InTouch
Monthly Newsletter· April 2015
WatervilleativeCreates! economy, we share a drive
Waterville Creates! exemplifies the role of arts and humanities in our daily lives, and makes opportunities for art and culture to enrich our community through creative experiences. At the heart of this initiative is our goal to promote Waterville as a major arts destination for Maine residents and visitors to the state. Waterville Creates! is the coordinating entity for arts programming and cultural collaborations that will foster greater public awareness of and support for a robust creative economy in Waterville. It also serves as an advocate for Waterville as the city builds recognition as a destination for art, culture, and innovation in Maine. The mission outcomes of Waterville Creates! include engaging and aspirational arts programming, inclusive conversations about the role of creativity in our economy, and emotionally intelligent marketing messages to inspire creators, innovators, entrepreneurs, and small business owners to become part of an engaged, intentional, and aesthetically-centered community. Through Waterville Creates!, the city’s largest arts and cultural entities—Common Street Arts gallery and studio, the Maine Film Center and Railroad Square Cinema, the Waterville Public Library, Revitalizing the Energy in Maine (REM), the Waterville Opera House, the Colby College Museum of Art, and the Waterville Main Street program—have committed to increased collaboration. As stewards of our burgeoning cre-
to foster regenerative and sustainable local economies and communities for our businesses, artists, and families. Maine’s current economic development model focuses on science, technology, engineering, and math as the key to the state’s economic future. What's lost in the clearly important STEM education initiative is an explicit statement that A) Maine's strong sense of social responsibility and the fabric of association that it has woven in our communities strengthen and sustain us, even now during the lean years for many working families, and B) the creative mind—the artful mind—lies at the center of the STEM disciplines. Creative communities have informally embraced the study of art as the essence of a STEAM-based model for durable long-term economies as well as the core curriculum for immediate educational and youth outreach programming. We seek to formalize STEAM-based development efforts as the core of artistry AND innovation. We seek innovations to form a culture and environment that attracts investment from entrepreneurs and knowledge workers in the creative arts and small manufacturing sectors. And finally, we and seek to explore the presumed choices between community and business development that have slowed and stymied conversations about Maine's economic future.
Thursday April 30, 2015 Waterville Elks Banquet & Conference Center 5 PM Reception 6 PM Dinner & Awards Presentations
Contact Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce to reserve your tickets! $50.00/per person
Tables may be reserved for parties of ten. Contact Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce at 873-3315 or programs@midmainechamber.com Reception Sponsors:
Major Sponsors:
Video Sponsor:
IN THIS ISSUE:
Submitted by Nate Rudy
Join Us! 52nd Annual Awards Dinner
From the President’s Chair ................................ 2 Joseph B. Ezhaya Memorial Scholarship ........... 3 Member Events Calendar .................................. 4 Member News ................................................... 7 Member Spotlight: Meridians ........................... 8
50 ELM STREET, WATERVILLE, ME 04901 • TEL: (207) 873-3315 • FAX: (207) 877-0087 customerservice@midmainechamber.com • www.midmainechamber.com Jeff Corey, Chair of the Board • Kimberly N. Lindlof, President & CEO
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From the President’s Chair Spring is in the air which makes this a great time to remind you that soon our region will swell with tourists visiting the Belgrade Lakes, China Lake plus MIFF and other fun festivals in Bowdoin Photography our region. With that in mind, doesn't it make sense to make certain that your brochures and business cards are current and fully stocked at the Chamber's visitors' center? If you have public activities happening this summer, please add them to our events' calendar at www.midmainechamber.com. Once you've logged in, you can also add any specials to our "Hot Deals" section of the Web site in order to tempt those tourists to give your business a try. Another great feature of our Web site is the job search feature. If your business is hiring, don't forget your FREE benefit of adding job postings there. Currently, we have 5 pages of jobs listed...add yours. What have you got to lose.
New Member Orientation Luncheon May 1st, 2015 11:30—1:00 At the chamber Boardroom 50 Elm Street, Waterville Lunch will be provided This is a great opportunity for you to make sure you are using all the chamber benefits to market your business. We welcome our seasoned members with new staff members for a refresher. RSVP - 873-3315
Business Breakfast Series March 8—Katrina Crowell of Flyte New Media talked about generating business through social media marketing. Full Wave Media has uploaded the video of this breakfast: www.youtube.com/embed/yrTcJuRmEe4?rel=0
We are encouraging everyone to download our FREE app onto your smartphone and use it. It's easy to search on and attractive. By updating your business's information on our Web site, you automatically update the app as well. Log on; it will only take a second to review.
Business After Hours April 22, 2015 The End Zone 29 Elm Street Waterville
5:30 to 7PM Happy Spring, Kim
50/50 Sponsor:
- Kimberly
Sponsored by:
Complimentary hors d’oeuvres, fabulous door prizes, 50/50 raffle & more! WATERVILLE
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Is a new segment for the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce newsletter. We would like to hear from our Chamber members what your “Favorite Thing” is regarding another Chamber member. It could be about the new lawnmower you just got, an event or service. Send us an e-mail and we will put them in this monthly newsletter. E-mail: customerservice@midmainechamber.com. Send your photo too, if you can! A Few of Our Favorite Things... “My husband & I have our spot at Mainely Brews- it’s our local “Cheers” everyone knows your name!” Emily Fournier - Recycled Shakespere Co..
“The care I receive at Elmwood Primary Care( MaineGeneral Medical) is terrific. I never have to wait long for appointments. ” Lynne Dailey– Family Violence Center
Download your FREE Mid-Maine Chamber Mobile App As more and more people use their smartphones to consume and search for information, it's more important than ever to provide mobile technology. Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce's free mobile app is an exciting new tool to connect our members and help your business reach new customers. Go to your app store, and search for Mid-Maine Chamber and download. It’s Free! Available on Google’s Play Store for Android devices and also available on the Apple Store and Amazon! If you don’t have a droid, iphone, ipad or kindle use QR Code below or go to app.midmainechamber.com.
JOSEPH B. EZHAYA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP Joe Ezhaya was a community leader who distinguished himself with his warmth, enthusiasm, generosity and particularly, his friendships. Successful candidates for this scholarship should share Joe’s interest in citizenship, community service and exemplify his spirit and vitality. Applicants must:
Be currently attending a Mid-Maine Chamber area high school: Lawrence, Winslow, Mt. View, Waterville, Messalonskee, MCI or Erskine
Maintain an academic average of a “C” or better
Must complete a required essay on citizenship
Must show evidence of community service and involvement
Be enrolled in an accredited New England College or University Deadline is April 24, 2015—To download an application: www.midmainechamber.com/cms/index.php/for-members/joseph-b-ezhayamemorial-scholarship?device=xhtml
Mid-Maine Chamber Services Boardroom Rental: $45 for half day including coffee service and equipment; $75/day Insert: $150; must provide 625 copies to MMCC by 3rd Friday of month prior to insertion List & Labels: $40 emailed; $50 on labels; $25 printed list (does not include emails) Web Banner: $150 large & $100 small/monthly
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April 1—6:30PM—8:00PM, Hospice Volunteers of Waterville will offer a 6 week grief support group for people grieving the loss of a pet or animal companion. FMI: 873-3615 josborn@hvwa.org
April 25 –2PM, Colby College, 5th Annual Entrepreneurial Alliance Spring 2015 Business Competition. FMI: www.colby.edu/careercenter/ eacompetition/
April 4– 10PM, Mainely Brews, Gorilla Finger Dub will be performing.
April 29—10:00AM—2:00PM—Kennebec Valley Community College’s Tr ades & Technology Job Fair FMI: www.kvcc.me.edu/Pages/TradesTechnology-Dept/trades-technology-job-fair
April 4—10:00AM—4:00PM, Culinary Festival hosted by Kennebec Valley Community College and Mix 107.9 at the Augusta Civic Center. FMI: www.kvcc.me.edu/Postings/Events/ Detail/kvcc-and-mixmaine-culinary-festival April 10—1:00PM—3:00PM, Maine-ly Elder Care will hold a free blood pressure clinic at Shaw’s, Waterville.
May 1—8:00AM—Annual Downtown Conference. Maine Development Foundation, First Parish Church, 9 Cleaveland St., Brunswick. FMI: www.mdf.org
May 7– 5:00PM-7:00PM, Mainebiz will host a reception on May 7th to honor its 2015 Maine Business Leaders of the Year. April 16– 5:30PM—7:00PM St. John Regional Catholic School, Countries Night/Open House to FMI: www.mainebiz.biz/bloy2015 experience cultures from around the globe, 15 S. Garand St, Winslow. FMI: 872-7115, bonnie.mcgann@portlanddiocese.org
April 24– 2:00PM –4:00PM, Maine-ly Elder Care will hold a free blood pressure clinic at Hannaford Elm Plaza, Waterville.
Meet the Reps—March
April 23– 10:00AM—7:00PM, Recycled Shakespeare Company will celebrate Shakespeare’s 451st birthday by reading all 154 of his sonnets. FMI for locations/times: www.facebook.com/ events/944025138963965/ April 25— 9:00AM—12:00PM, Kennebec Valley Community College will hold an open house at both the Fairfield & Hinckley Campuses. FMI: 453-5822, www.kvcc.me.edu
From left: Charlie Gaunce, John Fortier, Governor Paul LePage, Nicole Desjardins, Gary Levesque, Tom Davis, & Christian Savage.
Small Business Week May 4 to 8, 2015 Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, Waterville Public Library Business & Career Center, Waterville Main Street, KVCOG and TOCmedia invite you to join Small Business Waterville to celebrate National Small Business We Celebrate National Small Business Week in Waterville by attending the following events designed to educate small business owners, create networking opportunities and support small businesses throughout the greater Waterville area and beyond. May 4 to 8, 2015 we will have a series of seminars and workshops geared to small business owners and entrepreneurs including a cash mob on Friday, May 8th. Workshops include: LinkedIn Tutorial, Business Development, How Small Businesses Can Work with Efficiency Maine to Reduce Energy Costs, The Creative Economy and Small Business, Self Employment Workshop and Increasing Sales in your Small Business. For more information connect to SBWTVL on Facebook at www.fb.com/ smallbusinesswaterville. Register for SBWTVL events at www.smallbusinesswaterville.eventbrite.com. Most events are free. Keep checking for updates.
Page 5 Waterville Elks Lodge # 905 presented Kim Lindlof with its Citizen of the Year Award GrowSmart Maine is pleased to announce the hiring of Andrew Zarro as its new development director. Andrew has strong non-profit and development experience, having served as executive director of several small non-profits in Boston. His previous organizations span a range from criminal justice reform to downtown revitalization. "We are very pleased to welcome Andrew to GrowSmart Maine. He brings a terrific blend of experience, education and expertise, along with a deep commitment to Maine's quality places and the people who care about them," said Nancy Smith, executive director. Congratulations to Ellen Golden, senior VP at Coastal Enterprises, Inc. and Dr. Barbara Woodlee, longtime president of Kennebec Valley Community College, for their recent Maine Women’s Hall of Fame inductions by Business and Professional Women recently at University of Maine at Augusta where the Women’s Hall of Fame is housed. Amanda Carlo is Cape Air’s new Northeast Regional Marketing Manager.
Paper Klip in Skowhegan is offering a Healthy Office Promotion! Purchase $100 in eligible products & earn $15.00 Gift Cards! Offer expires 6/30/15. FMI: www.WarrensOfficeSupplies.com Brian Bernatchez, president and managing partner at Golden Pond Wealth Management in Waterville, was recognized as top financial adviser and named to the LPL Financial Chairman’s Council for 2014. Shon Dixon and Dan Mayotte, Delta Ambulance employees were promoted to supervisors. Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) Energy Services and Technology (EST) student Dallas Huber won first place in the Maine Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association’s (PHCC) 121st Annual EXPO Plumbing Apprenticeship Contest on March 20 .
Kim Lindlof and Steve Washington
FairPoint Communications, Inc announced it has added a senior leadership position designed to work with economic and community development leaders across northern New England. Karen A. Mead, a 30-year telecom industry veteran, will assume the newly created role of Senior Vice President, External Relations and Community High-Speed Internet Development.
Golden Pond Wealth Management is proud to announce the addition of Kelly Huff, administrative assistant, to its staff. Kelly comes to it after having been employed by the U.S. Postal system for the past 20 years. Spring Job Fairs Scheduled Around the State She is a lifelong resident of Burnham and enjoys photography and outdoor activities. Please join Maine Department of Labor in welcoming Kelly. www.maine.gov/labor/news_events/article.shtm l?id=635194 Curtis C. Simard, president/CEO of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, along with its Board of Directors, is pleased to announce the following promotions: Terry Tracy to VP of Retail Banking Operations; Katheryn Fournier to VP of HR; Faye Allen Asst. VP of Cash Management Services; Brenda Condon to Asst. VP & Customer Service Mgr. at the Deer Isle branch; Dylan Mooney & Deborah Maffucci to Asst. VP of Finance & Accounting; Erin Conner to Branch Relationship Mgr. of the S. China & Augusta branches.
Governor Paul LePage and Kim Lindlof
Ribbon Cutting at Goudreau's Waterfront Retirement Community, Winslow
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Google Gets Serious Make Your Site Mobile Friendly! Submitted by Matthew Hunt, A2Z Computing Services, Inc. Google has recently announced an upcoming major change in its search algorithm. “Starting April 21, we will be expanding our use of mobilefriendliness as a ranking signal. This change will affect mobile searches in all languages worldwide and will have a significant impact in our search results. Consequently, users will find it easier to get relevant, high quality search results that are optimized for their devices.” This quote is from the article titled “Finding more mobile-friendly search results” on the Google Webmaster Central Blog (http://googlewebmastercentral.blogspot.ca/2015/02/findingmore-mobile-friendly-search.html) Businesses that ignore this warning and fail to address the mobile compatibility of their Website before April 21 st may see the following results: 1. A decrease in mobile rankings 2. A loss of overall traffic from mobile visitors 3. The loss of discoverability on mobile devices According to CNN’s February 28th article “Mobile apps overtake PC Internet usage in U.S.,” January marked the first time that mobile device usage to access the Internet surpassed desktop usage. During that month, total Internet usage in the U.S. was broken down as being 55% mobile users (phones and tablets) and 45% from desktops. Based on those figures alone Web sites that are not mobile friendly could lose more than half of their current traffic from the search engine giant. To prepare for this change business owners and webmasters are encouraged to inspect their Web sites for compatibility. For websites that are not being regularly analyzed by Google’s Webmaster Tools, there is a Mobile-Friendly Test page that has been provided by Google. Use this page (https://www.google.com/ webmasters/tools/mobile-friendly) to test your page to see what modifications should be made prior to April 21 st. This tool will test your site against many mobile friendly rules and will let you know if your Web site is responsive, if the text is too small, if the mobile viewport is not set, if the page is too wide or if the links are too close together as well as many other more technical results.
Tues., Apr. 7
8:00 AM
Business Expansion & Retention Chamber Boardroom
Thurs., Apr 2.
12:00 PM
Information Services Last Unicorn
Fri., Apr. 3
7:30 AM
Public Policy Chamber Boardroom
Fri., Apr. 17
7:30 AM
Executive Committee Chamber Boardroom
Fri., Apr. 24
7:30 AM
Board of Directors
Wed., Apr. 22
8:00 AM
Membership Committee Chamber Boardroom
Thurs., Apr. 23 3:30 PM
Taste Committee Chamber Boardroom
April 9 : Business Breakfast Series -Positioning Your Community for the Future James F. Nimon, executive director of the Sanford Regional Economic Growth Council, will outline strategies for growing an effective regional marketing approach from which you can use and build upon to help grow your business. To register: 873-3315 customerservice@midmainechamber.com
April 16: Leading Women’s Luncheon DOL Commisioner Jeanne Paquette 11:30AM Networking, Noon Luncheon Best Western Plus, 375 Main Street, Waterville. To register, e-mail Patricia at customerservice@midmainechamber.com. April 22: Business After Hours The End Zone 26 Elm Street, Waterville, 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM A great opportunity to mix and mingle with other business professionals and community leaders. Remember to bring plenty of business cards!
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KFS is accepting applications for its 2015 Scholarship Program. Four students graduating in the spring of 2015 will be chosen to win $1,000 each. Please visit www.kfsavings.com and click on ‘KFS Scholarships » Apply Now‘ for more information. FairPoint Communications, Inc announced it has added a senior leadership position designed to work with economic and community development leaders across northern New England. Karen A. Mead, a 30-year telecom industry veteran, will assume the newly created role of Senior Vice President, External Relations and Community High-Speed Internet Development.
dren for the better and honor the life Cassidy Charette, a 17-year-old Messalonskee student who wanted the same for kids in her community. For more information, please visit www.bbbsmidmaine.org Market Surveys of America announced its 2014 greater Skowhegan area awards recently. Our members include: Norm Hart, CFP, CRPC of Choice Investments voted best financial advisor; Motor Supply Co., voted best auto par ts store; and Heritage House Restaurant voted best dining, best wait staff, best catering & best dining value.
The American Heart Association announced that Colby College has convened a group to wor k several Maine employers have received national on the development of downtown Waterrecognition for promoting physical activity and ville. Results from the first and subsequent meet- health in the workplace through the “Fit Friendly ings, as well as other updates about the process Worksite” program. MaineGeneral Health and and progress of the initiative, will be posted on a Huhtamaki ar e among the winner s. new site, colby.edu/downtown , which offers an Bert Languet, CFP, Golden Pond Wealth Manopportunity for members of the public to submit agement, r ecently attended the Senior Safe feedback and request updates via e-mail. Let Seminar hosted by the Maine Council for Elder your voice and ideas be heard! Abuse Prevention and LPL Financial. The goal of the training is to educate advisors on the growing problem of elder abuse and to help prevent St. John Regional Catholic School – Bishop Deeley approves 7th/8th Grades. Accepting regis- the financial exploitation of Maine’s senior poputrations for Preschool, Pre-K, and K – 7/8. Be a lation. part of our St. John family. Visit us at www.stjohnschoolwinslow.org and like us on The 38th Annual Maine Student Film & Video Facebook. FMI or to schedule a tour contact Festival (MSFVF) is now accepting submissions Principal Bonnie McGann at 872-7115 or email for its 2015 competition. One of the longest runbonnie.mcgann@portlanddiocese.org. ning student film festivals in the country, the MSFVF is open to Maine residents 19 years of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine r ecent- age and younger currently in grades K-12. The ly launched its newest mentoring program in the submission deadline is June 1, 2015, and there is no entry fee to participate. For more information, Oakland school system, pairing students from including the online submission form, visit Messalonskee High School with youth facing adversity in its neighboring elementary schools. www.msfvf.com. The goal is to help change the lives of local chil-
New Members G Force Adventures Brian & Kim Plavnick 227-5562 233 Sweden Street, Caribou www.g-forcelasertag.com Natural Gas Conversion Company Tammy Poissonnier 621-8002 442 Civic Center Drive, Augusta www.naturalgasconversioncompany.com Pat’s Fudge & Crafts Pat Thompson 861-1121 PO Box 95 ,Waterville Plexus Slim David Hammond 437-2325 475 China Road, Albion www.plexusslim.com/262891 Sebasticook Regional Land Trust Jennifer Irving 948-3766 93 Main Street, Unity www.sebasticookrlt.org Spectrum Property Management LLC Jayne Roberge 716-1096 58 Main Street, Oakland www.spectrum09.com
Steven Dumas Catering Steven Dumas 549-6011 34 Juniper Lane, Whitefield www.stevendumascatering.com TJ’s Classic Billiards Steve Reynolds 877-7665 60 Airport Road, Waterville Vapor Gurus Shaun Cook 660-7043 87 College Avenue, Waterville www.vaporgurus.com
50 Elm Street Waterville, ME 04901
PRE-SORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #146 Waterville, ME 04901
Change Service Requested
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Meridians is a fun and engaging wine, beer, and specialty foods shop on Main Street in Fairfield. Located in the newly renovated and historic Gerald Hotel, Meridians offers an interactive experience where customers enjoy working with the owners to find that perfect special occasion or everyday bottle of wine, whether it be from Palermo, Maine, or Palermo, Italy. The name of the shop reflects this principle: Meridians, a focus on localities both near and far, and a desire to understand the land and people of each place. The owners’ intention is to cultivate a customer and communityoriented space that encourages the sharing of knowledge, ideas, and, of course, good drink. Meridians opened in June of 2014, and it has been going strong ever since. Three local young men, David, Nate, and Josh, own, manage, and staff the store. The three bring a combined expertise in agriculture and local food production, business management, retail,
and education. They believe that the standard for wine, beer, and food is not determined by a brand name or an inflated price point, but by quality ingredients and processes used by principled vintners, brewers, and farmers. At the shop, you can expect to find a wide selection of wine, beer, and food products not available elsewhere in central Maine. This is because the three owners work closely with distributors and producers to bring small batch, high quality, and cost efficient goods, both local and international, to their customers. They carry wines from Maine and from around the world, domestic, international, and Maine beers, and a collection of meats, cheeses, crackers, olive oils, and many other food items also from local and overseas producers. They also host free wine and beer tastings three times a month, and they offer an ongoing promotion for 10% off any purchase of six or more bottles of wine. Beer kegs are also available for purchase. In the spirit of emboldening our central Maine communities, they also collaborate with other local businesses. Swing by the shop and check it out. Cheers! Meridians 151 Main Street, Fairfield Open from 11 to 7, Monday through Saturday (207) 238-0254 www.meridians.me www.facebook.com/MeridiansMaine.
Have some news you would like to share? Submit a short announcement to the Chamber office by the 3rd Friday of the prior month. Inserts are also available for $150 per month. Call 873-3315 or email customerservice@midmainechamber.com. Disclaimer: Mid-Maine Chamber’s InTouch newsletter is published monthly as a benefit to members and affiliates. All member news is compiled and submitted solely by our members; therefore, we reserve the right to omit and/or edit as appropriate and cannot guarantee complete accuracy of all announcements. Sponsorship inserts do not necessarily reflect the position of Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce.