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THE CHAMBER N E W S The 18th Annual Androscoggin Leadership Development Institute, sponsored by Central Maine Medical Center, begins on Wednesday, September 9 and ends with graduation on December 10 at The Chamber Breakfast. The Chamber began the Institute in 1992 and it has since graduated 278 local business and community members!
community, the ten weeks of my time invested in classes fine tuned my “soft” skills—in other words, improved and enhanced the quality of my communication AND defined my passions in terms of my community and how I’d like to assist in its progress. My experience with ALDI clearly demonstrates the truth in the statements, “leadership is not a topic, it’s a lifestyle” and “the quality of your life is equal to the quality of your communication.” Participating in the ALDI program was a wise decision indeed!” -Jan Barrett, Ware Street Inn, 2005 graduate
What is ALDI?
“As the instructor of this program, Steve Pecukonis reminded us that you can spend, waste or invest your time. ALDI was time well invested. This course is fun and packed with great stuff to use in everyday life. I would highly recommend ALDI to anyone.” -Jim Marston, Uncle Andy’s Digest, 2005 graduate
SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 2009 ANDROSCOGGIN LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE!!!
INSIDE: Member Survey Report Calendar of Events Community Band Adopt A Spot Chamber Connections Twitter the Chamber Scholarship Winners The Falls Restaurant
The highly acclaimed institute is a ten-week program designed to improve leadership abilities. Participants focus on increasing confidence in their personal leadership strengths, improving their understanding of the community, and recognizing how to get involved. The topics covered include Personality Types: understanding individual differences, Team Building: situational leadership, Effective Communications: active listening, Clear Self Expression: presentation skills, Effective Meeting Management, Conflict Resolution: problem-solving, and Personal Vision: action planning. There are also four community issue exploration sessions.
Why should you apply? The institute gives participants the opportunity to develop skills that they need to become successful leaders. These leadership skills will foster professional growth, business growth, and promote a strong and flourishing community.
Not Your Normal Formal
Just ask the graduates!
Member in Focus
“ALDI was so much more than I expected! As a person born and raised in Lewiston, I was amazed to learn as much as I did about our L/A Community. Through the months I attended ALDI and participated in community discussions, I came to realize how fortunate I am to be living in such a dynamic and changing environment. The weekly classes offered me, as a business owner, opportunity to learn valuable skills. The networking with other ALDI members and opportunity to hear from community leaders opened my eyes to so many possibilities for L/A! ALDI, under the leadership of the Chamber and Steve Pecukonis is a valuable resource, which I would recommend unconditionally!” -Stephanie Gelinas, Sandcastle Preschool, 2007 graduate
Chamber Training Upcoming Programs
THE BUSINESS SERVICE CENTER AT KEYBANK PLAZA P.O. BOX 59 LEWISTON, ME 04243-0059 PH: (207) 783-2249 FAX: (207) 783-4481 WEBSITE: E-MAIL: INFO@ANDROSCOGGINCOUNTY.COM
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Who facilitates the program? The Institute is run by Steve Pecukonis, who has designed and run leadership programs all across the state for more than two decades. He founded his own human resource development, training and consulting firm in 1985, where he trains and consults with organizations in business and industry, government, education, healthcare and social services. Steve frequently speaks at conferences, seminars, and organizations all through the northeast. When given a scale of 1-5, 95% of participants in Steve’s training sessions rate him a 5 (Excellent) or a 4 (Very Good). Steve brings incredible experience to ALDI, which creates first-class learning opportunities for participants.
Who should apply? • A business person who wants to develop leadership skills to benefit their workplace or community. • A volunteer or board member of a community organization who would like to be able to better assist the organization’s development. • A community member who wants to get involved and make a difference.
How much does it cost? The fee is $535, which covers all material and meals. Participants can be sponsored by their employer, a community organization or they can apply individually. Limited scholarship assistance is also available.
How can you apply?
Applications are available at The Chamber office and atten“ALDI is probably the most valuable “course” I’ve ever dance is limited to the first 20 applications received. Call taken. As a small business owner who is involved in my The Chamber at 783-2249 for an application.
WWW.ANDROSCOGGINCOUNTY.COM
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“The ALDI program gave me the opportunity to take a good look at my community. Our group of 18 individuals learned about current local issues. We also learned about ourselves through classroom activities and how we could each interact with others in a more effective manner. I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent in this program and the people I met in the process.” -Jennifer Willey, Canteen Service Company, 2003 graduate
“The Androscoggin Leadership Development Institute was by far one of the best professional development experiences I have ever participated in. The facilitator was fabulous, the content very beneficial, and as a result of the course, I developed many long- lasting networking contacts and several new friendships. I highly recommend ALDI to all professionals working in Androscoggin County!” -Angela Westhoff, Healthy Androscoggin, 2007 graduate
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PRESIDENT’S COLUMN MEMBER SURVEY 2009 REPORT By: Chip Morrison The 2009 Chamber Member Survey asked members to rate the performance of the Chamber on a scale from 1 (poor) to 4 (excellent). The survey was conducted in May and early June and over 180 members responded (the largest response ever). The overall rating given to the Chamber was 3.86 (exactly matching the high rating received last year) and all scores were above 3.6! Members were asked about specific areas of Chamber involvement. Networking opportunities (such as Membership Breakfast, Business After Hours, and the Annual Meeting), Business Advocacy (representing members at the legislative level) as well as providing information (Chamber Newsletter, monthly Small Business E-News and biweekly E-Events), and the Business Resource Guide received the highest ratings of Chamber services. Members were also asked to respond to several open-ended questions, the first of which was their highest priority for Chamber activity. The four highest priorities for Chamber activity are: networking, advocacy for an improved business climate, providing workshops and seminars, and community support and business development.. The second open-ended question that members responded to asked for suggestions for future seminar topics. The most popular topics listed were: • Human Resource Issues • Marketing/Sales • Social Networking (hands on approach) • Insurance Issues • The Economy The survey asked members to give feedback about the new Chamber division, the Young Professionals of the Lewiston-Auburn area (YPLAA). Comments were very positive and many suggestions were made to make the organization even stronger. One member said, “YPLAA is the reason I have become more involved with The Chamber.” Several commented that YPLAA is a great way to groom future leaders for the community. Finally, a couple of responses pointed to YPLAA as a mechanism to get more involvement with area non profit organizations. Members were also asked what they thought of the new Chamber website. In general comments were favorable about the new site – with people appreciating the ability to put items on the calendar, make changes to their own listings, and register on-line for Chamber events. Several suggestions for changes will make the site even stronger. Finally, members were asked to give comments and suggestions to the Chamber. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many comments about the friendly and helpful Chamber staff. Positive comments received included: • The level of energy, enthusiasm, and positive outlook on life is outstanding. • This is the most vibrant networking organization that I’ve attended in this state. My favorite comment was from a member: “When I first set up my company, I visited several chambers. The Androscoggin Chamber is ‘heads and shoulders’ better than any of the others.”
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Members also gave many helpful suggestions, including: • More programs on the economy which is everyone’s primary topic of conversation • Fewer handouts and streamline breakfast meetings • More involvement of members on advocacy issues The Board of Directors and I deeply appreciate all the members who took the time to provide feedback. The responses will help guide the Chamber through the next year!
CALENDAR OF EVENTS JULY 3 F 4 S 9 Th 10-12 15 W 16 Th 28 T
Independence Day observed, Chamber closed Liberty Festival, Auburn & Lewiston Chamber Breakfast, 7:15 am, Lost Valley Moxie Festival, downtown Lisbon Falls Seminar, “Time Management for Women”, 11:30 am The Chamber Business After Hours, 5-7 pm, Gritty McDuff’s Brew Pub Seminar, “Managing Risks and Making $$$ in a Challenging Economy”, 8:30-10:00am, at The Chamber
AUGUST 5 W 13 Th 18 T 20 Th 21 F 21-23 26 W
Brown Bag, “Heart Health”, Noon at The Chamber Chamber Breakfast, 7:15 am, Ramada Seminar on “Networking,” 8:30 am at The Chamber Business After Hours, Balloon Festival, 5-7pm. Chamber Board of Directors Great Falls Balloon Festival, downtown Lewiston-Auburn Scholarship Scramble at Martindale Country Club
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Labor Day, Chamber closed Androscoggin Leadership Development Institute begins Chamber Breakfast, 7:15 am, Martindale Business After Hours, 5-7pm, Cassiel’s Day Spa Chamber Board of Directors, 7:30am Entrepreneur’s Summit at the Hilton
SEPTEMBER
COMMUNITY BAND CONCERTS BEGIN Join Milt Simon and the Auburn Community Band at Festival Plaza on Main Street in Auburn each week for free summer concerts. Now in its 28th season, the band plays a different program of music every Wednesday evening, weather permitting.
