products and services over the years, it’s been a new job every day. It’s certainly never been boring,” she explained. When Steckino became CEO in 1982, the credit union had approximately $6 million in assets. Under Steckino’s leadership, it is now a $44-million institution.

On a personal level, Steckino has also made significant contributions to the community: She was named the Auburn Businessperson of the year in 2005; she has served on a variety of committees and the board of the Maine Credit Union League; she is the current board chair of St. Mary’s Health System; a longtime member of the loan committee at AVCOG; a former trustee of the Auburn Public Library; and the third woman ever to serve as board chair of the When Steckino arrived at the credit union in Androscoggin Chamber of Commerce. 1979 she was among the earliest women in a One of her proudest accomplishments was management position at any financial instituhaving served as the first chair of the Financial tion in the L-A area. She now realizes she has Fitness Fairs established by the Maine Credit served the institution for more than half her Union League for local high school students life. When she was named president, by the which are now being conducted throughout board of directors, she was perhaps the first the state. Financial literacy, both for youth and woman CEO in finance in this area. “I never readults, continues to be a vital component of ally thought about that,” Steckino said, “I just CCU’s community commitment. “Our name is always tried to do business the way it should be ‘Community,’ after all,” Steckino said, “and we done.” On the other hand, she does acknowltry to fulfill that mandate in lots of ways.” edge that the forward-thinking directors of the credit union created an atmosphere where “She’s leaving big shoes to fill, for sure,” Wood she, and the institution she led, could thrive. said, but Steckino quickly added, “This place “I guess I looked at that glass ceiling, and I just has been my baby for nearly 33 years, but I broke right through it!” am completely comfortable handing it off to Kerry.” From the original two services, the An orderly transition to the next generation credit union now provides more than 70 prodof leadership has been underway since Labor ucts and services to its members, including a Day 2011 with Kerry Wood as the incoming number of programs specifically designed for president. Wood has 23 years of experience youths, teens and young adults. in the credit union industry, and has been executive vice president of CCU for the past “I’ve loved every minute,” Steckino summasix years. Wood, in turn, will be succeeded rized, “and I am delighted that Kerry is the as EVP by CCU former Marketing/Business person who will lead this credit union into the Development Director Jennifer Hogan. next phase of success. She is dedicated and committed to our members and will ensure Wood admitted that Steckino will be a tough Community Credit Union will continue to be a act to follow. “She’s certainly made it easier for leader in this community.”

Kerry Wood looks forward to continued growth and expansion at the credit union where she will take over the presidency spot being left vacant by Donna Steckino’s retirement in May. Advertising Supplement, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 28, 2012

Staff of our Lewiston branch. Back (L to R): Tiffiny Stewart, Diane Whitten, Renee Bissonnette & Tonya Bodah. Front (L to R): Jennifer Parent & Ashley Lebel.

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www.lisboncu.o 4 4 1 • -4 3 5 3 ) 7 0 (2 : H P

PROFILE 2012 19

Mechanics Savings Bank: People are the heart and soul of the bank

provided more than $1.1 million in charitable giving. Last year, they provided contributions to more than 60 local organizations, sponsored numerous local events, and continued their tradition of offering local high school students $16,000 in scholarships. In 2011, employees Auburn, and a beautiful branch in Windham. shared 500-plus hours of their time and talents “We are actively exploring opportunities to volunteering with organizations that make our move into a new main office in 2013,” Roy said. community a great place to live.

By David A. Sargent Feature Writer “It’s a very good time to be a community bank,” said Richard L. Roy, executive vice president and chief banking officer of Mechanics Savings Bank in Auburn. Now in its 138th year, Mechanics Savings has a solid history of serving local people, making local decisions and investing in the community. It all began in a building on Main Street, Auburn where the bank served area residents for well over a century. Today, the main office is located at 100 Minot Avenue and the bank has made major investments in its facilities. They’ve built a new branch in Lewiston, a new operations center in

While this attention to infrastructure is vital to achieving the bank’s vision, Roy emphasized that, “We like to think we are in the people business first and banking second.” He noted that Mechanics Savings consistently hires “the best people in our local market,” with 15 experienced bankers added to the staff in the past four years. “Our outstanding staff has always been the heart and soul of the bank,” Roy said. Mechanics Saving Bank thrives on developing personal connections with its customers. This is a community bank committed to giving back. Over the past 10 years, Mechanics has

“We encourage employees to be involved in the community,” Roy said “and we give them bank time to volunteer.” Mecha nics Sav ings has dominated reta i l mortgage bank ing in t he area for quite a while. The bank has been the top producer in Androscoggin County for several years and they close more than twice the mortgages of its closest competitor. “Commercial banking also has been a great story for us,” Roy said. “With the top talent in the market, we have tripled the portfolio in less than four years.” He said the bank has seen very strong deposit growth in Androscoggin County. It currently holds the third-largest market share, and that’s with only two branches. Roy said they have more Androscoggin County deposits in dollars than Bank of America and Key Bank combined. In the first quarter of 2012, Mechanics Savings Bank launched mobile banking, 24-hour telephone support for online banking, and a new line of business checking products. They are slated to roll out a new line of consumer checking products in June.

Main office banking center: 100 Minot Avenue, Auburn Phone: 207-786-5715

Lewiston banking center: 664 Main Street, Lewiston Phone: 207-786-0773

Windham banking center: 3 Drive In Lane, Windham Phone: 207-893-1100

Richard L. Roy, executive vice president and chief banking officer of Mechanics Savings Bank in Auburn, said the bank is willing to make bold moves in order to “Move Forward.”

system that will meet technological needs for the next decade. “With Intuit as our partner, we can offer online retail and business cash management services that will rival any bank in our market,” Roy said. Roy shared that the new tagline, “Move Forward,” is reflective of the company’s culture.

“As our branding strategy evolves, the community will see that we are in a transformational period and we are willing to make bold moves in order to ‘Move Forward’,” he said. “We want customers looking for a full relationship with Last year, Mechanics introduced a new logo, us, and we will, in turn, give them top-quality signage and tagline. They also redesigned the people to deal with – people who like coming to bank’s website, added online mortgage appli- work, who love the community and care about cation capabilities, and invested in a new core their customers.”

CONNECTED Professional SUCCESSFUL Thomas College has been providing advanced education to Maine’s business leaders for over 100 years. Applications are now being accepted for the following programs: Master of Business Administration Master of Business Administration/ Human Resource Administration Master of Science in Education

Bachelor of Science in Accounting Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Managment

W W W.T HOM AS.EDU G r a d u a t e a n d C o n t i n u i n g Ed u c a t i o n D i v i s i o n 20 PROFILE 2012

Advertising Supplement, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 28, 2012

PrO file

Retail Business

“Celebrating 20 years of vision, expansion and committment towards a community’s growth”

Pictured: Steve and Elaine Roop in front of Roopers, Sabattus Street, one of their four locations.

Roopers Beverage and Redemption This year marks t he 20t h anniversar y of Roopers Beverage and Redemption. In 1992, Steve Roop had a dream and acted on it. Crammed into 1,000 square feet of space, Roopers Beverage and Redemption became a reality. And it all started with one part-time employee, a limited inventory and masses of bottles to count. But not being one to stay idle, Steve didn’t stop there ... and now Roopers Beverage and Redemption has multiple locations. Steve’s formula for a successful business? A good working-relationship with your bank, customer satisfaction, community involvement, and treating your employees like family.

Did you know? •R oopers has a vast variety of wine labels for the beginning sipper to the connoisseur. Also gaining popu la r it y a nd i nventor y at Roopers is the crafted microbrew, featuring seasonal, national, as well as international labels. • R oopers has a good selection of sulfite-free wines, as well as gluten-free beers. • O n the second Friday of each mont h, Roopers hosts beer-, wine- or cocktail-tasting events. • R oopers wa s awa rded Sma l l Business of the Year Award in 2004 by the Lewiston-Auburn Chamber of Commerce. Roopers is very involved in the community, sponsoring youth sports and numerous charitable events. • R oopers stores a re a pa r t of Healthy Andro-scoggin’s “Those Who Host Lose the Most.” • R oopers prov ides w holesa le liquor delivery and bottle pick-up service to established and new clubs and restaurants within the Lewiston-Auburn area.

Photos, top, clockwise: 1. MINOT AVENUE – Manager Carrie Bell, Sales Reps Sean Corbett and Steve Chapman, with Owner Steve Roop. 2. MINOT AVENUE – Cashiers Rick Dillon and Diane Latusha. 3. MINOT AVENUE – Wendy Brown of Auburn returning bottles with Clerk Stevie Hughes. 4. LISBON STREET – Manager Tony Olmstead and Frank Caron. 5. SABATTUS STREET – Employees Isaac Hutchinson; Manager Ray Ouellette; Joe Gendron; and Scott Akerley. 6. MAIN STREET – Cashiers: Skyler Jennings and Amanda Jalbert with Manager Chris Jennings. 7. SABATTUS STREET – Operations Mgr./ Sales Jesse St. Laurent; HR/Sales Dick LaFontaine; and Advertising / Community Liaison Elaine Roop.

Don’t be a party to teenage drinking. It’s against the law. Healthy Androscoggin’s Project Unite! 207.795.5990 or www.healthyandroscoggin.org Developed by the Drug-Free Action Alliance

545 Minot Ave., Auburn, 783-2047 694 Main St., Lewiston, 782-1482 794 Sabattus St., Lewiston, 783-6353 1420 Lisbon St., Lewiston, 333-3095

22 PROFILE 2012

Advertising Supplement, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 28, 2012

From oxen to Fords: Ripley & Fletcher celebrates 103 years in business

Budget Document Technology is here to serve your office!

By Sharon Bouchard Feature Writer

By David A. Sargent Feature Writer / Photographer

Forty mortal miles it was between Andover and my dooryard. I fairly stumbled in along daybreak and that colt was just able to totter.

“I

Wonder W ho’s K issing Her Now” topped the Billboard chart as the most popular song of 1909 followed closely by “Shine On Harvest Moon.”

“I got the oxen in a few days; traded them; sold the colt and got a good thing. THAT’s an automobile trade! But the trek through the night, leading a colt, trailing two oxen walking mortal slow; edging them along, stumbling on the way Movie goers were flocking to see D.W. Griffith’s, was unforgettable. But that’s partly how I made “His Duty,” starring Mary Pickford; and book a start. And I was only a boy in the trade game readers, pr i ma r i ly women, were buy i ng at that!” Gertrude Stein’s, “Three Lives,” making it the most popular book of the year. The boy, bitten by the sales bug, grew into the young man who convinced his friend and In that year, the Pearl Harbor Naval Base was barber, Herbert Fletcher, to combine their built and the NAACP was formed. Instant coffee finances and open an automobile dealership. and Bakelite were the big inventions of the year In 1909, the Ripley and Fletcher Company and John D. Rockefeller of Standard Oil became became a Ford Motor Company franchise and the world’s first billionaire. is now the oldest, continuous Ford dealership The life expectancy in 1909 was 47 years and in New England. the average wage was $12.98 for a 59-hour work Perley Ripley died in 1945 leaving a legacy of week. Sugar was a mere four cents a pound good business and civic mindedness behind. while a Kodak Brownie box-camera cost just Members of the Fletcher family remained one dollar. involved in the business for many years. It was believed by many that the period from 1900 to 1909 was the most innovative and productive decade of the 20th century. Though the latter part of the century saw tremendous strides in communications and technology, there can be no doubt that in the first decade of that century innovation and production beca me t he ha llma rk of one Sout h Pa ris resident by the name of Perley F. Ripley. The first car that Ripley bought ran for a season and then he decided to sell it. According to, “A Story of Maine Pluck,” by Arthur G. Staples, Ripley is quoted as saying, “I had a customer pretty well landed. He was backing and filling and I knew that he wanted that car overmuch and that’s the time to sell it and that’s the man for a customer.” The customer lived in Andover, a considerable distance from South Paris by 1900 standards and a long trip for Ripley. In exchange for the car he received a three-year-old colt and a pair of big, seven-foot oxen. The trade was the easy part; the hard part was getting the colt and the oxen to South Paris.

A few other owners held the business over the years and in 1976 Harold Jones, of North Norway, who is still the owner of the company, purchased Ripley and Fletcher. Son Grant Jones is the president/general manager; daughter, Jinger Duryea, is the vice president; and son, Kurt Jones, is treasurer. The building is still in its original location and has seen many upgrades over the years with a total renovation project of both interior and exterior completed in 1989. Ripley and Fletcher have 31 employees in their sales, service and body shop departments. A lot has changed since 1909: Music can be downloaded on iPods, movies can be streamed directly to your television, and sugar costs way more than four cents a pound. But, how Ripley and Fletcher does business has not changed very much since Perley Ripley open the doors.

When Tracy Knight, sales manager, was asked why she thought Ripley and Fletcher has been so successful for 103 years, her response was, “This is a small community and our customers are our friends and neighbors. We treat them According to Staples, Ripley hitched the oxen fairly and honestly and they come back again together with twine and led them and the colt and again. That’s what Perley Ripley did and on foot to Rumford Point. that is what Ripley and Fletcher still does.” “I got supper at Rumford Point; traded with a Visit the showroom of Ripley & Fletcher at 80 man to drive the oxen in the next day and startMain St., South Paris. You can reach them by ed with the colt, leading him to South Paris. phone at 207-743-8938.

Since 1989, many businesses of the LewistonAuburn area have benefited from the wide range of quality products and services offered by Budget Document Technology. The business is owned and operated by brothers Tom and Steve Ouellette from their present location at 251 Goddard Road, Lewiston. Steve said Tom started the business in their parents’ garage where Tom serviced and sold used copy machines. Now, 23 years later, the brothers are still heading up this company which has grown to include 22 employees. Tom is president and Steve is chief financial officer. BDT is committed to providing its customers with office solutions today, and the assurance that the company will be there to support them tomorrow. “We can do this by making local decisions and continually reinvesting in resources and people to keep our clients operating effectively,” Steve said. Their showroom-and-service facility was built in t he w inter of 1995-96 at t he Sout h Pa rk industrial development area of Lewiston. They also have an office in Herman, just outside Bangor. Two locations enable the firm to serve everyone from the New Hampshire border to Greater Bangor.

still have that local feel,” he said. “We are exclusively focused on office imaging technology and we have aligned ourselves with some of the leading names in the industry. As fully authorized dealerships, we can provide flexible options to meet client needs.”

The service department has a fully automated dispatch system as well as a remote technician feature of the back-end operating software. This allows technicians to complete servicecall paperwork online. They also can dispatch themselves to the next call in their queue, and they can easily get machine histories and determine parts availability. As part of their customer service initiative BDT has also “Ever ybody is mov ing to more and more enacted a complete online ordering system, color capability and scanning,” Steve said. allowing clients to place supply orders, enter He noted that document imaging, archiving service calls, view account information and and retrieving have become critical elements many more features. for just about any business. BDT provides the software and expertise for all levels of those There is a lot of information on the company’s needs. “We do the bulk of our business with web site at www.bdtme.com. Customers can small- and medium-sized companies that check out specifications for numerous Konica may have just one office and one machine,” Minolta “bizhub” multifunction units, and Steve added, but he emphasized that BDT also there is information to help in choosing printhandles large unit placements and the major ers, scanners and wide- or large-format units. needs of repro-graphics departments where Kyocera, Lexmark, and HP are some of the other demands of a job may require machines that manufacturers represented by BDT. offer speeds of 100 pages per minute and more. “All of us at Budget Document Technology are “We’re one of this industry’s last local companies in this area,” Steve said. That’s a significant advantage for clients because it’s possible for Budget Document Technology to make quick decisions. “These days everything is digital,” he said. There are many options for multifunction machines for copying, printing, scanning and faxing, as well as stand-alone units.

