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InTouchInTouchInTouch MONTHLY NEWSLETTER MARCH 2012
April 11, 2012 2:00-7:00 PM
Alfond Youth Center
126 North Street, Waterville
Seminars and Events
2:00 - 3:00 PM: Marketing Roundtable Forum - - Join other businesses at one of our
four tables to discuss how to use: QR Codes, LinkedIn, Facebook & Facebook 2.0.
3:30 - 5:00 PM: College Internship Fair - - Network with local college students that are
looking for an internship. College students from Colby, KVCC and Thomas will be pre-
sent. If your business can offer a paid/unpaid internship with a minimum of 10 hours per
week, please join us. Contact Diane Anderson [email protected] to reserve your
booth. Sponsored by the Central Maine Growth Council.
5:30 - 7:00 PM: Business After Hours - - sponsored by Oxford Networks
Highlights in this Issue:
P. 2: From the President’s Chair
P. 2: Mid-Maine Chamber’s Centennial
P. 4: Member Events Calendar
P. 5: Good Health = Good Business
P. 8: Member Spotlight: Hampton Inn Major Sponsors:
Video Sponsor
Happy Hour Sponsor
50 ELM STREET, WATERVILLE, ME 04901 • TEL: (207) 873-3315 • FAX: (207) 877-0087
[email protected] • www.midmainechamber.com
Nikki Desjardins, Chair of the Board • Kimberly N. Lindlof, President & CEO
49th Annual Awards Dinner Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Waterville Elks Banquet & Conference Center
5:00 PM Social Hour ~ 6:00 PM Dinner
Call 873-3315 to reserve a seat.
$50 Per Person or $500 for a table of ten.
Chamber Tip of the Month
Did you know that for just $125 you can
have an insert included in our InTouch
newsletter -- both the mailed and email
versions? We mail 825
InTouch's monthly to all members, area
municipal officials, school officials and
other political leaders. (You provide the
825 copies to us.) Let others know what
you do!
Major Sponsors:
Internship Fair Sponsor Business After Hours
Sponsor
Continued on page 2
BVP is the business visitation program, a com-
ponent of the Chamber’s Business Attraction and
Retention Committee’s work plan. This program is
managed jointly with the Central Maine Growth
Council.
The program, in a nutshell, consists of a one-
on-one visit with a member of the Committee and a
business representative (that’s where you come in!)
to complete a business assessment survey. It gives
us an opportunity to hear about your successes and
challenges. It gives you an opportunity to learn
about resources that are available to you locally,
regionally or at the state level. These interviews
are confidential and scheduled at your convenience.
They last approximately 30 minutes, or we can take
as much time as you’d like.
What’s in it for you? Well, a lot. By partici-
pating in these interviews, you gain insight about
what’s going on in the business community. You
gain access to resources and information that may
actually help you with business challenges or that
link you with people who can. What we’ve found
by doing this for a while is that often times busi-
nesses aren’t aware of the support systems available
to them or how to make the right contacts. By mu-
tually sharing information we make getting what
BVP? What is it & What’s in it for you? by Diana Rafuse
27 Cool Street • Waterville, ME 04901 (207) 873-0721 • Fax (207) 877-2287
www.genesishcc.com Rehabilitation and Living Centers
www.centralmaine.com
- Kimberly
From the President’s Chair
Page 2
Business After Hours:
People’s United Bank Wednesday, March 21
5:30-7:00 PM 335 Main Street, Waterville
CASH BAR & hors d’oeuvres
Door prizes, 50/50 raffle & other fabulous prizes!
$100’s in Chamber Gift Certificates will be given away
to one lucky winner in celebration of 100 years!
EXTRA PARKING AVAILABLE IN THE
TIM HORTON’S BACK PARKING LOT.
Thank you to our
50/50 Sponsor:
you need a lot easier.
That data collected during the interview is
carefully analyzed so that we can quickly deter-
mine patterns and common issues facing our local
businesses. This enables us to react quickly when
we see problems developing and organize a plan
to deal with issues before they become critical.
The data also helps us find our own weaknesses
as organizations, as communities or even as state
government as we look at the region as a whole.
We think that one of the most worthwhile
efforts we can put our energy into to grow our
local economy is to retain and grow our existing
businesses. It is difficult to have our finger on the
pulse of the business community without your
help. We hope that when you get the letter of
introduction from our Committee member, hop-
ing to set up an interview with you, you’ll try to
fit them into your schedule. We need your help.
In the long run, the information collected will
help shape the future of business development in
our communities.
BVP
IRS TIPS
IRS provides information and assis-tance during the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
local time. Ways to contact the IRS: http://www.irs.gov/contact/index.html?nav
menu=menu3
2012 IRS standard mileage rate:
Standard mileage rate for business stays at 55.5 cents per mile (unchanged
from the July 1 mid-year adjustment).
Continued from page 1
Mid-Maine Chamber’s Centennial Charlie Haberstock is 8 years old and has a
business card collection of over 1,400 cards. He
likes to know about each business and asks many
questions so he decided to help us by interview-
ing some area businesses. Below are excerpts
from his 2nd interview. Charlie received a little
help from his mom, Carrie Haberstock.
92 MOOSE, B98.5, 1400 AM and 1490 AM
are located in Augusta, in a back building up a
ramp near Goodwill. Mr. Al Perry is the Market
Manager. He oversees the company called Cu-
mulus. Jon James is a Prime Time radio an-
nouncer from 5 AM to 9 AM for 92 MOOSE
who has worked there for 21 years--a long time
for a DJ to be in one place! Both Mr. Al Perry
and Jon James enjoy their jobs and say the best
part is that they get to serve and give back to the
community.
Cumulus has raised thousands of dollars for
local and national relief efforts, and has had
many successful annual fundraising events for
area organizations. Mr. Al Perry’s goal is for his
stations to be like "family". He appreciates peo-
ple listening to his stations while enjoying time
with their family and takes great pride in giving
back to the community.
Local businesses pay Cumulus to advertise
their businesses on Continued on page 3
Several months ago, your Mid-Maine Chamber
board of directors took a position in support of the
KV Gas pipeline proposed to extend through a
large part of our region. This proposed pipeline
would lower fuel costs to our hospitals, major
manufacturers, schools, and municipal buildings
as well as other businesses and eventually resi-
dences. As the required municipal votes make
their way around the region, the Chamber has had
a presence at each advocating for this new energy
alternative.
On a similar note, the Chamber board is re-
examining the process that we go through with
our public policy issues. Typically, we react to
proposed legislation that a member brings to us as
a concern. We’d like to make this process more
effective and potentially more proactive. If you’d
like to be involved with our public policy commit-
tee, please contact the Chamber and join us at our
next meeting on March 2 at 7:30 AM in the
Chamber boardroom.
Happy Spring.
Bowdoin Photography
Page 3
Full Service Office Supplies Retail Store and Furniture Showroom
in Downtown, Skowhegan
The Paper Klip
New & Used Furniture
A Local, Independent, Family- Owned & Operated Company
www.WarrensOfficeSuppplies.com 800.924.9006
by Scott J. MacDonald
According to the association of certified fraud
examiners, data leakage costs US businesses $600
billion each year. Two thirds of this cost are made
up of counterfeiting and document fraud. In most
companies today, the IT infrastructure (email, soft-
ware and business applications) are secure. What
is most times overlooked is MFP and printer secu-
rity. Documents that are considered “at rest” lay-
ing in corporate email or shared drives, or “in
transit” from the computer to the printer or MFP to
a recipient are normally flying under the radar.
Most times, these documents are unsecured and
open businesses up to litigation, compliance penal-
ties and fines up to and including incarceration.
Some of the most frequently cited legislation in-
cludes HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act), SOX (Sarbanes Oxley),
FERPA (Family Education Rights and Privacy
Act) and GLBA (Gramm-Leach Bliley Act).
While most of us have heard of document secu-
rity concerns in the news or other media, there
seems to be a false sense of security as we in
Maine are further removed from the bigger cities
that have these “problems”. The harsh reality is
that these issues affect us all. In fact, recent legis-
lation has put the responsibility on the local busi-
ness to secure information and if necessary
“prove” that it is in fact secure. Document Securi-
ty is a far different issue than Network Security.
Unsecured printers and multifunction devices can
be entered into by open ports. Once these intruders
have achieved this simple task, they now have
access to latent document images on these devices
and even potentially exploit other devices on the
network, which could very easily include computer
workstations and servers. This also serves as an
avenue to aid in the deployment of malware, virus-
es, bots and keystroke loggers just to name a brief
few.
There are primarily four areas that need to be
looked at when dealing with Document Security:
Device Security – Is the data safe?
Document Security – Are the documents pro-
tected?
Access Security – is the machine locked
down?
End of life Security – Is the information de-
stroyed?
The good news with all of this is that most com-
panies possess the existing hardware and software
to “lock down” their current document security
issues. Beware of companies that try to fix your
situation by buying new copiers and printers. This
has long been a marketing strategy that has al-
lowed them to move their product, but yet has done
little to secure the information in the business. For
more information on this article, please contact
Scott MacDonald at 877-1597.
Is Your Business At Risk?
Creative Print Services
Jeff Melanson
2 Greylock Road
Waterville, ME 04901
Phone: 314-0412
www.creative-ps.com
Mid-Maine Electronics
Jibryne Karter
2 Leighton Street, Unit 2
Waterville, ME 04901
Phone: 314-4442
www.midmaineelectronics.com
Powers Auto Center
Susan Powers
1131 Main Street
Clinton, ME 04927
Phone: 426-9099
www.powersautocenter.com
Skyline Publishing
Rodney Lindsey
7620 North University, Suite 204
Peoria, IL 61614
Phone: 309-692-3978
www.skylinepub.com
U.S. Small Business Administration
Maurice Dube
68 Sewall Street
Augusta, ME 04330
Phone: 622-8551
www.sba.gov/me
Waterville Window Company
Amy Quirion
22 Verti Drive
Winslow, ME 04901
Phone: 873-0159
www.watervillewindow.com
Centennial Continued from page 2
their radio stations. This is how the stations make
their money and pay the salaries of the DJs. Busi-
nesses like to advertise with these stations because
a lot of people choose to listen. As
well as offering great music, the DJs
make it fun to tune in by offering
giveaways. Giveaways can consist of
a free night’s stay at a hotel or a gift
certificate to a restaurant. The DJs
also have "request-a-thons" where
people can call in and ask for a song
to be played.
The DJs sit in tiny rooms with micro-
phones and lots of computer screens.
They choose all their songs and adver-
tisements ahead of time and line them up on the
screen. They talk when they want to. They can set
up songs and talking and play them and walk
away! I did not know so many people could hear
so much coming from such a tiny space!
92MOOSE can be heard from Portland to Dover
Foxcroft and B98.5 can be heard from
Brunswick to Bangor! I like B98.5.
Andy, the DJ, had a great voice and he
let me go live on air!
From the beginning, even before
92Moose was called 92 Moose, the
stations were a member of the Mid
Maine Chamber of Commerce. They
knew it would be a great and effective
way to connect to and learn about the
community and let the community know
about them--a fantastic jump start for a
beginning business. The Chamber continues to
offer them the connection they need in order to
serve in the greatest way possible.
Charlie live on air with Andy
from B98.5.
Page 4
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forward to your retirement or any stage in between – being
prepared for change is crucial to future growth.
Contact us today for a personalized consultation in regard
to your financial future.
Securities offered through Investors Capital Corporation
Member FINRA / SIPC
Advisory Services offered through Investors Capital Advisory
753 West River Road, Waterville, Maine 04901
800-877-9450 Fax 207-877-8876
March 1: South End Teen Center’s annual fund-
raiser—Battle of the Badge benefit basketball
game between local police and firefighters. Held 7
PM at the Alfond Youth Center in Water-
ville. Doors open 6:30 PM. FMI: 873-5621
March 3: 11AM-1PM, SEUSS ON THE LOOSE
hat making and wocket creation Held at Freshwa-
ter Arts at Barrels Market - just drop by anytime.
Freshwater Arts and Colby College Museum of
Art is offering this FREE community workshop.
March 3: In honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday, Water-
ville Public Library and Selah Tea Cafe will
sponsor poetry Open Mic from 4-6 PM. FMI:
Kathleen Kenny, Waterville Public Library Chil-
dren's Dept., 680-2604. There will also be bingo,
Seuss inspired food and more.
March 3: Unity Barn Raisers is hosting a Com-
munity Meal and Open Jam from 5-7 PM. Great
local food and stay to play (or listen) to local mu-
sicians. All instruments and abilities welcome to
join in. Held at Unity Community Center. $7 to
$15 donation encouraged.
March 5: Hospice Volunteers of Waterville
Area is thrilled to announce another Hope’s Place
facilitator training. Hope’s Place is HVWA’s pro-
gram for grieving children and teens, services are
free. This 20 hour training will be taught by the
staff and volunteers at the Hospice Volunteers of
Waterville Area’s Community Center, 304 Main
Street. FMI & to Register: Jillian Roy 873-3615,
or [email protected], or visit HVWA’s website
@www.hvwa.org. There will be a $30.00 pro-
cessing and materials fee.
