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December 10, 2015 Maine State Chamber board announces Citizens’ initiative 2016 board of directors for ranked-choice

Senate President and House Speaker recognized for leadership voting found valid with 64,687 signatures

The citizens’ initiative petition effort to consider ranked-choice voting has been found valid, Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap confirmed on Wednesday, November 18, 2015. The petitions for “An Act To Establish Ranked-choice Voting” had been in circu - lation since October 28, 2014. On October 19, 2015, the Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions received 10,036 petition forms with 75,369 signa - tures of voters who support the initiative. Staff members at the Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions have completed the process of certifying all of the petitions and have found 64,687 valid signatures, while 10,682 were not valid. A President of the Maine Senate, Sen. Michael Thibodeau (above, right), and Speaker of the Maine House of minimum of 61,123 signatures from regis - Representatives, Rep. Mark Eves (above, left), were recognized recently by the Maine State Chamber for tered Maine voters is required in the citi - their leadership during first regular session of the 127th Legislature and their willingness to work together for zens’ initiative process, thus the petition has the people of Maine despite the hurdles that arose. Also pictured above are the chamber's board chair been deemed valid by Secretary Dunlap. Melinda Poore of Time Warner Cable, New England Division, and chamber President Dana Connors. The initiative to establish ranked-choice voting will now go to the Legislature for con - On Monday, November 30, 2015, Chemical; Peter Connell of Courtcon, sideration, per the provisions of the Maine the Maine State Chamber of Commerce Inc.; Jon Fitzgerald of General Dynamics Constitution. The Legislature can choose to hosted its annual Board Orientation and Bath Iron Works Corp.; Theresa Fowler of enact the bill as written or to send it forward Appreciation Dinner. The 2016 slate of the Central Aroostook Chamber of to a statewide vote in November 2016. directors were confirmed during the Commerce; Clifton Greim of Harriman The bill would provide ranked-choice event. The Chamber welcomes four new Associates; Chris Joyce of Texas voting for the offices of U.S. senator, U.S. Board members, as well as those filling Instruments; Edward Kane of Harvard representative to Congress, governor, state unexpired terms, and confirmed the reap - Pilgrim Health Care; Judy Knapp of senator and state representative for elections pointment of directors. Hannaford Supermarkets; Stephen held on or after Jan. 1, 2018. In ranked The 22 reappointed directors include Krolikowski of KeyBank Maine; Richard choice voting, voters rank candidates in David Barber of AdvancePierre/Barber Malinowski of Procter & Gamble- order of preference and the results are tabu - Foods; Joe Bruno of Community Tambrands; Dave McKenney of McCain lated in rounds, in which last-place candi - Pharmacies, LP; Dave Colter of GAC dates are defeated and the candidate with the Continued on Page 3... most votes in the final round is elected.  Impact15_28December10_Impact_Template.qxd 12/11/2015 10:30 AM Page 2

Inside Impact... A message from the president... 2016 Board of Directors . . . . p. 1 Chamber BlueOptions . . . . p. 15 Chamber Professional . . . . . p. 3 “Finding progress and Cyber-Security Forum . . . . . p. 5 E2Tech News ...... p. 18 potential in the holiday Health Care Forum ...... p. 8 hustle and bustle…” HR Library ...... p. 15 InternHelpME.com ...... p. 11 Jobs for Maine’s Graduates ...... p. 13 JustGoodNews.biz ...... p. 19 Despite the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I often find myself reflect - Purple Strategies ...... p. 7 ing on the progress of past year and anticipating the potential of the coming year. Ranked-Choice Voting . . . . . p. 1 As I reflected on the past year, the words of our board chair, Melinda Poore, Spurwink Humanitarian Award . . . p. 13 resounded in my head. I’d like to share with you her comments at our recent Board The Bottom Line ...... p. 18 Orientation / Appreciation Dinner. “Just about a year ago, the 127th Maine Legislature took their oath of UMaine Career Fair ...... p. 11 office. As legislators gathered at the Statehouse to begin their work in late 2014, Workplace Wellness ...... p. 14 the mood was collaborative and hopeful. The legislature appeared poised and ready to tackle a number of issues to encourage Maine’s economic prosperity. There were a lot of promising discussions in the early weeks of the session, and for the first time in recent history it appeared that progress on many critical and Vol. 49, No. 28 Impact complex issues might actually be possible – from education initiatives to work - (207) 623-4568 force development, mining opportunities and aggressive tax reform proposals. Impact (ISSN 1055-3029) is published weekly It wasn’t long before policy was often displaced by politics and personalities January through June and monthly July through during the session. The initial spirit of promise and opportunity did not hold, and as December by the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, 125 Community Dr., Suite 101, the session moved on the wheels on the bus seemed to start falling off – however Augusta, Maine 04330-8010. Periodicals postage not all was lost but clearly there was less gain than initially perceived or hoped. paid at Augusta, Maine, and additional mailing Each year public policy topics grow in intensity and play an increasingly impor - offices. Maine State Chamber member companies tant role in Maine’s prosperity. Whether we supported or opposed a piece of legis - are assessed $75.00 yearly for each newsletter sub - lation — and in some cases, encouraged vetoes to stop bad policy decisions — the scription (subscribers or out-of-dues assessement). POSTMASTER: Please send any address Maine State Chamber’s constant goal is to promote good public policy that ultimate - changes to Impact , 125 Community Dr., Suite 101, ly improves Maine’s overall business climate, helping employers and employees. Augusta, Maine 04330-8010. Maine is a place of relationships and it’s no different at the Statehouse. We Chairman of the Board of Directors: are thankful for legislators and administrators who are willing to discuss the Melinda Poore tough issues in search of equitable solutions - for partnerships with other asso - President: Dana F. Connors ciations as we build collaboration — and for members who are willing to lend Information in this newsletter is intended to provide their voices to our grassroots efforts. guidance, not legal advice. Since exact language and As we anticipate the 127th Legislature’s second session, there will be many definitions of key terms are critical to understanding the critical issues impacting all aspects of the business community. The second ses - requirements of legislation, rules or laws, we encourage you to read each carefully. Articles and information sion is traditionally recognized as the short session where carry over bills and contained in this newsletter may be reprinted with attri - emergency legislation are finished up from the previous year. The number of bution given to: Maine State Chamber of Commerce. bills that will be considered are far less but yet extremely important to the busi - Please address comments to Melanie Baillargeon, ness community and our overall economy. director of communications. Information about the Some of the key issues for 2016 include a plan for long-term broadband poli - Maine State Chamber of Commerce may also be viewed on the Internet at: www.mainechamber.org. Our cy; a debate about minimum wage increases; the need to address our workforce email address is [email protected]. challenges, specifically preparedness and the size of our labor force; and, many questions about how to determine which business assistance programs will be tapped About the Maine State Chamber of Commerce: Since 1889, the Maine State Chamber to fill the $6 million hole in the budget for the upcoming clean election campaigns, has been fighting to lower your cost of doing business. a decision that will directly impact business tax expenditure programs. Then we fast- Through our Grassroots Action Network and OneVoice forward to the busy 2016 election cycle, the potential exists for seven referendum program, we work with a network of approximately 5,000 initiatives on the ballot which may include: ranked choice voting, legalization of companies statewide who see the value in such a service and provide the financial support that keeps our access, marijuana, minimum wage, welfare reform, the ‘Stand up for Children’ initiative, advocacy, and assistance efforts going strong. As income tax elimination, and universal background checks for gun purchases.” Maine's Chamber, we make sure that the business envi - ronment of the state continues to thrive. The Maine State As you can see, this 2016 short session carries serious concerns for Maine’s Chamber of Commerce advocates on behalf of their inter - economy. I can assure you that our team will be there, as always, to ensure that the ests before the legislature and regulatory agencies and interest of Maine’s employers is well-represented at the Statehouse and beyond.  through conferences, seminars, and affiliated programs.

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Maine State Chamber presents Board of Directors... (Continued from Page 1...) 2015 Chamber Professional of the Year Foods USA, Inc.; Doug McKeown of Skowhegan Area Chamber leader receives Woodard & Curran Inc.; Bob recognition for his contribution to region, state Montgomery-Rice of Bangor Savings Bank; Daniel Riley, Jr. of Norman, Hanson & DeTroy, LLC; Connie Russell of the Samoset Resort; Mark St.Germain of St.Germain Collins; Kim Vandermeulen of Alternative Manufacturing, Inc.; Tom Violette of Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems; William Williamson of Bank of America Merrill Lynch; and, Lawrence Wold of TD Bank. The three replacement directors who are filling unexpired terms are Kate Knox of Bernstein Shur, Charlene McQuaid of Emera Maine, and Al Swallow of MaineHealth. New directors include Mark Thibodeau of ReEnergy Biomass Operations LLC, Jim Page of the University of Maine System, Geoff Baur of IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., and Eleanor Vadenais of the Wells Chamber The Maine State Chamber of work ethic has inspired and impressed of Commerce and president of the Maine Commerce’s officers and board members many of his peers throughout the state. Association of Chamber of Commerce recently presented its annual local cham - Their nomination of Cory for this recogni - Executives. ber recognition to Cory King, executive tion, coupled with praise from his commu - The Maine State Chamber is also director at Skowhegan Area Chamber of nity, are a true testament of his ability and pleased to announce that Melinda Poore Commerce, during its 2015 Board his impact. This is truly an honor for us.” of Time Warner Cable, will continue as Appreciation Dinner on the evening of Known for his booming voice and the organization’s board chair for another year. In addition, Charles “Wick” Monday, November 30 at The jovial nature, King is deeply committed to Johnson of Kennebec Technologies will Harraseeket Inn in Freeport. the advancement and success of the continue to serve as first vice chair. The The annual Chamber Professional of Skowhegan Area and his work with the board’s Second Vice Chair is Lawrence the Year is presented by the Maine State people, businesses and organizations there. Wold of TD Bank, and its Treasurer is Chamber in recognition of a local cham - His enthusiasm, work ethic, and willing - Clifton Greim of Harriman Associates. ber professional’s hard work and dedica - ness to help have earned him a place as a Also in attendance were President of tion to their community, which results in key resource and community leader. the Maine Senate, Sen. Michael positive outcomes, membership growth, In a rural area such as Skowhegan, it Thibodeau (R-Waldo), and Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives, Rep. and advancement of the chamber profes - is not easy to fundraise or to find volun - Mark Eves (D-North Berwick). After sion, as well as the innovative and effec - teers, but somehow King ignites and dinner, Dana Connors, president of the tive ways they develop and carry out the inspires the people he works with to do Maine State Chamber, acknowleged both Board’s goals. just that. His ability to take control of a for their leadership during first regular “We’re very pleased to present this stressful situation – in a composed and session of the 127th Legislature. The award to Cory,” said Dana Connors, pres - attentive manner, doing whatever it took chamber recognized the hard work of the ident of the Maine State Chamber of to get the job done – is second to none. Senate President and the Speaker of the Commerce. “He’s a strong, capable leader From setting out traffic cones at 5:00 House for their willingness to work together for the people of Maine despite among his peers and is a big part of the a.m. to checking in with vendors at 11:00 the hurdles that arose.  Chamber family. As vice president of our p.m., King was instrumental in delivering affiliate, the Maine Association of Skowhegan’s River Fest. Chamber of Commerce Executives, his Partnerships are often critical to the ‘can do’ attitude and ‘roll up the sleeves’ Continued on Page 5... Continued on Page 4...

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Board of Directors... (Continued from Page 3...)

2016 Board of Directors and Officers 2016 Board Chair: Melinda Poore of Time Warner Cable, New England Division First Vice Chair: Charles “Wick” Johnson of Kennebec Technologies Second Vice Chair: Lawrence Wold of TD Bank Treasurer: Clifton Greim of Harriman Associates Chamber President: Dana F. Connors

Mr. David Barber, AdvancePierre/Barber Foods Mr. Kim Vandermeulen, Alternative Manufacturing, Inc. Mr. Daniel P. Corcoran, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Mr. Owen Smith, AT&T Mr. Stuart Jablon, Backyard Farms, LLC Mr. Bob Montgomery-Rice, Mr. Tim Walton, CIANBRO Mr. Clifton Greim, Harriman Associates Bangor Savings Bank Mr. Joe Bruno, Mr. William Williamson, Community Pharmacies, LP Mr. Edward Kane, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Bank of America Mr. Peter Connell, Courtcon, Inc. Mr. Andrew Sturgeon, PLS, Ms. Kate Knox, Bernstein Shur Mr. Alan Dorr, Hoyle, Tanner & Associates, Inc. Mr. Craig Pendleton, Biddeford + Saco Dead River Company Mr. Geoffrey S. Baur, Chamber of Commerce & Industry Ms. Charlene McQuaid, IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. Mr. Brian J. Bowman, Emera Maine Mr. Scott Graham, Bowman Constructors Mr. Tom Violette, EMHS James W. Sewall Company Mr. David Brenerman, Mr. Josh Madore, Fairchild Dr. Christopher Quinn, Brenerman Public Policy Consulting Semiconductor Corp. Kaplan University Mr. William Allard, Mr. Mike Reed, Mr. Wick Johnson, Burns & McDonnell FairPoint Communications Kennebec Technologies Mr. Dan Emerson, Mr. David Colter, Mr. Stephen Krolikowski, Casella Waste Systems, Inc. GAC Chemical Corporation KeyBank Maine Ms. Theresa Fowler, Central Mr. Jon Fitzgerald, General Dynamics Mr. John Oliver, L.L. Bean, Inc. Aroostook Chamber of Commerce Bath Iron Works Corp. Mr. Joel Harrington, Ms. Judy Knapp, Central Maine Power Company Hannaford Supermarkets Continued on Page 6..

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Chamber Award... Nearly 100 businesses learn (Continued from Page 3...)

about cyber-security best practices success of most local and regional cham - at November forum bers. Skowhegan is no exception. King’s leadership has harnessed a unique set of partnerships among area businesses and On Tuesday, November 17, 2015, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, organizations to solve problems and find in partnership with U.S. Senator Angus King’s office and the U.S. Department innovative solutions for the betterment of of Homeland Security (DHS), held a free briefing on cyber-security best prac - the community. King corrected the Skowhegan tices for Maine businesses at Oxford Networks in Brunswick. DHS Northeast Chamber’s seriously failing finances with Cyber Security Advisor Michael Leking and U.S. Assistant Attorney Craig many successful fundraising initiatives. He Wolff gave thorough presentations on how to strengthen cyber-resilience in the set up a payment schedule with the IRS and face of potential cyber-attacks. Interactive satellite locations were held in stuck to it, bringing the chamber up-to-date Farmington, Machias, and Presque Isle. without incurring penalties. He established As a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Senator King an accurate and usable budget that keeps has highlighted the danger that cyber-attacks pose to America’s businesses and the organization in check. His ability to attract and retain members has been very has repeatedly called for Congress to pass federal cyber-security legislation. In effective in strengthening the chamber. the absence of federal legislation, however, there are steps businesses can take From new program development to on their own to better protect themselves against cyber-attacks. membership growth to financial stability, A variety of Maine businesses within the health, defense, financial, educa - Cory King is truly an innovator, a collab - tion, and consumer products sectors, have expressed serious concern about orator, and a motivator.  cyber-security, or have experienced some type of cyber-intrusion. In fact, according to a recent report by McAfee and the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the annual cost to the global economy from cyber-crime is more than $445 billion, with losses that could translate into more than 200,000 jobs lost in the U.S. After a video welcome from Senator King, participants heard an informa - tive presentation by Leking on how to best protect their businesses from cyber- Maine is Open for Business ! Reach attacks, and what to do if an attack occurs. He highlighted the importance of col - out to DECD’s Governor’s Account laborating with the homeland security and the intelligence community if an intru - Executives . We’re here to help your sion happens. For a toolkit on best practices, as well as training and other business succeed. We’ll work with resources, Leking encouraged businesses to visit www.us-cert.gov/ccubedvp. you to identify your goals, overcome DHS offers various programs on cyber risk management, and can also perform challenges, and bring the right vulnerability and penetration tests where indicated. people and resources to the table. In his presentation, Wolff emphasized important tools that can help combat Together . . . We’ll make it happen! cyber-crimes, including criminal prosecution, which can have a deterrent effect on others. He also emphasized how important it is for businesses to report cyber- intrusions and attacks to law enforcement. When prosecution cannot be used, other tools can be used, such as information sharing, technical disruption, lever - aging various government agencies for sanctions and export controls, as well as using diplomatic and/or trade pressure. Both Leking and Wolff agreed that to combat cyber-attacks and improve CALL TODAY 1-800-872-3838 cyber-security, businesses and government agencies need to work together, and to connect with a member of our team! indicated that no intrusion or breach is too small to report.  www.maine.gov/decd

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choosingmemic. There are millions of reasons MEMIC is Maine’s leading workers’ comp insurer. Since 1998, MEMIC has returned nearly $200 million to our Maine-based policyholders in the form of dividends and returned capital. Our record $18 million 2015 dividend returns the equivalent of more than 14 percent of policyholder premiums. For superior workplace safety resources and the best claims service, make the right choice—make sure you’re one of the more than 18,000 Maine employers choosing MEMIC. Talk to your agent or go to www.memic.com. www.memic.com

Mr. Christopher Schaelling, Ms. LuAnn Ballesteros, Board of Directors... Pratt & Whitney The Jackson Laboratory (Continued from Page 4...) Ms. Ann Robinson, Preti Flaherty, LLP Mr. Mitchell Sammons, The Sheridan Corporation Mr. Richard Malinowski, Ms. Melinda Caterine, Procter & Gamble-Tambrands Ms. Melinda Poore, Littler Mendelson, P.C. Time Warner Cable Mr. Mark Thibodeau, Mr. Al Swallow, MaineHealth ReEnergy Biomass Operations LLC Mr. Chris Condon, United Insurance Mr. Dave McKenney, Mr. Connie Russell, Samoset Resort Ms. Cindy Carroll, Unitil Corp. McCain Foods USA, Inc. Mr. Herbert R. Sargent, Mr. James Page, Mr. Michael Bourque, MEMIC Sargent Corporation University of Maine System Ms. Eileen Skinner, Ms. Beth Shissler, Sea Bags Mr. Chuck Piacentini, Unum Mercy Health System of Maine Mr. James Atwell, Ms. Jaclyn Taylor, Verizon Wireless Ms. Kimberly N. Lindlof, Sevee & Maher Engineers, Inc. Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce Mr. Jim Cohen, Verrill Dana, LLP Mr. Mark St. Germain, Mr. Josh Tardy, Mitchell Tardy Mr. Jason Klipa, Walmart St. Germain Collins Government Affairs Mr. Robert Frank, III, WBRC Mr. Stephen Rich, Mr. Daniel Riley, Jr., Architects Engineers Stephen Rich | Architecture Norman, Hanson & DeTroy, LLC Ms Eleanor Vadenais, Mr. Stacey A. Fitts, Ms. Jeanne Hulit, Northeast Bank Wells Chamber of Commerce Summit Natural Gas of Maine, Inc. Mr. John Delahanty, Pierce Atwood LLP Mr. Gregory Wiessner, WEX Inc. Mr. Dana Bullen, Sunday River Mr. Jim Hanley, Pike Industries, Inc. Mr. Doug McKeown, Mr. Lawrence Wold, TD Bank Woodard & Curran Inc.  Mr. Tom Brennan, Mr. Chris Joyce, Texas Instruments Poland Spring Water Company

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Kicking Off the 2016 Presidential Election Primary Season with Purple Strategies New England Monday, January 25, 2016 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Hannaford Hall, University of Southern Maine, Portland

Join the Maine State Chamber of tive town-hall style—will be presented by tum, and where the candidates and their Commerce and Purple Strategies New Purple Strategies partners Patrick Griffin brands are heading, and more important - England for a political climate discussion and Jim Demers. If you want the inside ly, need to go. Their presentation will heading into a pivotal presidential elec - political scoop just weeks before the New then be followed by a 30-minute interac - tion year. The 2016 presidential election Hampshire primary, you will want to be a tive Q&A to answer audience questions is going to be a generational election, part of this informative session! regarding the candidates, the primaries, ushering in a new administration. The The panel will include a 30-minute, and the 2016 presidential election. Maine State Chamber is proud to be back-and-forth discussion between Mr. To register, please visit bringing together leading political pundits Griffin and Mr. Demers with a www.mainechamber.org and select the just weeks before the start of the primary PowerPoint presentation to discuss where Purple Strategies New England event listing. season. This exclusive briefing for Maine the major political parties are heading in Questions can be directed to Amy Downing State Chamber members —in an interac - 2016 as the primaries ramp up momen - by calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 104, or by emailing [email protected].

About The Speakers: Patrick Griffin is a former Republican media consultant whose clients have included Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush; former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney; former Secretary of Education and current U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander; U.S. Senators Judd Gregg and John E. Sununu; and, the Republican National Senatorial and Congressional Campaign Committees. He is the Chairman Emeritus of GYK/Antler, the largest advertising and strategic communications firm in Northern New England. Mr. Griffin currently serves on the board of trustees of Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts. Jim Demers is a former member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives and former Democratic congressional candidate. He has been a political commentator/analyst for WMUR-TV, New Hampshire’s ABC affiliate, New England Cable News, and other media outlets. He has served as New Hampshire co-chair of Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. He presently serves on the advisory board of the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at St. Anselm College and is a member of the State of New Hampshire International Trade Advisory Committee. He also participates as a “political insider” for the National Journal. In February 2012, he was nominated by President Obama to serve on the Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, and he was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on January 1, 2013, to serve in that position. 

This event and sponsorships support Student Engagement and Enlightenment (SEE) and the Maine State Chamber’s InternHelpME.com ini - tiative. Working with Maine’s colleges and universities, the chamber’s SEE outreach looks for opportunities to bring business leaders togeth - er with college students who are looking to stay in Maine, in hopes of connecting them for meaningful employment opportunities in the future.

Thank You to Our Event Sponsors

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Maine State Chamber hosts forum on complicated, controversial federal health care reform law

On Tuesday, December 2, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce hosted an informative and timely forum on the sta - tus of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) at the Senator Inn in Augusta. At the free event, a panel of state and national experts pro - Kristine Ossenfort, director of government relations for Anthem BlueCross and BlueShield in Maine, provided an update on this past session's state legislative vided the more than 80 Maine employers action in health care policy, as well as a preview into the upcoming session. in attendance with the most up-to-date information on the impending changes in the act, as well as the new reporting At right, Jeff Lungren, chief health care and immi - requirements imposed on employers as gration lobbyist at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, we enter 2016. provided the audience with the national perspective Entering 2016, a number of critical on the likelihood of successful congressional action ACA mandatory reporting requirements to amend the ACA law and what we might expect on nearly all employers will be triggered. after the 2016 elections. These include reporting to the federal Below left, Janet Britton, an attorney with the law government on numbers of employees, firm of Verrill and Dana, gave attendees concrete hours they work, whether coverage is to examples of the many and complicated compliance be provided to employees, the value of requirements that will be required of employers dur - any coverage provided, and other cover - ing the next 12 months. age related elements. In addition, the new Below right, Michael Deschaine, president of Cross “cadillac tax” will be applied against Insurance Agency’s Employee Benefits division, employers who provide certain high value shared the perspective of an insurance agent work - health insurance coverage. Panelists and ing with individual employers and the challenges presenters discussed how these integral businesses face in complying with the various ACA parts of the ACA will work, and requirements during the next 12 months. explained what businesses should be doing now to meet the coming changes to and requirements of the ACA. “The Maine State Chamber put (this) forum together with the goal of helping Maine’s business community better understand how the very complicated and, in some cases, convoluted new reporting requirements will impact their business, and the significant penalties they may be subject to should the make an error in reporting,” said Dana Connors, president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce. “Our panel of state and national experts gave an excellent synop - sis of the key elements Maine businesses large and small need to know, and how the various changes going into 2016 will impact their businesses and employees.”

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Thank you to our sponsors: Anthem BlueCross and BlueShield (premier sponsor); Harvard Pilgrim Health Care (presenting sponsor); FairPoint Communications (registration sponsor); Verrill Dana, LLP (senior sponsor); Cross Insurance (program sponsor); and, our supporting sponsors, MaineHealth and the University of New England .

Health Care Forum... (Continued from Page 8...)

Presenters included the following experts: Ÿ Jeff Lungren, chief health care and immigration lobbyist at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, who provid - ed the audience with the Washington, D.C., perspective on the likelihood of successful congressional action to Peter Gore, the Maine State Chamber's vice president of government relations, moderates the Q&A session. Attendees had the opportunity to ask the panelists very specific questions about their experience with the ACA. amend the ACA law and what we might expect after the 2016 elections; Ÿ Kristine Ossenfort, director of gov - ernment relations for Anthem BlueCross and BlueShield in Maine, Save Time and Money who provided an update on this past session’s state legislative action in Respond online to unemployment health care policy, as well as a pre - view into the upcoming session; requests for separation information. Ÿ Janet Britton, an attorney with the law firm of Verrill and Dana, who provided attendees with concrete Use SIDES E-Response to answer wage and examples of the many and complicat - ed compliance requirements that will layoff information requests. be required of employers during the • Decrease paperwork. next 12 months; and, • Streamline the unemployment process. Ÿ Michael Deschaine, president of Cross Questions? Insurance Agency’s Employee Benefits Unemployment • Reduce overpayments. division, who gave attendees the per - Employer Services • Minimize potential appeals. spective of an insurance agent working 207-621-5120 with individual employers and the chal - Help keep unemployment tax rates low and lenges businesses face in complying avoid penalties—quickly provide accurate with the various ACA requirements information to the Department of Labor. during the next 12 months.

The available panelists’ presentations www.maine.gov/labor/unemployment/ may be found on our website at www.mainechamber.org. For additional separation_request.html information, please contact Peter Gore by calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 107, or by The Maine Department of Labor provides equal opportunity in employment and programs. Bureau of Unemployment Compensation Auxiliary aids and services are available to individuals with disabilities upon request. emailing [email protected]. 