Steve emphasized that, as an independently owned Maine company, BDT offers superior customer service by having vested ownership that is “in the shop” each and every day. “We

proud of the organization we have built,” Steve said. Budget Document Technology’s Lewiston office can be reached by calling 782-7427. The Bangor phone number is 942-0001 and the tollfree number is 1-800-924-4229.

Staff members at Budget Document Technology in Lewiston are, left to right, Nicole Charest, Service Writer; Steve Ouellette, CFO; Tom Ouellette, President; Brenda Farrar, Director of Service; and Ken Quinn, Account Representative. Advertising Supplement, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 28, 2012

PROFILE 2012 23

MAINSTAGE

JULY 5-AUGUST 19

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2012

CHILDREN’S SHOW JUNE 23-AUGUST 17

FALL MUSICAL SEPTEMBER 20-30

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NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 9

24 PROFILE 2012

Advertising Supplement, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 28, 2012

Financing. For the home you’ll love. The right mortgage opens the door to buying or refinancing your dream home. With a variety of mortgage products to choose from, we’ll help you find the loan rate and terms that best match your financial needs – both now and in the future. All backed by the strength and stability of a local bank that’s been helping Maine customers just like you, for over 135 years. To explore your personal mortgage options, call one of our friendly, knowledgeable loan officers today. Matt Delamater Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS ID# 509636 Western Maine TEL 207.743.8168 CEL 207.595.1375 northeastbank.com/mdelamater

Julie Poulin Senior Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS ID# 509652 Lewiston/Auburn TEL 207.786.3245 CEL 207.576.9083 northeastbank.com/jpoulin

Becky Mason Senior Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS ID# 509645 Western Maine TEL 207.743.8168 CEL 207.890.3449 northeastbank.com/bmason

Loans are available to qualified applicants who meet the Bank’s current loan underwriting guidelines. Hazard Insurance is required. Loans are limited to residential properties. Additional terms may apply.

Reach local, driven, qualified candidates. In Print

Advertising Supplement, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 28, 2012

Online

In Person

PROFILE 2012 25

Touching lives, improving life Procter & Gamble Tambrands, Inc., Auburn, Maine About Procter & Gamble Four billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people around the world. The company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Pampers®, Tide®, Ariel®, Always®, Whisper®, Pantene®, Mach3®, Bounty®, Dawn®, Gain®, Pringles®, Charmin®, Downy®, Lenor®, Iams®, Crest®, Oral-B®, Duracell®, Olay®, Head & Shoulders®, Wella®, Gillette®, Braun® and Fusion®. The P&G community includes approximately 127,000 employees working in about 80 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands. In July of 1997, Procter and Gamble acquired Tambrands, Incorporated. The makers of the feminine care product Tampax. Since the acquisition, the product line has expanded to include Pearl and Compak Pearl to its line of successful consumer products. The Auburn, Maine site manufactures Tampax tampons for all of North America and currently exports to UK, Germany, Korea and Spain. The site can produce more than 10 million tampons per day. Procter and Gamble continues to make investments in the Auburn manufacturing site and reaffirms its commitment to its employees and the community. The Auburn Procter and Gamble facility has 500 full-time employees and in 2011 hired 60 additional part-time employees to staff the newest addition to the facility, a packaging center called the “Flexicenter” which had its grand opening in August 2011. The name “Flexicenter” represents many aspects of this packaging facility. One is the use of part-time employees, something the site had never had before, but recognizing that to make business sense and to be successful in this packaging center, it would need to have flexible work schedules. The flexible work schedules gives the manufacturing facility the ability to meet changing demands quickly in order to meet our customer and consumers needs and, just as importantly, the ability to allow flexibility in our employees’ work schedules. This flexibility has allowed us to reach a highly diverse group of new employees, such as people with and without disabilities, college students, retired veterans and many others with very diverse cultures and backgrounds, enriching the lives of all our employees and the community in which we live and work to prosper. As a company, our purpose is to touch and improve lives. And we believe this begins with our employees. We define diversity broadly, bringing together individuals from different backgrounds, ethnicity, cultures, and working and thinking styles, providing remarkably different talents, perspectives, and life and career experiences, with respect for each individual. And our experience is that more diverse organizations are more innovative. It’s an environment where people with and without disabilities work side by side, earning the same pay, receiving the same benefits and held to the same productivity and workplace standards. We believe that broadening our workforce by employing people with disabilities is not only the right thing to do, but it also makes good business sense and has benefits which will reverberate across our company and community. P&G executive, Miguel Garcia, is inspired every single day by his own child’s disability. Miguel challenged us to look at our staffing options and equipment layout as we were in the planning stages of this new packaging center. Could we create an environment and job opportunities to those in our community with disabilities? He also suggested that we reach out to resources at Walgreens to learn more about their inspirational journey, so we did just that. Taking a trip to the Walgreens distribution center in Anderson, South Carolina, and seeing their operation we were quickly inspired to make it happen! But we couldn’t do it alone; this was not our expertise. We learned we didn’t have to. Besides Walgreens’ continued support, we were able to reach out and create a collaborative partnership with the Maine Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, the Department of Health & Human Services and private agency to deliver an opportunity for an amazing group of people. The FlexiCenter is a strong affirmation of P&G’s commitment to diversity, bringing new jobs and opportunities, leveraging a broad range of diversity in an inclusive. P&G currently employs an estimated 7,000 individuals with a disability of some kind company-wide. The Auburn, Maine facility was very proud to have recently received a Welcoming Diversity Award from the state of Maine & The Maine State Chamber of Commerce.

At P&G, diversity and inclusion is part of our DNA in all we do. You may be asking themselves, Could I do this? Should I do this?.

The Answer is Yes and Yes. 26 PROFILE 2012

Advertising Supplement, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 28, 2012

Cassiel’s Salon & Spa keeps its clients feeling beautiful and fresh By Deborah Conway Feature Writer Cassiel’s Salon & Spa, 71 East Avenue, a luxuriously appointed salon and spa in the heart of Lewiston, is the realization of Diane Dubois’ vision and commitment to create and maintain “a culture which ensures t hat each g uest receives excel lent customer ser v ice a nd relaxing spa treatments within a peaceful and harmonizing environment.” Cassiel’s team of 13 talented technicians has grown consistently from year to year, along w it h Cassiel’s line of ser v ices, which has expanded to include skincare treatments such as therapeutic customized facials, microderm abrasion, electrology and permanent makeup. “Our staff is passionate about the work that they do,” said Dubois. “They are caring, educated

feeling beautiful, fresh and angelic until you are ready to begin your walk down the aisle or to make your first impression on a big night. Even children are welcome and Cassiel’s is pleased to offer both hair design for youngsters and birthday parties where little ladies can be pampered and excited about providing our patrons with a with manicures and pedicures. truly satisfying experience.” Dubois was proud to receive the Androscoggin From expert nail care to classic and contempo- County Chamber of Commerce’s 2011 Business rary hair design, decadent body treatments and Leadership Award. According to Chip Morrison, massage, including massage for couples, the president of The Chamber, this award “recogstylists and practitioners at Cassiel’s will help nizes businesses which have made significant you to “Discover the Beauty Within.” investments in supporting the region’s economic growth.” Many Lewiston-Auburn area brides choose to spend the hours before their nuptials wrapped Cassiel’s commitment to community service is in the embrace of the angel “Cassiel,” who demonstrated time and time again through its bestows upon them the loveliness and grace contributions to “Pretty in Pink” breast cancer that makes every bride an angel on her wedding support groups, “Rebuild Together,” an orgaday. Cassiel’s is able to accommodate small nization that provides housing assistance, and and large wedding parties, and offers party through private donations to small organizations packages and individual services for other special events.

and local families in crisis. To learn more about Cassiel’s Salon & Spa’s heavenly services and also to reserve space for a private party, call 783-3321 or visit their website at www.Cassiels.com/.

With hair design, nail care, makeup application, spa packages, and a comfortable room for relaxing and dressing, Cassiel’s will keep you

Shawnee Steps a division of

American Concrete Industries of Auburn and Bangor Maine, USA.

American Concrete Industries was formed in 1957 under the name of Maine Shawnee Step Company, Inc. by the Snowe brothers, Carleton, Richard & John. In 1967 the company expanded from Auburn to Veazie, Maine and the corporate name was changed to its present name, American Concrete Industries. Since 1957 American has been producing high quality pre-cast concrete products. The company first started producing concrete steps and later moved into manufacturing burial vaults, septic tanks and commercial products. American Concrete now employs over one hundred people and delivers pre-cast concrete products throughout Maine and northern New England.

American Concrete Industries

1022 Minot Ave, Auburn, Maine 784-1388 • www.shawneesteps.com Advertising Supplement, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 28, 2012

PROFILE 2012 27

Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce It’s all about jobs. By Rich Livingston Feature Writer Even in the era of social media and electronic acquaintances, nothing is more productive t ha n genu i ne persona l con nect ions. Participation in Chamber events provides opp or t u n it ie s t o w ide n t he c i r c le of professional relationships in ways which are truly meaningful. Chamber President Chip Morrison, who has led the organization to its dominant position in the state, said at a recent breakfast meeting, “When you volunteer with us, or serve on a committee – working directly with someone is the best way for them to get to know you and know what you can do; and for you to get to know them.” Tr y doing that on Facebook. Hundreds of people gather face-to-face at the Chamber’s monthly breakfast meetings; hundreds more at the monthly Business After Hours events, and still hundreds more at the dozens of regular seminars, workshops, committee meetings and other networking activities that are the lifeblood of Chamber membership. And the Chamber’s networking mechanism also enables businesses to identify potential vendors and service providers, identify new customers, and find ways to more fully engage with their own communities. New this year is an emphasis by the Chamber and many of its members to better support those in the community who are serving in the armed forces, and, especially returning veterans. “As best we can tell,” Morrison said, “there are between 450 and 600 unemployed veterans living in our area. Starting now, the Chamber will provide free individual memberships to any unemployed area vet. We want to do all we can to help smooth their transitions back into civilian life, to the workforce. And we have members who need the kinds of skills many of these people bring home with them. If you know a veteran who is looking for work, have them contact the Chamber.” Individual members are entitled to the full range of benefits available to all Chamber members, but “connecting our members with one another is one of the things we do best,” Morrison said, and, he added, “Providing free memberships to unemployed veterans is the best way we have to help connect them with job opportunities, to business resources, to the grateful community.” The February breakfast meeting was devoted to a variety of other local and regional efforts to support the troops. Chamber member, Maine Oxy, an Auburn-based specialist in industrial, welding and safety equipment and gases, is the sponsor of the M.O.S.T. challenge – Ma ine Ox y Supports t he Troops. They assemble care packages to be sent to those on deployment, including food, entertainment, hygiene supplies, sports equipment, personal office supplies, and, most especially, letters of support. They will collect donations from Chamber members or at drop-off boxes in any of their 13 locations throughout Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut. Jo Anne Campbell, of Mechanics Sav ings Bank, and husband Tom Campbell, retired

28 PROFILE 2012

2012 Chamber board of directors

“Better than Twitter,” is one description of the role of the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce in the process of connecting job seekers with those searching for qualified employees. The biggest local chamber of commerce in Maine, with nearly 1,400 members representing some 45,000 employees, the Androscoggin Chamber provides a robust schedule of activities, programs and connections, all designed to make it easier to do business. USA F now work ing w it h Fa irpoint Communications, spoke on behalf of the Maine Military Family Assistance Center, a grassroots effort to connect families of those deployed with services and assistance of all sorts that become bigger issues in households w ith depleted capacity, including everything from yard work and odd repairs or maintenance jobs, help with kids or errands, up to and including crisis comfort. Links to participating in a ny of t hese init iat ives ca n be found t hrough t he Cha mber’s website at w w w. androscoggincounty.com/public.

recorded, subject to a maximum six-minute time restriction) can be uploaded through the PUP portal at the Chamber’s website, or at www.yplaa.com (Young Professionals of the Lewiston Auburn Area, a subsidiary program of the Chamber) anytime now through May. Community voting will take place in June, and winners, to be announced at the Chamber’s July breakfast meeting, are eligible for a cash prize or gift certificates to local businesses. The first-place winner will be premiered for the public at the new Luna Fest, sponsored by L/A Arts this coming October.

Another of the ways in which the Chamber contributes to job grow t h in t he a rea is by support of a v igorous regiona l image development effort. “We’ve been saying for years that ‘It’s Happening Here,’ but all of a sudden, it happened! We’re the cool place to be now,” Morrison said.

The work of the Chamber is undertaken by its board of directors and by six standing committees – Business Advocacy, Regional I m a g e , Wo r k f o r c e D e v e l o p m e n t a n d Education, Y PL A A, Membership Ser v ices a nd Development, a nd t he A mbassador Committee – which together provide countless ways for members to become involved with the Chamber and its work, and especially to connect to other members and resources.

That image development ef fort garnered recognition in a recent article in the Boston Globe’s travel article entitled, “A Tank Away: Maine sister cities offer travelers a range of options,” the latest in a growing volume of interest by regional media in the resurgence of culture, economy and quality of life that has been the product of concentrated attention by the Chamber and its collaborative partners – such as the Lewiston Auburn Economic Growth Council – who are dedicated to helping this community achieve its full potential. And ensuring that everyone knows it’s happening. The newest initiative of the Regional Image Committee is a contest labeled, “Pump Up the Positive,” (PUP), the purpose of which is to collect privately produced videos which can be used to “f lood YouTube with positive videos representing Androscoggin County.” The Chamber’s announcement says, “We have a home to be proud of and want the rest of the world to see it through our eyes.” Videos of all types (stills, silent, interviews, scripted; whatever can be imagined and

“We are fortunate to have a big board [of d i rectors],” Mor r ison sa id. “One of t he reasons it’s so big is that it ref lects the huge diversity of our membership,” which includes about 115 nonprof it organizations, more t ha n a dozen mu n icipa l it ies a nd qua si public sector institutions, and traditional bu si ne s s e s i n e v er y i m a g i n a ble f ield, i nc lud i n g m a nu f a c t u r i n g , he a lt hc a r e, finance, hospitalit y, retail, distribution – about 300 distinct categories delineated in the Chamber’s 2012 Resource Guide. And the impact of the Chamber’s work is carefully measured and documented in the annual report, accessible from the website, as well. “This is just a great place to live, work and play,” Morrison said – any time and to anyone who will stand still for a minute, “and we want to be sure that everyone knows that, and that everyone has a chance to take full advantage of it.”

Androscoggin county chAmber of commerce

2012

Resource Guide www.androscoggincounty.com

Daniel J. Marquis Photography

Visit, call or write the Chamber at:

The Business Service Center at KeyBank Plaza

415 Lisbon Street, PO Box 59 Lewiston, Maine 04243

207-783-2249 www.androscoggincounty.com

Advertising Supplement, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 28, 2012

The Cote Corporation The Cote Corporation was founded in 1966 by Armand E. Cote and his wife, Carmen, to provide crane and rigging services to local contractors. Their three sons, Dan, Paul and Ron quickly learned the family business by assisting their dad Armand E. Cote and during their teenage years. his wife Carmen All three sons later became employees, serving in a variety of capacities, reaching management level positions and ultimately becoming co-owners of the family company. In 1974, the family business acquired the 22,000 square foot office and warehouse owned by Bolduc Movers on Broad Street in Auburn. As time went on, demand for storage space increased beyond the capacity of the Broad Street location; forcing the company to lease other facilities. Ultimately, a location that would allow an opportunity to expand was located and in 1985, The Cote Corporation constructed a brand new complex on Hotel Road in Auburn. This new 20,000 square foot building, situated on a prime 10-acre parcel of land, featured heated and cold storage, fully equipped maintenance shop bays and spacious offices. Facing capacity issues and a continued demand for warehouse storage space, in 1995, an expansion project was undertaken and 20,000 square feet of cold storage with attached canopy was completed, also adding five more specialized loading docks. Today, The Cote Corporation’s 40,000 square foot fully sprinklered and alarmed facility is housed on a 19-acre parcel secured by a gated and alarmed perimeter fence incorporating a sophisticated video monitoring system. Determined to work with their father to assist in the company’s growth and progress, the three sons continued to gain skills that would benefit and expand the business. While working summers

and weekends at the company, the eldest son, Dan, earned a degree in Finance from Husson College. Committed to learning all aspects of the company, he became a skilled crane operator, rigger, millwright, and later the treasurer and CEO. Ron developed equipment and operational skills, learning all aspects of the machinery and ultimately managed the scheduling and dispatching of the crews. He later became the VP of Operations until his retirement in 2010. As a skilled crane operator and mechanic, Paul became the Maintenance Manager of the Fleet and until 1993, he supervised the maintenance of all of the company’s various equipment including, cranes, trucks, trailers and forklifts. In 2001, a third generation joined the company. Dan’s son, Daniel P. (Dan Jr.), came onboard with a degree in Engineering from Clarkson University and five years experience working for technology developing companies. Daniel has provided project management expertise along with marketing and sales and now serves as VP of Operations. Ron’s son, Jeremy R. (JR) started in 2004, with foundational skills acquired in the Army National Guard Transportation/Engineering Division and is currently a skilled rigger and boom truck operator. The Cote Corporation is a seasoned and aggressive crane and rigging organization dedicated to providing efficient and quality services. Diligence, attention to detail, and an in-depth comprehension of all aspects of the industry mark Cote’s core competencies and are the basis for the development of both their equipment and personnel’s capabilities. The emphasis of these important qualifications has led the company to a position of statewide leadership in their field. In addition to servicing businesses, contractors and homeowners, The Cote Corporation is committed to supporting local community projects and events. The Cote family believes in being good corporate citizens, whether it involves delivering

and installing Christmas trees in Lewiston and Auburn, contributing to Project Graduation for area high schools, or assisting in the transportation and installation of the Veteran’s Memorial Park 51 MM Naval Gun monument project. The Cote Corporation has been recognized with The Museum L/A’s Business Support award for the many times it has assisted in preserving historic textile and shoe manufacturing equipment. The Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council recognized the company for the Business of the Year award and the Department of the Navy presented The Cote Corporation with the prestigious PWD Maine Safety Award. The Cote Corporation strives to meet their customers ever changing needs. This family owned and operated Maine business is committed to quality service and performance. No project is too large, or too small for our team of dedicated professionals.

The Cote crew goes beyond family members; it is made up of thirty-two individuals who strive for perfection while “making difficult projects seem simple!” Committed team members – whether office staff, dispatch scheduling, project managers, or warehouse personnel – everyone is dedicated and appreciative of the opportunity to serve our customers. View The Cote Corporation website today and you will discover the capabilities and expertise they can bring to your project. Whether you think it is impossible, or just difficult, The Cote Corporation can perform it to your satisfaction!

Dedicated To Excellence!!

CRANE SERVICE • RIGGING • MILLWRIGHTING • TRUCKING • WAREHOUSING • PACKAGING & CRATING ARTS: Sculptures, monuments, architectural works and bells. COMMUNICATION: Satelites and antennas, towers, switches, rectifiers, power and ups systems. CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING: Boilers, transformers, generators, HVAC equipment and communications. FINANCE & BANKING: Safes, vaults, ATMS, safe deposit boxes and computer systems. GENERAL CONSTRUCTION: Modular homes, precast, steel erection, rooftops and trusses. GRAPHIC ARTS: Printing presses, cameras, laminators and bindery. MEDICAL: X-ray, CT, MRI, nuclear medicine, PET and ultrasound. METALWORKING: Hydraulic presses, press brakes, shears and CNC machine.

PLASTICS & RUBBER: Injection molders, blow molders, thermo formers, material handling systems and extruders. POWER & UTILITIES: Transformers, turbines, generators, compressors, switchgears, chillers, pump fans and blowers, congeneration plants and control systems. TEXTILES: Weaving machines, looms, winders, dye vats and laundry equipment. BOOM TRUCKS: Sales - Service Parts - Authorized dealer for Manitex, USTC, JLG, Maniowoc and FASSI.

1-800-696-6282 • www.cotecrane.com Advertising Supplement, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 28, 2012

2980 Hotel Road • P.O. Box 1418 Auburn, Maine 02411

PROFILE 2012 29

Hammond Strikes 12 Focused on expanding quality, service, buying power Steps toward overall economic recovery may still be tentative, but one Maine family business is moving boldly forward. After accepting an invitation to buy three stores in the Midcoast last fall, Hammond Lumber Company is now serving all areas of Maine from a dozen stores. “We’ve been fortunate,” says Michael Hammond, vice-president of the company and grandson of the founder. “Our experienced employees and solid financial health have allowed us to act when opportunities present themselves.” Hammond took advantage of that latest opportunity when Marc Ducharme New England Building Materials Auburn Store Manager decided to sell its stores in Damariscotta, Boothbay Harbor and Pemaquid. In 2010, Hammond had been approached by two other suppliers, acquiring the assets of Pineland Lumber in Auburn and also the entire operation of Downeast Building Supplies in Brunswick. “Those were win-win situations,” says Hammond. “The Pineland deal was more of a merger since the previous owners now work with us in our Auburn store. And Downeast’s parent company, Downeast Energy, wanted to concentrate on its fuel business, even though the store was very solid.”

“We knew Brunswick would be perfect for us once the time was right,” he says, “and now with Damariscotta, Boothbay Harbor and Pemaquid added in, we can take even better care of the customers from Damariscotta to Falmouth that we used to serve from our inland stores. That also allows the inland stores to focus even more fully on their primary communities.” The first Hammond store was opened in 1967 in Belgrade by Michael’s father, Donald, who grew up around the saw mill founded by his father, Skip, in 1953. Skowhegan was added in 1975 followed by Farmington in 1983, Auburn in ‘89, Greenville in ‘91, Fairfield in ‘97, Bangor in ‘02, Portland in ’08, then the coastal stores over the last two years. In addition, in 1987, the company launched its Maine Pine Log Homes division, which manufactures building packages sold through the stores.

Hammond Auburn Outside Sales

A matter of timing Downeast first approached Hammond just as the latter began construction on its store in Portland. Wanting to make sure the new store got the attention it needed, especially as the recession was looming, Hammond delayed action on the Brunswick opportunity until last year.

SKOWHEGAN

FARMINGTON

BANGOR

FAIRFIELD

BELGRADE

DAMARISCOTTA

AUBURN

PEMAQUID

BRUNSWICK

BOOTHBAY HARBOR

PORTLAND

has had no negative impact on business in Auburn. “We were up again last year, had a great winter, and the warm spell a few weeks back brought us some early sales in ShoreMaster docks. If anything, the expansion benefits customers here because of the company’s expanded buying power.”

“More than just a business” Michael Hammond says his company tries to look down the road in terms of expansion, both for the short term and the long term. He believes it’s important to maintain an open, friendly dialogue with other Maine yards, many of which are also family owned and multigenerational.

Left to Right: Mike Pond, Kitchen Sales Scott Richard, Inside Sales Byron Peters, Flooring Sales

Happy birthday, Auburn March marked 23 years since Hammond bought out Peter Allen Lumber on the Poland Road and established its fourth retail store. Marc Ducharme has managed Hammond-Auburn almost all of that time.

Left to Right: Jeff Newton, Tim Mancine, Kevin Hacket

GREENVILLE

“It seems like last week,” says Ducharme, who had previously worked just up the road for an Augusta Lumber store that had closed its doors. “It closed the doors just before Hammond bought Peter Allen Lumber.”

“When the owners of these companies contemplate retirement and begin looking for a buy-out partner,” Hammond says, “they will certainly consider how well Hammond conducted other acquisitions and how well we treated our newest employees and customers. They take great pride in their businesses, and each one represents years of personal family investment, commitment, and valued relationships. When your name and heritage are attached to a business, it’s much more than just a business. We understand that completely.”

Hammond not only took over the Peter Allen site, but it also bought Augusta Lumber’s remaining inventory and equipment, then began hiring staff. “I applied for a job at Hammond and was hired for inside sales,” says Ducharme. “Then I was made manager six months later.” He says the company’s recent expansion on the coast

Left to Right: Brett Hackett, Brett Crockett, Eric Skehan, Corey Pinard, Jim Libby. Auburn’s Yard Personnel and Drivers

TOLL FREE

1-866-HAMMOND www.hammondlumber.com

The Auburn store is located on the Poland Road and can be reached by phone toll free at 1-800-439-2826 or 784-4009. Directions for driving to the store are available by phone and e-mail, and by visiting www.hammondlumber.com. Customers may also call 1-866-HAMMOND toll free, and they will be connected with the store nearest their calling area.

30 PROFILE 2012

Advertising Supplement, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 28, 2012

PrO file

Home Business

Meet some of the Mount Blue Agway crew including the four-legged greeters Neva and Zoey. Krystal, Dianne, Donna, Ryan, and Andrew are some of the faces you may see around the store on your next visit.

Mount Blue Agway, located at 912 US Route 2 East, in Wilton, Maine, is fast becoming the local store that answers your questions with a happy response of: “I can help with that!” Mount Blue Agway has been employing a knowledgeable customer service team for years, and their knowledge continues to grow – keeping up with the quickly expanding store. Mount Blue Agway now enjoys the company of tiny critters – hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats, and the ever-so-friendly degus. Be watchful as you stroll through the store for Chester, the store degu, running around in his green exercise ball. And as always, Zoey and Neva, the store greeters, will be happy to wag their tails and help you in any way they can (perhaps for a belly rub?). Children will also love to play with the friendly golden retrievers and feed the goldfish in the indoor pond (just ask!). Mount Blue Agway keeps crickets and mealworms in-stock as

well, along with fish supplies, cages, pet bedding, pet toys, and much more! Remember to ask about and join Mount Blue Agway’s free Pet Club. Once a member, you have a guaranteed low price on anything pet related (including your feathered friends with their large selection of bird seed). If you think the box stores have lower prices – check again! Most of the time Mount Blue Agway’s price will match or beat any deal. Enjoy the satisfaction of shopping locally while having the benefit of the lowest prices around. Not only has Mount Blue Agway taken up the pet side of things, they have also brought in two new lines of equipment: Exmark and Simplicity. Exmark is the number one brand of commercial zeroturn lawn mowers on the market, and the Simplicity line will include high-end lawn mowers to fit your budget. Stihl products and Echo chainsaws and trimmers also line Mount Blue Agway’s walls. Of

course, everything is serviced on site by knowledgeable, factory-trained technicians. The greenhouse will be full again this year with bright and colorful varieties of flowers and plants. Mount Blue Agway has been growing a number of their own seedlings from their beginning and over the past few years have been increasing the plants they grow themselves. This allows them to get a higher quality plant, according to Adam Coffin, Nursery and Greenhouse Manager. Adam brought a wealth of knowledge in plants and landscaping to the store, adding to their pool of solutions and answers. Looking for landscaping ideas for your home? Let Adam take a look and be amazed at the outcome. Vegetable seedlings, blueberry bushes, raspberry bushes, apple trees, and pear trees are just some of the tasty selections that will be available in the Mount Blue Agway nursery. They will also have many

other trees, bushes, annuals, and perennials. Heading back inside the store, you will find a large selection of seeds. This includes seed packets, bulk pea and bean varieties, seed potatoes (also in bulk this year), and onion sets. And Mount Blue Agway is full of – well, doo! From their famous Moo Doo products to chicken doo and bat guano, there is plenty of fertilizer for your soil! They also carry a large variety of potting soil, including Scotts® Miracle-Gro®. Look for all of your gardening needs in one faithful place! With their many smiling faces, Mount Blue Agway wants to be your local choice. And with a knowledgeable customer service staff that enjoys their job, it makes the trip to Mount Blue Agway that much more exciting and educating! Just look for the fluorescent colored shirts when you visit, and do not forget: “I can help with that!”

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Routes 2 & 4, E. Wilton 778-4054 www.mtblueagway.com 32 PROFILE 2012

Advertising Supplement, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 28, 2012

Above and Beyond delivers quality services ... and an education Your residential or commercial project should start with a visit to aboveandbeyondonline.com. On t heir website, you w i l l f ind a unique contractor who truly exemplifies the idea that no job is too big or too small. Located in Lewiston, and serving all of Maine, Above and Beyond, LLC provides residential and com merc ia l bu i ld i ng ser v ic es t hat c a n easily cater to customers ranging from the homeowner to the small business owner or large business enterprise.

“We are unique because we bring in experts for each phase of a project,” said co-owners, Glenn Therrien and Frank Robitaille, who have been best friends for years and founded the business in 2010. “We build it right the first time so it lasts a lifetime.”

and roofs,” said Kevin Chase, project manager for Above and Beyond, LLC. “We offer many different options to allow our customers to achieve their desired look and function.” “We provide free consultations, or what we call free education,” said Glenn. “We visit with the homeowner and provide an education on what the project should encompass. We show the homeowner how it can be done stress-free.”

Kevin noted that, “The company is hands on from start to finish – planning, estimating, True to their name, Glenn explained that his acquiring permits, securing materials, schedteam incorporates a sound and moral philoso- uling field personnel, completing the project phy to deliver quality services and to meet the which includes a final ‘walk-through’ inspeccustomer’s needs at a fair cost – “simply by tion. Also, during the project we communicate and update our customers on the progress.” going above and beyond.” “We complete all phases of the residential building process from homes, additions, decks

This house addition is just one example of the fine work done by Above and Beyond, LLC.

County Federal Credit Union in Sanford and insulated metal wall panel system on the Automotive Building at Southern Maine Community College in South Portland. Closer to home in Lewiston, Grant’s Bakery’s re-roofing project was completed in early 2012. “I have had the opportunity to work with Above and Beyond, LLC on three personal projects. The work performed by them on my roofs was not only done professionally and in a timely manner, but the efforts made by staff to leave a clean work area was such that I have never seen before in a contractor,” said Henry Bernier, of Lewiston. “I would highly recommend their services to anyone without hesitation.”

“My wife and I are very pleased with the outcome of this garage built by Above and Beyond. In addition to numerous residential metal and They do excellent work and their contractors shingle re-roofing projects, Above and Beyond come on time. They’ve all been great,” said recently completed a bathroom addition in Charles Lynch, from South Paris, who had a Westbrook, a kitchen remodel in Sanford and an two-story garage completed by the company. impressive 28'-by-30'two-bay garage in Auburn. “My wife is very happy. And if she’s happy, I’m happy!” Charles’ video testimonial in which he Working with several local general contractors, speaks about his experiences during the conthe commercial/institutional division has been struction of his garage can be viewed at Above involved with providing a metal roof system on and Beyond’s website. the clock tower and window awnings at York

“Our commitment to the quality of our services will allow us the opportunity to develop relationships with new clients and continue current connections. We are competitively priced and hope to be considered for your next project!”

55 Holland Street , Lewiston 786-9966 www.gagneandson.com

Ourcustomerswalkalloverus. Andwejustloveit!

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Advertising Supplement, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 28, 2012

PROFILE 2012 33

The Fontaine Family is a highly skilled real estate team of effective professionals, who, with its founder Brenda Fontaine, has fulfilled over 4,000 families’ dreams for nearly 30 years. The Fontaine Team is always thinking ahead, embracing technology. The team is a leader and innovator in the real estate industry ... not just locally or statewide, but throughout the country. Brenda was the first local agent to feature her own website, BrendaFontaine.com which ranks in the top 100 real estate websites by RealEstateABC.com, consistently being in the top 10. Brenda’s website also ranks in the top 10 percent of all websites around the world according to Alexa.com. This doesn’t happen by chance ... the site is continuously updated with new features such as Brenda’s Blog and YouTube informational videos. Fontaine was the first real estate agency in Maine to go mobile with their website, providing a cutting-edge way for home buyers to find new listings from their mobile phone.

336 Center Street, Auburn (207) 784-3800 brendafontaine.com

This powerhouse team is committed to being the “go-to” authority when it comes to real estate. They are passionate about the business and take great pride in empowering the consumer with information by being a valuable resource. The Fontaine Team believes the best way to become your family Realtor for life is by building a relationship with you and being your trusted advisor. They understand that their future business depends on creating raving fans by going above and beyond for clients.

While tributes are great, the goal is not to gain celebrity. It is to gain maximum exposure for their clients ... the more exposure, the quicker a house will sell and for more money.

Using their knowledge, expertise and strong negotiating skills, the Fontaine Team has earned recognition for their sales volume and world class service. The team recently ranked #46 among America’s Top 1000 real estate professional by the Wall Street Journal and Real Trends.

Buying and selling a home in today’s market can be a challenge. When the time comes for buying or selling a home, commercial real estate or investment property, the first decision is selecting a trusted, reputable company that has proven results through the test of time. It is plain to see why The Fontaine Team continues to be – and always will be – the top choice for many families’ real estate needs ... be it local or from far away. Contact Fontaine Family – The Real Estate Leader today to learn how to maximize your home’s appeal to buyers and find out why this is the time to “move up” or find the house of your dreams. You may enter the office as a stranger, but you will leave as a friend.

The Fontaine Team is ready to serve you!

Monday-Friday 8-5; Saturday 8-4 or by Appointments

744-9053

877-778-2880

290 Park St., So. Paris, ME

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34 PROFILE 2012

$104,900 Advertising Supplement, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 28, 2012

Earrings and Company: Shop has over 40 lines of unique made-in-Maine jewelry plus many American-made items By Christina LeBlanc Feature Writer / Photographer

By Deborah Conway Feature Writer / Photographer “We have everything from grunge primitive to countr y primitive, as well as the entire line of Willow Tree Angels,” said Kathy Frost, proprietress of Willow Tree Primitives, at 850 Main Street in Lewiston.

Known as “the place down the street and down the stairs” from L.L. Bean in Freeport, Earrings and Company on Mechanic Street is “not just an ordinary jewelry store,” said owner Carrie McBride. “We’re much more than earrings.”

If you’re looking for something unique for your home or a thoughtful gift for someone you care about, visit Willow Tree Primitives where charming surprises for every room in the house can be found.

From the street, Willow Tree Primitives appears to be a quaint little shop. Stepping inside, however, you will find that it is so much more. The store is very deep and the shop’s seven rooms are neatly filled from corner to corner and floor to ceiling with charm and whimsy. With items starting at just $1.95, there truly is “something for everyone” and every budget at this shop.

On display in t he color f u l shop, jewelr y ent husiasts can f ind earrings, neck laces, bracelets, charms, beads and brooches ranging from everyday wear to statement pieces for specia l occasions. Many of t he items are handmade one-of-a-k ind pieces made by artisans from near and far.

“Primitive items,” according to Frost, “have an older look. Decorating with primitives will give your home a warm and cozy feeling that is calm and relaxing.” Indeed, the shop is all of those. One room is set with a comfortable couch and coffee table that invite you to sit a bit and perhaps read. “I’ve always loved this style, and decorated my own home with it,” said Frost, a native of the Lewiston-Auburn area.

“We have over 40 lines t hat a re made in Maine,” said McBride. “We feel strongly about supporting the work of American artists.” W henever possible, McBride and her staff provide information about a line’s origin so that customers know exactly where each piece comes from. Signage guides customers to lines that are made in Maine and denote the artisan’s hometowns as well.

In addition to the graceful, meaningful and popular Willow Tree Angels, at Willow Tree Primitives you w ill f ind ever y t hing from candles with handmade felt wraps to table runners, rustic curtains and braided rugs, as well as antique trunks ready to be filled and hatboxes to stack. Frost carries a line of Mainemade baskets that she will help you fill with lighted branches and other delightful objects.

Along with a variety of Maine-made jewelry, Earrings and Company also carries Chamilia, which is an American-owned bead line similar to Pandora. McBride said that the Chamilia charms are some of the most popular items in the store.

“We like pretty things,” said McBride. “Women of all ages who like pretty things can find something here to love!”

Frost, a craftswoman herself, works with several local craftspeople who make things for her shop. “I have a woman who makes dolls, flowers and just about anything you can imagine.” Her dolls, though not necessarily meant for play, are reminiscent of a time when mothers made adorable rag dolls for their daughters. Most of the furniture at Willow Tree Primitives is also made locally and a customer can have any piece custom made to their specifications.

Two elements that keep customers coming back are the variety of options available and the uniqueness of the jewelry in the store. “It can be a very positive experience for a woman to have something no one else has,” McBride said. “People will come in and say they were here last summer and bought something and all their friends were jealous and wanted to know where they got it. We try to get pieces that no one else has in the area, and 90 percent of it is handmade.”

Willow Tree Primitives carries antique clocks and rustic bowls, books, lamps, framed prints created in the United States, and Old Village paints for walls and furniture. Rounding out its collection, and completing its efforts to have something for every room in the house, Willow Tree Primitives carries a line of heavenly scented, natural, handmade soaps and a large selection of potter y, pew ter dish sets and delicious Stonewall Kitchen products. Frost said her favorite items include the old jugs and the country furniture.