March 6: Suzanne Uhl-Melanson, CERTIFIED
FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, of Uhl-
Melanson Investor Services, will be guest speak-
er at the Waterville Area Women’s Club meeting
at 155 Silver Street, Waterville at 6 PM. Her topic:
WHAM! Women, Health and Money - We better
get ready for it, 68% of the population over 85 are
women! Have you heard about the “sandwich
generation”? Hear some tips to assist you with
your financial health. FMI: 859-8877.
March 9, 10, 16, 17 at 7:30 PM, March 11, 18 at
2 PM: Three Days of Rain, presented by Aqua
City Actors Theatre at 2PM at the Waterville
Opera HouseStudio Theater (93 Main Street, 1st
Floor), Tickets $12 adults, $10 students/seniors;
FMI or to purchase tickets:
https://tickets.operahouse.org/TheatreManager/1/o
nline
March 10: Thomas College Alumni Association
welcomes Bob Marley. Each ticket for $40 in-
cludes a VIP reception at 5:45 PM with a signed
CD, hors d’oeuvres, and cash bar as well as a pri-
vate show at 7 PM in the Ayotte Auditorium. All
proceeds will benefit the Thomas College Alumni
Scholarship Fund. FMI: www.thomas.edu/alumni
or call 207-859-1211.
March 16: 6-8 PM Gifford’s Ice Cream is open-
ing for the season and they are giving out free (2
scoop) cones; limit one per customer!
March 16: Green Design, Good Design: Historic
Preservation and Smart Energy Solutions at Bath,
Bath Savings Institution, 105 Front St., downtown
Upper Level conference room (elevator accessi-
ble). Maine Downtown Center, Maine Preserva-
tion and the Environmental Funders Network pre-
sent a practical and thought-provoking session
geared to everyone interested in retaining the au-
thentic historic character downtown, while being
protective of the environment. Advance registra-
tion and payment are required. FMI: Roxanne
Eflin 626-3117 or at [email protected].
March 17: Kennebec Montessori School will
hold its annual Open House and Registration Day
from 9:30 AM to noon at 38 Sheridan Dr., Fair-
field. New registrations for 2012-13 for preschool,
kindergarten and elementary programs will be
accepted. All are welcome to visit the classrooms,
meet the teachers and discover how the Montesso-
ri method of early childhood education works to
nurture a love of learning. FMI: info@kennebec
montessori.org; 453-6055; www.kennebecmontes
sori.org
March 20: The Waterville Area Art Society and
Waterville Main Street are proudly co-presenting
the 2012 Maine Open Juried Art Show at the spec-
tacular, newly-renovated Waterville Public Li-
brary in downtown Waterville from 6-8 PM.
March 23: Waterville Elks Banquet & Confer-
ence Center is hosting their 1st Open House on
from 2-4 PM they encourage local businesses to
send a representative or two to see our facility and
enjoy a few appetizers. From 6-8 PM they invite
future brides and their families, as well as anyone
planning anniversaries. They will have several
vendors available to access information that will
also help you plan your event.
March 24: Matt Tavares & Chris Van Dusen will
be at the Children’s Book Cellar to introduce
their new baseball books from 10 AM-noon.
March 28: Business Day at the Statehouse, spon-
sored by the Maine State Chamber of Com-
merce. 8 AM-noon in Hall of Flags, Free. Pur-
pose is to emphasize the importance of preserving
& retaining our existing jobs, strengthening our
economy through the creation of new opportuni-
ties, and keeping Maine businesses competitive in
today's economy. RSVP to Linda: 623-4568, x16
March 31: 10 AM-12 PM EGGSPLORING ART
beginning with a scavenger hunt at the Museum
followed by an egg-decorating workshop at Fresh-
water Arts in Barrels Market. Freshwater Arts
and Colby College Museum of Art is offering
this FREE community workshop. To register, 859-
5613.
March 31: Hammond Tractor will be hosting an
Open House at 216 Center
Rd., Fairfield from 9 AM-2 PM.
April 3: Through a partnership with the Depart-
ment of Health and Human Services and the
Maine Department of Labor, the Maine State
Chamber is hosting a conference 8 AM-1:30 PM
at Hilton Garden Inn, Freeport to help employers
explore the possibilities of diversity and inclusion
in the workplace and learn how hiring people with
disabilities makes good business sense.
April 12, 13, 14: 4th Annual Alfond Youth Cen-
ter Kids with Cameras student photography exhib-
it at REM Center, 93 Main St., Waterville. Any
child up to 18 years of age may submit photo’s
until April 4, 2012! FMI: Steve Aucoin, 873-5686.
by Ross Nason
Page 5
Fifth in a series:
Childhood health
and our prosperity
EDITOR’S NOTE: Today’s young children are
tomorrow’s business leaders, policy makers, and
parents. Capable children are the basis of a pros-
perous and sustainable society. Our future prosperi-
ty starts with their success.
The Solution – like the pieces of a puzzle, con-
sistent supportive relationships and early educa-
tion come together to make children healthy and
productive. Their successes contribute to Maine’s
economic and community development, and a
better society. Supporting quality early childhood
experiences will save Maine money.
Business with family-friendly work policies
benefit the most when it comes to reducing the
costs associated with dependent care responsibili-
ties. Family supportive companies have the ad-
vantage of employee loyalty (reduced turnover),
allowing for a return on employee investment,
which some companies estimate to be between
$20,000 and $40,000, or an average of one-and-
one half times the person's annual salary, by the
time the employee is fully trained and profiting
the company.
Employees who would normally waste time
worrying about family and work issues are more
productive on the job. ("Family Friendly Bene-
fits." Starting a Child Day Care Business, How to
Start a Daycare from childcare.net. N.p., n.d.
Web. 29 June 2011. <http://www.childcare.net/
library/) There are several ways your business can help
be more family friendly: allow flexible work
arrangements where employees can change their
shifts around family obligations, or allow em-
ployees to work from home for part of the day. For free children’s books and tips on how to
make your business more child-friendly, please
contact United Way of Mid-Maine at 873-0686,
PO Box 91, Waterville, ME 04903-0091 or
This early childhood development message is
brought to you by the Greater Waterville Alliance
for Early Childcare and Education.
by Bill McPeck What Price for Success?
Money Saving Tips
During the winter, many employees experience a
winter funk often brought on, in part, by a post-
holiday letdown, failed New Year's resolutions,
short days - long nights, cold weather, bad weather,
or holiday credit card bills coming due. This kind
of low-level winter depression or cabin fever seems
to be a seasonal fact of life here in Maine. As an
employer, it is important for you to recognize that it
is very common for people to experience low moti-
vation/energy or to feel down during the winter.
Despite this winter not being hard (40 degree
days in February are OK with me), I still detect the
presence of winter funk. I was standing in the
check-out line in WalMart recently and the woman
in front of me commented to the cash register asso-
ciate that she was tired of winter and ready for
spring.
It is important to note that there is a big differ-
ence between a winter funk and the more severe
conditions of seasonal affective disorder and clini-
cal depression. The biggest differences are in the
severity and intensity of symptoms and the length
of time the symptoms are present. Winter funk or
cabin fever usually lasts just a couple of days as
you can eventually find something to celebrate, be
grateful for, be happy about or some pleasure in
your life.
Help your employees recognize that the best
coping mechanisms for winter funk or cabin fever
are simple steps like eating right, exercising, and
not focusing too much on the weather outside. Sug-
gest to your employees that they consider trying
these strategies:
#1: Try to pinpoint what is getting you down.
#2: Don't let your mood dictate your plans.
Keep up your social contacts.
#3: Watch your diet. It is harder to eat healthy
during the winter.
#4: Find more ways to be physically active.
Even a short brisk walk will help.
#5: Get more light, especially sunlight, into your
life.
#6: Don't make life-changing decisions while you
are experiencing a funk. (Adapted by Bill McPeck from Six Ways to Beat
the Most Depressing Days of the Year by Emily
Main, Rodale.com)
Bill McPeck is a Certified Worksite Wellness Pro-
gram Consultant and Director of Employee Health
and Safety for Maine State Government. Contact Bill
with your questions and comments at 287-6783.
Good Health = Good Business
In addition to helping the environment, green
operating practices are generally savvy business
practices. Though maybe more expensive at first,
often green alternatives end up paying for them-
selves in a short period of time saving business
owners money. For instance, those businesses that
have taken the Lower Valley Energy ComLite
lighting challenge report an average savings of
30% in their lighting bill. Similarly, finding ways
to reuse supplies and reduce office consumption
saves money because you have fewer business
expenses.