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It’s that time of year — to be thinking about 2016 internships

The Maine State Chamber’s InternHelpME.com program is ready to help

Calling all employers ! Would you con - Ÿ Maine’s Small Employers: If you’ve Maine is a sider offering an internship sometime in never offered an internship and could small busi - 2016? Activity on the InternHelpME.com use some help in areas of your busi - ness state platform continues to grow, particularly ness, such as marketing, communica - with tremendous opportunities to from the student population who are tions, social media, finance, hospital - offer students real and meaningful interested in opportunities right here in ity, market research, computer sci - experiences, while gaining valuable Maine. Here’s what we are asking Maine ence or information technology, help in your daily operations. employers to consider: engineering, process management, Ÿ Maine’s Larger Employers: We are etc., the possibilities are endless. aware that many of our larger employers already offer internships You are invited! and have great programs in place, sometimes in very specific fields. We are asking for consideration to other University of Maine Career Fair areas of their operations that they Wednesday, February 3, 2016 have not considered in the past. from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. We have an opportunity through this in the New Balance Recreation Center, initiative to show college students that University of Maine campus there are opportunities and good jobs right here in Maine, but there is also tremen - On Wednesday, February 3, 2016, the Career Center at the University of dous opportunity for employers to target Maine is holding its annual Career Fair in the New Balance Recreation Center on projects that they may not currently have the University of Maine campus from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Nearly 120 employ - staff resources for. This is a sensible ers and more than 850 students attended the 2015 UMaine Career Fair, and it is approach for both employers and students expected that the 2016 Career Fair will meet or exceed those numbers. − a win-win! Additionally, our colleges The UMaine Career Fair brings employers to campus to meet face-to-face with and universities recognize that this pro - students of all majors and all classes (first year through graduate students) to edu - gram broadens the opportunities they can cate them about careers. If you have internships, summer jobs, or full-time jobs to offer their students on a statewide plat - fill, this is your opportunity to begin the hiring process on the spot. As a follow- form that is not available anywhere else. up, you are welcome to reserve an interview room in the Career Center and con - InternHelpME.com is interested in duct interviews either the day after the event or on a later date. talking with any employer, large or small, To register for our UMaine Career Fair, please follow these steps: who may want to learn more about this 1) Visit http://www.umaine.edu/career/upcoming-events/career-fair and click on program and how it may help them in their “Employers may now register for the Career Fair;” daily operations. We are also willing to 2) Select “As An Employer;” work with employers one-on-one to help 3) Under new participants, select “Proceed to Registration Form” and complete you get started. For more information, the form; please visit www.InternHelpME.com or 4) Submit the completed registration form. contact Joyce LaRoche, acting director, or Amy Downing, program coordinator by You will receive an email confirmation when your registration has been calling the Maine State Chamber at (207) received. The registration fee is $350 until January 15, 2016, and $400 after 623-4568. January 15, 2016. Deadline for registrations is January 20, 2016. Please contact Kate Axelsen Foster, assistant director / employer relations, by calling (207) 581- 1353 or by emailing [email protected] if you would like to learn about Update on the Lewiston / the University of Maine’s Career Fair in greater detail. We hope to see you in Auburn region pilot program Orono at the 2016 UMaine Career Fair our February 3! with the Androscoggin The University of Maine, founded in 1865, is the state’s land-grant university Chamber of Commerce... and the flagship institution in the University of Maine System. It is one of New Committee work has been done to England’s premier universities, attracting students from across the U.S. and more better understand what employers need in than 60 countries. Students are offered 88 bachelor’s degree programs, 70 mas - order to get started. Out of this work, ter’s degree programs, 30 doctoral programs, and one of the nation’s oldest and several brief and specific “Employer most prestigious honors programs. For more information about the University of Resource” pieces will be finalized and  Maine visit www.umaine.edu. Continued on Page 12...

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Internships... (Continued from Page 11...) You trust the businesses

made available for employers shortly. in your neighborhood. They include: Business owners trust Ÿ Identifying Meaningful Project Work : A two-page document that natural gas. will benefit the both the student and Just like your business owners, you can count the employer, ensuring both are sat - on natural gas anytime—day or night. isfied with the experience. Ÿ Creating An Internship Description : A one-page paper pro - viding key components of an effec - tive internship position description. Ÿ Internship Agreement : A two-page document that helps “fill in the blanks” for both employer and stu - dent information that will establish the foundation for the internship. Consistency and reliability are important to most businesses, Ÿ Liability & Legal Concerns : This so it’s no coincidence that so many have switched to a document is still in the works, but heating source that is more reliable and convenient. And will help employers overcome obsta - that includes more than businesses — hospitals, fire stations, and other critical services simply cannot wait on deliveries cles and concerns around liabilities to arrive, why should you? and legal issues when offering intern - ships. (Disclosure: This document SummitNaturalGasMaine.com will provide guidelines and should not to be confused with legal advice.) Ÿ U.S. Dept. of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division: This document is cur - rently available to employers so they can carefully read and understand their options paid versus unpaid interns.

In the coming weeks, employer outreach will begin in the Lewiston/Auburn area. We will be looking to address employer group meetings as well as one-on-one meetings with employers to share information and assist in getting employers ready to offer internships for 2016. For more information, please visit www.InternHelpME.com or contact Joyce LaRoche, acting director, or Amy Downing, program coordinator by calling the Maine State Chamber at (207) 623-4568. Additional articles will be published to keep you informed of the progress in the Lewiston/Auburn region through this pilot program. We greatly appreciate the support of Matt Leonard, CEO of the Androscoggin Chamber and cochairs of the chamber’s Education and Workforce committee, Jen Hogan and Mary Lafontaine, as well as the many volunteer member employers who are committed to helping with this initiative. 

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Volk family honored at Spurwink Maine foster care humanitarian event for their work youth reach million as Autism Awareness Champions dollar milestone

Whether it is access to higher educa - tion, rent for a first apartment, a car, or laptop – there are certain critical assets all young people need as they transition into adulthood and independence. For youth in foster care, covering these expenses can be especially challenging. On Tuesday, December 1, a crowd of former and current foster youth, service providers, supporters and community leaders and legislators gathered at the State House to celebrate a significant milestone. Through a statewide program called Opportunity Passport™; through hard work and determination, these youth managed to save, and received matching funds, for a total of one million dollars – money they have used toward necessary expenses that bring them closer to leading Above from left to right are Dylan Volk, Mariah Volk, Amy Volk, Derek Volk, Serena Volk meaningful and productive lives. and Lilly Volk at Spurwink Services’ recent Humanitarian Dinner and Awards Ceremony. “I can honestly say that without the program, I would have been in a shelter or Spurwink Services recently held its efforts. on the streets.” Kyle Snyder was 19 and annual Humanitarian Dinner and Awards Derek Volk, who has recently writ - on the verge of being homeless when he Ceremony on Saturday, November 14 at ten a book titled “Chasing the Rabbit: A enrolled in Opportunity Passport™. “I did - the Portland Marriott at Sable Oaks in Dad’s Life Raising a Son on the Autism n’t have family to turn to. The program South Portland. This charitable gala cen - Spectrum,” is a Maine businessman, sup - gave me the chance to access enough money to put a deposit on my very first tered upon raising awareness about porter of autism awareness, volunteer, apartment, and taught me at a pretty young autism and celebrating Spurwink’s role as philanthropist, and softball coach. He is age what I need to do to hold onto it.” a primary resource and support provider president and co-owner of Volk Kyle Snyder is one of 500 current for families dealing with autism. Packaging Corporation, a third-genera - and former foster youth who have partic - “While this year’s Spurwink tion family-owned corrugated box manu - ipated in the Opportunity Passport™ pro - Humanitarian event continues our long facturer in Biddeford, Maine. Derek gram since it started in 2004. He said the tradition of honoring true humanitarians, actively participates on the Maine program’s financial literacy course signif - we’ve added a mission-related theme to Business Leadership Network (BLN), a icantly increased his ability to manage his money, to set goals, and to stick to a bud - underline the complexity of need in our national organization that focuses on con - get. The program also allows participants state and the diversity of support our necting employers with employees who to open a matched savings account. Every organization provides,” explains have disabilities. His own company cur - dollar the youth save is matched, dollar- Spurwink President and CEO Eric rently employs those who are deaf, blind for-dollar, up to $1,000 a year, which can Meyer, LCSW, MBA. “This fundraiser and on the Autism Spectrum. be used toward specific expenses such as not only supports our ongoing programs Amy Volk is the State Senator for rent, college courses, training programs, across Maine, it also brings us closer to District 30, which includes most of childcare and much more. opening a new Spurwink Center for Buxton, most of Scarborough, and all of Maine Health and Human Services Commissioner Mary Mayhew spoke dur - Autism.” Gorham. Prior to being elected to the ing the celebration at a press conference The award ceremony honored the Senate, she served two terms in the at the State House. The commissioner Volk Family for their commitment to Maine House as the Representative for said, “I have to start by saying congratu - raising autism awareness and for their House District 127, coastal Scarborough. lations! One million dollars is an amazing involvement in various humanitarian Continued on Page 14... Continued on Page 17...

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Volk Family... (Continued from Page 13...)

Amy works passionately for human rights in Maine - advocating for asylum-seeking immigrants and human trafficking vic - tims. She sponsored a bill to fight human trafficking that was signed in 2014 and works tirelessly on finding ways that immigrants can be supported, contribute to the state’s workforce, and help invest Ben Franklin once said, “An ounce of in the future of Maine. This past session, prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Amy also strengthened lead paint laws, With 2015 coming to a close, now is Ÿ It gives your doctor a chance to ask lowered the threshold at which children a good time to talk about prevention and questions about your health—this are considered poisoned and found fund - ways your employees can stay healthy always happens. ing for increased abatement of lead-cont - and prevent disease for a healthy start to Ÿ It gives you a chance to ask questions aminated buildings. the New Year. of your own—this may not happen An aspiring comedian, Dylan Volk Ÿ Visit your doctor as he/she recom - enough. The average office visit lasts was diagnosed with Asperger’s syn - mends for routine check-ups. about 15 minutes. If you don’t ask drome, a form of autism, at the age of 8. Ÿ Take medicines as prescribed and get about your health, the visit could be certain tests done, including: a wasted opportunity. Dylan has also joined his father, Derek, § Cholesterol checks: For men, at in speaking publicly about autism and least every five years starting at Ten questions to ask your doctor… how Dylan’s diagnosis and struggles have age 35; For women, regularly A few minutes of solid Q&A with affected each of them individually, as starting at age 45. your doctor can prevent some real prob - well as their father-son relationship. He § Blood pressure: Have your lems. Don’t be afraid to ask the tough also has contributed to his father’s book. blood pressure checked at least questions, such as: While attending Eastern University, every two years, or as your doc - Ÿ What’s my blood sugar level, and Mariah Volk participates in a prison min - tor advises. what does it mean? § Colorectal cancer screening: Ÿ What’s my blood pressure, and how istry program with a focus on incarcerat - Begin regular screening for col - can I control it? ed youth called Shining Light. She has orectal cancer at age 50. Talk to Ÿ What do my cholesterol numbers been serving in jails and prisons from your doctor about your family mean? Maine to Pennsylvania since she was in history of colorectal cancer and Ÿ Are my Body Mass Index (BMI), high school, and is passionate about bet - schedule screenings as he/she waist measurements, and weight at tering the lives of people behind bars. advises. healthy levels? Lilly and Serena Volk both assist in § Diabetes tests: Have a test to Ÿ Can you recommend a check-up and their church’s Sunday school programs screen for diabetes if you have screening schedule for my age? high blood pressure or high cho - Ÿ Which exercise or diet options would and actively reach out to support peers lesterol. be especially good for me? who are left out of social circles at § Depression: If you’ve felt Ÿ What is the recommended test or school. Lilly raises money for human “down,” sad or hopeless and treatment for, and are there other trafficking victims. have gotten little pleasure from options? Spurwink Services is a nationally activities you used to enjoy for Ÿ Knowing my family history and risk accredited non-profit organization that the last two consecutive weeks, factors, how can I lower my disease provides a broad range of mental health talk to your doctor about risk? and educational services for children, ado - whether he or she can screen you Ÿ Have any tips for reducing stress? for depression. Depression is Ÿ lescents, adults and families. Standing on a What are the interactions, side treatable, and your doctor can effects, and dose schedule for this strong foundation of 50 years, Spurwink is help. medication? among a handful of mental health agencies that engage in setting the standard for con - If you haven’t scheduled a routine When employees feel good, they tend tinuous quality management. For more check-up for a while, now is a good time to perform better. That’s why most information, please visit http://www.spur - to do it. A doctor visit has two significant Chamber BlueOptions’ plans come with  benefits: wink.org/humanitarian. Continued on Page 17...

