24
tionships and skills that have built through this experience.” This Maine Development Foundation program was established in 1993 with the purpose of supporting a diverse group of leaders in taking actions to affect change in Maine. Approximately 40-50 partici- pants representing a broad cross section of the economy are selected each year to participate in this unique learning experi- ence. Selected for their leadership capac- ities, talents, and life experiences as well as an existing core commitment to mak- ing Maine a better place in which to live, class members learn first-hand about the critical issues facing our state through an intensive behind-the-scenes program that provides access to the key community and business leaders. On Friday, May 11, Leadership Maine graduated 40 business leaders from its program during its closing retreat at Migis Lodge in Casco. Among the Tau Class graduates were two Maine State Chamber employees: Melanie Baillargeon, director of communications; and, Joyce LaRoche, vice president of membership and marketing. (See com- plete list on page 6.) “The honor in simply being selected for a program of this caliber is immense,” said Dana Connors, president of the Maine State Chamber. “However, it is well matched by my pride. Having two employees complete Leadership Maine elevates the level of service, expertise and experience we provide to our members. Their professionalism and creativity are now enhanced by the rela- Governor LePage signs Executive Order establishing the e-fairness taskforce Taskforce will report findings in January 2013 On Friday June 1, 2012, Governor Paul LePage signed executive order 2012-006 establishing the E-Fairness Taskforce, including naming the Maine State Chamber of Commerce as a mem- ber of the taskforce. The taskforce is in response to the internet sales tax issue that has been bubbling up the past few years. Brick and mortar retailers, who have an established a nexus in the state, collect sales tax on all items sold. This is not the same for online retailers, such as Amazon.com, who do not have a physical presence in the state and therefore do not need to submit sales tax for items sold in the state; the burden is on the consumer who purchased the item to submit the tax. This has created an uneven playing field for Maine brick and mortar retailers. In response to the current situation for Maine retailers, Governor LePage has established the E-Fairness Taskforce to examine all sides of the issue and report directly back to him with its findings. The taskforce consists of seven individuals appointed by the Governor representing the Continued on Page 8... Continued on Page 4... June 14, 2012 Leadership Maine’s Tau Class graduates 40 statewide leaders ready to shape Maine’s changing economy

June 14, 2012 Leadership Maine’s Tau Class …€¦ · two employees complete Leadership Maine elevates the level of service, expertise and experience we provide to our members

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tionships and skills that have builtthrough this experience.”

This Maine Development Foundationprogram was established in 1993 with thepurpose of supporting a diverse group ofleaders in taking actions to affect changein Maine. Approximately 40-50 partici-pants representing a broad cross sectionof the economy are selected each year toparticipate in this unique learning experi-ence. Selected for their leadership capac-ities, talents, and life experiences as wellas an existing core commitment to mak-ing Maine a better place in which to live,class members learn first-hand about thecritical issues facing our state through anintensive behind-the-scenes program thatprovides access to the key community andbusiness leaders.

On Friday, May 11, LeadershipMaine graduated 40 business leadersfrom its program during its closingretreat at Migis Lodge in Casco. Amongthe Tau Class graduates were two MaineState Chamber employees: MelanieBaillargeon, director of communications;and, Joyce LaRoche, vice president ofmembership and marketing. (See com-plete list on page 6.)

“The honor in simply being selectedfor a program of this caliber isimmense,” said Dana Connors, presidentof the Maine State Chamber. “However,it is well matched by my pride. Havingtwo employees complete LeadershipMaine elevates the level of service,expertise and experience we provide toour members. Their professionalism andcreativity are now enhanced by the rela-

Governor LePage signs Executive Orderestablishing the e-fairness taskforce

Taskforce will report findingsin January 2013

On Friday June 1, 2012, GovernorPaul LePage signed executive order2012-006 establishing the E-FairnessTaskforce, including naming the MaineState Chamber of Commerce as a mem-ber of the taskforce. The taskforce is inresponse to the internet sales tax issuethat has been bubbling up the past fewyears. Brick and mortar retailers, whohave an established a nexus in the state,collect sales tax on all items sold. This isnot the same for online retailers, such asAmazon.com, who do not have a physicalpresence in the state and therefore do notneed to submit sales tax for items sold inthe state; the burden is on the consumerwho purchased the item to submit the tax.This has created an uneven playing fieldfor Maine brick and mortar retailers.

In response to the current situation forMaine retailers, Governor LePage hasestablished the E-Fairness Taskforce toexamine all sides of the issue and reportdirectly back to him with its findings. Thetaskforce consists of seven individualsappointed by the Governor representing the

Continued on Page 8...

Continued on Page 4...

June 14, 2012

Leadership Maine’s Tau Class graduates40 statewide leaders ready to shapeMaine’s changing economy

2 III Impact III 06/14/2012 For the most current information, visit www.mainechamber.org

A message from the president...

“Summers aren’t what they used to be…”

by Dana Connors

We waited a month for the legislature to return and complete its work – so

now summertime can begin, right? Well, I’m realizing that summers aren’t what

they used to be – a time to catch our breaths, celebrate our legislative successes,

and give time and attention to non-legislative priorities.

With the adjournment of the 125th Legislature in late May, our attention can

now shift from public policy issues to our many other initiatives. Some of our

upcoming activities include exploring the next steps in the implementation of the

federal Affordable Care Act and what it will mean for Maine businesses; outlin-

ing a strategic plan to track the progress and direction of the foundations of Making

Maine Work; preparing the next report in our Making Maine Work series for

release later this year; and, making arrangements for our annual scholarship golf

tournament in September and our Annual Meeting in October (see back cover).

Beyond those examples, we’ve also set some ambitious goals to get out and

visit as many existing members as possible, as well as recruiting as many new

members as possible. We want to take the summer months to spend time con-

necting with business leaders around the state, discussing the issues that affect

your business’ success here, so we can continue to serve you to the best of our

ability when the 126th Legislature begins their work in January 2013—Don’t

laugh, it will be here faster than any of us realize! If you would like us to visit

your business, please contact Linda Caprara by calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 106,

or by emailing [email protected].

Summer in Maine is far too short, and campaign season will consume much

attention in the fall. So while we might … eventually … have a hazy, and most

certainly crazy summer, you can be sure the pace won’t be lazy. I look forward

to connecting with our members while the legislature has adjourned.

Inside Impact...2012 Annual Dinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 24Annual Awards Nominations . . . . . p. 15Business Excellence Awards . . . . . . p. 9Business Friendly Communities . . p. 3E2Tech Forum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 22Educate Maine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 7e-Fairness Taskforce . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 1Environmental Excellence Awards . p. 9Golf Tournament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 19Identity Theft Seminars . . . . . . . . . . p. 22Leadership Maine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 1Maine Newspapers Forum . . . . . . . . p. 5New/Renewing Members . . . . . . . . p. 23Regional Business Breakfasts . . . . p. 21Regulatory Fairness Board . . . . . . p. 22Teen Employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 14Workplace Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 17WorkShare Program . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 13

Vol. 46, No. 15 Impact(207) 623-4568

Impact (ISSN 1055-3029) is published weeklyJanuary through June and monthly July throughDecember by the Maine State Chamber ofCommerce, 125 Community Dr., Suite 101,Augusta, Maine 04330-8010. Periodicals postagepaid at Augusta, Maine, and additional mailingoffices. Maine State Chamber member companiesare assessed $75.00 yearly for each newsletter sub-scription (subscribers or out-of-dues assessement).POSTMASTER: Please send any addresschanges to Impact, 125 Community Dr., Suite 101,Augusta, Maine 04330-8010.

Chairman of the Board of Directors: Frank McGinty

President: Dana F. Connors

Information in this newsletter is intended to provideguidance, not legal advice. Since exact language anddefinitions of key terms are critical to understanding therequirements of legislation, rules or laws, we encourageyou to read each carefully. Articles and informationcontained in this newsletter may be reprinted with attri-bution given to: Maine State Chamber of Commerce.Please address comments to Melanie Baillargeon,director of communications. Information about theMaine State Chamber of Commerce may also beviewed on the Internet at: www.mainechamber.org. Ouremail address is [email protected].

About the Maine State Chamber ofCommerce: Since 1889, the Maine State Chamberhas been fighting to lower your cost of doing business.Through our Grassroots Action Network and OneVoiceprogram, we work with a network of approximately 5,000companies statewide who see the value in such a serviceand provide the financial support that keeps our access,advocacy, and assistance efforts going strong. AsMaine's Chamber, we make sure that the business envi-ronment of the state continues to thrive. The Maine StateChamber of Commerce advocates on behalf of their inter-ests before the legislature and regulatory agencies andthrough conferences, seminars, and affiliated programs.

06/14/2012 III Impact III 3For the most current information, visit www.mainechamber.org

Governor Paul LePage and DECD Commissioner George Gervais recently presentedrecognitions to Maine’s first certified business-friendly communities—Augusta, Bath,Biddeford, Brewer, Bucksport, Guilford, Lincoln, Saco, and Sanford—during a June 6press conference at the Statehouse in Augusta.

Governor announces Maine’s first “certified business-friendly” communities

Governor Paul LePage and MaineDepartment of Economic and CommunityDevelopment (DECD) CommissionerGeorge Gervais announced Maine’s firstcertified business-friendly communitiesduring a June 6 press conference at theStatehouse in Augusta. These nine com-munities were selected from a group of19 nominees and determined to upholdquality standards for business excellence.

Maine’s first business-friendly com-munities are Augusta, Bath, Biddeford,Brewer, Bucksport, Guilford, Lincoln,Saco, and Sanford.

Gov. LePage first announced thebusiness-friendly certification program inMarch. The program is designed to rec-ognize Maine communities for their com-mitment to job creation, reducing redtape and being “open for business.”

The nominees were evaluated in sev-eral areas including customer service,business involvement and collaboration,input from the public, and licensing andpermitting. Each community was evaluat-ed on an individual basis by a panel ofbusiness experts, which included John

Butera, senior economic advisor for Gov.LePage; George Gervais, commissioner ofDECD; Chris Steele of CWS ConsultingGroup; Chuck Graceffa of Pierce Atwood;Peter DelGreco, president of Maine &Company; Amy Downing of the MaineState Chamber of Commerce; and, AndreaSmith in the Office of CommunityDevelopment at the DECD.

“I want to congratulate and thank therecipients for their continued commit-ment to business excellence. These ninecommunities have set an example for oth-ers to follow as we move Maine forwardas a place where businesses and commu-nities can thrive,” said Gov. LePage.

DECD Commissioner Gervaispromised his department’s commitmentto the program. “DECD will gladlywork with any Maine community thatwants to earn this designation; we wantevery Maine city and town to be business-friendly,” he said. “Several of the nom-inees who did not qualify are now work-ing diligently to enhance their practices tomeet business-friendly standards so thatthey may be certified in the future.”

At Harvard Pilgrim, we are

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4 III Impact III 06/14/2012 For the most current information, visit www.mainechamber.org

Leadership Maine...(Continued from Page 1...)

The Leadership Maine experienceultimately builds a pool of talented leadersto shape our state’s future. In fact, withthe graduation of the Tau Class,Leadership Maine had graduated 766 lead-ers that are equipped with leadership skillsand possess a comprehensive appreciationfor the many facets of the Maine economy.

“I’ve participated in many leadershiptrainings through the years, but there’ssomething about the Leadership Maineprocess that challenges you to dig deep-er,” noted Baillargeon. “As we travelledthe state, we saw the diversity and dis-parity in each region of Maine – that stayswith you. It challenged me to get moreinvolved locally, to ask more questions,to lean in, and to create something mean-ingfully unique.”

Statewide in scope, the LeadershipMaine program focuses on issues ratherthan skill development. MDF’s Measuresof Growth report serves as the referencepoint for all sessions as participants areasked to explore the connection betweeneconomy, community, and environment asit pertains to the quality of life in Maine.Session topics included innovative business,skilled and educated workers, vital commu-nities, efficient government, state of the artinfrastructure, or healthy natural resources.

Through a proven curriculum model,participants explore leadership on three

Leadership Maine’s Tau Class toured BathIron Works during its April session

levels: the relationships among leaders,followers, and a common goal; the skillsnecessary to bring people together for acommon purpose; and, the characteristicsof effective leaders. This in-depth expe-riential learning opportunity providesparticipants with an unparalleled opportu-nity to develop their personal strengthsand opportunities for growth, as well asto examine the leadership styles of otherprominent government, non-profit, cor-porate, and educational leaders in Maine.

The three-day Opening Retreat inSeptember is facilitated by OutwardBound Professionals and provides action-learning exercises in an outdoor setting tobuild relationships with class members,explore leadership styles, and develop apersonal vision for action. From there,participants visited a wide variety of loca-tions throughout the state to get a feel andflavor for the diversity of Maine’s econo-my. They spent three days on a bus tour-ing Aroostook County in October;explored health care issues at EasternMaine Health Systems in Brewer; experi-enced the Creative Economy at work in

Portland; spent a day in February at theStatehouse for a mock legislative session;witnessed the impact of innovation duringthe March session; and, gained a greaterunderstanding for the role of Bath IronWorks in the Maine economy.

“The speakers and locations of our ses-sions ran the spectrum from traditionalMaine industry to cutting edge innovation,”commented LaRoche. “Their candor andknowledge provided valuable insight aboutthe local and regional economy, as did theunique solutions each employed address thevarious issues they faced.”

In addition to fostering a greaterunderstanding of the Maine economythrough these nine sessions, Tau Classparticipants were divided into four pro-ject teams to explore a specific topicthroughout the year. Each team present-ed its completed project at the ClosingRetreat just prior to graduation. Thisyear’s project teams explored some verycomplicated topics:

Ÿ The Health and Wellness group waschallenged to identify initiatives for

Continued on Page 6...

Dana Connors (at podium), president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, introduces the five panelists ata May 7 forum, which discussed the future of Maine’s newspapers. Moderated by Michael Cuzzi (far left) of VOXGlobal’s Portland office, the expert panel included (from left to right) Anthony Ronzio from Sun Media Group; TerryCarlisle of The Ellsworth American; Todd Benoit from the Bangor Daily News; Tom Bell of the Portland PressHerald and the Portland Newspaper Guild; and, Bill Kuykendall, professor at the University of Maine.

The explosion of social and digitalmedia coupled with a struggling economyhas left many to wonder about the future ofMaine’s newspapers. Five daily papersstill exist in the state: Maine Today Media,which produces the Portland Press Herald,Kennebec Journal, and Morning Sentinel;the Bangor Daily News; the Times Record;the Journal Tribune; and, the Sun Journal.On Monday, May 7, 2012, representativesfrom the industry gathered in Portland atthe Holiday Inn by the Bay to talk about theissues facing their industry. The roundtablediscussion was hosted by the Maine StateChamber of Commerce, the Maine PressAssociation, and Vox Global.

“Newspapers are an important con-tributor to society and our economy,”said Maine State Chamber PresidentDana Connors as he opened the forum.Approximately 100 people turned out forthe free event. The message was clear.As newspaper are in flux and whileMaine’s newspaper industry is undergo-ing major changes and redefining itself,the industry is far from folding. “Flat isthe new up,” joked Terry Carlisle, vicepresident and general manager of theweekly, The Ellsworth American.

06/14/2012 III Impact III 5For the most current information, visit www.mainechamber.org

Forum discusses the future of Maine’s newspapers

The industry is redesigning itself in tough climate

“We have to find a way to reinventourselves, find a way to make money,”said Tom Bell, president of the PortlandNewspaper Guild and reporter for thePortland Press Herald. Bell says he is“hopeful and positive” about Maine’snewspaper industry. While other publica-tions around the country have made manycuts and outsourced production, Bell sayshere in Maine “it is remarkable that threepapers are owned by Maine families.”

With the advent of Facebook, Twitterand mobile apps, newspapers have shiftedfrom a product to a process based service.“It’s not enough to be the first, you needto be comprehensive,” said Todd Benoit,director of News and New Media for theBangor Daily News. “We go where ourreaders are. Facebook is huge here,” saidBenoit. Benoit said papers need to capi-talize on the popularity of Facebook whichis big with females between the ages of 30-35 who have decent incomes. “We cantarget advertising toward them and popu-late pages for Facebook,” he said.

The Ellsworth American is using non-news businesses ventures, such as build-

Continued on Page 8...

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Congratulations to the Graduates of Leadership Maine’s Tau Class!

Melissa Arndt, Marketing & Educational Outreach Manager, The LifeFlight FoundationNewell Augur, Attorney, Augur & Associates, P.A.Melanie Baillargeon, Director of Communications, Maine State Chamber of CommerceDina Baker, Manager, Animal Care, The Jackson LaboratoryAudra Becker, Director of HR Consulting, Career Management AssociatesJulie Buffington, Area Retail Leader, KeyBank MaineMike Cianchette, Deputy Counsel - Policy Advisor, Office of the GovernorHarold Clossey, Executive Director, Sunrise County Economic CouncilJay Collier, Founder & President, The Compass LLCCarol Colson, SVP & Director of Community Relations & Communications, Bangor

Savings BankCarolyn Crosby, SVP, HR & Education Director, Camden National CorporationDonald Crump Karst, ResNet/Telecom Director, Husson UniversityFred Diehl, Chief Financial Officer, GWIMaggie Drummond, Program Director, Maine Development FoundationGail Evans, Senior VP - Marketing & Strategy, MaineGeneral HealthMichael Gawtry, Director - Equipment, L.L. Bean, Inc.Denise Gay, Administrative Director, MaineGeneral Medical CenterJill Harlow, Advancement Strategist, Gulf of Maine Research InstituteBridgett Ireland, Director of Human Resources, The Charlotte White CenterMolly Just, City Planner, City of WestbrookDennis Lajoie, Director, Real Estate Development, Community Concepts Inc.Guy Langevin, VP, Human Resources, Dead River CompanyJoyce LaRoche, VP, Membership & Marketing, Maine State Chamber of CommerceLinda Lord, State Librarian, Maine State LibraryJoshua Madore, Engineering Manager, Fairchild SemiconductorLisa Martin, Manager of Transmission Development, Bangor Hydro-Electric Co.Sue McCullough, Associate Dean, Director, University of Maine Hutchinson CenterAnne Morin, Director, MaineSense Account Management, Martin’s Point Health CareDan Nadeau, Director of Facilities, Bath Iron WorksAlistair Raymond, Business Law Attorney, Verrill Dana, LLPSarah Robbins, President, Brightwork LLCCaroline Segalla, Director of Community Development, Town of KennebunkKeri Seitz, President & COO, FHC Inc.Michelle Surdoval, President, Surdoval & Associates, Public Health ConsultingJason Tankel, Director, Compliance & Internal Audit, Eastern Maine Healthcare SystemsBecky Thibodaux, Program Safety, Cianbro CorporationStefanie Trice Gill, Health Equity Consultant, Stephanie Trice GillMark Vannoy, Team Leader/Associate VP, Wright-PierceLaura Warner, Sr. VP - Government Banking, TD BankKevin Winfrey, Director of IT/Information Security, Tilson Technology Management

6 III Impact III 06/14/2012 For the most current information, visit www.mainechamber.org

individuals, groups, and businesses –particularly small ones – that pro-mote wellness, improve health, andultimately reduce the costs associatedwith lost productivity, obesity andrelated chronic disease.

Ÿ The Cost of Energy group was chal-lenged to find alternatives to oil thatmight also alleviate pressures fromthe world petroleum market and cap-italize on the Maine culture that val-ues re-using and recycling existingresources, frugality, and strong workethic to address our energy issues.

Ÿ The Quality of Place group was chal-lenged to better capitalize on Maine’sstrong quality of place and life toincrease in-migration and attract peo-ple, particularly young, educated andqualified people, to Maine to bolsterour workforce.

Ÿ The Skilled Workforce group waschallenged to create an initiative toaddress the comprehensive view ofeducation from early childhood tohigher education, in order to improveMaine’s workforce and increase per-sonal incomes.

The team project model challengesclassmates to experience the process ofworking with a diverse group of leadersfrom different sectors and regions of thestate, and to examine the leadership traitsassociated with a critical issue facingMaine’s economy. While the objective ofthe team projects is not necessarily to“solve” the problem, but to learn moreabout the issue and the role that leader-ship plays in addressing it, this keyLeadership Maine component illustratesthe program’s goal – educating leadersabout the critical issues facing our econo-my and building a network of leaders toshape Maine’s future.

For more information aboutLeadership Maine, please contact CherylMiller at the Maine DevelopmentFoundation by calling (207) 626-3116 orby emailing [email protected].

Leadership Maine...(Continued from Page 4...)

06/14/2012 III Impact III 7For the most current information, visit www.mainechamber.org

Educate Maine launches Computer Scienceand Information Technology Initiative

In March, the Maine State Chamberboard voted to adopt a dynamic EducateMaine initiative in order to tackle a currentand growing workforce shortage and cre-ate opportunities for Maine students andcolleges and universities. Today’s collegegraduates face a daunting employmentmarket. Yet Maine employers are unableto hire employees with the computer sci-ence and information technology (CS/IT)degrees they need today, and project agrowing need for these skills in the future.The University of Maine System graduatesonly about 50 students with these skillseach year, although it has the capacity formore students. This mismatch creates oneof the largest workforce gaps in Maine,and it creates an opportunity.

This student-centered initiative aimsto double the number of CS/IT graduatesby 2016. It has created a holisticapproach, which promises both short andlong-term benefits. It will inform highschool students and adult learners of thesecareer opportunities, engage and preparethem with computer-related activities andappropriate curriculum, and support themthrough their college years.

Joyce LaRoche, vice president ofmembership and marketing at the MaineState Chamber, is a co-chair of the PaidInternship Action Team with DickThompson, CIO of the University ofMaine System. The team is charged withenlisting and supporting Maine business-es in providing significantly more mean-ingful CS/IT internships. Internships aremulti-purposed, in that will expose stu-dents to career opportunities, providefinancial support, and help prepare stu-dents for success in the workplace upongraduation. The Maine State Chamber’sInternHelpMe.com site has been recog-nized as a strong foundational asset andwill be engaged to assist in this effort.

Also, central to this effort will be anelectronic outline of the roadmap from sixthgrade through to a career in computer sci-ence and information technology fields.This roadmap will guide interested studentsand their advisors with links to informationand various resources available at each

stage along the path to employment. This CS/IT initiative was launched in

2011 by seven large Maine employersincluding Eastern Maine Health Systems,Idexx, MaineHealth, Maine MedicalCenter, TDBank, Unum, and WrightExpress and joined by the University ofMaine System. The effort is co-led byMike Dubyak, CEO of Wright Express,and University of Maine System’s Dr. JimPage. The initiative’s steering committee,comprised of 20 business people and edu-cators, has created seven priority goals andassembled seven action teams to implementthe plans. Supported by these organiza-tions, Pierce Atwood attorney, AndreaCianchette Maker, has been retained byEducate Maine as project director.

The seven goals, with correspondingAction Teams, are:

Ÿ Market CS/IT opportunities;

Ÿ Develop a web-based informationand resource clearinghouse;

Ÿ Increase paid internships;

Ÿ Improve college readiness;

Ÿ Increase retention of enrolled students;

Ÿ Increase middle and high school engage-ment in computer-related activities; and,

Ÿ Increase adult learner opportunitiesand support.

More than 60 people from business,higher education, secondary educationand students have enthusiastically agreedto serve on the Action Teams. They willconvene in late June for a coordinatingwork session and will produce deliver-ables during the next 4 to 12 months.

Educate Maine’s vision is that thetemplate developed to create this changewill be adopted to address other work-force gaps facing Maine businesses. TheMaine State Chamber is pleased to be apart of this critical effort to develop andretain job opportunities here in Maine.

For more information about the CSand IT Initiative, please contact DanaConnors or Joyce LaRoche by calling(207) 623-4568, or Andrea Maker byemailing [email protected].

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8 III Impact III 06/14/2012 For the most current information, visit www.mainechamber.org

eFairness Taskforce...(Continued from Page 1...)

Department of Administrative andFinancial Services, the Office of theGovernor, the Maine Revenue Services, theMaine State Chamber of Commerce, theMaine Merchants Association, the NFIB,and the College of Business, Public Policyand Health at the University of Maine. TheGovernor specifically directed the taskforceto gather the following information:

Ÿ Review the experience of other statesthat collect sales tax based upon anaffiliate nexus;

Ÿ Solicit comments from Maine busi-nesses regarding taxation via affiliatenexus; and

Ÿ Explore the potential avenues for thecollection of sales taxes at the point-of-sale for various sales channels.

The taskforce is charged to report itsfindings, along with any draft legislationit recommends, directly to the Governorby January 15, 2013, at which time the e-Fairness Taskforce will be dissolved.

The Maine State Chamber ofCommerce thanks Governor LePage for hisleadership role on the e-commerce tax issueand for establishing the e-Fairness Taskforceto collect the pertinent information that willhelp the State of Maine address this unlevelplaying field in the best possible way. TheMaine State Chamber of Commerce is hon-ored to be a member of the taskforce, andwill keep members updated as the groupmoves forward with its work. If you haveany questions in regards to the e-commerceissue, please contact Ben Gilman by calling(207) 623-4568, ext. 108, or [email protected].

ing websites for others to subsidize itsrevenue. Terry Carlisle said her paperhas begun charging a fee to access onlineservice, and people are “happy to pay forit.’ About 10 percent of The EllsworthAmerican circulation is paid online ser-vice. Tony Ronzio, new media directorfor the Sun Journal Group, calls the onlinetechnology the “great evening force,” butadmits it is “a great challenge for newspa-pers to maintain their credibility. In thelong term, those that maintain their credi-bility will be successful.” Ronzio saidhow well papers serve their communitieswill have as big an impact as technology.

The challenges are many and great,but newspapers aren’t going any-where. “If you don’t have any debt, andyou have a good a business person own-ing the paper, you can publish forever inprint,” Carlisle said. “The owners will belocal, and they will be nimble and quick.Whatever model will be here in 10 to 15years, we’ll be doing it.”

Maine Newspapers...(Continued from Page 5...)

Governor Paul LePage and DECD Commissioner George Gervais recently presented sixMaine companies with a 2012 Governor’s Award for Business Excellence during anawards ceremony held at the Statehouse Hall of Flags.

06/14/2012 III Impact III 9For the most current information, visit www.mainechamber.org

Governor Paul LePage recently pre-sented six Maine companies with a 2012Governor’s Award for BusinessExcellence. The honors were deliveredby Governor Paul LePage during anawards ceremony held at the StatehouseHall of Flags.

The 22nd annual awards, administeredby the Maine Department of Economic andCommunity Development (DECD) andsponsored by FairPoint Communications,recognize Maine companies that demon-strate a high level of commitment to theircommunity, employees and to manufactur-ing or service excellence.

“This year’s honorees represent busi-nesses that are regional, national andinternational leaders in their fields,” saidGovernor LePage. “I am particularlypleased that each business has shown acommitment to investment, innovation,their communities, and to Maine.” MaineDepartment of Economic and CommunityDevelopment Commissioner GeorgeGervais, FairPoint State of MainePresident Mike Reed, various legislators,and the business community joined theGovernor to make the announcement.

The award recipients are:

Ÿ Allen Insurance and Financial ofCamden employs 68 people and isone of the most experienced marineinsurance agencies in the world, aswell as one of the longest continuallyoperating businesses in Knox County;

Ÿ Moose River Lumber Co., has aworkforce of 86 people at its hightech saw and planer mills in the townof Moose River, where the companysaws, planes, dries, and distributesspruce-pine-fir dimension lumberand boards to retailers and buildersthroughout the eastern United States;

Ÿ Tambrands, Inc. of Auburn, aProctor & Gamble company with aworkforce of 450 people, is the onlyTambrands plant in North Americamanufacturing Tampax products forthe U.S. and Canada, as well as aglobal lead site for Tampax productsserving as an incubator for new prod-uct ideas and research;

Ÿ James D. Julia, Inc. of Fairfield pro-vides professional auction and

Six Maine companies awarded theGovernor’s Award for Business Excellence

appraisal services and is an interna-tional leader in the auctioning offirearms, rare glass and lamps, antiquetoys, dolls and advertising, fine artand antiques, and rare antique decoys;

Ÿ Volk Packaging Corporation,which has been operated by the Volkfamily from its Biddeford plant since1967, currently employs 75 peoplewho design, manufacture and distrib-ute high quality corrugated and foamproducts including shipping contain-ers, inner packaging and stock boxesthroughout New England; and,

Ÿ Saddleback Maine of Rangeley, oneof New England’s finest family skiand snowboard resorts, has increasedits workforce since 2003 from 66employees to 225 during the peakwinter season and has invested morethan $40 million during that time toimprove and expand mountain opera-tions and resort offerings at the four-season property.

10 III Impact III 06/14/2012 For the most current information, visit www.mainechamber.org

06/14/2012 III Impact III 11For the most current information, visit www.mainechamber.org

Governor Paul LePage and DEPCommissioner Patricia Aho announceEnvironmental Excellence awardees

The Power of ChamberMembership is HelpingBusinesses Save Thousandson Electricity BillsThe Chamber Alliance, a partnershipof the local and Regional Chambers ofCommerce and the Maine State Chamberof Commerce, is using the buying powerof their members to bring volumediscounts of Chamber members.

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For more information, call Wanda Miller atIntegrys Energy Services,(603) 263-6908

This morning, we’re supportinganother opportunityfor your voice to be heard.

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On April 18, 2012, Governor PaulLePage honored six stewards of sustainabil-ity with the first state-sponsored environ-mental achievement awards handed out inMaine since 2005. The Governor’sAwards for Environmental Excellence,administered by the Maine Department ofEnvironmental Protection, were presentedby Governor LePage and Maine DEPCommissioner Patricia Aho in a ceremonyat Jotul North America’s headquarters inGorham. Recipients were recognized forvoluntarily going beyond regulatoryrequirements to creatively and collabora-tively initiate innovation that was both envi-ronmentally and economically sustainable.

More than 100 people—includingsenior staff from the Governor’s Office andMaine DEP, representatives of each of thewinning organizations and many of thenominated entities, members of the Board ofEnvironmental Protection and Legislature’sEnvironment and Natural ResourcesCommittee, and leaders in Maine’s environ-ment and business community—attended theawards, which were scheduled in conjunc-tion with Earth Day (April 22) commemo-rations around the state.

“For many Maine employers, EarthDay isn’t just one day a year, but a con-stant commitment to stewardship of ournatural resources and ensuring a sustain-able economy. These Governor’s Awardwinners illustrate the interdependence ofMaine’s economy and the environmentand why the choice between the twoshould never be ‘either/or’ because it mustalways be ‘both,’” said Governor LePage. Ÿ IDEXX of Westbrook won in the

“Businesses Over 100 Employees”category for committing to consider-ing sustainability in every businessdecision the company has made since2008. As a result, their operating costsper square foot are lower than theywere five years ago through energyconservation, less than 6 percent oftheir waste ends up in landfills andtheir employees have grown hundredsof pounds of produce through a cam-pus gardening program, all of which is

donated to local food pantries.Ÿ CLYNK, based in South Portland,

won in the “Businesses Over 50Employees” category for their effortsin effectively engaging thousands ofMainers in returning nearly 300 mil-lion containers since 2006. Earlierthis year, the company released anew service that allows its accountholders to track in real time the envi-ronmental benefits that result directlyfrom the specific beverage containersthey recycle at the nearly 50 partner-ing Hannaford supermarkets.

Ÿ George R. Roberts Company, knownas “The Step Guys” and located inAlfred, won in the “Business Over 15Employees” category. A leading man-ufacturer of precast concrete products,including steps, the company switchedon in 2010 the largest solar array in thestate, which now provides 90 percent oftheir power. To date, the 638 U.S.made panels have produced 244,000kilowatt hours of electricity, enough topower 130,000 light bulbs each yearand accounting for a 10,000 ton annualreduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

Ÿ Maine Energy Systems, of Bethel,won in the “Business Under 15Employees” category for helpingMaine homes, public facilities andbusinesses—including WatervilleHigh School and Mt. Abram SkiResort—transition to a cleaner fuel,sustainability-harvested from Maine’sforests with the sales of their woodpellets and boilers. This conversioncan lower fuel costs for users byabout half, while helping to retain andcreate jobs in Maine’s vibrant forestproducts industry.