Office Operations There are many simple things that an office can do
to cut office energy costs
that really add up!
Turn all appliances and
computers to a sleep
mode.
Place reminder stickers
and signs to turn off
lights.
Make sure that all appliances and building
operations are well maintained and working
at maximum efficiency.
Switch from desktop computers to laptops
(laptops use as much as 90% less energy).
FMI: http://www.waterville-me.gov/departments/
mmsc/
Page 6
Upcoming Events
Mar. 1 Thur. 12:00 PM Information Services
Amici’s Cucina
Mar. 2 Fri. 7:30 AM Public Policy
Chamber Boardroom
Mar. 6 Tues. 8:00 AM Bus. Attraction & Retention
Chamber Boardroom
Mar. 7 Wed. 12:00 PM Ambassadors’ Luncheon
Cancun Mexican Restaurant
Mar. 15 Thur. 7:30 AM Executive Board
Chamber Boardroom
Mar. 23 Fri. 7:30 AM Board of Directors
Chamber Boardroom
Mar. 28 Wed. 8:00 AM Membership
Chamber Boardroom
Maine SBDC Free Online Tutorials By Tammy L. Rabideau, MLS
The Maine Small Business Development
Center provides many free online business
development workshops and tutorials on the
Maine SBDC Web site. These online work-
shops provide a high volume of relevant in-
formation to support business success. The
online tutorials can be viewed any time, day
or night, in the comfort of your office or
home.
Access the online workshops at:
www.mainesbdc.org/index.cfm/spKey/
workshops.html
From the Maine SBDC Web site: “Maine
SBDC's free ondemand workshops are com-
pleted by thousands of small business owners
every year, from Maine and world-
wide. Ondemand workshops are a great way
to familiarize yourself with the basics of busi-
ness from anywhere, anytime. All ondemand
workshops are free.”
Some of the Maine SBDC online work-
shops available by category:
Veterans Business Initiative–
Preparing Your Business for Deployment
Business Basics–
Marketing for Small Business
New Economy Retailing–
E-Marketing and Social Networks
Master Merchandising
Understanding the Day
Tripping Tourists
Maine PTAC – Marketing to the
Government–
Introduction to Government
Contracting and Marketing to the Govern-
ment
PRIME Microbusiness Series–
Budgeting Basics and Preparing a Cash Flow
Projection
Personal Selling – How to Make More Sales
One-on-One
Special Interest–
DEB Connecting with Contractors
Exceeding Customer Expectations and Project
Management
Additional information about these work-
shops and other Maine Small Business Devel-
opment Center workshops and services is
available at the Maine SBDC Web site: http://
www.mainesbdc.org/.
Tammy Rabideau is Business & Career Cen-
ter Coordinator at the Waterville Public Li-
brary. FMI: 207.680.2611 or busi-
[email protected], http://
www.watervillelibrary.org/departments/ness/,
http://www.facebook.com/wplbcc
Mar. 8: Business Breakfast Series
7:30-9 a.m. Thomas College
Ten Workplace Wellness Tips for Small Business-
es
Presented by Willow Sherwood, executive director of
WELCOA. Despite limited resources, small business-
es can implement a workplace wellness program for
employees. Workplace health promotion can help
improve employee health, boost productivity, in-
crease employee morale, reduce employee turnover
and increase your bottom line.
Mar. 21: Business After Hours
5:30-7 p.m. People’s United Bank
335 Main Street, Waterville
CASH BAR, Parking available in the
Tim Horton’s back parking lot.
Patricia Jacobs, who was raised in Bruns-
wick, has been named to the position of presi-
dent, AT&T New England. In her new role,
Jacobs will oversee AT&T’s legislative and
regulatory objectives as well as guide AT&T’s
public and external affairs strategies in MA,
ME, NH, VT and RI. Ms. Jacobs replaces
William Leahy, who now leads AT&T’s legis-
lative strategy for all 50 states.
Nancy Smith was named the 2011 Branch
Manager of the year for all of The Bank of
Maine branches across the state.
Cindy Sturtevant has accepted the position of
Physician Office Liaison for MaineGeneral
Health, replacing Lisa Beeckel’s following
her promotion to Practice Administra-
tor. Cindy comes to us with a wealth of health
care and physician practice experience as well
as involvement with our local business com-
munity through the Mid-Maine Chamber of
Commerce. Please join MaineGeneral Health
in welcoming Cindy to her new role. She can
be reached at 626-1094.
Do you have traffic, pedestrian or bicycle issues in Waterville? Is there a traffic area that you think is
unsafe or an intersection that could be im-proved? Let the Waterville Safety Council know what's on your mind. Call the Rev. Mr. Peter P.
Joseph at 872-2225 or Jeff Miller at 872-7284. Waterville Safety Council was founded in
1944 to focus on the safety of drivers and pedestri-ans in Waterville and to lower its accident rates.
Page 7
Tractor Supply ribbon cutting in Waterville. Middle three pictured above: Christian Savage, Program Assis-
tant Mid-Maine Chamber; Dennis Bowman, Store Man-
ager & Waterville Mayor, Karen Heck.
Spectrum Generations announced the expansion
of their Bridges Help at Home Geriatric Care Man-
agement Division to include Home Safety Assess-
ments. Bridges Help at Home provides in-home
care for help with hygiene, housekeeping or trans-
portation, LifeAid Medical Alert Systems, and
Geriatric Care Management and Consulting.
KVCC unveiled its new health care simulation
laboratory. The TD Simulation Lab was created in
part with support from The Foundation for Maine’s
Community Colleges, including a $100,000 dona-
tion from the TD Charitable Foundation, the chari-
table giving arm of TD Bank, America’s Most
Convenient Bank®. The TD Sim Lab is designed to
serve KVCC’s Nursing and Allied Health Depart-
ments, which include more than a dozen health care
programs, and is unique among higher education
institutions in Maine in its capacity to promote
interdisciplinary educational opportunities.
Nicholson & Associates P.A. recently changed its
name to Nicholson, Michaud & Company.
The Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center in
conjunction with MaineGeneral opened The Chil-
dren Advocacy Center on February 13 at
MaineGeneral Medical Center’s Seton Campus to
help reduce trauma for young victims by streamlin-
ing the painful, repetitive and long, drawn-out in-
terview process.
Attention outdoor photography enthusiasts! Enter
your work in the Downeast Energy Calendar Chal-
lenge for a chance at fame, glory, a coveted spot in
the 2013 Downeast Energy calendar… and a free
tee shirt! Photos should be of wildlife or land-
scapes, and taken in ME or NH. Please provide the
name of the location where the photo was taken
with your submission. Submit photos to the Chal-
lenge by posting them on Downeast’s Face-
book page, facebook.com/downeastenergy.
As part of Catholic Schools Week Celebration, St.
John 's Catholic School students, families and
staff collected cereal to donate. The "Super Cereal
Bowl" service project served two purposes: to make
a difference locally, and for its students to enhance
their math skills. Every class from preschool to 6th
grade participated. At the end of the week, in math
class, the 5th and 6th graders computed which class
brought in the most cereal. On Feb. 8th, students
delivered more than 209 boxes of cereal to the Mid
-Maine Homeless Shelter after hearing of its need
from volunteer coordinator Rick Dorian who spoke
to the school recently.
Waterville Rotary Club President Don Plourde,
presented a $10,000 check to Gerry Queally, CEO
and Denver Brown, Nutrition Director at Spectrum
Generations. The donation, which was presented
at the Rotary Club’s weekly meeting, will support
the agency’s Meals On Wheels and We Sustain
Maine programs.
ColorGraphics LLC recently installed a new
Summa cutter capable of cutting large decals and
other rolled medias up to 54” widths. This is the
largest such cutter in Maine and increases Color-
Graphics already expanding capabilities.
KVCC has launched a new program in renewable
energy (RE). Dana Doran, KVCC's Director of
Energy Programs, recently said, "The Renewable
Energy Management Advanced Certificate is the
latest in KVCC's growing arsenal of RE training
programs that has been created to respond to mar-
ket need." FMI www.kvcc.me.edu/energyservices /
Alfond Youth Center received a grant to help
serve more military families in Maine. Effective
immediately until 30 September 2012, they will
provide FREE FAMILY MEMBERSHIPS and
FREE YOUTH MEMBERSHIPS to all military
families and youth. No refunds to anyone who has
already paid for a program. They will also offer
free Boys & Girls Club youth activities: every pro-
gram, day camp, and all lessons that is offered.
Residential Camps and American Heritage Tours
are discounted 10%. This is an opportunity for
FREE After School and Summer Childcare!
Jobs for Maine Grads (JMG) is proud to an-
nounce that JMG and the People’s United Commu-
nity Foundation are teaming up once again to pro-
vide important financial literacy education to stu-
dents through grant of $6,000 to support its finan-
cial literacy program.
Kennebec Montessori School has received accred-
itation from the National Council for Private
School Accreditation, which recognizes the excel-
lence of early childhood, elementary and secondary
private schools through its consortium of 18 ac-
crediting associations nationwide.
Century 21 Surette Real Estate was named the
Top Office Closed Units and Top Office Adjusted
Gross in the State of Maine at the Century 21 An-
nual Awards Rally. Century 21 International also
awarded them with the Quality Service Pinnacle
Office.
The deadline for submission of presentation pro-
posals for the April 20, 2012, volume 7
PechaKucha Night Waterville event is March 22,
2012. FMI on submitting a proposal or sponsoring
the event contact pechakucha.waterville@gmail.
com or facebook.com/PKNWaterville.
Efficiency Maine is accepting incentive applica-
tions from organizations across Maine
for its Competitive Program of $2.5 million to fund
large electrical energy efficiency and distributed
generation projects. Receive a $50 rebate for recy-
cling outdated refrigerators and freezers. The pro-
gram offers to pick up the old units at homes, at no
cost. Efficiency Maine is offering free energy au-
dits for small businesses in Maine through the end
of April, 2012. FMI: www.efficiencymaine.com.
Legislation Tracker Concerned about the workings of state
government? Want to keep track of legisla-
tion during the 125th Legislature’s Second
Regular session? Maine.Gov let’s you do just
that.
Track the progress and scheduling online at
maine.gov/legis/lio/publications.htm
Waterville Hampton Inn Hampton Inn is owned by three Maine entre-
preneurs who saw an opportunity to fill the need
in Waterville for a top-branded hotel. We were
the second of four Hilton branded properties that
have been built in Maine by our owners. Their
properties are Hampton Inn Presque Isle, Hamp-
ton Inn and Hilton Garden in Freeport. Our
owners believe strongly in investing in Maine
and building stronger communities through em-
ployment opportunities.
Waterville Hampton Inn opened in July 2001
with 81 smoking and nonsmoking rooms. Hamp-
ton Inns are all franchised and part of the Hilton
family. We are conveniently located off I-95
exit 127. We offer a variety of amenities, in-
cluding a deluxe continental breakfast, indoor
heated pool, exercise room, business center and
wired/wireless Internet. If you are looking to
hold a meeting or banquet, we have the space to
accommodate up to 65 people. Catering options
are also available.
Hampton Inn’s General Manager, David
Doucette, is a Maine native and has been em-
ployed with the hotel since its opening. David
has over 30 years experience in the hospitality
industry. David believes that our continued
success is in part due to the longevity of our
front desk and management team. It is crucial
that our staff know our guests and ensure their
comfort while they are staying with us. Custom-
er service is the ultimate goal in hospitality, and
we are fortunate to have a staff that strives for
excellence with every guest. In fact, we have
several employees called the Fabulous
Hampton Ninjas that are involved in several
community fundraisers: Polar bear dip, MS
Walk, Walk for Hope and the Freaky 5K.
Renovations have been ongoing since our
opening and this year we will be undertaking
more improvements. Our lobby and breakfast
areas will be remodeled, new drapes hung
throughout the hotel, easy chairs with footstools
in our queen bedded rooms and new carpeting
and wallpaper in the hallways. We will also be
replacing furniture in our guest rooms and mak-
ing improvements to the exercise room.
We offer a variety of options for guests who
live or work locally: meeting rooms for your
business needs, pool parties in the winter
months, rehearsal dinners, group blocks for wed-
dings, reunions or special occasions. Please call
or come in to see Nicole Desjardins, Director of
Sales, for more information or booking, Ni-
[email protected]. Please check out
our Web site at www.hamptoninn.com.
Page 8
50 Elm Street
Waterville, ME 04901
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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 $125 per month. Call 873-3315 or email [email protected]. Disclaimer: The Mid-Maine Chamber’s InTouch newsletter is published monthly as a benefit to members and affili-
ates. 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 accu-
racy of all announcements. Sponsorship inserts do not necessarily reflect the position of the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce.
166 College Ave., PO Box 215 Waterville, ME 04903-0215
www.az-cpa.com
12 Monument St Winslow, Me 04901
207-872-2636 www.wcfcu.com
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