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Chamber BlueOptions now offers Order your 2015 more ways to save Human Resources MAINE Library today! STATE CHAMBER HR COMPLIANCE LIBRARY PURCHASING ALLIANCE INC. Maine Human

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Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Health Plans of Maine, Inc., independent licensee of the Blue attorney. We did it for you! Avoid the Cross Blue Shield Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The “Blue Cross” pain of a costly lawsuit with books and “Blue Shield” names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Continued on Page 16... For the most current information, visit www.mainechamber.org 12/10/2015 III Impact III 15 Impact15_28December10_Impact_Template.qxd 12/11/2015 10:31 AM Page 16

Human Resources Library... Connect with us daily (Continued from Page 15...) on these social media platforms! written by Maine attorneys — Lambert Ÿ A Guide to FMLA and ADA - $49 (One Year Coffin and Fisher & Phillips LLP. Online Subscription): This guide explains Ÿ Timesaving. Access it online: Search. what you are required by the ADA and Find what you need. Move on. FMLA acts to provide to employees in different leave scenarios, including health, military, disability, and more. Use this to Maine Chamber members get establish appropriate leave of absence 20% off any book! Just use code policies and to keep your business com - MENews15 at checkout! www.mainechamber.org pliant with (FMLA) and (ADA). HR Library publications available Ÿ Hiring, Firing and Discipline for include: Employers - $49 (One Year Online Ÿ Maine Human Resources Manual - $139 Subscription): This guide focuses on (One Year Online Subscription): A com - what to do when hiring, firing or disci - prehensive human resources manual plining employees. It covers every - that explains your duties for the entire thing from background checks to non- employment process from pre-hire competes through termination. Use this through post-termination. Use this as to correctly execute these core func - @mainechamber your go-to guide when you need a tions of HR and limit your liability. quick answer on any HR topic. Ÿ Workplace Safety and Health * Hard copy version also available for additional Compliance Manual - $49 (One Year $12 shipping & handling fee. Online Subscription): This is an essen - Ÿ Model Policies and Fo rms for Maine tial guide to understanding the OSH Employers - $99 (One Year Online Act, OSHA standards, and your oblig - Subscription): Download and customize ations associated with safety and more than 350 forms, checklists and health in the workplace. It was written sample policies in this guide. Use this by Ed Foulke, Jr., a partner with www.facebook.com/ to build and maintain your employee Fisher & Phillips LLP and former handbook and personnel files. head of OSHA. Use this publication to MaineChamber stay in compliance with OSHA. Ÿ Employee Benefits - An Employer’s Guide - $49 (One Year Online Ÿ Wages and Hours - An Employer’s Guide - Subscription): This guide covers in $49 (One Year Online Subscription): This depth what you need to know about guide explains, in depth, how to pay variety of employee benefits – from exempt employees, temporary employ - life & health insurance to retirement ees, overtime pay, employment of & severance plans and more. Use minors and other “gray area” employ - www.youtube.com/user/ this to keep your employee benefits ment arrangements. Use this to ensure plan in compliance with federal laws. you are classifying and paying your MaineChamber employees appropriately according to Ÿ Employment Verification - An the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Employer’s Guide to Immigration, Form I-9, and E-Verify - $49 (One Year Online Add these essential tools to your Human Subscription): This guide explains I-9, Resources library today! Visit ICE, other work authorization hrsimple.com/ME or call toll-free at (866) requirements, and E-Verify and how 439-2227 for more to begin your subscrip - they relate to the Immigration Reform tion. Maine Chamber members get 20% off any www.linkedin.com/groups/ and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA). Use book with code MENews15 at checkout!  Maine-State-Chamber- it to verify & document your employ - ees so that they are authorized to work Commerce-3686793 in compliance with federal law.

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mentoring support. Kim Lipp, executive John T. Gorman Foundation is committed Jobs for Maine’s Graduates... vice president of JMG, said, “The ulti - to improving the lives of people in (Continued from Page 13...) mate goal is that these youth build finan - Maine, and has provided support allow - cial capability to set goals, save, and ing Opportunity Passport™ to expand and manage their money as adults. It’s some - serve more youth. accomplishment. You are far ahead of thing most people could benefit from.” Mariah Trimble-Smith has been in many adults when it comes to your abili - The Opportunity Passport™ program Opportunity Passport™ for eight years ty to save and manage your money. This was developed by the Jim Casey Youth now. The program has helped her move milestone is evidence of the effectiveness Opportunities Initiative, part of the Annie out of a group home; buy a car so she of the program and of the public-private E. Casey Foundation. The Foundation could work; and, pursue a college partnership that delivers it. It is young has provided significant funding and degree. Mariah said, “I was placed in people and adults working together, uti - guidance to the program for the last ten foster care when I was fourteen. Until I lizing existing resources and expertise to years. Sandra Gasca-Gonzalez is execu - enrolled in the program, I didn’t know foster independence in our youth, and to tive director for the Jim Casey Initiative. anything about finances – whether it was strengthen Maine’s communities.” “Financial capability is absolutely critical how to save and budget, or how to handle The Opportunity Passport™ program if young people are to become successful a crisis like major medical bills. And, is delivered through the Maine Youth adults in today’s world,” Gasca-Gonzalez now I do. So, for me, this is more than Transition Collaborative (MYTC), a said. “The reality for most young people just celebrating a milestone. It’s about team of public and private partners in foster care is that money is frequently celebrating the future. The skills and including the University of Southern exchanged on their behalf and they were experience I’ve gained through Maine’s Muskie School of Public left out of conversations about their finan - Opportunity Passport™ will be with me Service, Jobs for Maine’s Graduates cial livelihoods. The Opportunity for the rest of my life.” (JMG), Goodwill Industries of Northern Passport™ is designed to empower our For more information, please New England, and Maine’s Department young people with financial education contact Lisa Gardner at Jobs for of Health and Human Services. and practice with saving and spending as JMG serves as the program coordi - Maine’s Graduates by calling (207) they venture into adulthood.” 441-8411 or by emailing nator, enrolling youth and providing them The program has also caught the [email protected].  with a minimum of 12 hours of financial attention of Maine-based funders. The literacy education, as well as on-going

Workplace Wellness... (Continued from Page 14...)

Dr. Jerald E. Hurdle employee discounts on health products and services, as well as an online health and fitness program. Just contact your Anthem-appointed insurance producer for more information, or go to the Chamber’s BlueOptions web page •Genital Warts •Inflammatory Bowel Disease (www.mainechamber.org/blueoptions) to •Rectal Bleeding •Hemorrhoids find a producer. •ConsƟpaƟon •Pelvic Floor RehabilitaƟon For more information on the •Fecal InconƟnence •Anorectal Surgery Chamber BlueOptions health plan, please •Irritable Bowel Disorder •Colonoscopy contact Joyce LaRoche, executive direc - tor of the Maine State Chamber Purchasing Alliance, by calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 113, or by emailing [email protected], or Amy Downing, program coordinator, by call - ing (207) 623-4568, ext. 104 or by email - ing [email protected]. 

*Resources provided by Anthem.com. This information is intended for educational purposes only, and should not be Open 8am to 3pm Monday - Thursday, interpreted as medical advice. Please consult your physi - 8am to Noon Friday cian for advice about changes that may affect your health. www.kennebecmedical.com For the most current information, visit www.mainechamber.org 12/10/2015 III Impact III 17 Impact15_28December10_Impact_Template.qxd 12/11/2015 10:31 AM Page 18

“The Bottom Line” explores timely issues crucial to Maine’s economy Cleantech Open Maine employers are affected every day by issues such as transportation, tech - nology, education, energy, health care, environment, and taxation, just to name a Northeast announces few. That is why the Maine State Chamber launched its television show, The Bottom Maine winner Line , in February 2013. The Bottom Line takes an in-depth look at a wide variety of Rapport IO is one of four companies business related issues, their impact on jobs here, and highlights positive aspects of to win the regional Cleantech Open Maine’s economy. Host Dana Connors is joined monthly by various experts to Northeast competition’s monetary award essentially “bottom line” the various facets of these and other complex issues that and traveled to San Francisco in ultimately create jobs and growth in our state. November to compete on the national The Bottom Line airs three times per week on Time Warner’s public access sta - level. As the Maine director for the pro - tion, channel 9 for TWC customers. You can watch it on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. gram, the Environmental & Energy and on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. It is also available on our homepage at Technology Council of Maine (E2Tech) www.mainechamber.org. Each episode of The Bottom Line is archived at recruited Rapport and Beltane Solar for www.mainechamber.org/bottomlinearchive.php. the Cleantech Open Northeast. If you are This month on The a startup company or entrepreneur in the Bottom Line, host Dana energy or environmental sector interested Connors discusses the in this global business accelerator pro - successes of the gram, please contact Jeff Marks by email - Downeaster with Patricia ing [email protected] for info on the Quinn (pictured at right), 2016 competition. executive director of the Northern New England Passenger Rail Startup Supporter of the Authority, and the state’s plans for improvements Year! to our multimodal infra - E2Tech beat out strong New England structure system with and New York competitors to win this Commissioner David prestigious regional award at the NECEC Bernhardt, PE, of the Green Tie Gala in Cambridge, Mass. Maine Department of Transportation. The December-January show will be taped on Last year, Jeff Marks was a finalist for December 17. It will discuss the top policy issues facing the legislature, with the Senate the award. President, the House Speaker, and the chamber’s advocacy team.

If you’d like to support this initiative, we have a special underwriter opportunity avail - Technology Occupations able. Each of the two annual $2,500 underwriters will receive: 30-second Ad Spot: Each of our two possible 30-second ads will run approxi - through Pathway mately 12-16 times per month (every Thursday at 7:00 p.m. Strategies and every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.). The under - Melissa Winne has joined E2Tech writer is responsible for the production of the video. staff with assistance from Goodwill Legislative Week Ahead: Your logo and website link will be placed on our email broad - Industries of Northern New England for cast, sent weekly during the legislative session (January three months under the Technology through April 2016) to approximately 2,000 subscribers. Occupations through Pathway Strategies Show Highlight: We welcome your participation as a show guest to highlight (TOPS) grants. The TOPS grant program your positive economic story in one half-show segment dur - is a project dedicated to providing free edu - ing the year. cation, training and job placement assis - Other Mentions: Annual underwriters will be listed in opening and closing credits tance in STEM occupations. Melissa previ - on every show, as well as in our newsletter and social media. ously worked with E2Tech as an intern For more information about The Bottom Line , please contact Melanie Baillargeon, director of under the Make it in America grant. If communications, by calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 110, or by emailing [email protected]. Underwriter inquiries can be sent to Melody Rousseau, sponsorship and advertising sales manager, by calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 102, or by emailing [email protected].  Continued on Page 19...

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E2Tech News... Have you read the Good News? (Continued from Page 18...)

you’re interested in Goodwill worker train - ing opportunities, please contact Jeff Marks by emailing [email protected].

State of Maine Trade In the fall of 2013, the Maine State Chamber launched a partnership with Mission to Japan and JustGoodNews.biz , a free, national online news service that focuses solely on pub - China lishing positive business headline news from around the country, including Maine. E2Tech recently joined the State of Maine Trade Mission to Japan and China Since then, the service has been a powerful tool for attracting new businesses to a with Governor Paul LePage, the Maine state, and includes a “Who’s Hiring” page connecting job seekers and employers. International Trade Center, and several Here are a few of the “just good news” story headlines from Maine’s busi - other delegates representing education, ness community! composites, and seafood interests. Meetings included senior officials from Ÿ Maine Technology Institute is funding 19 Maine entrepreneurs Chinese and Japanese government, busi - Ÿ New investment on track for Maine Railways Project nesses, and industry trade associations. Ÿ Cianbro opening training center in Pittsfield Ÿ Gifford’s Famous Ice Cream scoops out expansion in Skowhegan Ÿ Flowfold whipping out new jobs in Peaks Island 2016 SunriseGuide Ÿ Portland group says it’s hiring ahoy in the shipping industry Stewards of Ÿ Carbonite creating more tech jobs in Lewiston Sustainability Ÿ Whitney Wreath rounding out expansion in Machias E2Tech is a winner of the 2016 Ÿ Rockin’ & Roastin’ Café & Restaurant is rocking new jobs in Newry SunriseGuide Stewards of Sustainability awards. To help celebrate The Ÿ Penobscot Bay Media jobs landing in Rockland SunriseGuide’s tenth anniversary, it launched the SunriseGuide Stewards of We want to ensure we are covering good news stories from all across Maine Sustainability awards. Ten winners will be and not just in specific areas. We are asking that you let us know if you have good recognized at the anniversary launch party in the Spring of 2016. Recipients are the news about growing and expanding companies; innovative businesses and startups everyday heroes making and leading real with great ideas; hiring opportunities, so employers and jobs seekers can connect; change in their communities. Their efforts and, national, regional, state rankings and awards. have resulted in significant advancements To get your good news to us, simply visit www.JustGoodNews.biz, click in the areas of sustainability, environmen - tal health and wellness in Maine. “Share Your Good News” at the top of the page, and fill in the information, including uploading photos if you have them (always a nice enhancement to your story). You can also add [email protected] to your newsletter and news Looking forward to 2016 release distribution list or email the basic info for follow-up to Amy Downing at The coming year will be busy for [email protected]. E2Tech as it plans informational and net - working events and several business, eco - If you or your company has a Facebook page, please “like” the nomic, and policy development projects. JustGoodNews.biz Maine page - simply search for JustGOODNews.biz Maine on If you’re interested in promoting your Facebook to find the page. If you or your company is on Twitter, you can fol - company to a large and diverse audience low JustGoodNews.biz on there too — https://twitter.com/justgoodnewsbiz. through forum sponsorships or participat - ing in activities that will benefit your We look forward to hearing about and sharing your good news . For more company and the energy and environmen - information or if you have any questions, please contact Amy Downing, member tal sector, please contact Jeff Marks by services and program manager at the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, by call - emailing [email protected].  ing (207) 623-4568, ext. 104, or by emailing [email protected]. 

For the most current information, visit www.mainechamber.org 12/10/2015 III Impact III 19 Impact15_28December10_Impact_Template.qxd 12/11/2015 10:31 AM Page 20

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Happy Holidays from the Board of Directors and the staff of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce