August 2013 - Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce

Chamber News
August 2013
How's Business?
So, how are we doing here in the Bangor Region?
By John Porter, President and CEO, Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce
A conventional wisdom has developed - and as conventional wisdoms go it’s not a bad one –
suggesting that Bangor is on the move, with more energy and vibrancy than elsewhere in the state.
made in recent years, we still have work to do in the Bangor Region to fulfill our mission to “promote
and advance a vital, healthy business environment.”
Much of that has to do with the Bangor community’s audacity in the midst of a bad economy
George Bishop, president of Penobscot Cleaning Services in Brewer was upbeat: “I feel business
to invest more than $65 million in a new arena and convention center. At a time when other
is pretty good. We are on track with last year’s numbers, possibly able to do a little better than
communities were turning away bonds for a new school roof or some other capital necessity, Bangor
last year, however that is TBD,” he said, adding, “It appears there is only so much discretionary
made a bold statement about its future.
disposable income out there to be had.
And if you were present at July’s Early Bird Breakfast, you got an earful
as to why that investment is expected to pay off handsomely. Already the
community’s tax base has gotten a boost from the hotel that will be built next
to the new Cross Insurance Center, and more development that is good for
both the area economy and Bangor taxpayers is likely on the way.
Bangor continues to grow as a service center, too, with our medical
sector leading the way. While the health care industry is taking some shortterm hits with state Medicaid cutbacks and federal Medicare reimbursement
changes, it is nonetheless clear that Bangor is establishing itself as the regional
hub for health care services.
Keeping the fuel prices down and stabilized helps out tremendously.”
"... businesses
must react
to changing
times."
Steven Ribble, a licensed landscape architect in Bangor, has had more
mixed experience in the summer of 2013: “From what I see for inquiries and
billing, business is flat between the 2012 and 2013 summers for my segment
of land development. That said, my municipal work has dropped off and I’ve
replaced it with some residential projects.”
Like any smart businessman, Ribble is not waiting on the economy
and hoping for the best. Instead, he’s spotting changes and challenges and
reworking his business plan. “I am currently in the process of rebranding my
services to attract more residential and commercial work. This effort is in the
Still, the worst national recession in more than 60 years hangs over the
economy, and one senses that the recovery remains uneven. And, no doubt, we’ve more work to do
in the Bangor region to build a broader economic base that offers opportunity beyond the visitor
and medical industries.
form of website redesign and additional marketing in new venues to attract
the residential market.”
Indeed, it seems many businesses must to react to changing times. At Changing Seasons Federal
Credit Union in Hampden, Tina Morrill, the marketing director, said the growth in e-banking
We sent a note out to our members recently asking how they are faring in this economy. Not
surprisingly, the results were somewhat mixed. That suggests that, despite the obvious strides we’ve
w w w. b a n g o r r e g i o n . c o m
How's Business, continued on pg. 2
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BANGOR, ME
Chamber News
President’s Corner
I perhaps have a twisted sense of what is cool.
After a 30-year career writing about, running and now promoting
new businesses, my definition of cool looks something like this:
After a lot of talk and some fits and starts, some well- connected,
like-minded business leaders seek out and put together a loosely
organized group of qualified investors in the Bangor Region.
These investors, about 8 in all, hold an initial meeting and hear
a presentation from a local technology start-up. The CEO of this
fledgling venture had just flown in from the Midwest, where she was
courting investors and potential partners.
But here, right here in her own backyard in Bangor, she was able to find some folks, who after
hearing her pitch, decided to invest in her innovative venture.
Is that cool, or what?
The Bangor Region Chamber Business Action Committee, under the leadership of John
Simpson, has been talking for some time about creating a local venture fund or angel financing
network. All kinds of models were discussed. Could we aggregate a seven-figure fund and have
it managed? (Not likely). Could we partner with the state? (Seems far-fetched given the current
disarray in Augusta.) Could we form a Bangor Chapter of the successful Maine Angels group in the
Portland area? (Hmmmmmmmmm.)
We’ve been talking with Maine Angels and some of our area investors have joined that group
with an eye toward bringing that model to Bangor. This could take the form of being a formal
extension of the Portland group, or perhaps a loose affiliate. And we’ve also talked about creating
mechanisms for pooling small investments into a limited liability company to make investing here
more scalable.
This is work in progress, and as we explore what we can do to help local firms find equity
capital, it will no doubt evolve.
So, if you are a qualified investor – which under securities law means you have an individual
income in excess of $200,000 annually or a net worth of more than $1 million excluding your home
– contact us. We might be able to connect you with some exciting investment opportunities. And
we’ll make those connections in a confidential, no-pressure setting that works for you.
This is exciting work. Finding ways to connect local investors with local businesses that hold
the promise of new jobs for our region goes to the heart of our mission. And it is very cool.
~ John Porter
Time
make
to
you
voice
heard! The Bangor
Region
of
Chamber
Commerce
Calling all golfers!
25TH ANNUAL
CHAMBER CHALLENGE
GOLF TOURNEY
SEPT. 20
BANGOR MUNI
Governmental
Affairs Committee
will be gathering
in August to begin
the
process
of
setting our public
policy priorities in 2014. Our “Issues of Impact” statement takes shape in the fall and goes to
the Board for approval at its meeting in December. It then becomes the organization’s guide
for advocacy in the following year. If you have an interest in participating in this process,
contact to the Chamber and we will get you involved in this exciting work.
How's Business, continued from cover
means less lobby traffic and a shifting business model. Still, she says the credit union is happy with
the progress it has made in establishing itself in the market.
many have just grown inpatient with the economy and have decided to forge ahead.
“Some business are tried of waiting to see if the economy is going to move so they are moving
Though uncertainty as to whether and how well the recovery has taken hold remains, this has
not deterred entrepreneurs from starting new businesses, which is a hopeful sign.
forward with either buying a new piece of equipment or hiring one more employee or whatever
else they were waiting for,” said Alan Campbell of People’s United Bank. But Campbell also feels
uncertainties in the national economy are still a factor. He thinks “the
Steve Brown has founded inBangor.com, a news, sports and
entertainment website, and a lot of his optimism stems not from what is
going on nationally, but what is happening locally.
“I am hoping that our local expansion and business development
progress is actually leading away from the national trends we are seeing
in cities like Detroit,” said Brown.
Betsy Lundy of Central Street Farmhouse in Bangor also feels the
vibrancy in Bangor is a big help. She reports business is up 20 percent
health insurance issue (implementation of the federal Affordable Care
"... the vibrancy in
Act) is stopping some employers from expanding.”
the community is
for being business friendly as a concern, and several cited a similar theme
broadly felt."
over last year. She credits efforts to keep downtown Bangor friendly to
visitors and “I also think the Waterfront Concert series has been great
in bringing people to town.”
Aside from the local energy that seems to be encouraging business people, it may also be that
2
Chamber News / August 2013
Others responding to our questions citied Maine’s poor reputation
of things being a bit better this year, but there was still a sense of caution
overall.
Bangor does have a lot going for it, and the vibrancy in the
community is broadly felt. That doesn’t mean we don’t have challenges.
As a Chamber, we must work together to address those challenges while
not losing sight of how far we’ve come in just a few short years.
Member Business
Business After Hours
Thurs., Aug. 8, 5-7pm
Lucerne Inn
TOPIC: Healthcare Reform Act
Wed., Aug. 28
Spectacular Event Center
Our Chamber is teaming up with the Ellswort!h Chamber for this
perennial favorite. Stay afterward for dinner with your friends
and colleagues! To RSVP, for dinenr, please call 843-5123.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) is likely
here to stay. Michael Deschaine, president of the employee
benefits division of Cross Insurance, will be providing insight
on what to expect, when to expect it, and give insight on how
to prepare your business and your employees for the PPACA.
The presentation will cover, among other things, employer
coverage requirements, compliance deadlines, reporting
requirements, and potential penalties your business and your
employees could face if compliance is not met. Come join us,
ask questions, and bring your medical plan in compliance with
the new rules.
Networking 7:00am; Breakfast 7:30am; Program 8-9am
Tickets $17 members
$22 non-members
RSVP: 947-0307 or [email protected]
Business After Hours
Thurs., Aug. 29, 5-7pm
Breakfast Sponsor:
Media Sponsor:
WABI TV5
Great food, music, cash bar, beer and wine! Help celebrate 60
years of WABI. Fabulous door prizes and TV5 gifts!
M e mb e r n ews
• Construction has begun on an $8 million
facility for FedEx, to be used as a package
distribution center. The 85,000-square-foot
building is located on a 12-acre site on Mack
Lane in the Cold Brook Business Park.
• The American Red Cross-Pine Tree
Chapter has moved from its Hammond Street
location to: 145 Exchange Street, Suite-1, which
is on the 2nd floor of The First Bank building.
They are in need of donated conference room
furniture. If anyone has “slightly used” tables
and chairs, please contact Todd Nadeau at:
[email protected] or 735-2613.
• Penobscot Community Health Care
(PCHC) announces the following: Christopher
Johnston DO, and Cynthia Levick, FNP – C has
joined the medical staff of PCHC’s Helen Hunt
Health Center; Jacques Weinstein, MBA joins
PCHC Board of Directors; Luminita Schiop,
DDS, has joined the staff of PCHC’s Dental
Center; Laura Connors, PA-C has joined the
medical staff of PCHC’s Community Care and
Geriatrics. Also, PCHC has been recognized as
a “Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality” in the
Healthcare Equality Index 2013.
• The Lucerne Golf Club invites you to
come and play on the Donald Ross Design Golf
Course. The facility opens at 6 am and closes
at dark. Located 15 minutes from Bangor on
route 1-A and welcomes company outings!
Contact Tina Gubler 843-6282
• UMaine Museum of Art located at 40
Harlow St. Bangor is now exhibiting: “Joanne
Freeman: Three Chords”; “Rachelle Agundes
& Sean Downey: Travel in my Borrowed
Lives” and Emily Trenholm: MonheganNew Perspective” This exhibit along with
the permanent collection “Young Curators:
Lightscapes” will be on display until September
21, 2013. The hours are: Monday-Saturday
10am – 5pm. 561-3350 or [email protected]
• Penobscot Home Performance, an
Efficiency Maine participating energy advisor
company, is urging everyone to take advantage
of the soon to expire $600 Efficiency Maine
Rebate. The program allows homeowners
to receive a free blower door test and energy
assessment on their homes by qualified energy
advisors. Homeowners are then eligible to
have up to six hours of basic air sealing work
completed in their homes. Contact: www.
penobscothomeperformance.com
207-9912100 or 207-322-8944
• St. Joseph Healthcare announces that Miki
Macdonald FNP has been named 2013 Maine
Hospital Association “Caregiver of the Year”.
Miki travels each year, at her own expense, to
set up a health clinic for women in Nicaragua.
She is accompanied by fellow nurses, nursing
students and a gynecologist to supply the
medical needs of many women in that country.
Also, St Josephs was recognized with an “A”
Hospital Safety Score by the Leapfrog Group,
an independent national nonprofit run by
employers and other large purchasers of health
benefits. Earning an “A” demonstrates that the
hospital has exhibited excellence in the national
database of patient safety measures.
• Rudman Winchell has announced that
five of its attorneys and four of its practice areas
were recognized by Chambers and Partners for
excellence.
• People’s United Community Foundation,
the philanthropic arm of People’s United Bank,
has awarded $5,000 to MaineStream Finance in
Bangor. Established by Penquis Community
Action Program is a not-for-profit Community
Development
Corp.
and
Community
Development Financial Institution addressing
the needs of Maine’s low and moderate-income
population. The Foundation has also awarded
$5,000 to Camp CaPella in Holden, Maine.
Camp Capella provides year-round, accessible
recreational and educational experiences
for children and adults with physical and
development disabilities and their families. The
Foundation also awarded $4,000 to the Good
Samaritan Agency in Bangor. Good Samaritan
Agency helps meet the needs of single parents
and their children. The grant will support Good
Samaritan Agency’s Teen Parent Education
Program.
• EMDC's Board of Directors added two
new members during its June meeting. Jane
Searles from Women, Work and Community
and Garrett Wilkin from Maine Hacker Club
joined the 20 other individuals from Penobscot,
Pisctaquis, Hancock and Waldo counties who
currently serve on EMDC's Board.
• The Maine Chapter of Construction
Specifications Institute has recognized WBRC
Architects/Engineers with an Award for
Excellence in Construction Project Delivery for
its role in the Cross Insurance Center project
management team.
• Eaton Peabody has announced that eight of
its attorneys and five of its practice areas were
included in the 2013 edition of Chambers USA
for the state of Maine.
• The Rotary Club of Bangor has named:
Stephen Rich, Earl Black and Arthur Comstock
as Paul Harris Fellows for their exemplary
service at the organization’s annual awards
luncheon.
• Camden National has been named to
Forbes’ list of the 100 Most Trustworthy
Companies in America.
•
Round, has taken first place in the four-axle, the
written test and pre-trip competition during the
2013 Maine Motor Transportation Association
Truck Driving Championship held at Dysart’s
Truck Stop.
• David Colter, who has been with GAC
Chemical Corporation since 1994, has been
promoted to the role of Chief Executive Officer.
David serves on the UMaine Pulp & Paper
Foundation board, the Maine State Chamber
board, the Action Committee of 50 board and
the UMaine Black Bear board of advisors.
• Richard Prindall has been hired as a senior
accountant at Eastern Maine Development
Corporation. Prindall previously worked at
Penobscot Community Health Center.
• Dennis “Red” Gendron is the new men’s
hockey coach at UMaine. Gendron has won two
NCAA hockey championships as an assistant
head coach and three NHL Stanley Cup rings
as an assistant coach in the New Jersey Devil’s
organization.
Pottle’s Transportation driver, Ronald
Matt Hollander, Mike Dyer and Tanya Emera spoke about
the new Cross Insurance Center at the July Early Bird Breakfast. We had a GREAT turnout!
Chamber News / August 2013 3
Chamber News
Welcome
NEW MEMBERS
Gulf Electricity
Mark Landry
(855) 485-3353
15 Mamie Road
South Weymouth, Massachusetts 02190
[email protected]
www.gulfelectricity.com
Mark has been with Gulf for over 20 years and is happy
to bring his new service to the greater Bangor area.
Mark is offering Chamber members credit when they
switch their electric service over to Gulf Electricity.
Call/Email Mark and see how much money he can
save you!
R H Enterprises, Inc. dba What a Great Event!
Linda Snyder
(207) 740-2247
P.O. Box 282
Auburn, Maine 04212
[email protected]
www.regroupbiz.com
ReGroup! means "redo, reorganize and reinvent"; we
like the idea of the R E in ReGroup! standing for Resource Enhancement, Risk Evaluation,Real Estate, and
Remarkable Events! We can help you ReGroup! both
personally and professionally!
Providence Service Corporation
Rachael Tyler
(207) 634-2201
81 Maine Street Suite 401
Bangor, Maine 04401
[email protected]
www.providenceofmaine.com
Rachael and her team are experiencing incredible
growth right now. They offer counseling services at
your convenience, removing barriers, coming to their
clients with a “can do” attitude!
St Croix Mobile Notary Service
4
Chamber News / August 2013
member renewals
A-1 Safe Storage
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine
AAA Northern New England
Matheson Vally dba Advantage Gases
& Tools
Acadia Benefits, Inc.
Modern Screenprint, Inc.
KahBang
Timothy Lo
(207) 942-9207
[email protected]
www.kahbang.com
84 Harlow St., Suite 1, Bangor
KahBang is our local celebration of all mediums of
talent. There will be festivities that include: cinematic
specials, music, artwork, culinary delights, crafted
brews and a real sense of community for all ages! Join
the party starting Thursday August 8 through Sunday
August 11.
Allen Drucker, M.Ed PA
Kathi Howland
(207) 991-3890
8 Broadlawn Drive
Brewer, Maine 04412
[email protected]
www.stcroixmobilenotary.com
Kathi recognized a need in our greater Bangor area
and is filling it! She is now a mobile Notary. She will
come to you!
Coffee News USA, Inc.
Shaw House
Context by Design
Sign Services, Inc.
Day's Jewelers
Specialty Sweets
Eagle Crest, LLC dba Riverview Motel
Sprague's Nursery
Eastside Rehabilitation & Living
Center
Swish - USA -
Northern Maine Distilling Company
Jessica Jewell
(207) 974-3055
55 Baker Blvd Suite 22
Brewer, Maine 04412
[email protected]
www.twenty2vodka.com
The Northern Maine Distilling Company was founded
by Scott Galbiati and Jessica Jewell in 2006, who
moved from upstate NY back to Northern Maine
and began assembling the resources necessary to
construct their one of a kind setup of micro-potstills.
In 2008, the first drops of true micro distilled vodka
distilled came into existance, forever setting the new
standard in crisp, clean, neutral distillate.
FairPoint Communications
Bangor Area Homeless Shelter, The
Bangor Area Recovery Network, Inc.
Bangor Harbor Cruises
Bangor Pipe & Supply, Inc.
Bangor Tire Company
Bar Harbor Trust Services
Brantner, Thibodeau & Associates
Brewer Rehabilitation & Living Center
Canon Solutions America
Changing Seasons Federal Credit
Union
Edwards, Faust & Smith, Certified
Public Accountants
Employee Health Solutions
EZ To Use.com
Fields4Kids
Frank Webb's Bath Center
GEXPRO
Gilman Electrical Supply Company
InsureHealth
James W. Sewall Company
Kindred Nursing & Rehabilitation
Westgate
Maine Aero Services
Maine Contracting
Maine Equipment & Party Rental
Maine Staffing Group
Nautel, Inc.
New England Communications
Nickerson & O'Day, Inc.
Northeast Technical Institute
Orkin Pest Control
OTT Commnuications
Pat's Pizza - Orono
Pumpkin Patch RV Resort
RM Flagg
Securitas Security Services, USA
Seven Island Land Company
The Curran Homestead
The First, N.A.
Twin Maple Outdoors
UBS Financial Services
UniFirst Corporation
University of Maine Systems
UPS - Brewer
Verso Paper
Wal-Mart - Brewer
Woodlands Assisted Living of Brewer,
LLC
WQCB/WBZN/WEZQ/WWMJ/WDEA
Town Square Media
Willey Law Offices
. . . . . a word from kate . . . . .
C HAMBER N EWS
How's your
golf swing?
Dear Members,
Like everyone else in Maine, we are busy cramming the
most (what's left) of summer into August! We have a
busy calendar; 2 Business After Hours, a Social Media
Seminar and an Early Bird Breakfast all while we are
booking teams and sponsors for our 25th Annual
Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament. Please think
about how you want to be involved with your chamber
this month. I will be asking for your answer soon! I look
forward to seeing a lot of you during the month. Let's all
celebrate our relationships and make the best of the rest
of summer.
Smiles to all of you!
Kate Grover-Director of Membership
Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce
208 Maine Avenue, Bangor, ME 04401
207.947.0307
[email protected]
www.bangorregion.com
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Chamber News / August 2013 5
BR C C P R O G RAMS
Ahhhh...August!
It’s time to finish up vacations, kids are
off to various camps, and preseason
begins for fall sports teams. As we all
finish our summer playing hard, here
Be aware of the daily heat index.
According to the National Weather Service, with a heat index over 90 you should use extreme
caution when exercising outdoors. A heat index above 100 is considered dangerous, and above 125,
extremely dangerous. If you or your kids are starting new vigorous or intense activities outside,
allow your body time to acclimate to the heated environment (this should occur over several days).
Ask your kids’ coaches and/or councilors what their policy is in regards to high heat and humidity,
The National Athletic Trainers Association has guidelines for both coaches and parents on their
website.
Be honest and objective about your child’s activity level.
Don’t allow your teen to sit around all summer and then expect to start double practice sessions the
first week of August. If it’s too late for that, be honest with coaches and councilors so they are aware
are some tips to keep it a safe and
of your child’s fitness level at this point. Next summer, plan ahead to gradually increase physical
fun-filled August.
Start out hydrated and stay hydrated.
Adequate hydration greatly reduces your risk of heat illness. Make sure that water is plentiful and
activity over the course of weeks leading up to your son's/daughter's preseason or camp.
available throughout the entire outdoor activity. If you are not sure, pack a filled, chilled, water
bottle every time.
Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol as these can lead to greater fluid loss.
Drinks with guarana also contain caffeine as this is the stimulant in the guarana seeds. Guarana may
contain 3.6% - 5.8% caffeine by weight. Coffee only has up to 2%. (WebMD) Drinks containing
both caffeine and guarana would greatly multiply caffeine’s stimulant and diuretic effects.
Sports drinks and energy drinks are not the same thing.
Check to see what your pre-teen or teen is drinking to hydrate. Sports drinks and energy drinks are
not the same thing, yet, according to a report published from the American Academy of Pediatrics
Committee on Nutrition and the Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness (Sports Drinks and Energy
Drinks for Children and Adolescents: Are They Appropriate?) the adolescents in the study did not
differentiate between sports and energy drinks and cited the same benefits for both beverages. The
AAP does not recommend drinks containing stimulants for children and adolescents. If your teen
is concerned about muscle recovery after prolonged vigorous exercise, low fat milk is an excellent
option as a protein recovery drink.
Don’t skip the bug spray.
Just because the mosquitoes aren’t as thick as they were in June, doesn’t mean they stopped carrying
diseases. If you are going to be outdoors for long periods or sending a child into a wooded camp
you can try hanging mosquito traps. They are relatively new. They work by emitting substances
attractive to female mosquitoes, (males don’t bite) luring them in, and either trapping or killing
them.
Make an appointment for an annual checkup.
Many parents get an annual physical for their kids before sports season begins, but neglect getting
one themselves. Many healthcare plans offer free annual physicals, but many adults do not take
advantage of this preventive offering. Check with your benefits manager to make sure your plan
covers what your doctor tests for in a routine physical. It’s also a great time to update your children’s
immunization records before the note comes home from the school nurse in September.
Have a wonderful August!
Roxane Dubay
Executive Director,
Wellness Council of Maine
NWI Member Benefit – Discounts
Yes, you get discounts to even more wellness benefits thanks to your dual WLCME-NWI membership. One of those discounts is 10%
off Whole Person Associates publications, the leading publisher of training resources for stress management, wellness promotion, and
mental health issues. Another valuable discount is 35% off New Harbinger Publications, which offers a multitude of effective, scientifically
sound self-help books dealing with a range of topics in psychology, health and personal growth.
To access these discounts, go to www.nationalwellness.org and click “Your NWI Member Discounts” under the “resources” tab.
6
Chamber News / August 2013
BR C C P R O G RAMS
Were you one of the hundreds who dodged, players prior to the beginning of the league.
ducked, dipped and dived in Fusion's dodgeball league?
Registration is $20 per person or $400 for a company
Did you see the pictures and wish you could have to sponsor and provide its own players. Please contact
had your shot against the Blue Barracudas? Well the Fusion at [email protected] or 947-0307 to
Barracudas are back, and so is Fusion Sports, this time secure company sponsorships.
with a kickball league. Channel your inner fifth grader
and join Fusion every
Wednesday
FusionSports.
you can sign-up, pay,
October 9th for some
be
Teams
should
made
up
of
12 players, and 8
players must be on
the field at all time,
2013
eventbrite.com. There,
from September 4th -
kickball.
BRLI Worth the Investment
by Melissa Huston, BRLI Class of
For complete information and to register visit
night
good, old fashioned
Interested in being a part of the BRLI Class of 2014?
Applications are now being accepted. Read on to see how
BRLI impacted Melissa Huston, member of the Class of
2013.
The
and indicate if there
Kickball,
anyone?
2 of whom must be
you to confirm your
I respected in the community and had enjoyed following as
registration.
their careers evolved. It was clear that they had invested much
Please
with any questions.
at Union Street, and
Thank you to our
teams will play for
acquaintances who had participated in the program and spoke
highly of their experience. Many of these folks were people that
f u s i o n b a n g o r. c o m
be two fields for use
time. I knew several business
will be in touch with
contact us at events@
female. There will
on my radar for quite some
player(s) you want to
Fusion representative
Region
Leadership Institute had been
is a certain team or
be on a team with. A
Bangor
time and effort into the making of their success.
My own career path has been rooted in the non-profit
world where professional development opportunities are a
sponsor,
luxury given the shoestring budgets most of us work within. It
Geaghan Bros Brewing. Join us at Geaghan’s before and
(whichever comes first). Games take place at 5:45pm, after every Fusion Sports game for some delicious food,
6:45pm, and 7:45pm. A schedule will be circulated to all craft brews and conversation.
became apparent that if I wanted to grow as a professional, I
champion
1 hour or 5 innings
would need to be prepared to invest in myself.
There is no lack of training opportunities these days.
Conferences, workshops and on-line webinars are all readily
available. It is a matter of choosing which format and which
curriculum is right for what you are personally trying to
achieve. Most of these opportunities offer quality technical
training for very specific skills. But what about the intangible
soft skills like networking and honing your own leadership
style? These are not skills that can be taught or force-fed, they
must be experienced. And to experience them, you must be
prepared to place yourself in an environment that stretches you
outside of your normal routine and personal comfort zone.
Fusion members at the Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion for the Last Summer on Earth Tour. Thanks to Darling’s, Fusion
members received exclusive access to the VIP tent for the concert. Thank you Darling’s for the special treatment and
for a fun night of great music!
I am very grateful to the Bangor Region Chamber of
Commerce for creating just such an opportunity, but for
also making it accessible to those who truly want to invest in
their future and that of their community. Through the BRLI
Scholarship Program, I was able to participate in the Class
of 2013. The scholarship grants one-third of the cost of the
Matt McLaughlin, Program Coordinator, is
Moving On!
It is with some sadness but also a good deal
of pride that I tell you that Matt McLaughlin, our
program coordinator for the past 18 months, will
be leaving the Chamber to accept a new position at
Eastern Maine Community College.
program. The expectation is that the employer will provide a
one-third commitment and the remaining one-third is to come
from the participant. I love the message that this sends. We,
the chamber – which is your community and your employer,
are willing to invest in you if you are willing to invest in
yourself.
The curriculum is loaded with tangible take-aways itself,
Matt is to become Coordinator of Business and
Industry at the college, a function that was under our
former Board Chair, Mike Ballesteros, when he was
a dean there. This is a remarkable opportunity for
someone so young, and it speaks to the good work that
Matt did while here at the Chamber. As you all know,
Matt has impressed everyone with not only his skills,
but with his professionalism and ability to work with
others.
but the surprise came from what I learned from my fellow
Please join me in congratulating Matt on a job
well done here at the Chamber and on his new career
challenge.
Shepherd Food Bank, which serves as the hub of Maine’s
classmates.
Observing how others process information and
the sharing of resources and mutual past experiences, made
this learning opportunity incredibly unique.
As a now
proud alumnus of BRLI, I can assure you that it is worth the
investment.
Melissa Huston is a graduate of the BRLI Class of 2013.
She is the Northern Director of Philanthropy for Good
hunger relief network.
~ John Porter
Chamber News / August 2013
7
1-31
Cole Land Transportation Museum – Open 7 Days a Week. 9am – 5pm. 405 Perry Rd.
990-3600 or www.colemuseum.org
1-4
Bangor State Fair, 100 Dutton St. Admission $12 947-5555 or [email protected]
1
Fresh Air Market located along Broad St. and West Market Square in Bangor. 5-8pm. Free Cool Sounds Concert featuring “Flash in the
Pans Steel Drum Band” in Pickering Square.
1
Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion, “The Lost Trailers” 800-745-3000 or www.waterfrontconcerts.com
2
Hollywood Casino’s “Soundstage” features: Ranger For more info: 1-877-779-7771 or: hollywoodcasinobangor.com
2
Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion, “Miranda Lambert and Dierks Bentley” 800-745-3000 or www.waterfrontconcerts.com
2
Mt. Hope Cemetery Tour – The tour meets at the Mt. Hope Superintendent’s Office at 1048 State St. $10 non-members, BMHC members
free, $5 under 12, under 5 free. All tours are approximately one hour long. www.bangormuseum.org/tours.html (5pm)
3
WLBZ 2 Sidewalk Art Festival – www.wlbz2.com Rain Date August 4th. 9am to 4pm.
3
Hollywood Casino’s “Soundstage” features: Rick Miller Band For more info: 1-877-779-7771 or: hollywoodcasinobangor.com
6
Bangor Band Concert – Masonic Center, 294 Union St. Bangor. 7PM www.bangorband.com
6
Tuesday Forum will hold its monthly business meeting at the Seadog @ noon. Sponsored by Mindy Cronin, Harbor Shore Landscaping
INC. Please contact Hope Gabric for more information at: 947-8802 or [email protected]
7
Bangor Museum and History Center – Free Brown Bag Lunch – Different topic each month. Thomas A. Hill House, 159 Union Street. 12
Noon – Call 942-1900 for more information.
7
Bangor Public Library Summer Music Series – “Six Basin Street” Held just outside the Library in Peirce Park, in inclement weather the
music will be moved to the Lecture Hall on the 3rd floor. 7PM
7
Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion, “Kenny Chesney” 800-745-3000 or www.waterfrontconcerts.com
8-11
KahBang: Music, Art & Film Festival www.kahbang.com
9
Hollywood Casino’s “Soundstage” features: Colwell Brothers For more info: 877-779-7771 or: hollywoodcasinobangor.com
AUGUST meetings
August eVENTS
BR C C & M e m b e r e v e n t s
1 BIZ Action, 8am
10-17 Senior League Baseball World Series, Mansfield Stadium, Thirteenth Street, Bangor. For more info: www.worldseries.bangorinfo.com [email protected] - 659-0447
10
Hollywood Casino’s “Soundstage” features: Little Buffalo For more info: 1-877-779-7771 or: hollywoodcasinobangor.com
10
Leonard’s Mills – Men and Their Machines and Blacksmith’s Roundup. 10am-3pm. 974-6278 or www.leonardsmills.com Adults $10,
Children $5
13
Tuesday Forum will host a meeting at the Seadog @ noon. New Member Orientation. Please contact Hope Gabric for more information
at: 947-8802 or [email protected] 13
Devil’s Half Acre Tour – Meets at Waterfront parking lot at 64 Front St. (Recommended for Adults Only) 7pm www.bangormuseum.org
13
Bangor Band Concert – Bangor Waterfront. 7PM www.bangorband.com
14
Bangor Public Library Summer Music Series – “October Gold” Held just outside the Library in Peirce Park, in inclement weather the music
will be moved to the Lecture Hall on the 3rd floor. 7PM
15
United Way of Eastern Maine will hold a “New Professional Development” opportunity (learn how to make your campaign a success) at
Rangeley Hall at EMCC campus from 3-4:30pm. Please RSVP by August 6th at: [email protected] or 941-2800 x 214
16
Hollywood Casino’s “Soundstage” features: Almost There Band For more info: 1-877-779-7771 or: hollywoodcasinobangor.com
17
Mt. Hope Cemetery Tour – The tour meets at the Mt. Hope Superintendent’s Office at 1048 State St. $10 non-members, BMHC members
free, $5 under 12, under 5 free. All tours are approximately one hour long. www.bangormuseum.org/tours.html (10am)
17
Hampden Children’s Day – 862-3333 or: www.hampdenmaine.gov
17
Hollywood Casino’s “Soundstage” features: Rock Dox For more info: 1-877-779-7771 or: hollywoodcasinobangor.com
18
Tommy Knockers Tour – Stephen King fans, Bangor Residents and out-of-state tourists. The tour consists of a narrated one and a half hour
drive through the city. Tour meets at the Waterfront parking lot at 64 Front Street at 2PM. $20 tickets (advance ticket only) Please call
947-5205 or www.visitbangormaine.com
20
Tuesday Forum will host a meeting at the Seadog @ noon. Presenter will be: Helen McKinnon, EMMC Modernization Project. Please
contact Hope Gabric for more information at: 947-8802 or [email protected]
21
Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion, “Larry the Cable Guy with Bill Engvall” 800-745-3000 or www.waterfrontconcerts.com
21
The Nite Show with Dan Cashman - The Next Generation Theatre, 39 Center Street, Brewer, Maine Tapings begin at 6 p.m., but
we ask that you arrive no later than 5:45 p.m. We ask that all audience members be at least 14 years or older. For tickets: tickets@
theniteshowmaine.com There is no charge!
23-25 American Folk Festival – Bangor Waterfront – www.americanfolkfestival.com or 992-2630
23
Hollywood Casino’s “Soundstage” features: Tomorrow Morning For more info: 1-877-779-7771 or: hollywoodcasinobangor.com
24
Hollywood Casino’s “Soundstage” features: Maine Street R & B Revue For more info: 1-877-779-7771 or: hollywoodcasinobangor.com
27
Devil’s Half Acre Tour – Meets at Waterfront parking lot at 64 Front St. (Recommended for Adults Only) 7pm www.bangormuseum.org
27
Tuesday Forum will host a meeting at the Seadog @ noon. Personal Profile by Marion Syversen, Norumbega Financial. Please contact
Hope Gabric for more information at: 947-8802 or [email protected] 30
Hollywood Casino’s “Soundstage” features: Jump City Jazz Band with Anna Roman For more info: 1-877-779-7771 or:
hollywoodcasinobangor.com
30
Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion, “Ke$ha” 800-745-3000 or www.waterfrontconcerts.com
31
Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion, “Luke Bryan” 800-745-3000 or www.waterfrontconcerts.co
31
Hollywood Casino’s “Soundstage” features: Network For more info: 1-877-779-7771 or: hollywoodcasinobangor.com
Sept. 2 Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion, “Toby Keith” 800-745-3000 or www.waterfrontconcerts.com
2 Fusion Steering, 8am
5 Building Bridges, 4pm
6BRLI, 8am
7 Membership Cmte, Noon
8 Biz After Hours: Lucerne
Inn, 5-7pm
8Events Committee, noon
9 Executive Committee,
7:15-9am
12 Governmental Affairs,
Noon
28 EBB 7-9am, Spectacular
Event Center
29 Biz After Hours: WABI,
5-7pm
Unless otherwise noted,
all meetings will take
place at the Chamber.
Please note: the
Chamber's temporary
address is 208 Maine
Ave., Bangor, near the
airport's runway. Just look
for the building with a
large tan tower with a "J"
on top. You can't miss it!
On Oct. 1, we'll be moving
to our new location, at
20 South Street, on the
waterfront, in Bangor.
Please visit us there when
we get settled!
Recurring Events
Jordan Planetarium, University of Maine, Wingate Hall - Public Star Shows
Event period Aug. 1 - 29.
Shows include: Earth’s Wild Ride; Our Sky Family; The Little Star that Could; Worlds of Wonder; Earth, Moon,
and Sun; Cosmic Colors; Origins of Life; Rusty Rocket’s Last Blast; Prophecies of the Maya; Trip Through Space;
and Hubble Vision.
Admission: $3 per person at the door, but seating is limited. Call 581-1341 to reserve seats
8
Chamber News / August 2013
Free College Planning Workshops
The Maine Educational Opportunity Center
Event Period August 8-August 27, 2013
To register or for more information, call 1-800-281-3703 or visit us on the web at http://
meoc.maine.edu.