Ÿ The Washington County Council ofGovernments won in the “PublicSector” category for its county-wideBrownfields program, which hashelped restore environmental vitalityto abandoned sites in a region greatlydependent on the health of its naturalresources. Through these coordinated

Continued on Page 12...

12 III Impact III 06/14/2012 For the most current information, visit www.mainechamber.org

Supporting our local economy for nearly 50 years

They EARN it here.

They SPEND it here.

efforts over the past three years, envi-ronmental assessments have beenconducted at 11 sites and there hasbeen redevelopment of five sites,including a former cannery nowbeing used for regional storage bylocal lobstermen and a former boatbuilding school being overhauled intoa shop for construction of tidal powergeneration units. In total, redevelop-ment projects presently underwayhave the potential to create up to 50new full-time jobs and increase prop-erty value by more than $4 million.

Ÿ The Environmental Living &Learning for Maine StudentsProject, a partnership between theChewonki Outdoor Classroom forSchools, Ferry Beach EcologySchool and the UMaine 4-H Campand Learning Center at Bryant Pondand at Tanglewood in Lincolnville,won in the “Nonprofit” category.Launched in 2011, the collaborativecreates a financial aid fund that hasalready subsidized residential envi-ronmental education for nearly 2,000Maine students. Through the fund,schools are able to apply for grants tosend their students to any of the fourpartnering organizations for experi-ential environmental learning pro-grams that last up to five days, withaid scaled from 25 to 95 percentbased on the number of students eli-gible for the National School LunchProgram in the applicant school.

Commissioner Aho said it wasimportant for the state to start acknowl-edging Maine’s many environmentalleaders who are modeling her depart-ment’s vision of a mutually healthy envi-ronment and economy.

“Maine has long been a nationalleader when it comes to environmentalexcellence and our 2012 Governor’sAwards recipients are carrying on thatlegacy,” Aho said. “As Maine’s foremostenvironmental organization, it has greatmeaning when we respect and recognizethese leaders and that the innovation

improving our environment and our econ-omy comes directly from Maine employ-ers and people. I want to thank all of thenominees for their commitment of cre-ativity, time and resources toward ourshared vision of making Maine a betterplace to live, work and play for ours andfuture generations.”

Aho added the awards program isone of the many activities the DEP hasadvanced under the LePage administra-tion that further the agency’s culture ofcooperation with the regulated communi-ty. Others include expanded technicalassistance, permitting process improve-ments and pragmatic regulatory reform.

Recipients said being recognized bythe State goes a long way.

“Being recognized by the state forthis achievement is an honor for IDEXX,especially since IDEXX is headquartered

in Maine, and most of our employees livein the surrounding communities,” saidIDEXX Maine Operations Manager MattHaas. “This award validates a lot of workfrom many, many dedicated people whoprove everyday that sustainable businesspractices are achievable and essential.Sustainability is an on-going journey ofcontinuous improvement, and this recog-nition validates that we are on the rightpath to environmental excellence.”

Based on the success of this year’sawards, Maine DEP intends to continue theannual recognition program, with nomina-tions for the 2013 Governor’s Awards forEnvironmental Excellence opening in late2012. More information can be found athttp://www.maine.gov/dep or by contact-ing Samantha DePoy-Warren by calling(207) 287-5842 or by emailing [email protected].

Environmental Awards...(Continued from Page 11...)

Joined by legislators, cabinet mem-bers, job creators, and supporters,Governor LePage highlighted six piecesof legislation in a recent bill signing cer-emony at the Blaine House. The legisla-tion is aimed at reducing the cost of doingbusiness in Maine by reforming workers’compensation, promoting Maine market-ing, leveling the playing field for job cre-ators, and cracking down on unemploy-ment fraud. The governor signed threepieces of legislation, while touting in hisremarks three other measures that havealready been signed into law.

“The primary focus of my administra-tion is jobs,” said Governor LePage.“Maine people can no longer afford tomake only 74 percent of the national aver-age in private sector per capita income.

06/14/2012 III Impact III 13For the most current information, visit www.mainechamber.org

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Governor LePage signs legislation to reduce burden on Maine’s job creators

Maine people deserve prosperity, and it isour responsibility, as elected officials, topromote policies that will help reduce theburden on our job creators so they caninvest, expand and provide good jobs forMainers,” continued the Governor.

The legislation signed by the gover-nor on April 18, 2012, include: Ÿ LD 1913, An Act To Review and

Restructure the Workers’ CompensationSystem, reported by the Majority fromthe Joint Standing Committee on Labor,Commerce, Research and EconomicDevelopment;

Ÿ LD 1314, An Act To Standardize theDefinition of ‘Independent Contractor,sponsored by Rep. Dianne Tilton ofHarrington; and,

New unemployment option helps keep workers on the job

Maine Department of Labor officialsare launching a new unemployment initia-tive in June aimed at keeping workers onthe job when their employer experiencesa temporary slowdown in business.

The program, known as WorkShare,allows workers to remain on the job withreduced hours and still collect a modifiedunemployment benefit that partially offsetsthe loss in wages. “When employers needto have a temporary layoff or cut hours,they risk losing their best employees toother jobs,” said Maine LaborCommissioner Robert Winglass.“WorkShare helps businesses retain theirworkforce part-time and allows workers tocollect unemployment benefits. This cantemporarily make up the difference in losthours.” To be eligible for WorkShare, theemployer needs to attest that the layoffwould have impacted at least 10 percent ofworkers for a two-to-six-month period.The reduction in hours must be at least 10percent—but not more than 50 percent—and affect a unit of the business that nor-mally works on a full-time basis.WorkShare is not available for workreductions that are temporary or related toa seasonal or intermittent downturn.

To receive unemployment benefits

under WorkShare, workers must beincluded in the affected unit of the busi-ness; have earned enough wages to meetthe regular qualifications for unemploy-ment benefits; and, be able and availableto work their normally scheduled hoursfor their employer. Partial unemploymentbenefits are paid in a percentage equal tothe reduction in hours. Therefore, some-one who has lost 25 percent of their hourswould receive 25 percent of their normalweekly unemployment benefit if they areeligible for the program.

“WorkShare benefits both the work-er and the employer,” said Winglass.“Workers keep their work history intactand have the ability to retain their bene-fits and seniority on the job. Employersare able to maintain their operations on asmaller scale and gear up quickly whenthe economy improves while avoiding theunnecessary costs and delays associatedwith recruitment and training when laid-off workers take jobs elsewhere.”

The WorkShare program is a resultof a 2011 federal law change that takeseffect in 2012. For more informationabout WorkShare call (207) 621-5100 orvisit www.maine.gov/labor/unemploy-ment/workshare.

Continued on Page 14...

14 III Impact III 06/14/2012 For the most current information, visit www.mainechamber.org

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Ÿ LD 1725, An Act To Strengthen theUnemployment Insurance Laws andReduce Unemployment Fraud, spon-sored by Sen. Christopher Rector ofThomaston.

Other legislation referenced by thegovernor include:

Ÿ LD 323, An Act To Implement aCoordinated Strategy to Attract NewBusinesses, Expand Existing Businessesand Develop a Consistent andRecognizable Maine Brand, sponsoredby Rep. Amy Volk of Scarborough;

Ÿ LD 1383, An Act To Promote aQualified Logging Workforce andEnsure an Adequate Wood Supply forMaine Mills, sponsored by Sen.Thomas Saviello of Wilton; and,

Ÿ LD 1874, An Act To Rename theMaine Jobs Council as the StateWorkforce Investment Board and MakeChanges to Its Structure, sponsored bySen. Thomas Martin of Benton.

Job Creation Legislation...(Continued from Page 13...)

Revisions to child labor restrictions open upmore jobs for Maine’s teens this summer

As school vacation draws near,Maine’s employers, parents and teens lookto summer employment as a solution totheir needs. Parents hope that summer jobswill give their children some insight intopossible careers and teach the power ofearning your own money. Employers lookto fill gaps in their workforce during thebusy summer tourist season. Teens want tomake money, meet new people and havefun. An update to the classifications ofemployment available to minors will helpMaine’s teens find more work this summer.

Bill Ellis, director of marketing at PointSebago Resort in Casco, stressed the impor-tant contribution teens make in their busi-ness. “A large portion, nearly half, of PointSebago’s summer workforce of three to fourhundred employees is made up of teens,” hesaid. “These young workers are employedas activities counselors, lifeguards, waitstaff, entertainers, maintenance crew, at thegolf course, and in dozens of other positionsthroughout the 775 acre resort.”

For teens under the age of 16, restric-tions limit the types of jobs and the hours theycan work. Minors cannot work jobs consid-ered “hazardous.” The Department ofLabor’s Bureau of Labor Standards hasupdated the restrictions to bring them more inline with current federal requirements. Thischange now allow minors under the age of 16in Maine to work in movie theaters and bowl-ing alleys and to do more jobs than were per-mitted previously in such establishments ashotels, motels, and bakeries. For example,although 15-year-olds may not operate theovens, they can decorate cakes, fill pastries,stock the display cases, and serve customers.

Some of the jobs Maine teens under 18years old cannot do include operating mostmechanical equipment, driving for work,and working alone in a cash-based business.

The revisions have been made to helpboth employers and teens. “Summer jobscreate an opportunity to connect studentswith pride in earning a paycheck and help-

Continued on Page 17...

Maine State Chamber of Commerce 2012 Award Nominations FormPlease consider the company listed below for the MAINE INVESTOR AWARD

The Maine State Chamber of Commerce recognizes Maine businesses for outstanding contributions to thegrowth of their companies and the state's economy. We salute those who invest in the development oftheir community and our state.

Nomination being submitted by (please list contact information and local/regional chamber affilia-

tion, if applicable): ________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

Please accept this nomination for (please list company and contact information):

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please detail your reasons for nominating this business, using the award criteria to focus your comments:

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Return to Maine State Chamber no later than Friday, June 29, 2012, by faxing it to (207) 622-7723, or by emailing [email protected] [email protected]. If you have any questions, please contact Joyce LaRoche (ext. 113) or Rita Stoddard (ext. 101) by calling (207) 623-4568.

2012MaineInvestorAward

06/14/2012 III Impact III 15For the most current information, visit www.mainechamber.org

The Maine State Chamber ofCommerce annually recognizes outstand-ing individuals and businesses for theircontributions towards the improvementand growth of the state. The Maine StateChamber invites its members and affili-ates, local chamber members, awardrecipients' associates and families, andthe general public to recognize businessesand volunteers throughout the state. Weare asking for your help in identifyingcandidates to be considered for the fol-lowing awards:

Maine Investor Awards...Do you know of a business that has

demonstrated:w Expansion of their employee base,

providing good employment opportu-nities for Maine residents.

2012 Annual Awards and Recognitions

Award Selection Requirements

w Commitment to your community andencouragement of its employees to beactively involved in the communityas well.

w Capital investments over the courseof the past year that demonstrates adedication to continued economicdevelopment for Maine.

Chamber Executive of the Year...Each year this award recognizes a

local chamber executive’s hard work anddedication on efforts such as economicdevelopment initiatives, successfulevents, and an improved bottom line, aswell as demonstrated involvement in col-laborative ventures in support oflocal/regional chambers.

Chamber Volunteer of the Year...This award honors an individual who is

actively dedicated to the vitality of his or herlocal chamber, demonstrating leadershipqualities and accomplishments.

If you are familiar with a company, localchamber executive, or local chamber volun-teer and would like them to be considered forrecognition of their outstanding commitmentto Maine’s economic future, please completethese nomination form(s) on pages 15-16 andreturn them to the Maine State Chamber ofCommerce no later than Friday, June 29 byfaxing it to (207) 622-7723, or by [email protected] [email protected]. If you haveany questions, please contact Joyce LaRoche(ext. 113) or Rita Stoddard (ext. 101) by call-ing (207) 623-4568.

Maine State Chamber of Commerce 2012 Award Nominations FormPlease consider the individual listed below for the

CHAMBER EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR AWARD

Each year, this award recognizes a local chamber executive's hard work and dedication, determined by astatement of achievements detailing such noteworthy efforts as economic development initiatives, suc-cessful events, and an improved bottom line, as well as demonstrated involvement in collaborative ven-tures in support of local/regional chambers.

Nomination being submitted by (please list name, title, and contact information):

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

Please accept this nomination for (please list chamber information and appropriate title):

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please use the following area to express your support for the candidate:

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Return to Maine State Chamber no later than Friday, June 29, 2012, by faxing it to (207) 622-7723, or by emailing [email protected] [email protected]. If you have any questions, please contact Joyce LaRoche (ext. 113) or Rita Stoddard (ext. 101) by calling (207) 623-4568.

2012ChamberVolunteer of theYear

Maine State Chamber of Commerce 2012 Award Nominations FormPlease consider the individual listed below for the

CHAMBER VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD

This award honors an individual who is actively dedicated to the vitality of his or her local chamber.Selection is determined from a statement of the volunteer's leadership qualities and accomplishments.

Nomination being submitted by (please list name, title, and contact information):

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

Please accept this nomination for (please list complete contact information, and chamber affilia-

tion, if appropriate):

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please use the following area to express your support for the candidate:

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Return to Maine State Chamber no later than Friday, June 29, 2012, by faxing it to (207) 622-7723, or by emailing [email protected] [email protected]. If you have any questions, please contact Joyce LaRoche (ext. 113) or Rita Stoddard (ext. 101) by calling (207) 623-4568.

2012ChamberExecutiveof theYear

16 III Impact III 06/14/2012 For the most current information, visit www.mainechamber.org

06/14/2012 III Impact III 17For the most current information, visit www.mainechamber.org

ing others,” said Maine Department ofLabor Commissioner Robert Winglass.“Young people can develop a strong workethic and learn how to manage money.”

There a few steps teens must gothrough to obtain a work permit. First,teens must look for work and receive a joboffer. They then must apply for a workpermit at the office of the superintendent ofthe school district in which they live. Allminors under the age of 16 must have awork permit before they start a job,whether or not they attend school. Theschool district sends the completed applica-tion to the Maine Department of Labor forapproval. Teens can have two work per-mits (for two different jobs) in the summer,but only one permit during the school year.

Parents and employers can help expeditethe approval process by making sure the workpermit request includes both proof of age andparental/guardian approval. The applicationmust contain the specific job title (e.g. “dish-washer”). The name of the business on thepermit must be the actual business name,which may be different than what people com-monly call it. The Bureau of Labor Standardshas sent the updated list of restricted employ-ment to all school districts in Maine.

A copy of the Guide to Maine LawsGoverning the Employment of Minors isposted on the Maine Department of Laborwebsite and is available by request bycalling (207) 623-7900.

Teens looking for summer jobs andemployers seeking workers can visitMaine’s Job Bank, an online job posting andjob search system on the CareerCenter web-site at www.mainecareercenter.com.Employers can upload and manage job post-ings on Maine’s Job Bank at no cost, andworkers can search for jobs that match theirqualifications and preferences. Thousandsof Maine jobs are posted on Maine’s JobBank, and the service attracts visits fromthousands of job seekers each week.

Child Labor Laws...(Continued from Page 14...)

Traveling across our great state, wesee and hear that small businesses strug-gle to make health promotion for employ-ees work. The challenges typically comedown to resources. They lack the finan-cial and the personnel resources to makea wellness program fully successful.Although we agree that these obstaclesare concerns, we also strongly believethat despite challenges, a small employercan make serious strides in improvingemployee well-being. There are manyreasons why small businesses should con-sider offering a wellness program toemployees, this article outlines what wethink are the most compelling reasons.

First, the employer needs to examinewhy a wellness program will benefit theirbusiness. It’s true that small businesses arecommunity-rated and will not see a reductionin health insurance premiums by improvingemployee health. However, they will see sav-ings in the indirect costs, such as productivi-ty, absenteeism, short-term disability, work-ers’ compensation, and employee turnover.

Numerous studies have shown thathealthy employees are more productive,have lower rates of absenteeism and fewerinjuries. Additionally, employees whofeel that their employer really cares aboutthem and feel valued will be more likelyto stay with the company for the long-term. This creates savings in the areas ofhiring and training a new employee.

Another reason that small employersshould consider helping employees makehealthy living a priority is that it saves theemployees on their out of pocket healthcareexpenses. The healthier a person is and themore knowledgeable they are about theirhealth, the less likely they are to get sick oruse healthcare services unnecessarily. Thismeans less money spent on co-pays, pre-scriptions and testing and more money in

their pockets for the things they really need. Finally, employers who offer wellness

programs to employees set a good exampleby showing that they care about theiremployees, their families and the communi-ty. Consider what type of company youwant to be and how you want to be perceivedby your clients, customers and the commu-nity. Your small business has a mission toprovide a product or service, but your mis-sion should also include ensuring that thosewho serve the client are at their best andemployee health is part of that equation.

For an employer to be successful inoffering a workplace wellness program,they need to have the motivation to makea difference in employee health. Whatcomes next is how they get there whichwill require some effort, organization andmanpower, but is most certainly worth itfor the many benefits that will result.

If you want to learn more about howwellness works for small business, consid-er joining the Wellness Council of Maineat the Small Business Workplace WellnessConference on June 14 in Ellsworth. Youcan learn more about this event atwww.wellnesscouncilofmaine.org

When employees feel good, they tendto perform better. That’s why mostChamber BlueOptions’ plans come withemployee discounts on health products andservices, as well as an online health and fit-ness program. If your business is enrolledin Chamber BlueOptions and you partici-pate in their Worksite Wellness Programand meet the criteria you can earn a 3%discount on your Chamber BlueOptionsrenewal Premium! Just contact yourAnthem-appointed insurance producer formore information, or go to the Chamber’sBlueOptions web page (www.mainecham-ber.org/blueoptions) to find a producer.

For more information on the Chamber

Why Wellness Works for Small Businessby Willow Sherwood of the Wellness Council of Maine

BlueOptions health plan, please contact JoyceLaRoche, executive director of the MaineState Chamber Purchasing Alliance, by call-ing (207) 623-4568, ext. 113, or by [email protected], or contactAmy Downing, Program Coordinator, at ext.104 or [email protected].

CASELLA, YOUR MAINE RESOURCE.We’re working hard with our customers to establish programs that provide sound economic and environmental return. We’re offering new sustainable programs, building jobs and careers while working with our clients to view waste as a resource, and an opportunity for positive change. WASTE NOTHING.

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Waste collection, E-Waste Recycling and LEED certified sales representatives to assist in material removal & reporting.

18 III Impact III 06/14/2012 For the most current information, visit www.mainechamber.org

06/14/2012 III Impact III 19For the most current information, visit www.mainechamber.org

Don’t miss the Maine State Chamber’s 17th Annual Golf Tournament

Friday, September 7, 2012 w Samoset Resort, Rockport

The Maine State Chamber of Commerce is proud to present its 17th Annual GolfTournament, Scramble for Scholars. We invite you to take advantage of the spon-sorship opportunities this event has to offer while, at the same time, supporting the pur-suit of higher education in Maine. Thank you. Hope to see you on the links!

Eagle Towel Sponsor $3,000 (one available)Ÿ Exclusive sponsorship of golf towels

(your company logo will appear on merchandise);Ÿ Hole sponsorship;Ÿ One golf twosome on day prior to tournament;Ÿ One golf tournament foursome;Ÿ Half-page program advertisement;Ÿ Prominent listing on all promotional material; and,Ÿ Awards ceremony recognition.

Special Events Sponsorship $750 (one of each available)Ÿ Exclusive sponsorship of Closest to the Pin or Longest Drive ContestŸ Single entry in golf tournament;Ÿ Prominent listing on all promotional material; and,Ÿ Recognition during raffle.

Scholarship Fund Cash Donation SponsorŸ Single entry in golf tournament with donation of $750 or greater;Ÿ Prominent listing on promotional materials; and,Ÿ Recognition during raffle.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES & BENEFITS

2012 SCRAMBLE FOR SCHOLARS

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For information about maximizing thisspace and your advertising budget, pleasecontact Melody Rousseau by calling (207)623-4568, ext. 102, or by [email protected].

20 III Impact III 06/14/2012 For the most current information, visit www.mainechamber.org

To Us, It’s Only Natural

Maine Drilling & Blasting is working to .

We recognize our own responsibility to , and work

with suppliers and customers to promote environmentally responsible actions and products. Our aim is to optimize our environmental performance, and to

to achieve

207-582-2338423 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner, ME 04345

www.mainedrilling.com A T r u s t e d B r e e d S i n c e 1 9 6 6

Coming soon…

Maine: From dawn

to dusk to dark

Along with the Maine StateChamber of Commerce, the MaineDepartment of Economic &Community Development, the MaineManufacturing Association, theMaine Office of Tourism, the MaineHigher Education Council, andMaine & Company is collaboratingwith Mainebiz to create a hardcover,heirloom quality book, entitledMaine: From dawn to dusk to dark.

The book contains two parts:photography showcasing Maine life,shot exclusively by Maine photogra-phers, and a section profilingMaine’s businesses. In 150 pages ofgorgeous photography, the bookwill share our unique story, fromfirst light to day’s end. Mainebiz iscurrently compiling creative, highquality photos that will help us illus-trate what it is to live and work inMaine. We will show what Mainersdo throughout their day: working,living, exploring, tasting, andenjoying Maine.

That photography in combina-tion with pertinent informationabout the state and profiles of ourmost prestigious businesses willpaint a portrait of Maine that we canall share, reinforcing our position asan important part of the global econ-omy, while showcasing our enviablequality of life.

If you would like to know moreabout the Maine book or want to getinvolved, please visit www.the-mainebook.com or contact LeilaMusacchio by calling (207) 761-8379, ext. 29, or by [email protected].

Top, Dana Connors shares the develop-ments of the legislative session during theCentral Maine Regional BusinessBreakfast held in Lewiston/Auburn onWed., April 25, 2012.Center, Theresa Fowler, executive directorof the Central Aroostook Chamber ofCommerce, and MaineHealth’s FrankMcGinty, chair of the Maine StateChamber’s board, discuss local businessissues during the Northern Maine RegionalBusiness Breakfast held in Presque Isle onWed., May 2, 2012.Bottom, Dana Connors addresses busi-ness leaders at the MidCoast MaineRegional Business Breakfast held inRockport on Thurs., April 26, 2012.

We look forward to scheduling next year’sbreakfasts in other areas and would like tothank our sponsors who made this all possible.

Series Sponsors:Burns & McDonnell;

Casella Waste Systems; Central Maine Power Co.;FairPoint Communications;IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.;Integrys Energy Systems;

MaineHealth; Poland SpringWater Co.; Verizon Wireless;Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.;

Volk Packaging Corp.; Wal-Mart

Official Sponsors:Aroostook Partnership for Progress;Bangor Hydro-Electric Company;

Bangor Savings Bank; Leaders Encouraging AroostookDevelopment; MMG Insurance;Northeast Packaging Company;

Northern Maine Development Commission; Old Town Fuel & Fiber;

Pratt & Whitney; Procter & Gamble-Tambrands;

Sargent Corporation

Presenting Sponsor:Eaton Peabody

06/14/2012 III Impact III 21For the most current information, visit www.mainechamber.org

Regional Business Breakfasts a hit with employersThe Maine State Chamber recently held six regional business breakfast meetings across the state. Working with 21 of the

local/regional chambers, we met and heard from more than 180 key business leaders within these communities. These regionalbreakfasts allow us to hear first-hand the concerns of each region’s local businesses, as well as provide an opportunity to presentthe latest public policy updates, and an overview of other initiatives with which the chamber is involved.

22 III Impact III 06/14/2012 For the most current information, visit www.mainechamber.org

E2Tech Forum...

Tidal Energy & Maine’s InternationalGrowth Opportunity

Thursday, June 21, 20127:15 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Wishcamper Center, Room 102,USM, Portland

We’ve all marveled at the dramaticrise and fall of ocean tides in Maine’sbays and inlets. We have also heard ofMaine companies working to harnesspower from ocean currents and howMaine is poised to be on the cutting edgeof this renewable power source. We areno longer talking about the future, it hasarrived! Maine is now the location of thefirst commercial tidal energy project inthe United States, and is setting the stan-dard for marine hydrokinetic develop-ment expertise, supply chain develop-ment, environmental monitoring, oceanenergy regulatory reform, and researchand development. Additionally, theMaine Public Utilities has approved theterms and conditions that will lead to thefirst long-term power purchase agreementin the United States for tidal energy.

Our panel will update us on how tidalenergy is creating new economic oppor-tunities for Maine companies and institu-tions in many sectors, how the technolo-gy overlaps with the wind power sectorand magnifies the economic boost, andhow Maine has the opportunity to exportexpertise into larger markets in Canadaand abroad.

Panelists for this forum are SteveVon Vogt, managing director of theMaine Composites Alliance; ElisaObermann, Atlantic director of the OceanRenewable Energy Group (OREG); and,John Ferland, vice President for projectdevelopment at the Ocean RenewablePower Company.

Registration is $15 for members and$25 for non-members. For more informa-tion or to register, please visitwww.e2tech.org/events.

The Maine Regulatory FairnessBoard (RFB) invites public testimony onregulatory and statutory issues thatimpact Maine businesses at its next meet-ing on Friday, June 29 from 1:00 p.m.to 4:00 p.m. at the Ellsworth MiddleSchool, located at 20 Forrest Avenue inEllsworth.

To effectively report to theLegislature and the Governor on regula-tory conflicts, the Board elicits publiccomment from Maine business own-ers/managers and the public concerning:specific state rules and regulations thatmay unreasonably impede business sus-tainability and growth; and, recommen-dations for regulatory and statutorychange that may enhance Maine’s busi-ness climate.

The Board holds hearings in Augustaand statewide to invite testimony thathighlights and details regulations in needof scrutiny and amendment. The Boardalso weighs public comments andaddresses administrative matters toadvance operational goals and objectives.These public comments directly set theBoard’s agendas and greatly inform the

Additional corporate identity theft educationseminar scheduled in Bangor

Secretary of State Charlie Summers recently announced the addition of a fifthseminar educating Maine’s business community of the risk of corporate identitytheft. This seminar will be offered at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bangor onWednesday, June 20. A complimentary breakfast will be offered beginning at 8:15a.m. and the seminar will run from 9:00 a.m. to 10 a.m.

The Office of the Secretary of State is working in coordination with the U.S.Secret Service and regional business development organizations to inform Mainebusinesses about how they can minimize specific identity theft threats to their busi-nesses. The goal of this series is to help business owners and managers learn howto be alert to risks, best protect their operations, and effectively respond shouldbreaches in their identity security occur.

These seminars are open to the public and free of charge. Pre-registration forthe Bangor seminar is required. Each seminar allows time for questions andanswers. For more information or to pre-register for the Bangor seminar, pleasecontact Jay Martin in the Office of the Secretary of State, by calling (207) 626-8410or by emailing [email protected].

Board’s recommendations to theGovernor and the Legislature. Public par-ticipation is an essential element toachieving the Board’s goals and objec-tives. The Board encourages businessesto please consider attending meetingswhenever possible to share their valuableinsights.

The Board is chaired by Secretary ofState, Charles E. Summers, Jr. and iscomprised of four members who are orhave been owners or operators of Mainebusinesses. They are Mark A. Tyler ofOakland (Vice Chairman), Patricia Kuhlof Brunswick, Michael R. Cote ofWhiting, and Hon. Douglas Smith ofDover-Foxcroft. It is staffed by Maine’sSmall Business Advocate, Jay Martin.Private sector members of the Board vol-unteer their time and their unique exper-tise to serve as liaisons between theState’s business community, regulatoryauthorities, and lawmakers.

For more information, please contact

Jay Martin, Maine’s Small Business

Advocate, by calling (207) 626-8410 or

emailing [email protected].

Maine Regulatory Fairness Board to meet in Ellsworth on June 29

06/14/2012 III Impact III 23For the most current information, visit www.mainechamber.org

Maine State Chamber thanks renewing members and welcomes new membersThe Maine State Chamber appreciates the investment its members make each year, and their continued commitment tostrengthening the voice of Maine business. With your support, we will continue to be a strong organization that effectivelyrepresents the best interests of the Maine business community. * New Member w April through May 2012

Acadia Insurance Company,Westbrook, Maine

Aggregate Recycling Corporation,Eliot, Maine

American Chemistry Council - NortheastRegion, Albany, New York

Associated General Contractors ofMaine, Augusta, Maine

Auburn Mall, Auburn, MaineBaker Newman & Noyes, LLC,

Portland, MaineBangor Daily News, Bangor, MaineBangor Savings Bank, Bangor, MaineBank of America, Portland, MaineBurgess Computer Inc., Bath, MaineCanteen Service Co., Bangor, MaineCasella Waste Systems, Eastern

Region, Saco, MaineCommunity Pharmacies, LP,

Augusta, MaineCorning, Inc., Kennebunk, MaineCPRC Group, LLC, Scarborough, Maine

E.A. Buschmann, Inc., Lewiston, MaineFickett Property Management,

Cherryfield, MaineFirst Choice Printing, Inc.,

Lisbon Falls, MaineGeneral Electric Co., Bangor, MaineGroup Dynamic, Inc., Falmouth, MaineH.M. Payson & Co., Portland, MaineHammond Lumber Company,

Belgrade, MaineHancock Lumber Co., Casco, Maine*Hardwood Products Co. LLC /

Puritan Medical Products LLC,Guilford, Maine

Holden Agency Insurance, Portland, MaineHussey Seating Co., North Berwick, MaineHusson University, Bangor, MaineIrving Oil Operations Ltd.,

Portsmouth, New Hampshire*Janney Montgomery Scott LLC,

Fairfield, ConnecticutJohnson & Webbert, LLP, Augusta, Maine

Kardex Remstar, LLC, Westbrook, MaineKatahdin Analytical Services, Inc.,

Scarborough, MaineKennebec Equipment Rental Co.,

Inc., Fairfield, MaineKeyBank Maine, Portland, MaineL.L. Bean, Inc., Freeport, MaineMaine Bankers Association,

Portland, Maine*Maine Dental Association,

Manchester, MaineMaine Energy Marketers Association,

Brunswick, MaineMaine Insurance Agents Association,

Augusta, MaineMaine Marine Trade Association,

Portland, MaineMaineGeneral Health, Waterville, MaineMcCain Foods USA, Inc., Easton, Maine*Merrill Lynch Wealth Management,

Portland, MaineNichols Portland, Portland, MaineNortheast Bank, Lewiston, Maine*Orion Ropeworks, Winslow, MainePlum Creek Timber Company,

Fairfield, MainePortland Pilots, Inc., Portland, MainePride Manufacturing Company, LLC,

Burnham, MainePublic Affairs Group, Portland, MaineRobustelli, Soucy, & Hussey, PA,

Lewiston, Maine*Sea Bags, Portland, MaineState Manufactured Homes, Inc.,

Scarborough, MaineTelecommunications Association of

Maine, New Gloucester, MaineTewhey Associates, Inc., Gorham, MaineThe Cliff House Resort and Spa,

Ogunquit, MaineThe Lane Construction Corp.,

Bangor, MaineThe Strainrite Companies, Auburn, MaineUniversity of Maine, Orono, MaineVescom Corporation, Hampden, MaineVolk Packaging Corporation,

Biddeford, MaineWaste Management Disposal Services

of Maine, Norridgewock, MaineYork County Community College,

Wells, Maine

Please plan to join us for a Recognition of Service of our honorary guest,

U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe

at the Maine State Chamber of Commerce’s

2012 Annual Dinneron Friday, October 5, 2012

at the Augusta Civic Center in Augusta, Maine

Periodicals

Postage Paid

Lisbon, ME

125 Community Drive, Suite 101Augusta, Maine 04330-8010