<p>2013 MDF Legislative Bus Tour - Early Childhood Dinner</p><p>Summary:</p><p>The Maine Development Foundation's Policy Leaders Academy (PLA) is a non-partisan educational program for Maine Legislators on the Maine economy. This program has delivered high quality, objective and non-partisan experiential training to legislators since 1985. </p><p>A part of this year’s PLA program is a 3-day bus tour through Interior and Western Maine visiting businesses, non- profit organizations, and communities to help the legislators gain a better understanding of the Maine economy. </p><p>Early Childhood is the theme of second night of the tour. Thomas College will host a reception and dinner. The dinner will feature speakers to talk about the early childhood workforce training happening at Thomas and with area partners. Dinner will also feature a Maine Early Learning Investment Group (MELIG) board member to speak about business’ role in early childhood development and the partnership being formed with the Educare Center in Waterville to drive their Elevate Maine project. </p><p>MDF is seeking $2,200 from the Bingham Program to cover the cost of the reception and dinner for 100 people. </p><p>Legislative Early Childhood Dinner at Thomas College – Thursday, January 10, 2013:</p><p>The bus tour begins on Wednesday, January 9 and ends Friday, January 11. This year’s loop will begin in Augusta, travel north to Bangor, then head west and loop back down through the Waterville area. There will be two buses with 80 legislators – new and returning. </p><p>The second night of the tour will feature a reception and dinner at Thomas College and the theme will be Early Childhood Investment. Thomas College was chosen because of the work they are doing to train the early childhood workforce. Additionally, it presents an opportunity to bring in the Educare Center in Waterville and their partner, the Maine Early Learning Investment Group (MELIG), to discuss their Elevate Maine initiative. We have invited Jim Conlon, CEO of Bangor Savings Bank and board member of MELIG, to address the legislators. President Laurie Lachance will speak on behalf of Thomas College. The itinerary is as follows:</p><p> Reception and Introduction to Thomas College 6pm-7pm</p><p> Buffet Dinner 7pm</p><p> Presentation 7:30pm-8:15pm</p><p> o President Laurie Lachance</p><p> o Early Childhood Video</p><p> o Jim Conlon, Bangor Savings and MELIG</p><p>295 Water Street, Suite 5, Augusta, Maine 04330 </p><p>Tel: 207.622.6345 Fax: 207.622.6346</p><p>Web: www. mdf.org Email: [email protected] Budget:</p><p>The reception will have a cash bar with two bartenders. We expect 100 people in attendance for the dinner. This will be a buffet. The pricing is as follows:</p><p> 2 bartenders with a cash bar: $100</p><p> Buffet dinner for 100 ($21/person): $2,100 </p><p>TOTAL: $2,200</p><p>295 Water Street, Suite 5, Augusta, Maine 04330 </p><p>Tel: 207.622.6345 Fax: 207.622.6346</p><p>Web: www. mdf.org Email: [email protected]</p>