Next year, Earrings and Company will celebrate its 20th anniversary. “We’ve been in the same place for 20 years and we’re proud to be celebrating our 20th anniversary,” said McBride. “Look for lots of special promotions next year.”

Three years ago, when the opportunity arose, Frost gave up the corporate life and found her bliss by opening Willow Tree Primitives. She is especially proud of her commitment to personalized customer service. “If a customer brings in a photo of something they want, I can order it. Also, I can go to the customer’s home to help with decor or if they have a container, I can fill it!” She is happy to do bridal registries, clubs, layaways, and she especially enjoys doing private parties in her shop.

In the meantime, there remains a vast selection of jewelry for all age groups. There’s even a new line of charms for younger girls on the way, at a very affordable price point.

2 Mechanic St., Freeport, ME 866-209-2570 www.earringsandcompany.com

Shoppers find charming surprises at Willow Tree Primitives

Photos taken at Earrings and Company show some of the affordable, unique, and handmade jewelry items available in the store.

Advertising Supplement, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 28, 2012

Willow Tree Primitives is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. seven days a week. Frost invites her customers to put their names in a jar to enter a monthly drawing for a wonderful gift. In addition, Frost holds four open houses each year when customers enjoy discounts.

PROFILE 2012 35

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1-888-342-7678 Advertising Supplement, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 28, 2012

FROM STONE DUST TO ROCK, WE HAVE IT IN STOCK!

St. Laurent & Son is pleased to announce the acquisition of the former Glen Dube Gravel Pit located at 168 Middle Road (Rt. 9) in Sabattus. The gravel pit is conveniently located less than a half mile from the Maine Turnpike. The gravel pit now has a large scale crushing/processing operation and offers a wide variety of aggregates. Pick up and delivery are available. Call our office for pricing.

Locally owned and operated since 1970!

20 Highland Spring Road, Lewiston

784-7944

www.stlaurentandson.com

3 Middle Street Lewiston

784-5721 http://showroom.redlon-johnson.com

Call for an appointment to visit our Showroom Where licensed tradesmen showcase quality & style! (Redlon & Johnson is a wholesale company and does not sell retail.)

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Advertising Supplement, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 28, 2012

PROFILE 2012 37

Electrical Systems of Maine: Professionals USM’s Lewiston-Auburn College offers you can count on in all things electrical Lean Leadership Certificate By Dan Marois Feature Writer

The University of Southern Maine’s LewistonAuburn College (USM LAC) and the Leadership and Organizational Studies (LOS) program are rising to meet the needs and challenges of a changing world. The Lean Leadership Certificate, a credit-bearing undergraduate certificate geared toward people interested in developing and/or expanding their skills in leading continuous process improvement (Lean) initiatives, will help both individuals and organizations excel in the 21st century.

When it comes to things electrical, Electrical Systems of Maine is the first place to call for residential, commercial, and industrial installations. Electrical Systems of Maine was established in 1985. Since t hen, t he company has built its reputation one job at a time on projects ranging from hospitals and manufacturing facilities to commercial buildings and high-end residential homes.

“Lean” is a system of eliminating wastes in time, resources, and materials thereby increasing value to the customer – in any ma rket, f rom ma nu fact u r i ng to ser v ice sectors. The certificate is designed to increase one’s employment value by gaining a sound, prel i m i na r y level g rou nd i ng i n lead i ng orga ni zat iona l cha nge a nd ef for ts using Lean principles and methodology. USM LAC promotes the best in leadership knowledge and practice to improve the quality and diversity of leadership in organizations and communities – regionally, nationally and internationally.

At www.electricalsystemsofmaine.com, the company’s website, you’ll see a wide array of services and projects completed by this Auburn-based firm. Recently completed projects include electrical renovation work for St. Mary’s ACU/PACU and executive offices, and Bates College Roger Williams and Hedge Hall renovation. Current projects include Southern Maine Community College’s machine shop on the former Brunswick Navel Air Base, and Bates Lofts, a 48-unit housing project located at the Bates Mill complex in Lewiston. And while the commercialscale projects may be impressive, ESM also caters to residential needs citing project work with condominium developments, housing projects and home installations. “We offer affordable packages for residential back-up power needs,” said Matthew Tassinari, project manager, noting that ESM offers many home-generator options that can be installed directly into home wiring systems.

“With prices starting at $1,995, we can provide a home generator system that will provide peace of mind when power outages happen.” ESM also has a unique service called thermal imaging that can diagnose electrical problems. By using this technology, electrical professiona ls ca n locate fau lt y components, poor connections, contamination, corrosion, and load imbalances that can potentially lead to a safety hazard. “Monitoring electrica l connect ions w it h thermal imaging can accurately evaluate potential problems and allow you to take

38 PROFILE 2012

action to manage those problems without failure,” said Tassinari. ESM’s service department also performs work ranging from replacing faulty devices such as switches, receptacles, lighting, ballasts, and lamps to troubleshooting machinery and other electrical concerns. Want to save money on your electrical use? ESM can help. They are an Efficiency Maine Qualified Partner, meaning that they can help guide you through the product selection, installation, and incentive paper work for installing energy-efficient f luorescent and LED technology. “Our goal is complete customer satisfaction. We employ f i rst-cla ss, qua l it y l icensed elect r icia ns a nd prov ide t hem w it h t he training, tools and support needed to get the job done,” stated David Tassinari, ESM owner. “Our people take great pride in their work and we take great pride in our people. We are professionals you can count on.” If you need electrical service, consider ESM and call 783-7126. The ESM website also has an online work order form where customers can conveniently schedule electrical service. ESM works throughout central and southern Maine, occasionally northern Maine, as well as other New England states. The main office is located at 1200 Minot Avenue in Auburn.

The Lean Systems and Methods course, taught by Walter E. Lowell, Ed.D, CPHQ, CCI-P, is an introductor y course in apply ing Lean principles and methods in organizations, including front/back office manufacturing, non-profits, healthcare, IT, education and gover n ment . St udent s w i l l le a r n ba sic Lean principles and methods and have an opportunity to observe, practice and apply principles and methods learned. Following this course is a Lean Methods and Systems Practicum which provides an opportunity for students to apply lean principles and methods in t he f ield. Work ing in tea ms, students demonstrate the ability to apply learning from the Lean Methods and Systems course as they implement projects designed to enhance value to organizations.

Students who earn this certificate will increase their knowledge of: • Theories of organizational change and development and the leadership of such efforts • Organizational behavior principles and practices • Leadership in implementation of Lean systems and methods

Students will assume an orientation which encourages: • K nowledge of Lean systems and methods • Self-awareness as a leader and change agent • Sensitivity to change issues • Reflective Professional Practice

Students will develop their skills in: • Leading the planning and implementation of Lean systems and methods • Implementing continuous change strategies • Thinking critically about the leadership challenges • Addressing barriers to implementation and sustainability of Lean systems • Building relationships • Motivating individuals, groups, & organizations

Application information is available on the leadership studies website: www.usm.maine. edu/leadership. For more information, please contact USM’s Lewiston-Auburn College at 207753-6630 or email lacinfo@usm.maine.edu.

• One-page application process! • No application fee! You pay regular tuition, course fees and books only. • No prerequisites! • Attend classes in blended format or online! • Achievable in one academic year!

Advertising Supplement, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 28, 2012

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www.mainecontractorsgroup.com Advertising Supplement, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 28, 2012

PROFILE 2012 39

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choose St. Mary’s. GENERAL SURGERY Justin Clark, DO Maria Ikossi, MD Eric Osborne, DO St. Mary’s Surgical Associates 99 Campus Avenue, Suite 303 Lewiston, Maine 207-782-5424

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40 PROFILE 2012

Advertising Supplement, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 28, 2012