Upcoming performances: July 1 July 8 July 15 July 22 July 29 August 5 August 12 August 19 August 26
An Evening of Patriotic Music Music From Around The World American Classics Songs By Famous Composers It’s Showtime! Big Band & Dance Music Music of Famous Groups and People Take Two Auburn Community Band’s Greatest Hits
WANTED: CHAMBER DIRECTORS To be eligible for nomination, candidates must be members in good standing and agree to accept the responsibilities of directorship. Board members are elected to two-year terms and are asked to attend monthly meetings, as well as to assist with other Chamber activities. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact President, Chip Morrison, 783-2249 or cmorrison@androscoggincounty.com
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ADOPT-A-SPOTS IN FULL BLOOM Beautiful spots are being cultivated all around Androscoggin County thanks to the generosity and hard work of local organizations. 2009 “Spotters” include: A Family for ME & YPLAA/DHHS, Abused Women’s Advocacy, Allergy & Asthma Associates of Central Maine, Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice, Auburn Housing Authority, Auburn Lewiston Rotary Breakfast Club, Auburn Savings Bank, Austin Associates PA, CPA’s, Blais Flowers & Garden Center, Burnies Garage, Career Center, Central Maine Federal Credit Union, City of Lewiston, Community Credit Union, Eastern Star, Emerson Toyota, Franco American War Veterans, Gammon Landscape Nursery Inc, Goodwin Well & Water Inc, Hannaford, John F Murphy Homes Inc, LL Bean Inc, Labonte’s Landscaping, Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, Lewiston High School Music Association, Pathway’s Inc, Premier Landscape Center, Roak The Florist, Schooner Retirement Community, Sun Journal, Sweet Pea Designs, The Baha’i Community, Turner Publishing, Valley View Farm, WahlcoMetroflex, and Wal-Mart Distribution Center.
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At the first event on May 27, more than 30 Chamber members shared these great take-away ideas: Prospect awareness. Always be aware of opportunities to meet another client. Make your clients evangelists for your company. Provide extreme value and service to stand above your competition. Appreciation marketing. Appreciation wins over self-promotion every time. Make sure to thank your established clients, send authentic thank you’s. Always follow up, it takes eight touches before a potential client does business with you. On-line social networking can help, don’t forget to meet your clients face-to-face. Impacting legislative. Groom local, business-minded candidates from a younger pool. Social networking. Know your client and where they do business and concentrate on the social networking sites that work for them. Keep your Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn entries updated. Otherwise it is like having your business open but not minding the shop. Schedule a set time on your calendar to check your sites and make updates. Time management is the key. We would like to thank Chamber member, Tony Crawford of Weeple.com, for all his help putting this event together. The feedback on Chamber CONNECTIONS has been so positive we plan to make this a quarterly event. Look for dates to be announced soon!
YOU CAN NOW TWITTER THE CHAMBER The Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce is well known for crowded monthly breakfasts and festive Business After Hours, and for being a great force in the community. The one thing that The Chamber has not been known for is on-line social networking. Until now! The Chamber has joined Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to make member information more accessible. Facebook and Twitter provide a place to exchange information and interact with peers and learn about chamber events and services.
CHAMBER LAUNCHES NEW NETWORKING EVENT! Looking to make new business connections? That’s what the Chamber’s newest event, Chamber CONNECTIONS, is for! Chamber CONNECTIONS brings business professionals together into small tabletop discussion groups to exchange ideas on current topics that will help them sustain and grow their business. Barbara Lauze, owner of The Basket Case, said, “I really liked getting to know the people in my small group. I think this is an excellent networking opportunity, and I’m very grateful that the Chamber is doing it.”
The Chamber has a regular “friend” page on Facebook, and also a business page where other companies and individuals can become “fans.” Not all Chamber events are convenient for everybody. Facebook provides a networking environment for members that cannot attend meetings regularly. They can contact each other on their own time and are able to talk through email or posts to the website rather than in the sometimes crowded, busy settings of Chamber activities. Members can also post suggestions, comments, and questions for the Chamber staff with others able to “chime in” with their opinions. LinkedIn is a business website; a place to exchange information, ideas, and opportunities and to stay in touch with other professionals and industries. “LinkedIn is another great resource for Chamber members,” states Alice Mogensen, membership coordinator for the Chamber. “Through LinkedIn, members are sharing interesting articles and generating discussions on how to do business more efficiently. Plus, several members have received new leads and are doing business through the Chamber group on LinkedIn,” she says. Candace Sanborn of Encompass Marketing and Design recommends a book for all those looking into social networking, “Social Media Marketing: An Hour a Day” by Dave Evens. The Chamber is excited about the opportunities these networks provide for its members and hopes that it is taken advantage of by all.
Did You Know? All employees of Chamber members can participate in any Chamber event? Please share program information with your colleagues!
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WHAT’S UP…?
Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care was the fortunate beneficiary of “Red Day”, a nationwide day of volunteerism by Keller Williams Realty The United Way of Androscoggin County held its Mid-Maine to “Renew – Energize – Donate”. Annual Meeting at Davinci’s in Lewiston and Barbara Randall, long-time community volun- John Snyder of ReGroup! Business Solutions has 18 years experience with teer and retired school teacher, received the presti- electromagnetic compatibility standards (EMC: EMI/RFI). He consults with gious Geneva Kirk Award and René Dumont, CIO manufacturers that are required to comply with federal, U.S. military or and V.P. of Planning, Marketing and Education at St. European standards. Mary’s Health System, was awarded the Jim Phillip’s Award. Back by popular demand, “Women on the Move” a Mastermind group held at Elected to the United Way Board were Guillermo Locht of GE, Jim NEXT Level Business Coaching in Auburn, facilitated by Kurk Lalemand. Thornton of the Sun Journal, and Marc Paquette of Anthoine Associates. They are looking for ten dynamic women for the group. Contact Freddie Community Credit Union is pleased to announce that Jessica Burgess and Collins at 207-376-3239. Bria Duval have received their certifications as a Teller Specialists. Judy Heutz Oil Company and Heutz Premium Pellet Systems of Lewiston Hagen-Ryan is their new Collection Officer. announce the addition of Milt Simon as Sales & Marketing Manager for both Northeast Bank Insurance Group has acquired Berwick-based Goodrich companies. Heutz now offers home bulk pellet delivery of premium pellets. Insurance Associates, an agency started by the Goodrich family more than 60 For more information give Milt a call at 782-3171. years ago. Dave Griffiths of Dave Griffiths Communications recently ran a “Getting St. Mary’s d’Youville Pavilion, a 210-bed, long-term care facility in to the Point” seminar for the Maine Assn. of Nonprofits in Portland. He disLewiston, Maine, has earned the Maine Health Care Association (MHCA) cussed effective business writing and PowerPoint-free presentation skills. Quality Improvement Award. The Lewiston MAINEiacs Hockey Club is pleased to announce the addition Bill Mitchell, CEO of GHM Insurance Agency, announced that GHM has of Tim Schurman to the scouting staff. Schurman will take on the role of received the 2009 Governor’s Award for Business Excellence, which recog- Advance Scout. nizes the agency’s excellence in the areas of Commitment to Community, National law publishers, M. Lee Smith Publishers, recently selected Peter Employees and Customer Service Excellence. Lowe and Dan Stockford of the law firm Brann & Isaacson as editors of Tim Frank, senior cleaning tech at ServiceMaster of Lewiston Auburn, the Maine Employment Law Letter, a monthly newsletter focusing on received the “Service Partner of the Year” award for 2008. He was chosen employment law issues for HR professionals and managers of Maine businesses and organizations. from among a field with thousands of possible reciepents. Gretchen L. Jones, partner at Skelton Taintor & Abbott, was a presenter at Mainebiz hosted its annual dinner for the Next List Alumni at the the Maine Association of Community Banks 33rd Expo, held in Portland on Harraseeket Inn in Freeport to establish a scholarship fund and seek nominees for the 2009 Next List. April 14, 2009. Maine Entertainment just completed a state-of-the-art Home Theater More than 290 KeyBank employees in Maine participated thin the company’s Design Center, as well as doing a complete makeover of their web site. M/E 19th annual day of volunteer community service on May 5 . KeyBank staff provides residential, professional and commercial audio and video system spent the afternoon volunteering for a wide array of community service prodesign, products, controlled lighting and easy-to-use control systems. Please jects in neighborhoods across the state as part of a national day of civil sercheck www.maineentertainment.com and call 866-685-9494 to schedule a vice. showroom visit. Gritty McDuff’s - voted earlier this month “Portland’s Best Bar” by the John Hutchins IV of Leavitt and Parris proudly announced that their new Maine Sunday Telegram and “Best Brew Pub” by The Phoenix - just earned website is online to provide a wealth of information to help you with your a clip in Every Day with Rachael Ray. next awning purchase or event rental. Janine Audet, LMT of Optimal Touch, massage therapy has a new location Absolute Marketing & Design of Lewiston has affiliated with Proforma at 120 Center Street Plaza, Ste 203, Auburn. She will be sharing space with Albrecht. Absolute now has access to the largest inventory base of promo- Orthopedic & Spine Physical Therapy. Janine can be reached at 212-7251 or tional products in the industry which allows them to complete their offering optimaltouch@gmail.com. as full-service marketing solutions provider. Check out their website, Austin Associates, PA, CPAs is pleased to announce the addition of Steve www.absoluteMAD.com Bosinger as the firm’s Chief Operations Officer. Linda Beaulieu at Coldwell Banker Millett Realty wants to remind “first Rick Vail and Mechanics Savings Bank announced that the new Mechanics time homebuyers” (a buyer that has not owned a home for 3 years), that the Private Bank has opened their new office suite located at the bank’s main new economic recovery plan offers an $8,000 tax credit for a home purchased office at 100 Minot Avenue in Auburn. this year. Thomas College is holding its 6th Annual Lunder Golf Tournament at Natanis Volunteers of America NNE again ran Camp POSTCARD from June 12th Golf Course on Friday, August 28, 2009. All proceeds go to a scholarship fund through June 19th, a special experience for more than 150 youth from around to support the education of Maine students at Thomas. For more information, the state of Maine please contact Cathy Dumont at 207.859.1167 or e-mail Troy Gagnon has joined Pinnacle Development Group as Chief Operating dumontc@thomas.edu. Officer. Pinnacle provides custom programming, programming support, and Sam Ladd, Chairman, President & CEO of Maine Bank & Trust, was honwith the addition of Troy, years of expertise in agile web development with a ored by Junior Achievement of Maine as a 2009 “Laureate” at the organidynamic web Content Management System (CMS). zation’s “Maine Business Hall of Fame” and annual dinner on May 12th at the Portland Marriott. At a recent meeting held in Portland, Marcel B. Poulin of Millett Realty was ranked no. 10 in listings sold for Coldwell Banker in the state of Maine.
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Fox Ridge Golf Club gives 20% off posted greens fee for Military and First Response personnel with IDs. Their Brew and BBQ 9 hole Scramble Tournament will be July 17th at 5:30 pm. Call the Pro Shop for details, 777-GOLF. Goodman Wiper & Paper has hand sanitizers and soaps in every configuration from wall mount 1-litre refills to 2-oz go anywhere bottles. Gojo, Purell, Kimberly Clark and Inopak’s generic refills are all available. Call Ken Goodman for details at 784-5779. Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice-Hospice House’s first Butterfly Release Celebration will be Saturday July 25 at 3pm (rain date Sunday July 26th). It is a unique opportunity to remember and honor loved ones by dedicating a butterfly. Guests will share memories, enjoy music and light refreshments. The highlight of the celebration will be the mass release of live butterflies. For more information call 777-7740. The Manufacturers Association of Maine has hired Ron Fish as the new Director of the Maine Aerospace Alliance (MEAA) project. The Maine Music Society presents its 15th annual Garden and Home Tour on Saturday July 11 from 10 am to 4 pm, rain or shine. The self guided tour consists of six gardens and two home interiors. Tickets may be purchased in advance for $12 at Shaws and Hannafords in Lewiston and Auburn, at the Ivy Cottage, Mr. Paperback, and Provencher’s Landscape and Nursery. On the day of the tour, the tickets will be $ 14 and will be available at Provencher’s Landscape and in the gardens. Salvatore Bonetti, CRPS, Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley, has been appointed to the Advisory Board of Operation HomeFront. They provide emergency funds and support to active military and their families. The organization is funded 100% by donations and in 2007 used 99% of its funds to help military people. Odd Fellows’ and Rebekahs’ Home of Maine is pleased to announce its 4th annual Golf Tournament on Monday July 27 at Brunswick Golf Club. Proceeds go to support Odd Fellows’ and Rebekahs’ Home of Maine, a non-profit Longterm-care Home in Auburn. The cost is $95.00/person. Good food and lots of prizes included. Hurry, there are still player slots available! Top Dog Professional Grooming and Dog Wash is celebrating its One Year anniversary! Top Dog will be offering discounts and prizes all summer. Chamber members, who already receive special discount pricing, can stop by to win free professional grooming for their dog or a free dog wash. Top Dog is located at 120 Center Street Plaza, Auburn, 782-1101. Preti Flaherty attorney Tim Bryant has been recognized nationally for his expertise and skill in the area of franchise law by Franchise Times magazine. Bryant, a partner, is one of 125 attorneys nationwide chosen for inclusion on the 2009 list of “Legal Eagles” by the Minneapolis-based national trade publication. Hope Haven Gospel Mission will hold its annual 4th of July BBQ from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM. There will be great food, great fellowship and a great time to celebrate our Nation’s Independence with the poor and needy.
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Creative Office Pavilion, an office furniture dealer, has been helping to create great spaces to work, learn and heal since 1986. Their full service capabilities include sales, design, project management, installation and long- term storage. Give Sophia Louis a call at 775-7100 for details. The American Heart Association’s Heart Walk is set for Sunday, September 27th at Lewiston High School. The Executive Planning Committee, led by Oxford Network’s Matt Jancovic, is looking for event volunteers and sponsors. Please contact Susan Crandall at 449-3127 or visit www.centralmaineheartwalk.org. th
Andover College summer term classes begin on July 20 . Degree programs in the Business, Healthcare, Education, and Legal fields are available during day and evening periods. Call Matthew Cote at (207) 513-3660 to learn how they can help your business. In today’s challenging times, a vacation is still within reach at Sagadahoc Bay Campground on Georgetown Island and you don’t have to own a tent or motor home to enjoy this ocean get-a-way. Rent a cabin with ocean access at 371-2014. Roy’s Driving Academy will be offering double sessions for Driver Education on July 13th and August 3rd. Night sessions will be from 5:30 to 8:30PM and the day sessions will be from 2 to 5PM. Come experience their stadium seating in car bucket seats, large screen TV, and drunk goggle simulation on a golf cart.
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2008-09 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Peter Murphy, Chair Neokraft Sign Co
Art Boulay, Chair Elect Strategic Talent Management
Robin Robbins, Treasurer Androscoggin Bank
Trisha Fletcher, Past Chair Team Fletcher, Coldwell Banker Millett Realty
Jan Barrett Ware Street Inn Bed & Breakfast
JoAnne Campbell Mechanics Savings Bank
Doug DiVello Central Maine Healthcare Corp
Susan Donovan Donovan's Auto Sales
Adam Dunbar Wells Fargo Advisors
Patti Gagne
Wachovia Securities is now Wells Fargo Advisors, which has been recently named the 14th most admired company in the world by Fortune Magazine. Contact Adam Dunbar to learn more about how the new company can help you plan for retirement at 774-5626 or adam.dunbar@wellsfargoadvisors.com
Patti Gagne Agency, Allstate Insurance
Are you moving or relocating? Let Bisson’s experienced and professional staff help! Call Bisson Moving and Storage at 1-800-370-4011 for an estimate or for more information. “Service you can Trust from People who Care.”
Elaine Hemenway
Community Concepts is very proud to be recognized by the Lewiston Historic Preservation Review Board for the beautiful 30-unit Bates Street Senior Housing project on Kennedy Park.
Gretchen Jones
Linda Snyder of ReGroup Business Services and Van Perry of Mechanics Savings Bank were appointed by Governor Baldacci to the Maine Regulatory Fairness Board.
Mary LaFontaine
Central Maine Federal Credit Union recently made a special donation of $1,000 to the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society for making a difference in our animals’ lives and helping us keep our community humane. Mount Apatite Farm is open to the public on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Come pick your own flowers or organic vegetables & herbs, or just take a stroll through the beautiful gardens. Call Cookin Carol for more info: 7956376 or 650-1573
Roy's All Steak Hamburgers and Golf Center
has two weekly events. Cruise Night every Tuesday and Betsy Sawyer-Manter has joined SeniorsPlus of Bike Night every Thursday. Both events run from 5pm to Lewiston/Auburn as Executive Director, filling the position 9pm and feature DJ music, 50/50 raffle and prize giveheld by Pam Allen, who retired June 30. aways. Come and show off your ride, or come to check out the many Cruise cars and motorcycles on display.
Clif Greim Harriman and Associates
Kevin Healey St. Mary’s Health System
Payroll Management Inc
Jennifer Hogan Community Credit Union
Skelton Taintor & Abbott PA
Jonathan LaBonte, YPLAA Chair Androscoggin Land Trust
Career Center
Kurk Lalemand Next Level Business Coaching
Marc Lamare Elmet Technologies
Darlene Cadorette Levesque White Rock Distilleries
Rick Malinowski Procter & Gamble
Scott McKenney Hilton Garden Inn
Iman Poeraatmadja Burgess Computer
David Scobey Bates College
Susan Stacey Central Maine Community College
Laurie St Pierre Percy's Burrow
Peter Steele Twin City Times Peter Traill Nason Mechanical Systems Inc.
Jennifer Willey Canteen Services
Thomas Wilson Gritty McDuff’s
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CHAMBER AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS
NOT YOUR NORMAL FORMAL BIG SUCCESS
This season 16 graduating seniors received scholarships from The Chamber. Three adults, seeking to continue their education, received scholarships as well.
With the sponsorship of Camden National Bank, the Chamber night out “It’s a Carnival” was a great success, netting The Chamber over $30,000 to support regular programs and services for members. 170 tickets were sold and The Chamber is deeply indebted to the more than 150 members who donated items for the auction. A special thanks to the organizations that purchased tables for the night: Camden National Bank, The Cote Corporation, Environmental Projects, Isaacson & Raymond, Procter and Gamble, Skelton Taintor & Abbott, and Safe Handling.
2009 Chamber scholars are: Edward High School: Abigail Downs (Nursing), Erin Richmond (Pharmacy), Joshua Clark (Physical Therapy), Derek Swan (Nursing) Lewiston High School: Kathryn DeAngelis (Bio Chemistry), Olivia Fournier (Finance/Marketing), Chelsea Hebert, Nicole Kearns (Science Computer Forensics) Leavitt High School: Nicklas Hoover (Business), Chantel St. Laurent (Biology Pre-Med) Lisbon High School: Tyler Campbell (Culinary Arts), Morgan Hatherley (Nursing) Oak Hill High School: Samantha Wark (Nursing) Poland High School: Shelby Carlson (Pre-Med) St Dominic Regional High School: Michael Girouard (Biology & BioChemistry), Lori Robinson (Criminology) 2009 Adult Scholarship Recipients: Michelle Baker of HE Callahan Mary Murphy of YMCA Jude Trafford of Support Solutions
A number of Chamber Scholarship winners attended the Trade Show Breakfast. Pictured with the winners are representatives of two of the major sponsors of the Scholarship Scramble, Darcie Beaudin of Skelton Taintor and Abbott (left end of second row) and Rick Vail of Mechanics Savings Bank (back row in center)
Greg Hird and son, Greg II, are joined by their entire staff at the ribbon cutting for the opening of their restaurant, “The Falls,” located at 2 Great Falls Plaza. Mayor John Jenkins and Chamber President, Chip Morrison were on hand to celebrate.
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GLEASON MEDIA SERVICES
Dick Gleason
President & General Manager Tel: (207) 784-5868 Cell: (207) 754-3777 E-Mail: DickGleason@Gmail.com Office: 555 Center Street, Auburn, ME 04210
Radio Stations
WOXO 92.7 & 100.7 • WEZR 1240 • WTME 780 & 1450
Internet Services
Email Marketing • Web Site Development www.GleasonMedia.com
The pictures below give some indication of the enjoyment members had on that special evening.
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MEMBER IN FOCUS: Ann’s Flower Shop By Toni Seger, ProseWorks ™ Like most people, I love flowers. Even television’s crusty essayist Andy Rooney has pledged not to say anything nasty about flowers and it’s certainly hard to imagine life without them. So, I especially enjoyed visiting Ann’s Flowers at the Taylor Brook Mall during Mother’s Day week in May. The air was crisp and filled with the perfume of roses and carnations and orchids and ferns and lots of busy people creating marvelous colorful arrangements in different shaped vases or snipping tiny roses for use on a wrist corsage. With all of its apparent beauty, however, being a florist is serious business with lots of potential pitfalls. Every day you work with a delicate and perishable product. That makes the McKeone family’s longevity, creating and selling floral arrangements, something to note. I sat down to talk about the many changes in the florist business over the years with Cheryl McKeone. Cheryl’s father, Norman, and grandmother Yvette McKeone purchased the already established business from Ann and Wally Kelly in 1959. They decided to keep the name, but almost everything else about the business has changed. The McKeone family which also includes Cheryl’s sisters; Kathy Lare and Darlene Melanson who are schooled flower arrangers, grew up with the flower business. Cheryl’s mother, Adrienne, who kept the books in years past, still comes in to help out in the office. All are now celebrating their 50th Anniversary as a family enterprise that’s lasted three generations. Over the years, the business evolved from something that was purely local to one that is compelled to be international. In 1959, local greenhouses provided a familiar range of flowers for local events that ranged from the happiest to the saddest. Today, with the Internet displaying flowers from all over the world, a neighborhood florist must satisfy a clientele that expects to purchase anything it can view at a click. Ann’s Flowers gets daily deliveries of exotic and exquisitely colorful flowers shipped from warm weather countries like Columbia and Ecuador. Stepping inside a wholesale delivery truck is a feast for a flower lover’s eyes and nose with its wide array of colors and wonderful fumes which emanate from countless blooms. Ann’s Flowers has its own truck for daily deliveries of custom bouquets which also include gift baskets, stuffed animals and balloons. They not only deliver around L/A, but many other towns as well like Mechanic Falls, Minot, Poland, Poland Spring, Hebron, Turner, Greene and Buckfield. And, as a member of Teleflora wire service, Ann’s Flowers can ship your special floral gift, worldwide. Like restaurants, the florist’s most essential raw material is extremely perishable. Cut flowers must be shipped and stored in refrigerated units to extend their lives. Then, professionally trained flower arrangers working with numerous sizes, shapes and a broad color palette begin to snip and
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design and produce harmonious and eye catching decorations for display in pots and vases of all shapes and styles. Cheryl tells me her walk-ins will be filled with these beautiful arrangements by the end of the work day in order to fulfill Mother’s Day orders or to exhibit in their shop for walk-ins. A quick glance around takes in soft pastels, rich magentas, deep blues and bright bouquets of sunshine yellows and oranges. Cheryl tells me the Society of American Florists conducts studies about the effect of color on a person’s mood and these studies help a florist make color choices when producing bouquets intended to be exciting, sensuous, romantic or tranquil. Mood is, of course, a very important element in this ethereal business. Flowers are both an important part of helping us celebrate and for helping us mourn. They can brighten our day if we’re low and, if we’re sick, a magnificent bouquet can really brighten our lives. Cheryl and I sat down in the wedding consulting room where arrangements of silk flowers serve as examples of sizes and shapes for prospective bridal parties. Books and magazines depict a full spectrum of hybrid blooms with endless ways to display and wear flowers whether woven together to be draped across someone’s shoulder or threaded through their hair or to cover their wrist. (Could any date fail to sniff your wrist when it’s smothered in a cluster of tiny pink roses?) Today’s Prom girl is also looking for a bit of ‘bling’ as well. Wrist corsages come with glittery bracelets intended to be worn long after the dance. Today’s Big Box stores are able to purchase flowers in huge quantities which means a local florist like Ann’s Flowers must offer exemplary personal service. Cheryl points out Internet ads for seemingly inexpensive bouquets that also include additional fees for delivery and handling and actually arrive unarranged in a box that can sit on your porch steps until its contents wilt. “We’ll arrange delivery of your custom designed bouquet at a time that works for you. The Internet can’t provide that.” In addition to all the hard work it requires, the flower business can also become a high wire act like two years ago when a major storm ruined Valentine’s Day. Are you thinking about a special person or event you want to remember with flowers? Visit www.annsflowers.com and explore a wide variety of suggestions for anniversaries, birthdays, corporate gifts or ‘Just Because’. The web site also gives valuable tips about caring for flowers and there’s a dictionary picturing flowers with their proper names and the emotion they’re associated with like Asters with patience and Daffodils with chivalry. Speaking of anniversaries, Ann’s Flowers is celebrating their 50th Anniversary with 50 percent off specials that change week to week. Stop in at their shop at 14 Millet Drive in Auburn to find out what the latest special is. Open 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday or until noon on Saturday, flowers are a fail-safe way to make someone feel very special. Call to schedule your personal wedding consultation at 783-2316 or toll free at 1800-811-2794.
Prst Std U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #27 LEWISTON, ME 04240
P.O. BOX 59 LEWISTON, ME 04243-0059
DIVERSE CHAMBER TRAINING PROGRAM IN MONTHS AHEAD
MAJOR PROGRAMS PLANNED FOR THE FALL
It used to be that the summer would be a slow time for Chamber programs – but no longer. Four programs are planned for July & August. Seminar on “Time Management for Women,” co-hosted by the Maine Women’s Network and led by Lee Szelog
July 15
July 29
Seminar on “Managing Risks and Making $$$ in a Challenging Economy” presented by a team from Bernstein Shur.
August 5
Brown Bag on “Heart Health” with Dr. Brooke Ritvo
August 18
Seminar on “Networking” featuring a panel of Chamber members
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On September 30th an “Entrepreneurs Summit” will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn. The Chamber is cosponsoring this program with MaineBiz, Albin, Randall and Bennett and Preti Flaherty. The half day conference, formerly held in Portland, will feature two parallel tracks, one for experienced businesses and one for start-ups. On October 22nd, the Cool Chamber Committee, led by Laurie St. Pierre of Percy’s Burrow, will produce the second annual Energy Conference for Local Businesses aimed at helping participants identify ways they can reduce costs by saving energy. Former Governor Angus King will keynote the conference that also will feature three panels of local businesses talking about their energy saving measures, funding energy renovations, and alternative energy sources. The conference will then have a networking luncheon with attendees working on a discussion topic of their own choosing. Finally the conference will conclude with an optional session on “Saving Energy at Home.” The conference will be held at the new Bates College Dining Commons. For more information contact Chip at The Chamber.
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