March 5, 2009 Human services committee approves BETR … · Procter & Gamble / Tambrands, Bancroft Contracting, the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce, Unum, Sargeant Corporation,

Mistakes or Preventable Adverse Events,also sponsored by Rep. Crockett. Thislaw prohibited health care facilities fromknowingly charging a patient or thepatient’s insurer for health care services itprovided as a result of or to correct a mis-take or a preventable adverse eventcaused by that health care facility.

In looking at this new law at the closeof last session, Maine work-ers’ compensation carriersand self-insured employersbecame concerned that theprohibition on hospitals fromcharging for services arisingfrom mistakes or preventableerrors would not extend tothem for treatment providedby a health care facility inconnection with a work-relat-ed injury because they are

not the “patient’s insurer.” Inworkers’ comp cases, the

insurer in fact represents the employer.Employers felt that a technical correctionshould be submitted to clarify this point ifcomp insurers were to receive the benefitof the charge prohibition.

In conversations with Rep. Crockett,she indicated that the intent of the prohibi-tion was to include workers’ compensationinsurers, and she agreed to sponsor the bill

BETR cut drawsstrong opposition

Last Friday, the Joint StandingCommittee on Appropriations andFinancial Affairs held a joint hearing withthe Joint Standing Committee on Taxationon all the tax-related provisions of theGovernor’s biennial budget. This is thebudget designed to address a projected$838 million shortfall over the next twofiscal years. The proposal that drew themost attention was the proposed 10% cutin the BETR program. If enacted, the cutwould be effective for two years andapply to property taxes paid in 2008 and2009. In other words, it would apply toapplication periods beginning afterAugust 1, 2009, and August 10, 2010. Inthe aggregate, it is expected to save thestate $12 million over the biennium.

The Maine Chamber led a concertedgrassroots effort to ensure member compa-nies were aware of the hearing and toensure that a representative sampleexpressed their views. In addition to theMaine State Chamber, a dozen othersspoke in opposition to the proposal, includ-ing Volk Packaging, Robbins Lumber,Procter & Gamble / Tambrands, BancroftContracting, the Androscoggin CountyChamber of Commerce, Unum, SargeantCorporation, National Semiconductor,Fairchild Semiconductor, HannafordBros., the Portland Regional Chamber, anda paperworker recently laid off from theNew Page mill in Rumford.

The committees heard many of thesame concerns they have heard in thepast—that undermining the stability of theprogram will discourage future invest-

March 5, 2009

Continued on Page 4...Continued on Page 3...

The Joint Standing Committee onHealth and Human Services has givenunanimous approval to legislation clarify-ing that a law passed last session that pro-hibits health care facilities from knowing-ly charging a patient or the patient’sinsurer for health care services it provid-ed as a result of a preventable adverseevent or to correct a mistake or causedby a health care facility alsoapplies to workers’ compen-sation insurance.

LD 322, An Act toClarify the Prohibition onPayment for HealthcareFacility Mistakes orPreventable Adverse Eventswas submitted by Rep. PatsyCrockett (D-Augusta) at therequest of the Maine StateChamber and others in thebusiness community to clarifythat Public Law 2007,Chapter 605, passed last session, did infact extend the protections that apply toall other payors to workers’ compensa-tion carriers and self insured employers.

Last session, after considerablework, the Joint Standing Committee onHealth and Human Services and theLegislature approved LD 2044, An Act toProhibit Health Care Facilities fromCharging for Treatment to Correct

Human services committee approves bill to clarify prohibition on payment for health care facility mistakes Clarifies that law also applies in workers’ comp cases

Rep. Patsy Crockett(D-Augusta)

2 III Impact III 03/05/2009 For the most current information, visit www.mainechamber.org

Inside Impact...Best Places to Work . . . . . . . p. 2BETR Opposition . . . . . . . p. 1, 5Business Day at the Statehouse . . p. 7, 24Energy Investments . . . . . . . p. 7Indoor Air Quality . . . . . . . . p. 22Legislative Strictly Social . . p. 20Maine Employers’ Initiative p. 19New Legislation . . . . . . . . . . . p. 9New/Renewing Members . . p. 22Oil tax? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 7Policy Committees . . . . . . . p. 15Public Hearing Process . . . p. 13Public Hearings . . . . . . . . . . . p. 8Profile: Hammond Lumber . p. 11Regional Meeting . . . . . . . . p. 16Strictly Social Recap . . . . . p. 17Strictly Social Sponsorships . . . p. 17Upcoming Events . . . . . . . . . . 18Workers’ Comp . . . . . . . . . p. 1, 3

Vol. 43, No. 06 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: James Atwell

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.

A message from the president...

Taking Charge of Our Own Future

by Dana Connors

As our state’s economy, like that of the rest

of the nation, has continued to struggle, I have

urged Governor John Baldacci to consider cre-

ating a state stimulus package to supplement

what has already been enacted at the federal

level. Such a package could provide us with an

economic recovery plan of our own, focusing specifically on the creation of jobs and

opportunities for Maine people. To be effective, such a proposal will need to be both

significant in size and sustainable in its impact.

On Wednesday, March 4, 2009, Governor Baldacci held a press conference (pic-

tured above) to unveil just such a package— one that among its key elements meets our

three priorities: a focus on infrastructure investment with a strong emphasis on trans-

portation improvement; a focus on energy development and the entrepreneurial oppor-

tunities that may be present for our state in this emerging sector, with prominence given

to conservation, efficiency and alternative sources such as offshore and near-shore

wind; and thirdly, a focus on economic needs, with a commitment to research and

development investment at the Brunswick Naval Air Station, as well as through the

availability of low-interest loans through the Finance Authority of Maine. On Tuesday,

March 10, the governor will deliver his State of the State address, which will likely dis-

cuss in detail the purpose and direction of a state stimulus package.

The plan offered by the governor is a $306 million package, with 90% of the

money devoted to infrastructure, energy and economic recovery. It will go to voters

in two pieces: $265.8 million to be voted on this November and $40.4 million appear-

ing on the ballot in June 2010. More importantly, the bond plan generates $376 mil-

lion in federal and private matching funds, giving this stimulus proposal long-term

growth. Each of these long term investments hold the potential to create jobs, and pro-

vide new opportunities for Maine citizens in these very difficult economic times. It

clearly is a stimulus package that is strong, sustainable and significant.

This proposal may not be perfect, and lawmakers will have the chance to put their

own mark upon it, but the key here is to not lose sight of its primary purpose – to cre-

ate and preserve jobs; to generate revenue; to address existing economic needs; and to

provide a foundation for future opportunities. Along the way, it can also help to

address one of the most important elements of a recovering economy – consumer con-

fidence. More jobs mean more people back to work, with money to spend and invest-

ments to make. As we have all heard before, it is a rising tide that lifts all boats.

Challenging times require bold action; and I think this is a bold plan that holds the poten-

tial for meaningful results. I thank the governor for his leadership and look forward to work-

ing with the Legislature to shape a stimulus package to present to the people of Maine.

03/05/2009 III Impact III 3For the most current information, visit www.mainechamber.org

Maine AFL/CIO, worked with the

administration to craft what is now the

current board structure.

As has been the case since 1992,

nominations for WCB directors continue

to come from the Maine State Chamber

representing employers and the AFL/CIO

representing labor. Under the 2003 leg-

islation, both sides lost a member.

Instead, the executive director – who had

previously served at the pleasure of the

board – become a gubernatorial appointee

serving at the pleasure of the governor

and having full voting rights, including

the tie-breaking vote on any issue.

Also as part of the restructured

board, the governor was to submit new

nominations for legislative approval.

Some current board members would be

eligible for re-appointment, while others

were termed off the board due to term

limit provisions that remained under the

1992 reform act.

Little did anyone know that a little

more than five years after the enactment

of the restructuring legislation, the mem-

bership of the WCB would remain practi-

cally unchanged.

At the labor committee’s confirma-

tion hearing in 2003, a disagreement sur-

faced over the interpretation of an answer

one management member gave to one of

the committee chairs. A majority of the

committee threatened to reject that candi-

date. Rather than risk the rejection of a

nominee by the committee and to allevi-

ate the concerns of the business commu-

nity which had been an instrumental part-

ner in passing the recent reform of the

WCB structure, the Governor’s OfficeContinued on Page 5...

New Workers’ Comp Board on the way?After nearly five years, a new slate of members posted

The long and torturous path to a new

Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB)

appeared to take one step closer to reality

last week, as Governor John Baldacci

posted the names of six Maine citizens to

serve as directors on the WCB. The six-

person board will comprise of three mem-

bers who represent the business, or man-

agement interests, and three members

representing labor interests.

Historical Perspective…The creation of the WCB was a critical

element in the sweeping comp reforms

passed by the Legislature in 1992. The

board created at that time was composed of

eight members, with four representatives

for each side. The four members are cho-

sen from a list of 12 potential nominees sub-

mitted by both the Maine State Chamber

and the AFL/CIO.

The work of the WCB has always

been controversial and acrimonious.

Over the years, relationships between

members continued to deteriorate until, by

2002, the two sides could not even agree

who should chair the board or when they

should meet. This inability to make even

rudimentary decisions led to delays for

both injured workers and employers. The

logjam for both sides became intolerable.

In 2003, Governor Baldacci and

Commissioner of the Department of

Professional and Financial Regulation

Robert Murray gathered together stake-

holders in the comp system to see if the

board could be reconfigured into a more

effective body. Representing the busi-

ness community, the Maine State

Chamber of Commerce, along with the

for the business community. At the publichearing on March 3, 2009, she was joinedby the Maine State Chamber, employerrepresentatives, business associations, andthe Maine Hospital Association in support-ing the bill’s passage. No one spoke inopposition to the legislation.

At the work session on the bill thefollowing day, the human services com-mittee emphasized that the intent of lastsession’s legislation was in fact to coverall payors, including workers’ compinsurance, and recommended its passageunanimously to the full Legislature.

The Maine State Chamber ofCommerce would like to thank Rep.Crockett for her assistance with this issueand for the interest she took in ensuring thebill’s passage. For additional informationor questions, please contact Peter Gore bycalling (207) 623-4568, ext. 17, or byemailing [email protected].

LD 322...(Continued from Page 1...)

Nominees to the

Workers’Compensation

BoardThe Joint Standing Committee on

Labor is scheduled to review all sixnominations on Wednesday, March18, 2009, in Room 220 of the CrossState Office Building in Augusta.

Management Representatives:James Mingo of Holden

Mitchell Sammons of BelgradeSusan Giguere of Winthrop

Labor Representatives:Anthony Monfiletto of Portland

Bruce Roy of JayGinette Rivard of Caribou


BETR Opposition...(Continued from Page 1...)

ment and that the proposal singles out–fora substantial tax increase—only thosecompanies that have invested in Maine.

This time, however, the committeesheard a new concern. Several opponents,noting the deteriorating economic environ-ment and widespread layoffs, stressed thatthe proposed cut would actually make thingsworse and generate even more layoffs.

The proposed BETR cut, however,was not the only controversial proposalunder consideration. Maine MunicipalAssociation and a number of municipalofficials spoke in opposition to proposedcuts in payments to towns under the rev-enue sharing program and reimburse-ments to towns under the Tree GrowthTax Program. And advocates for low-income groups protested the proposedcuts to the Circuit-breaker program.

The taxation committee held its firstwork session on the tax-related portions ofthe budget on Wednesday, March 4. Theappropriations committee, which started

BETR Opposition...

Contact theCommittees

APPROPRIATIONS ANDFINANCIAL AFFAIRS

Room 228, Statehouse; (207) 287-1316Co-chairs:Sen. Bill Diamond (D-Cumberland)Rep. Emily Ann Cain (D-Orono)

Senators:Sen. Margaret M. Craven (D-Androscoggin)Sen. Richard W. Rosen (R-Hancock)

Representatives:Rep. Gary A. Connor (D-Kennebunk)Rep. Patrick S. A. Flood (R-Winthrop)Rep. John L. Martin (D-Eagle Lake)Rep. Elizabeth S. Miller (D-Somerville)Rep. H. Sawin Millett Jr. (R-Waterford)Rep. Robert W. Nutting (R-Oakland)Rep. John C. Robinson (R-Raymond)Rep. Margaret R. Rotundo (D-Lewiston)Rep. David Webster (D-Freeport)

TAXATIONRoom 127, Statehouse; (207) 287-1552Co-chairs:Sen. Joseph C. Perry (D-Penobscot)Rep. Thomas R. Watson (D-Bath)

Senators:Sen. Lawrence Bliss (D-Cumberland)Sen. Richard A. Nass (R-York)

Representatives:Rep. Mark E. Bryant (D-Windham)Rep. Kathleen D. Chase (R-Wells)Rep. Patsy Crockett (D-Augusta)Rep. Elspeth Flemings (D-Bar Harbor)Rep. L. Gary Knight (R-Livermore Falls)Rep. Brian D. Langley (R-Ellsworth)Rep. Donald E. Pilon (D-Saco)Rep. Lawrence Sirois (D-Turner)Rep. Linda M. Valentino (D-Saco)

TO CONTACT YOURREPRESENTATIVE:

2 State House StationAugusta, Maine 04333

(207) 287-1400 or (800) 423-2900www.maine.gov/legis/house

TO CONTACT YOUR SENATOR:3 State House StationAugusta, Maine 04333

(207) 287-1540 or (800) 423-6900www.maine.gov/legis/senate

hearings on the budget last month, is expect-ed to finish hearings on the remaining por-tions of the budget by the end of this week.Work sessions will follow there as well.

Finally, as expected, the budget pro-jections continue to deteriorate. The bud-get submitted by the Governor and beforethe appropriations committee is, again,intended to address a projected shortfallof approximately $838 million over thenext two fiscal years. The Legislature’sfiscal office, however, recently increasedits estimate of the structural gap byroughly $125 million. In other words,they are now projecting a deficit of near-ly $965 million over that period.

The Maine Chamber will continue tokeep members apprised of any new devel-opments as they occur. In the meantime,members who are concerned with the pro-posed BETR cut are encouraged to contactmembers of both committees in order toexpress their concerns (see committee listsand contact information at left).

Hard Work. Honesty. Quality of Services.

These are our founding principles we’ve

brought to every job for more than 40 years.

www.mainedrilling.com

207-582-2338 • 423 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner, ME 04345


Workers’ Comp Board...(Continued from Page 3...)

withdrew the nominations of all six indi-

viduals and promised to return the fol-

lowing session with a new slate of candi-

dates. In the meantime, three representa-

tives’ from each side would continue to

serve as the WCB.

But by the next session, a new list of

nominees was not put forth, nor in fact

were any new candidates put forth in sub-

sequent years, despite the collection of

nominees by the Governor’s Office twice

during that time period.

In January of 2007, the Governor’s

Office was notified that one of the busi-

ness representatives was no longer eligi-

ble to serve on the board, due to the relo-

cation of his job to outside the country.

Business representation would be down a

member until a replacement was con-

firmed by the Legislature. The Maine

State Chamber, along with the rest of the

employer community, hoped for a quick

turn-around on a replacement member.

Instead, nothing happened, despite

the submission of potential replacement

nominees to the Governor’s Office and

repeated appeals to the WCB executive

director for parity. More than two years

later, business representation continues to

be short a rightful vote, without any

meaningful explanation from WCB’s

Executive Director Paul Dionne.

Moving Forward…Finally, in 2008 the Maine State

Chamber and the AFL/CIO were again

approached by the Governor’s Office

with language that sought to get the WCB

appointment process back on track. In

addition, they sought to bring parity back

to the board with a full complement of

Continued on Page 6...

Maine Chamber opposes BETR cuts

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following testimony was delivered by Steve Clarkin on behalfof the Maine State Chamber of Commerce in opposition to LD 353, An Act MakingUnified Appropriations and Allocations for the Expenditures of State Government, at apublic hearing held on February 27, 2009. We have reprinted it here for your review.

“I am here to speak in opposition to the proposed 10% better cut in the pro-posal before you. At outset, we are not insensitive to the dilemma this Legislatureis facing nor the enormity of the challenge before this committee. And we appre-ciate that, with a projected deficit of this magnitude, there are few if any goodsolutions to this dilemma. I also, at the outset, don’t want to convey the impres-sion that we are adamantly opposed to contributing to the solution, as we did lastyear when this committee pared back the net operating loss deductions availableto C corporations.

But we cannot support this cut as part of the solution. This is an issue that hascome up virtually every year, in one form or another, since the BETR programwas enacted in 1995. In the past, the central concern of most companies was thatcreating instability in the program would discourage future investment undermin-ing the confidence of investors in the reliability of the state’s commitments.Another concern was the fact that the proposals served to penalize only those com-panies that have invested in Maine and Maine jobs, an irony underscored by thefact the more a given company had invested, the more it would be penalized.

Those concerns exist to this day. In this economy, however, they are beingovershadowed by a greater concern. Businesses all over the state are struggling,losing money, curtailing operations and laying off employees. It is hard, for exam-ple, to pick up a newspaper these days without reading about some paper millidling a paper machine and laying off those who work on the machine. And Ibelieve it was just last week the Charlie Colgan projected that the state would like-ly lose about 30,000 jobs before this is over. Many of our members have told usthat they have already slashed their budgets. But the losses continue to mount and,in many cases, there may be only one alternative – layoffs. This proposal will onlyincrease those operating losses for many companies, and in many cases, dramati-cally. As such, we’re convinced that this proposal will simply make the layoff out-look worse.

So while we appreciate the fairness argument that everyone should share inthe pain, one has to ask just who will feel the pain from this cut. Certainly, everycompany that participates in the program – but there is also a very significant riskthat their employees will as well. And we hope the Legislature really does not wantto go down that path.

In closing, I’d just like to share a final thought. At a time when we are expe-riencing the deepest economic downturn since the depression, everyone seems torecognize the need for an economic stimulus. This proposal is certainly no stimu-lus: it is likely to have the opposite effect. Because this is precisely the wrong timeto be increasing business costs, both from a perspective of encouraging the kindinvestment and business growth needed for an economic recovery as well as main-taining as much of our job base as possible.

We would respectfully urge the committee to reject it.”


Workers’ Comp Board...(Continued from Page 5...)

directors, and bring new perspectives to

the WCB process with new membership.

The resolve submitted by the admin-

istration required both the Maine State

Chamber and the AFL/CIO to submit a

new list of 12 potential nominees for their

three WCB slots by July 20, 2008. In

order to maintain some element of conti-

nuity, one member from each side of the

current board would be eligible for re-

appointment to a two-year term, even if

they had surpassed the statutory term

limit of eight years. It was envisioned by

the Governor’s Office that the labor com-

mittee and the Maine State Senate would

hold summer confirmation sessions on

these nominees and have the interim

board in place by September at the latest.

The resolve directed the interim

board to serve until February 28, 2009.

At that time the entire board would resign,

and the Governor would be free to re-

appoint a completely new board to stag-

gered terms, ensuring future continuity.

The resolve passed unanimously, and dur-

ing the summer, the Maine State Chamber

once again began the process of screening

potential nominees to the WCB.

In late July the Maine State Chamber

sent its list of four nominees for each of the

three openings to the Governor’s Office for

consideration, and … nothing happened.

Why? The AFL/CIO failed to submit their

legislatively required list of nominees.

In February of 2009, organized

labor’s list was finally received by the

Governor’s Office. However, in allow-

ing the delay, employers were forced to

go another six months without parity in

their representation at the WCB, and the

time frame envisioned by the 2008

resolve was thrown into turmoil.

The Governor’s Office worked

quickly to screen nominees and post them

by the end of February. Currently, the

Joint Standing Committee on Labor is

scheduled to review all six nominations

on Wednesday, March 18, 2009, in

Room 220 of the Cross State Office

Building in Augusta. The list of candi-

dates for both sides can be found in the

sidebar on page 3.

The Maine State Chamber of

Commerce will be present at the labor

committee on March 18 to provide testi-

mony in support of our business repre-

sentatives. For additional information or

questions, please contact Peter Gore by

calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 17, or by

emailing [email protected].

$15,000,000 in dividend checks to Maine employers

15years of workplace safety for Maine employees

1insurer investing in Maine’s economy when it really counts

How about some good financial news for a change? Including this year’s dividend of $15 million to Maine employers, MEMIC has directed $100 million back into the economy since 1998. This extraordinary success in workers’ comp is the result of Maine employers and their employees working together to create safer workplaces and better claims management programs. The result? MEMIC is paying a record dividend to its policyholders again this year. And that’s good news for Maine, just when we all need it. Every year we hear feedback about what the dividend means

to Maine businesses. Want to share yours? Tell us your dividend story at:

WWW.MEMIC.COM/DIVIDEND

Given that there are expected to bemany similar, yet more comprehensive,pieces of legislation designed to addresssome of the issues highlighted in Sen.Perry’s bill, it is likely that the committeewill hold this legislation for the timebeing. Other proposals will surface in thecoming weeks that will look to house allof the weatherization and efficiency pro-grams that currently exist at the PublicUtilities Commission (such as EfficiencyMaine and the RGGI Trust) and the MaineState Housing Authority into one entity.Several of these bills are also expected tocontain a tax on oil to fund more conser-vation and efficiency programs.

The Maine State Chamber ofCommerce will be weighing in on theseand other important energy proposals andwill keep members updated. For moreinformation, please contact Chris Jacksonby calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 18, or byemailing [email protected].

On Wednesday, March 4, the JointSelect Committee on Maine’s EnergyFuture heard the first of what is likely tobe many proposals aimed at curtailingMaine’s dependence on oil. LD 501, AnAct To Ensure Maine’s Energy Securityand Reduce Dependence on Oil, sponsoredby Sen. Joseph Perry (D-Bangor), drew anunusually large crowd, many of whom tes-tified in support of the proposal, eventhough it was only a concept draft andother more comprehensive pieces of legis-lation will be heard in the coming weeks.Testimony from various stakeholders andinterested parties lasted nearly three hours.

Among other things, Senator Perry’sbill would increase funding of EfficiencyMaine through a tax on heating oil equalto the BTU tax on electricity. EfficiencyMaine’s focus would then shift fromreducing electricity usage to reducingenergy consumption by aggressively pro-moting the reduction of oil use.


Federal stimulus dollars coming toMaine for energy investments

Approximately $70 million is coming to Maine by way of the American

Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), according to the Governor’s Office of

Energy Independence and Security (OEIS). OEIS Director John Kerry has

briefed members of the Joint Select Committee on Maine’s Energy Future about

the energy spending provisions for Maine in the federal stimulus package, and

told lawmakers that the bulk of the money ($42 million) will go toward weath-

erization assistance programs, administered by the Maine State Housing

Authority and implemented by the regional Community Action Programs.

Another $27 million to $30 million will be spent on various aspects of

Maine’s energy programs currently administered by the Public Utilities

Commission. More details will follow in the coming weeks, and the Maine State

Chamber will continue to keep you informed. For more information, please

contact Chris Jackson by calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 18, or by emailing cjack-

[email protected].

The proposal would also set aside85% of the revenues derived from theRegional Greenhouse Gas Initiative(RGGI) – some $25 million to $30 mil-lion – to establish an insulation and ener-gy auditing training program at everycommunity college in the state, and pro-vide a tax exemption for the purchase ofinsulation. It would seek to insulate thehomes of low-income Maine residents.

John Kerry, director of the Governor’sOffice of Energy Independence and Security(OEIS), testified that many of the provisionsof the legislation conform to the fundamentalstrategies embodied in the state’s energyplan, such as strengthening energy efficien-cy, conservation and weatherization; and,reducing Maine’s dependence on oil. Otherstestified in support of increasing efforts toweatherize homes and make residences inMaine more efficient through an energyaudit and subsequent green retrofits andupgrades of homes and heating equipment.

Bill to tax oil, fund weatherization heard by energy committee Proposal first of many to address “energy security” and reduce dependence on oil

The Maine State Chamber ofCommerce is sponsoring

Business Day at the Statehouseon Tues., March 17, 2009,

from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

We need your help to make this day a success.

Details on back cover.

Business Day at the Statehouse

With your involvement, the “Voice of Maine Business”

will resonate throughoutAugusta on March 17

MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2009

Insurance and Financial Services9:30 a.m., Room 427, Statehouse

LD 390 (SP 132), An Act To ClarifyGuaranteed Fund Protection for DeferredCompensation Accounts (Sen.McCORMICK of Kennebec)LD 392 (SP 134), An Act To ReduceMinimum Participation to 60% for GroupHealth Insurance (Sen. PLOWMAN ofPenobscot)LD 606 (SP 221), An Act To Enable theMaine Employers’ Mutual InsuranceCompany To Better Serve the Needs ofAll Employers (Sen. ALFOND ofCumberland)LD 616 (SP 231), An Act To Strengthenthe Board of the Maine Insurance GuarantyAssociation (Sen. McCORMICK ofKennebec)LD 688 (SP 263), An Act To EqualizeAnnuity and Structured SettlementAnnuity Benefits with Life Insuranceunder the Maine Life and HealthInsurance Guaranty Association (Sen.BOWMAN of York)

Labor1:00 p.m., Room 220, Cross Building

LD 373 (HP 280), An Act To FacilitateLactation at the Workplace by NewMothers (Rep. WALSH INNES ofYarmouth)LD 549 (SP 209), An Act To Amend theEmployment Practices Law RegardingSubstance Abuse Testing (Sen. WESTONof Waldo)

TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2009

Business, Research and Economic Development

2:30 p.m., Room 208, Cross BuildingLD 598 (SP 213), An Act To ProtectPrivate Enterprise from Tax-subsidizedCompetition by Imposing Requirementson Certain Postsecondary Institutions(Sen. GOOLEY of Franklin)

Utilities and Energy1:00 p.m., Room 211, Cross Building

LD 336 (HP 272), Resolve, RegardingLegislative Review of Portions ofChapter 313: Net Energy Billing Rule ToAllow Shared Ownership, a MajorSubstantive Rule of the Public UtilitiesCommission EMERGENCY (Rep.HINCK of Portland)LD 418 (HP 306), An Act To Facilitatethe Development of Ocean Wind Power(Rep. CLARK of Millinocket)LD 596 (HP 434), An Act To AllowElectricity Customers Who OperateGenerating Facilities To Be Paid in Cashfor Excess Net Energy Produced (Rep.MARTIN of Orono)LD 651 (HP 465), An Act To Amend theWind Energy Rebate Program EligibilityRequirements (Rep. BROWNE ofVassalboro)LD 717 (HP 500), An Act To EnsureProper Oversight of Propane Facilities(Rep. FITTS of Pittsfield)

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2009

Joint Select Committee on Maine’s Energy Future

9:30 a.m., Room 211, Cross BuildingLD 755 (HP 514), An Act To Help theState Achieve Energy Independence andSecurity (Rep. FLETCHER of Winslow) LD 886 (HP 610), An Act To SecureMaine’s Energy Future (Speaker PIN-GREE of North Haven)

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2009


LD 176 (SP 62), An Act To EquitablyAdjust the Workers’ CompensationBoard’s Assessment (Sen. BARTLETTof Cumberland)LD 578 (HP 416), An Act RegardingRepayment of Subrogation or Lien

LD 622 (HP 436), An Act To Promotethe Accessibility and Use of ReusableBags (Rep. KNAPP of Gorham)

Insurance and Financial Services1:00 p.m., Room 427, Statehouse

LD 255 (HP 201), An Act To AllowPersons Licensed for the Practice ofManicuring To Provide Treatment forDiabetics (Rep. THERIAULT ofMadawaska)

Judiciary1:00 p.m., Room 438, Statehouse

LD 461 (SP 164), An Act To AdoptAmendments to the Uniform InterstateFamily Support Act (Sen. SIMPSON ofAndroscoggin)

Natural Resources1:00 p.m., Room 214, Cross Building

LD 646 (HP 460), An Act To Improvethe Water Quality of Maine’s Rivers(Rep. BOLDUC of Auburn)

Taxation1:00 p.m., Room 127, Statehouse

LD 493 (SP 192), An Act To ProvideSensible Options for Tax IncrementFinancing Proceeds in Small Towns (Sen.ROSEN of Hancock)LD 539 (HP 384), An Act To Amend theLaws Governing the Allowable Uses ofTax Increment Financing Funds (Rep.CLARK of Millinocket)LD 659 (HP 473), An Act To Removethe Sales Tax on Watercraft (Rep.PILON of Saco)LD 666 (SP 240), An Act To ClarifyWhen the Rental of a Car Is Exempt fromSales and Use Tax (Sen. PERRY ofPenobscot)LD 670 (SP 244), An Act To MakeHealth Insurance More Affordable (Sen.RECTOR of Knox)


Public HearingsPublic hearings are open to everyone. This public hearing schedule is subject to change. Questions may be directedto the Secretary of the Senate’s Office at (207) 287-1540. For the most current schedule, please visithttp://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/lio/phSched.asp or contact the committee clerk.



Digest of New LegislationMaine Chamber staff have studied each of these recently printed bills to assess potential impact on business trends. Ifyou have concerns regarding any bill, please communicate those concerns to a member of our governmental servicesstaff at (207) 623-4568.

BOND ISSUES

LD 775, An Act To Authorize a GeneralFund Bond Issue To Fund theCommunities for Maine’s FutureProgram. (President Mitchell (D-Kennebec)) Joint Standing Committee onAgriculture, Conservation, and Forestry.This bill is a General Fund bond issue for$27,000,000 to fund the Communities forMaine’s Future Fund, which uses the pro-ceeds of the bond to acquire, design, plan,construct, enlarge, repair, protect orenhance downtown improvements or assets.

BUDGET AND FINANCE

LD 910, An Act To Authorize a GeneralFund Bond Issue To Promote SustainableGreen Housing. (Speaker Pingree, D-North Haven) Joint Standing Committeeon Appropriations and Financial Affairs.$25,000,000 bond issue to provide fundsto promote sustainable environmentallyfriendly housing by assisting with bothnew and existing buildings.

BUSINESS REGULATION

LD 783, An Act To Protect the Privacyof Consumer Financial Information.(Rep. Legg, D-Kennebunk) JointStanding Committee on Insurance andFinancial Services. Currently, state lawconforms to the opt-out provisions of thefederal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act regard-ing the disclosure of nonpublic personalinformation. This bill puts in place anopt-in requirement so that financial ser-vices providers, including banks, creditunions, securities firms and mortgagecompanies, must have permission fromindividuals before disclosing nonpublicpersonal information to nonaffiliated 3rdparties. The bill is contingent on approvalby voters at a statewide referendum.

LD 813, An Act To Require PlainLanguage in Consumer Contracts. (Rep.

LD 876, Resolve, To Create aSurrounding Community Advisory Panelfor the Juniper Ridge Landfill in OldTown. (Rep. Cain, D-Orono) JointStanding Committee on NaturalResources. This resolve establishes a sur-rounding community advisory panel forthe purpose of making recommendationsto the Juniper Ridge Landfill joint citizenadvisory committee.

LD 880, An Act To Improve the GroundWater Oil Clean-up Fund. (Sen. Smith,R-Piscataquis) Joint Standing Committeeon Natural Resources. This bill limitsadministrative expenses, personal servicesand equipment costs related to the admin-istration and enforcement of the GroundWater Oil Clean-up Fund to 5% of the bal-ance of the fund and requires theDepartment of Environmental Protectionto conduct an annual audit of the adminis-tration of the fund to ensure that standardaccounting practices are being followed.

LD 891, An Act To Amend the SiteLocation of Development Laws ToInclude Consideration of GreenhouseGas Emissions. (Sen. Goodall, D-Sagadahoc) Joint Standing Committee onNatural Resources. This bill adds a newstandard to the laws governing site loca-tion of development to allow theDepartment of Environmental Protectionto review and consider the greenhousegas emissions likely to occur as a result ofthe project. The bill also provides a relat-ed provision concerning mitigation.

HEALTH CARE

LD 782, An Act To Require HealthInsurers To Provide Coverage forNutritional Wellness and PreventionMeasures and Products. (Rep. Boland,D-Sanford) Joint Standing Committee onInsurance and Financial Services. Thebill imposesa health insuracne mandate

t h a t

Eves, D-North Berwick) Joint StandingCommittee on Business, Research, andEconomic Development. A concept draft,this proposal seeks to require written con-sumer contracts involving $100,000 orless to meet certain criteria in order to beclear and readable, including: adequatelyinforming the consumer of the rights andduties fixed by the contract; use wordswith common everyday meanings to theextent practicable; be appropriately divid-ed into sections with captions and para-graphs; and be printed in at least 10-pointtype with at least one point of leadingbetween lines and in an ink that contrastssufficiently with the paper.

ENVIRONMENTAL

LD 759, An Act To Require State-ownedSolid Waste Disposal Facilities ToDemonstrate a Public Benefit. (Rep.Duchesne, D-Hudson) Joint StandingCommittee on Natural Resources.Current law provides that certain landfillsare exempt from demonstrating a signifi-cant public benefit, including landfillsthat are state-owned. This bill removesthe exemption for state-owned landfills.

LD 760, An Act To Improve LandfillCapacity. (Rep. Duchesne, D-Hudson)Joint Standing Committee on NaturalResources. This bill proposes to increasethe availability of landfill space by eitherconserving capacity in current publiclyowned landfills or allowing limited expan-sion of current privately owned landfills.

LD 861, An Act Concerning Deductiblesfor Underground Oil Storage Facilitiesand Tanks. (Rep. Ayotte, R-Caswell)Joint Standing Committee on NaturalResources. This bill exempts from theconditional deductible requirement allnonconforming underground facilitiesand tanks that were removed prior to theenactment of the conditional deductiblerequirement. Continued on Page 11...


Claims in Workers’ CompensationActions (Rep. WATSON of Bath)LD 579 (HP 417), An Act To ProvideWraparound Medical Coverage in theWorkers’ Compensation System (Rep.MILLER of Somerville)LD 617 (SP 232), An Act To Amend theMaine Workers’ Compensation Act of1992 To Remove Independent MedicalExaminers (Sen. GERZOFSKY ofCumberland)LD 620 (SP 236), An Act To Ensure theWorkers’ Compensation Board’sRegulatory Oversight of the MaineInsurance Guaranty Association (Sen.BARTLETT of Cumberland)

MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2009

Insurance and Financial Services9:30 a.m., Room 427, Statehouse

LD 290 (HP 230), An Act To AllowMaine Residents To Purchase HealthInsurance from Out-of-State Insurers(Rep. McKANE of Newcastle)LD 782 (HP 533), An Act To RequireHealth Insurers To Provide Coverage forNutritional Wellness and PreventionMeasures and Products (Rep. BOLANDof Sanford)LD 783 (HP 534), An Act To Protect thePrivacy of Consumer FinancialInformation (Rep. LEGG of Kennebunk)LD 825 (HP 561), An Act To Allow theConsecutive Purchase of 6-month HealthInsurance Policies (Rep. SAVIELLO ofWilton)

State and Local Government10:00 a.m., Room 216, Cross Building

LD 236 (HP 190), An Act To Establishthe Permanent Commission on the Statusof Women (Rep. PERCY of Phippsburg)

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2009

Natural Resources1:00 p.m., Room 214, Cross Building

LD 476 (SP 179), An Act To AmendCertain Laws Administered by theDepartment of Environmental Protection(Sen. GOODALL of Sagadahoc)

Municipal Oversight and Authority overGroundwater Extraction (Rep. SARTY ofDenmark)LD 663 (HP 477), An Act To Clarify AMunicipality’s Authority To PassOrdinances That Govern the Extraction ofGroundwater (Rep. SCHATZ of Blue Hill)

FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2009

Legal and Veterans’ Affairs1:00 p.m., Room 437, Cross Building

LD 530 (HP 375), RESOLUTION,Proposing an Amendment to theConstitution of Maine To Reduce theNumber of Signatures Required andProhibit Payment for Signatures in theCitizen’s Initiative Process (Rep.WHEELER of Kittery)LD 547 (SP 207), An Act To Amend theLaws Concerning Write-in Candidatesfor Elected Office To Increase Fairness(Sen. BOWMAN of York)LD 548 (SP 208), An Act To ProvideInformation to Maine Voters About theCost and Fiscal Impact of Citizens’Initiatives (Sen. SCHNEIDER ofPenobscot)

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2009

Taxation10:00 a.m., Room 127, Statehouse

LD 589 (HP 427), An Act To Encouragethe Production of Liquid Biofuels (Rep.BUTTERFIELD of Bangor)LD 743 (SP 290), An Act To Exempt FuelUsed by Commercial Fishing Vessels fromthe Sales Tax (Sen. RECTOR of Knox)

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2009


LD 621 (SP 235), An Act AllowingWorkers’ Compensation Benefits forFirefighters Who Contract Cancer (Sen.BARTLETT of Cumberland)LD 658 (HP 472), An Act To RequireUnited States Occupational Safety andHealth Administration Training forGovernment Construction Contracts(Rep. WRIGHT of Berwick)

Natural Resources9:00 a.m., Room 214, Cross Building

LD 645 (HP 459), An Act To Provide for

Public Hearings...(Continued from Page 8...)

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requires health insurance policies providecoverage for nutritional wellness and pre-vention that is shown to be beneficial tothe enrollee and recommended by theenrollee’s physician. The bill applies toall individual and group policies issued orrenewed on or after January 1, 2010.

TAXATION

LD 743, An Act To Exempt Fuel Usedby Commercial Fishing Vessels from theSales Tax. (Sen. Rector, R-Knox) JointStanding Committee on Taxation. UntilJuly 1, 2008, diesel fuel used in commer-cial fishing boats had enjoyed a six monthsales tax exemption. This legislationrestores the exemption and extends it tofuel used in commercial lobstering boats.

LD 765, An Act To Allow Towns ToEstablish Their Own HomesteadExemption Programs. (Rep. Cebra, R-Naples) Joint Standing Committee onTaxation. This bill allows municipalitiesto adopt their own local option homesteadexemption for property taxes. Theexemption would be required to employthe same eligibility criteria as the statehomestead exemption and could notexceed 20% of the homestead’s valua-tion. This exemption would be in additionto the state exemption.

LD 788, An Act To Aid Municipalitiesand the Unorganized Territory in theReduction of Property Taxes. (Rep.Chase, R-Wells) Joint StandingCommittee on Taxation. This bill requiresthat 10% growth in annual sales tax rev-enues be returned each year to the munic-ipality (or Unorganized Territory) inwhich they were generated. It alsorequires that those returned revenues beused by each town to reduce propertytaxes by a comparable amount.

LD 799, An Act To Encourage CleanFuel Vehicle Economic andInfrastructure Development byExtending the Tax Credit. (Sen. Bliss, D-Cumberland) Joint Standing Committeeon Taxation. Until the beginning of this

New Legislation...(Continued from Page 9...)


Hard work and a hands-on, honestapproach to helping customers fulfill theirbuilding needs best describes the peopleof Hammond Lumber Company. Clifton“Skip” Hammond founded HammondLumber Company in 1953. Fifty-sixyears later, his son Donald and grandsonMike have taken over the reins and grownthe business while remaining a true fami-ly-owned Maine company.

No one knows this more than RobertThing, the company’s director of opera-tions, who has worked for the companyfor 37 years. “The family is very hard-working and very involved in the day today operations,” said Thing, noting thatboth Donald and Mike have desks on themain floor right alongside their employ-ees so they can interact with them and thecustomers on a daily basis, helping thebusiness run smoothly. “It is unusual ina company this size for the president andvice president to do this,” said Thing.

Including its newest store in Portland,Hammond Lumber has 275 employees witheight locations around the state in Auburn,Bangor, Belgrade, Farmington, Greenville,Fairfield and Skowhegan. HammondLumber Company specializes in forest prod-ucts and building supplies for the residentialand commercial markets. Hammond offersan array of services including drafting andestimating, kitchen, bath, flooring, mill-work, machine pre-staining, log home andresidential home kits.

Thing said that Hammond is especiallyproud of the fact that the company has manylong-term employees, some of whom havebeen with the company for 20 or 30 years.

“That says a lot for the company,” said Thing. While the economy has taken a toll on

building new homes, more and more peopleare choosing to remodel their existinghomes. In addition, as more and moreemphasis is placed on building “green” thesedays, Hammond has seen an increase in cus-tomers’ own awareness and inquiries aboutusing environmentally friendly products.

“Today, there is definitely moredemand for environmentally friendly orenergy efficient products, and we are see-ing this increase as more and more peoplebecome aware of these products,” saidSarah Krizo, special projects manager.“That’s why it’s important for all eight ofour stores to hold a Chain of Custody cer-tificate through the Forest StewardshipCouncil (FSC). This certification isbecoming more popular and it means thatour staff is trained to be able to serve thespecial needs of our customers.”

Local support is very important toHammond Lumber Company. Accordingto Krizo, “Hammond Lumber pridesitself on buying ‘local,’ and has alwaysused locally sawn wood for the sawmill inBelgrade. It is important to support localbusinesses and shop locally,” said Krizo.

Local community involvement is veryimportant to Hammond Lumber as well.Since 1995, the company has provided 11scholarships available to students at voca-tional schools around the state.

“Hammond Lumber Company is aMaine business. We started as a Mainebusiness. We are owned by a Maine fam-ily. We will be here in Maine for thelong-term,” said Thing.

Hard work and a hands-on, honestapproach guides Hammond Lumber’sbusiness model

Grassroots Action Network: Member Profile…

Hammond Lumber CompanyBelgrade, Maine


year, the state provided an income taxcredit for a portion of the expensesincurred in the installation, constructionor improvement of any station providingfilling or charging services to motor vehi-cles using clean fuels. This proposalextends the credit until the end of 2012.

LD 839, An Act To Authorize anAlternative Calculation of the PropertyGrowth Factor for Municipalities withExempt Personal Property. (Rep.Gilbert, D-Jay) Joint Standing Committeeon Taxation. This legislation amends thelaw known as “LD 1,” a 2005 measurethat created statutory limits on state andlocal government spending. Under thatlaw, one of the factors limiting localspending increases is the property growthfactor. This is a measure of the annualgrowth in assessed valuation. That lawwas enacted before the Legislature enact-ed the property tax exemption for businessequipment placed in service after 2007.

New Legislation...(Continued from Page 11...)

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As a result, any valuation attributable toexempt business equipment is nowexcluded in determining whether the valu-ation has increased. For towns with alarge amount of business equipment intheir tax base, this bill would allow theinclusion of exempt business equipment inthe property growth factor.

LD 840, Resolution, Proposing anAmendment to the Constitution of MaineTo Control Property Tax Increases. (Rep.McKane, R-Newcastle) Joint StandingCommittee on Taxation. This constitution-al amendment would limit any increase ina property tax valuation to the growth inconsumer prices since the last valuation.

LD 842, An Act To Exclude Business andCapital Losses from Consideration asIncome under the CircuitbreakerProgram. (Rep. Richardson, R-Warren)Joint Standing Committee on Taxation.Under the Circuitbreaker Program, eligi-bility and benefits are based largely on ataxpayer’s adjusted gross income. Currentlaw, however, specifically requires thatmany items of business losses, e.g. netoperating losses, capital losses, rental loss-

es etc., be added back to adjusted grossincome for the purpose of the Program.This bill repeals that requirement.

UTILITIES AND ENERGY

LD 848, An Act To Encourage GreenCommerce. (Rep. Beck, D-Waterville)Joint Standing Committee on Utilities andEnergy. This bill requires the MaineTechnology Institute to establish a newgrant program to award funds on a com-petitive basis to businesses that install oroperate green technology that improvesenergy efficiency and uses renewableresources.

LD 886, An Act to Secure Maine’sEnergy Future. (Speaker Pingree, D-North Haven) Joint Standing Committeeon Maine’s Energy Future. This billestablishes the Efficiency Maine Trust toplan and administer all energy efficiencyprograms, and places a 2.5 cent per gal-lon tax on heating oil, kerosene or equiv-alent quantity of propane.


Process…Virtually all bills go through a screen-

ing process before they are considered bythe full Legislature. Most follow the samepath from inception to enactment.

Once drafted, legislation is referred toone of the Legislature’s joint standing com-mittees. The committee to which the bill isassigned then schedules a public hearing.

When a bill has been scheduled forpublic hearing, interested parties begin toformulate their positions – if they havenot done so already. The MaineChamber frequently runs articles inIMPACT on particular bills of interest,and communicates with a broad array ofMaine Chamber members to determinebusiness community positions.

If the bill concerns matters in whichyou hold expertise, this is the point atwhich Maine Chamber staff may ask youto testify – or at which you might decideyou want to testify.

Usually, in the several days prior tothe public hearing, individuals and groupswith a related interest confer to determinewhat type of testimony will be offeredwith respect to the bill.

The day of a public hearing is alwaysa busy one. A legislative committee mayschedule between three and ten bills forhearing on a given day. The atmosphereand tone of the hearings remind some ofa town meeting.

Speaking in turn…Generally speaking, the sponsor of a

bill – a senator or representative – willtake the podium first to present the pro-posed legislation. Next, the committeechairperson will give co-sponsors of thebill an opportunity to speak.

The sponsor’s and co-sponsor’s

remarks should be listened to carefully.They may discuss the reasons the bill wasintroduced in the first place, their level ofcommitment to its passage, and in whatareas additional ideas or amendmentswould be helpful – or welcome. Once thesponsors are done speaking, the commit-tee will ask for testimony in support of thebill. There is no predetermined order asto who testifies first – not even a formalmethod of assigning the order of speakers.

Sometimes supporters (or opponents)of a bill will establish an informal “bat-ting order” among themselves to betterstructure testimony. For example, theMaine Chamber often steps up first tosound the major themes and lay thegroundwork for testimony to be given byour members and others.

After everyone supporting the billhas testified, opponents of the bill gettheir chance to speak. Again, no setorder of testimony is required. Finally, athird category of testimony called “nei-ther for nor against” is often heard. Thecommittee then receives input from peo-ple who have concerns about the bill butare not ready to take a definitive positionon it.

Tips on testifying…The prospect of presenting testimony

to a legislative committee may seemintimidating the first time. It is, in fact,fairly easy – if you’ve done your home-work. Presentations should be short andto the point. The most impressive andinfluential testimony is always conciseand well supported by facts – even illus-trations.

Legislators appreciate a quick andclean presentation. They also rely heavi-ly upon information the public can bring

to the hearing process, especially infor-mation which is otherwise unavailable tothem. For this reason, testimony frompersonal experience, as that experiencerelates specifically to the impact of thelegislation, is invaluable.

Testimony is ineffective if the speak-er is repetitive, takes too long in his pre-sentation, or if the speaker’s position isunsupported by fact and/or experience.Probably the least effective testimonyinvolves discussions or broad political orideological positions.

Keep in mind that legislators like tobase their decisions upon solid ground. Ifyou are preparing testimony, legislatorswant to hear exactly why that bill wouldbenefit you or specifically how the billwould hurt you.

Questions from the committee…Time permitting, questions from

committee members almost inevitablyfollow good testimony. Sometimes thesequestions can be pointed and difficult. Ifthis happens during your testimony, don’tget ruffled and don’t be afraid to stop andthink for a moment in order to answer thequestion properly.

Second, never guess at the answer.If you don’t know the answer, say so. Afrank admission that you don’t haveinformation requested by a legislator willgo much farther in raising your credibili-ty before the committee than an answerthat is only half right, or that is totallywrong. Besides, you can provide follow-up information to the legislators at a laterdate – and do so as soon as possible.

Third, and this is very important, donot concede your case unintentionally.Some committee members will ask ques-


Participate in democracyPublic hearing process provides citizens

with an opportunity to directly influence a bill’s outcome

EDITOR’S NOTE: The public hearing process is almost always a well-ordered and polite exercise in participatorydemocracy. It is your opportunity to tell lawmakers face to face how a proposed bill will affect you.

The public hearing process marks a critical point in the life of a bill, a point at which you can directly influence its outcome.It offers the best opportunity the general public has to meet with legislators as a group and debate the merits of legislation.


Maine Department of Economic & Community DevelopmentWorking to make Maine a better place to live, work and do business.

Office of Business Development Office of Community Development Office of InnovationOffice of Tourism Maine Business Answers Maine Film OfficeMaine International Trade Center Maine Technology Institute Maine Made Products Program

www.businessinmaine.com • Tel 207.624.9800

to legislators immediately after the hear-ing, or in the next few days, to reinforcethe points made in testimony. Telephonecalls and letters are also good ways tobring home the main points of your testi-mony. Once the public hearing has con-cluded, the committee will schedule awork session to discuss the legislationamong committee members. These areopen to the public, but differ substantial-ly in how one may participate.

Help?The Maine Chamber works with many

of its members on a regular basis to coor-dinate and formulate testimony. If youhave concerns about specific pieces of leg-islation and would like to testify at a publichearing – but haven’t testified in Augustarecently or at all – you may want to seekadvice and assistance from MaineChamber staff. Feel free to call us at (207)623-4568 or fax us at (207) 622-7723.

tions that take the form of a statement,followed by “don’t you agree with that?”or some other leading phrase which couldbe contradictory to your testimony.

Should that happen, don’t be afraidto disagree with legislators. You arethere to give your opinion frankly andhonestly. Everyone should respect that.

Fourth, try not to take aggressivequestions personally. Legislators have anobligation to probe all sides of the issue.Your balanced response may help turn adoubter into a supporter.

Finally, attempt to keep your testi-mony consistent with other people whoare on your side. Committees appreciatehaving your comments in writing as well(20 copies will be enough for each com-mittee member and their staff).

Next steps…One good follow-up idea for anyone

who testifies at a public hearing is to talk

Public Hearing Process...(Continued from Page 13...)Contact the Maine Chamber

125 Community Dr., Augusta, ME 04330Tel (207) 623-4568; Fax (207) 622-7723

www.mainchamber.org

PRESIDENT’S OFFICEDana F. Connors, President . . . . ext. 13

[email protected] R. Stoddard . . . . . . . . . . . ext. 15

[email protected]

ADVOCACYPeter M. Gore . . . . . . . . . . . . . ext. 17

[email protected] Jackson . . . . . . . . . . . . . ext. 18

[email protected]

MEMBERSHIP SERVICESJoyce LaRoche . . . . . . . . . . . . ext. 23

[email protected] J. Rousseau . . . . . . . . . ext. 12

[email protected] Latham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ext. 14

[email protected]

COMMUNICATIONSMelanie A. Baillargeon . . . . . . . ext. 20

[email protected]

FINANCEScott Samson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ext. 24

[email protected]

The Maine State Chamber ofCommerce is widely known as “The Voiceof Maine Business” at the Statehouse. Wespeak out before state policymakers onbehalf of businesses in this state on hun-dreds of public policy issues each session.Your participation in our public policy com-mittees is the best way to lend your voice tothe significant issues facing your business.

Below, you will find a list of our pub-lic policy committees. Each is made up ofMaine State Chamber members who meeton a regular basis during the legislativesession to discuss issues and to help shapeChamber policy. Working with our Boardof Directors and our advocacy team, theMaine State Chamber’s public policy com-mittees make sure that when the MaineState Chamber speaks, it reflects the con-cerns and priorities of our members.

If you would like to participate inone or more of our policy committees,please complete and return the form onthe last page of this newsletter. If youhave questions or need additional informa-tion, please contact Peter Gore or ChrisJackson by calling (207) 623-4568 or byemailing either [email protected] [email protected].

Environmental and EnegyPolicy Committee…

The Chamber’s largest committee,this group reviews environmental andenergy policy issues in Maine. From airquality to solid waste disposal, from landuse regulations to water resource issues,the Chamber’s environmental and energypolicy committee covers a wide varietyof environmental and energy issues.

Human ResourcesPolicy Committee…

Although broadly named the humanresources committee, this vital public pol-icy committee of the Maine State Chamberof Commerce reviews far more than justbasic human resources legislation. Thecommittee provides advice and input on anumber of workplace issues includingworkers’ compensation, health care and

health insurance issues and labor matters,including minimum wage and leave issues.

Taxation Policy Committee…The Maine State Chamber’s taxation

policy committee is comprised of membersand professionals from a broad cross-sec-tion of business interests and sizes, whohave a particular interest in Maine tax poli-cies. For decades now, the Chamber’s tax-ation committee has been vocal advocatesof lowering Maine’s overall tax burden.

In addition to our public policy com-mittees, we invite our members to partic-ipate in the following committees toaddress items, such as Chamber gover-nance and membership.

Strategic Planning Committee…The Maine State Chamber is embark-

ing on its Strategic Plan for 2008. Thiscommittee will discuss the direction andposition of the Maine State Chamber intothe future, as well as executing an ActionPlan to get us there. To participate in thiscommittee, please contact Joyce LaRoche,by calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 23, or byemailing [email protected].

Membership Committee…In conjunction with the organization’s

strategic plan, this committee will developstrategies for growing the organization’smembership, identifying prospectivemembers, developing retention strategies,and designing member services and bene-fit programs. To participate in this com-mittee, please contact Joyce LaRoche bycalling (207) 623-4568, ext. 23, or byemailing [email protected].

Finance Committee…This committee oversees the Maine

State Chamber’s budget process andfinancial policies. To participate in thiscommittee, please contact Dana Connorsby calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 13, or byemailing [email protected] [email protected].


I would like to join a MaineState Chamber committee!

Are you a member of the Maine StateChamber of Commerce and interested inserving on one of the Chamber’s committees?

Please complete the form below andfax it to the Chamber at (207) 622-7723. Ifyou prefer, you may send an email [email protected] with yourcontact information and indicate the com-mittee(s) on which you would like to serve.

Please indicate which committee(s) youare interested in serving on:

Contact Name:______________________

______________________________

Contact Title:_______________________

______________________________

Company Name: ____________________

Mailing Address:____________________

Telephone:_________________________

Ext. __________________________

Fax: ______________________________

Email: ____________________________

Policy Committees:_____ Human Resources

(health insurance, labor issues)

_____ Taxation (tax / spending issues)

_____ Environmental and Energy

Chamber Committees:_____ Strategic Planning

_____ Membership

Invitation to participate on an Maine State Chamber policy committee…

Your voice is the voice of Maine Business


Regional BusinessLeadership Meetingprovides forum to discuss issues

Just prior to Wednesday’s Strictly Socialin the Coastal Region, the Maine StateChamber of Commerce hosted its first of fourRegional Business Leadership Meetings.Among the issues of local interest were: The recently announced state stimu-

lus package; The development of an effort to spark

house and building construction projects; The ripple effect caused by slowed con-

struction and the region’s fishing industryon local restaurants, banks, and retailers;

Overcoming the “not in my backyard”mentality;

The abundance of employment lawmandates impeding daily operations;

Improvements to Maine’s telecom-munication and transportation infra-structures; and,

Defining and addressing the overallissue of a positive business climate.

Above, Maine State Chamber President DanaConnors (left) welcomed invited guests to thefirst Regional Business Leadership Meeting of2009. Jack Parker of Reed & Reed repre-sented the event’s exclusive sponsor.At left, Mary Kate Reny of Reny’s discussed theimportance of state and local representation,acknowledging how the work of the Chamber’slobbying and grassroots efforts at the state levelprovide her with time to attend local councilmeetings and be active on the local level.Below, approximately a dozen business lead-ers from the Coastal Maine Region gatheredprior to the Regional Strictly Social to providefeedback and input on the issues affectingbusinesses in their area.

NEW OPPORTUNITY! Sponsor a

Regional BusinessLeadership Meeting

New for 2009, special RegionalBusiness Leadership Meetings will beheld at 4:00 p.m. before each StrictlySocial with area business leaders (withthe exception of the LegislativeSocial). There will be one exclusivesponsorship of $500 for each of thefive events. The sponsor will receivetheir name on signage at the meetingand a one-column half-page ad in thisnewsletter. They will also be limitedspace available to set out promotionalmaterial for attendees.

SPONSORSHIP INFORMATIONcan be obtained by contacting Melody Rousseau by calling

(207) 623-4568, ext. 12, or by [email protected].

S T R I C T LY S O C I A L

I N T H E C OA S TA L R E G I O N

The Maine State Chamber hosted its StrictlySocial in the Coastal Region on Wed.,March 4 at the Maine Maritime Museum inBath. Nearly 50 people attend the annualnetworking event, including two legislators -Sen. Seth A. Goodall (D-Sagadahoc) andRep. Leslie T. Fossel (R-Alna).

Additional Socials are hosted through-out the state each year. See page 20 forour Legislative Strictly Social.


Thank you to ourStrictly Social

Series Sponsors:Altria Client Services, Inc.

Casella Waste Systems,Eastern Region

Central Maine PowerCompany

FairPoint Communications

Hannaford Bros., Co.

Maine Beverage Company

Maine Turnpike Authority

Securian Dental Plans

Telephone Association ofMaine

XWAVE

Thank you to ourRegional Meeting

Sponsor:Reed & Reed


34-36 Elm St., Camden, ME 800-439-4311

22 School St., Rockland, ME 800-439-4425

www.allenagency.com

31 Chestnut St., Camden, ME 877-781-9192

239 Main St., Saco, ME 800-439-4311

www.allenfg.comSecurities and Advisory Services Offered Through Commonwealth

Financial Network, Member FINRA, a Registered Investment Adviser.

HO M E T O W N PR O F E S S I O N A L S . . . .WO R L D W I D E RE S O U R C E S

Upcoming EventsWednesday, April 1, 2009

Legislative Strictly Social 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.; Senator Inn Augusta

Wednesday, May 6, 2009Strictly Social in the

Southern Maine Region5:00 to 7:00 p.m.; Run of the Mill, SacoPrior to this Strictly Social, we are hosting a

Regional Meeting at 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009Strictly Social in the

Western Mountains Region5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Crosstone Restaurant & Event Center,Woodstock

Prior to this Strictly Social, we are hosting aRegional Meeting at 4:00 p.m.

SPONSORSHIP INFORMATIONfor any of the above events can be

obtained by contacting Melody Rousseauby calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 12, or byemailing [email protected].

SPONSORSHIP LEVEL SELECTION:Please review the marketing opportunities you will receive as a Strictly Social sponsor.

¨ SERIES SPONSOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,600Six premium benefits at five first-class events provide you

with superlative strategic marketing opportunities, for one low price!

¨ PREMIER SPONSOR (one per location) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,000 Company name printed on the invitation of the selected Strictly Social; Company name linked from our website for the event of your choice; Complimentary two-column/half-page ad in IMPACT, which runs once in the same

month as the event; Listing on promotional material for the event chosen (newsletter ads, etc.); Company name on sponsor sign of the event chosen; and, Sponsors announced and thanked at the selected Strictly Social.

¨ PRESENTING SPONSOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$750 Company name printed on the invitation of the selected Strictly Social; Company name linked from our website for the event of your choice; Complimentary one-column/half-page ad in IMPACT, which runs once in the same

month as the event; Listing on promotional material for the event chosen (newsletter ads, etc.); Company name on sponsor sign of the event chosen; and, Sponsors announced and thanked at the selected Strictly Social.

¨ OFFICIAL SPONSOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500 Company name printed on the invitation of the selected Strictly Social; Listing on promotional material for the event chosen (newsletter ads, etc.); Company name on sponsor sign of the event chosen; and, Sponsors announced and thanked at the selected Strictly Social.

EVENT LOCATION SELECTION: Please select your preferred Strictly Social

¨ Legislative Strictly Social: Statewide event with many legislative leaders present. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Senator Inn & Spa, Augusta w Wed., April 1, 2009 w 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m

¨ Strictly Social in the Southern Maine Region, including York, Biddeford-Saco,Kennebeunk, Kennebunkport, Old Orchard Beach, Sanford, Wells, and Ogunquit . . . . . . . .Run of the Mill, Saco w Wed., May 6, 2009 w 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

¨ Strictly Social in the Western Mountains Region, including Bridgton, Brownfield, Casco,Denmark, Fryeburg, Harrison, Lovell, Naples, Raymond, Sebago, Stow, Sweden and Waterford,and Woodstock. . . . . . . Crosstone Restaurant & Conference Center, Woodstock

Wed., September 23, 2009 w 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

¨ Strictly Social in the Northern Maine Region, including Bangor and neighboring commu-nities, Bar Harbor, Belfast, Brewer, Bucksport, Ellsworth, Hampden, Old Town, and Orono. . . . . . . . .University of Machias w Wed., Oct. 7, 2009 w 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

TO RESERVE YOUR PREFERRED SPONSORSHIP:To sponsor any or all of the Strictly Socials listed above, please contact Melody Rousseau

by calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 12, or by emailing [email protected].

Strictly SocialMembership Receptions

2009 SponsorshipOpportunities

Reach businesses statewide with one investment!

Step Up and Be Recognized!By taking just one more step and join-

ing the Maine Employers’ Initiative, yourorganization will be recognized as a leaderin supporting employee education in:

The press and other media;

In newsletters;

On the Maine Development Foundationwebsite; and,

At the Compact for Higher EducationAnnual Education Symposium to namea few ways.

Follow these four simple steps postedon our website:

Complete the short Needs Assessmenton-line at www.mdf.org in the pro-gram section;

Review the list of options and see whatextra step fits your organization, orcraft your own;

Consult Maine Employer Initiative stafffor guidance at (207) 626-3124; and,

Take that one step and submit theCommitment Letter to the MEI by fax,mail or email.

The Maine Employers’ Initiative, aprogram of the Maine DevelopmentFoundation, is one of the five action strate-gies of the Maine Compact for HigherEducation (www.collegeforme.org), whichseeks to increase the number of degreeholders in Maine by 40,000 above currentprojections by the year 2020.

In April of 2007, with the help of theMaine Community Foundation, theMaine Development Foundation wasawarded grant funding from the LuminaFoundation and the Ford Foundation tolaunch the initiative. The LuminaFoundation for Education strives to helppeople to achieve their potential byexpanding access and success in educa-tion beyond high school.

If you would like to learn more aboutthe Maine Employers’ Initiative or wouldlike to become involved, please contactPatricia Hart, senior program director atMaine Development Foundation, byemailing [email protected].


Maine employers take steps to increase workforce education

Maine lags New England in the pro-portion of the adult workforce with two-and four-year college degrees, putting thestate at a competitive disadvantage forboth employers and employees. In 2007,the U.S. Census reported that 35.7 per-cent of Maine adults had a collegedegree, compared to 42.5 percent forNew England overall. While there is agrowing focus on our primary and sec-ondary school students to encourage andsupport them in attending college, theMaine Employers’ Initiative, a programof the Maine Development Foundation, isfocused on working with employers tosupport adult employees in furtheringtheir training and education.

The initiative provides Maine’s pub-lic and private employers with technicalassistance, training and statewide recog-nition for taking steps to supportadvanced education for employees includ-ing college degree and certificate achieve-ment. With the goal of having 500employers take just one more step to pro-mote education and training, the MaineEmployers’ Initiative envisions that thiswill result in 5,000 more degree and cer-tificate holders in Maine.

Wonder What “Just One MoreStep” Could Be?

Research shows that when employersdemonstrate their support of higher educa-tion, the employees are far more likely topursue a degree. Studies also show thatemployees are more likely to remain with anemployer who has supported their trainingand education. Consult our list of sugges-tions, or craft your own, some ideas include:

Mentoring an employee on educa-tional opportunities;

Sponsoring a training program;

Providing flex time for classes;

Findings ways to recognize or cele-brate an employee who completes adegree; or,

Paying for some portion of tuition.

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THANK YOU TO THE EVENING’S SPONSORS

From www.mainechamber.org, simply click on the scrolling event listing in the left hand column.

Please call (207) 623-4568, ext. 15, or email [email protected] for assistance or information.

L E G I S L AT I V E S T R I C T LY S O C I A L

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 w 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Senator Inn, Augusta, Maine

The MAINE STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE invites you to its LEGISLATIVE STRICTLY SOCIAL

networking reception. Our annual series of statewide receptions is an ideal way for you, the Maine

business leader, to interact with business associates, new and prospective Maine State Chamber

members, and state representatives in a relaxed setting.

REGISTER ON-LINE AT WWW.MAINECHAMBER.ORG

Series Sponsors: Altria Client Services, Inc.; Casella Waste Systems, Eastern Region;

Central Maine Power Company; FairPoint Communications; Hannaford Bros., Co.; Maine Beverage Company;

Maine Turnpike Authority; Securian Dental Plans; Telephone Association of Maine; XWAVE

Premier Sponsor: Wal-Mart

Presenting Sponsors:Irving Woodlands, LLC; Maine Better Transportation Association; Preti Flaherty, LLC

Official Sponsors: Maine MEP; Pike Industries, Inc.; The Public Affairs Group

In conjunctionwith your local chamber, this event is presented by the

Please feel free

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Cash bar

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In June, Best Companies Group will sur-vey all the Maine companies that have regis-tered online by the deadline of May 29th. Thescientifically validated survey will incorporate acompany’s employee benefits and policies andresponses from a comprehensive employeeengagement and satisfaction survey. The datacollected from the assessment will be used todetermine the Best Places to Work in Maine.

Here are some examples of uniquebenefits offered by companies that madethe Best Places to Work list in 2008: Offered the option to work com-

pressed work weeks; Paid all or part of employee’s health club

membership or fitness/wellness program; Provided cafeteria or meal subsidies,

free daily snacks or beverages; and, Allowed employees paid time off for com-

munity service activities/volunteer work.

John Richardson, commissioner of theMaine Department of Economic &Community Development, added, “In theseeconomic times, it is imperative for employ-ers to hold on to their valuable employees andone way to do this is to offer unique benefitsand incentives. The ‘Best Places to Work’Program helps Maine businesses evaluateand discover new best practices to help keepan educated and strong workforce with grow-ing companies. Our department wouldencourage all companies that meet the crite-ria for the program to participate because it isimportant to highlight and acknowledge the‘Best Places to Work in Maine.’”

Winners of the third annual “BestPlaces to Work in Maine” program in 2008included Norway Savings Bank, based inNorway (large size company category), andJotul North America, located in Gorham(medium size company category). NorwaySavings Bank has participated in the pro-gram for two years. In 2007 it ranked #2,improving to the top position in 2008.

“When we got our 2007 survey results,I scheduled meetings bank-wide by depart-ment and function area,” said RichelleWallace, vice president of human resourcesat Norway Savings Bank. “While we wereselected as one of the ‘Best Places toWork,’ we learned that we still had areasthat we could enhance to make our organi-

The Maine State Council of theSociety for Human Resources Managers(SHRM) has kicked off the fourth annual“Best Places To Work in Maine” program.The event, endorsed by Best CompaniesGroup, the Maine State Chamber ofCommerce, Employment Times, andMainebiz, recognizes companies that haveestablished and consistently fostered out-standing workplace environments.

“The ‘Best Places to Work’ programrecognizes that a healthy, vibrant economystarts with a healthy workplace,” saidGovernor John E. Baldacci. “This pro-gram honors businesses that excel in thiscritical area. It also provides pragmaticadvice and encouragement to those employ-ers who are striving for excellence.”

May 12-15,

2009

TAKING THE MAINE STAGE BY STORM! HR "thought leader" AnnHerrmann-Nehdi from LakeLure, North Carolina. Award-winning employmentlaw "blogger" Mark Toth fromMilwaukee, Wisconsin.Nationally acclaimed MimiDonaldson from Los Angeles,California. The irrepressibleNorm Bossio from Lakeville,Massachusetts. Timemanagement guru PamVaccaro from St. Louis,Missouri. Author Doug Hardy.Comedienne Karen Morgan.And Governor Angus King!

Join us at the Samoset for the "HR Kaleidoscope"adventure, where over 500 CEO's, HR professionals,thought leaders, and other great talents from across thestate gather to discuss the critical role of human resources - both in the context of the current, challengingeconomic environment AND for the exciting, inevitablerecovery to follow!

Register Online At www.mainehr.com/conventionSpecial Thanks to all our Major Sponsors:

Lead Convention Sponsor:

Register Online At www.mainehr.com/convention • Convention Hotline: 207-376-3027

MAINEHuman ResourcesConventionHR Kaleidoscope

14 thannual

Your Convention Host


Employment Times partners with SHRM for fourthannual “Best Places to Work in Maine” program

Project offers resources for employers during challenging economic times


Companies Group “Employee FeedbackReport” is presented to each participatingcompany, even if they did not make the list.The report includes the summarizedemployee engagement and satisfaction data,the Maine Benchmark Report, and the tran-script of employee written comments. Thereport is used by many to make significantimprovements in their workplace culture.

Any company with at least 15 employ-ees in the state of Maine is encouraged toparticipate. Companies selected as a “BestPlace to Work in Maine” will be announcedat a gala event in the fall of 2009. A com-plete list of top companies will be featuredin a statewide publication. Winners canexpect a positive effect on employee morale,employee relations and recruitment.

Interested companies can apply to par-ticipate in the program online at www.best-placestoworkme.com. The deadline forregistration is May 29, 2009, and all regis-tered companies will be surveyed simulta-neously following the deadline date.

Further details about the Best Places toWork in Maine program can be found onlineat www.bestplacestoworkme.com.


Maine State Chamber thanks renewingmembers and welcomes new membersThe Maine State Chamber appreciates the investment its membersmake each year, and their continued commitment to strengthening thevoice of Maine business. With your support, we will continue to be astrong organization that effectively represents the best interests of theMaine business community. * New Member w February 2009

Androscoggin Savings Bank, Lewiston, Maine

Atlantic Insurance & Benefits, Belfast, Maine

Casella Waste Systems, EasternRegion, Saco, Maine

Dirigo Environmental Consultants,Whitefield, Maine

Falcon Printing & Graphics, Lewiston, Maine

Gorham Savings Bank, Gorham, MaineIDEXX Laboratories, Inc.,

Westbrook, MaineJ.B. Brown & Sons, Portland, MaineKeyBank Maine, Portland, MaineMadison Paper Industries,

Madison, MaineMaine Association of Community

Banks, Portland, MaineMaine Association of Realtors,

Augusta, Maine

Maine Chamber Workers’Compensation Group Trust,Auburn, Maine

Maine Health Information Center,Manchester, Maine

Marshall & Libby, Portland, MaineMcCormack Building Supply Inc.,

Winslow, MaineNational Semiconductor Corporation,

South Portland, MaineNorway Savings Bank, Norway, MainePortland Pipe Line Corp.,

South Portland, Maine*Renewable Energy Storage of Maine,

Biddeford, MaineSebasco Harbor Resort LLC,

Sebasco Estates, MaineThe Haughey Company, Inc.,

Boston, Massachusetts*VOX Global, Scarborough, MaineWal-Mart, New York, New YorkWCSH-TV (Channel 6), Portland, Maine

Maine Indoor Air QualityConference to explorelink between student andworker performance andhealthy indoor air quality

The Maine Indoor Air Quality Councilis sponsoring its annual IAQ conferencefrom 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday,March 28 at the Augusta Civic Center.Richard Shaughnessy, Ph.D., Director ofIndoor Air Quality at the University ofTulsa, will be keynote speaker, and work-shops will cover recent findings in more thana dozen areas related to improving indoor airand the health of building occupants.

The Keynote Presentation: Thoughmany people believe that improvingindoor air will create a more productiveenvironment, the concept has been diffi-cult to prove. Recent studies support thepremise that a high-performing buildingcan lead to increased student and workerperformance. Poor air quality mayreduce the ability to perform specificmental tasks requiring concentration, cal-culation, or memory. Poor air quality canalso cause health symptoms that lead toincreased absences from school and work.

The Workshops: In addition to thekeynote presentation, at least twelve otherworkshops and presentations will be held,including sessions on:w Linking moisture problems in homes

with asthma in children;w High performing, energy efficient

schools;w Investigating indoor environmental

quality in buildings;w Mold assessment, remediation and

testing;w IAQ in the prevention and treatment

of lung diseases; and,w IAQ and community health planning.

Continuing education credits for licens-ing and certification of professionals areavailable. Details on the event, includingregistration forms and accreditation avail-ability, are available at www.miaqc.org, orby contacting Christine Crocker, executivedirector of the Maine Indoor Air QualityCouncil, by calling (207) 626-8115 or byemailing [email protected].

Best Places to Work...(Continued from Page 21...)

zation an even better place to work.”Richelle continued, “At the meetings, I

solicited specific suggestions from employees.They provided open and honest feedback andcame up with some very practical ideas. As aresult, I used the feedback and worked withmanagers, and we implemented 79 strategiesbank-wide. I was careful to ensure that wecommunicated these strategies back to employ-ees and emphasized they were a direct result oftheir suggestions. We felt it was important toshow action as a result of their feedback.”

“I am confident that this entire processdeveloped a sense of inclusion for allemployees, and in turn, the organizationdemonstrated that employees were heard.As a result, we enjoyed 92% participationin the next survey process for the followingyear, and a bump to the coveted and pres-tigious #1 ranking for 2008!”

The program also helps companies thatwant to improve their score. The Best

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

The Maine State Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring

Business Day at the Statehouseon Tuesday, March 17, 2009, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

We need your help to make this day a success.The purpose of this event is to emphasize the importance of preserving and retaining our existing jobs, strengthening our

economy through the creation of new opportunities, and keeping Maine businesses competitive in this very fragile economy.

As we all know, businesses today are struggling and thousands of Maine people are out of work. BusinessDay at the Statehouse is an prime opportunity for businesses to connect with Maine legislators and tell them first-hand the struggles they are facing in an effort to work together for Maine’s citizens.

The event will take place in the Hall of Flags, located on the second floor of the Statehouse in Augusta. GovernorJohn Baldacci will “kick off” the event with a press conference. He will be joined by a variety of legislators and busi-ness leaders. Among those invited, but not confirmed, is Karen Mills, director of the Small Business Administration.

We believe is it very important to have as many people on-hand as possible! Please encourage your employees toattend as well. Please contact Linda Caprara, director of grassroots advocacy, by calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 16, orby emailing [email protected] to let her know if you can attend, and how many people you will be bringing.

Join us for Business Day at the Statehouse

With your help, the “Voice of Maine Business” will resonate throughout Augusta on March 17

Documents

March 5, 2009 Human services committee approves BETR … · Procter & Gamble / Tambrands, Bancroft Contracting, the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce, Unum, Sargeant Corporation,