Here’s where real small business owners share their success stories, providing the inspiration as well as disclosing the perspiration it takes to do well. We’ll also sprinkle in profiles of key people to watch in Maine government, and the people behind the counter at the Maine Corner Store.
Maine Corner Store Profiles are available to Maine-based businesses with 25 or fewer employees. Click here to learn more...
Governor LePage, DEP Commissioner Aho Honor IDEXX For Environmental Excellence
Posted Friday, April 20, 2012 by MSCC
*-The Westbrook-based company receives a Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence alongside other 2012 recipients including CLYNK, the George R. Roberts Company, Maine Energy Systems, the Washington County Council of Governments and the Environmental Living & Learning for Maine Students Project-*
GORHAM - IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. has been recognized as part of the first state-sponsored environmental achievement awards handed out in Maine since 2005.
The Westbrook-based company was honored as one of six stewards of sustainability presented with the 2012 Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence by Governor Paul LePage and Maine Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Patricia Aho in a ceremony Thursday at Jotul North America's headquarters in Gorham.
The awards, administered by the Maine DEP and scheduled in conjunction with Earth Day (April 22), recognize entities voluntarily going beyond regulatory requirements to creatively and collaboratively initiate innovation that is both environmentally and economically sustainable.
IDEXX won in the "Businesses Over 100 Employees" category for committing to considering sustainability in every business decision the company has made since 2008 and for engaging their employees so effectively in their environment efforts.
Through a multi-faceted conservation program, reliability of the company's utilize infrastructure has improved while the operating costs per square foot are lower than they were five years ago. The company is also now recycling nearly half of its waste, with less than 6 percent ending up in landfills. Meanwhile, IDEXX employees have grown hundreds of pounds of produce through a campus gardening program launched last year, all of which is donated to local food pantries.
"Being recognized by the state for this achievement is an honor for IDEXX, especially since IDEXX is headquartered in Maine, and most of our employees live in the surrounding communities," said IDEXX Maine Operations Manager Matt Haas. "This award validates a lot of work from many, many dedicated people who prove everyday that sustainable business practices are achievable and essential. Sustainability is an on-going journey of continuous improvement, and this recognition validates that we are on the right path to environmental excellence."
Other winners included CLYNK, of South Portland; George R. Roberts Co. "The Step Guys," of Alfred; Maine Energy Systems, of Bethel; the Washington County Council of Governments; and the Environmental Living & Learning for Maine Students Project, a collaborative of Chewonki, Ferry Beach Ecology School and the UMaine 4-H Camp and Learning Centers at Bryant Pond and Tanglewood (in Lincolnville).
"For many Maine employers, Earth Day isn't just one day a year, but a constant commitment to stewarding our natural resources and ensuring a sustainable economy. These Governor's Award winners illustrate the interdependence of Maine's economy and the environment and why the choice between the two should never be ‘either or' because it must always be ‘both,'" said Governor LePage.
Commissioner Aho said it was important for the state to start acknowledging Maine's many environmental leaders who are modeling her department's vision of a mutually healthy environment and economy.
"Maine has long been a national leader when it comes to environmental excellence and our 2012 Governor's Awards recipients are carrying on that legacy," Aho said. "As Maine's foremost environmental organization, it has great meaning when we respect and recognize these leaders and that the innovation improving our environment and our economy comes directly from Maine employers and people. I want to thank all of the nominees for their commitment of creativity, time and resources toward our shared vision of making Maine a better place to live, work and play for ours and future generations."
Aho added the awards program is one of the many activities the DEP has advanced under the LePage administration that further the agency's culture of cooperation with the regulated community. Others include expanded technical assistance, permitting process improvements and pragmatic regulatory reform. Based on the success of this year's awards, Maine DEP intends to continue the annual recognition program with nominations for the 2013 Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence opening in late 2012. More information can be found at http://www.maine.gov/dep or by contacting Samantha DePoy-Warren at 207-287-5842 or samantha.depoy-warren@maine.gov.
IDEXX Laboratories breaks ground on a $35 million expansion
Posted Monday, April 09, 2012 by MCSS
The three-story administrative building will support new jobs
On Tuesday, April 3, 2012, IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. broke ground today on a $35 million expansion to the Company's corporate headquarters in Westbrook, Maine. Maine Governor Paul LePage, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, Congressman Michael Michaud and other officials joined IDEXX CEO Jonathan Ayers to announce the project and remark on its future impact on the Maine economy as well as employee life at IDEXX.
The new 107,700 square foot, three-story corporate administrative facility will accommodate up to 300 additional employees to support future growth. In addition, more than 100 new trade jobs will be generated regionally to support the construction phase of the facility. The structure also will be the first certified LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) building in Westbrook.
"IDEXX's decision to expand in Maine and create new jobs is welcome news for our state," said U.S. Sen. Susan Collins. "This new facility demonstrates the company's strong growth, even in challenging economic times, and is a testament to the world-class caliber of Maine's workforce."
After acquiring the building at IDEXX Drive in 2006, the Company embarked on an $80 million, 375,000 square foot construction and renovation project. Since then, IDEXX has surpassed its goal of adding 500 new employees in Maine and is now nearing 100 percent capacity. Today's groundbreaking begins a new project that was announced in 2010. With more than 1,800 employees now working in the state, the Company's Maine headcount has more than doubled in less than a decade, and the new facility will help the Company accommodate future growth objectives.
"I congratulate IDEXX for its worldwide leadership in business and its commitment to Maine. While we work every day to bring new companies to Maine, it is exciting to see one of our existing businesses expand, which will contribute greatly to the local economy," said Governor Paul LePage. "We celebrate IDEXX's investment in Westbrook and the new jobs the company will create."
According to CEO Jonathan Ayers, this expansion reflects IDEXX's consistent growth as well as the Company's commitment to foster sustainability and employee engagement. "The new facility will support well-being through a significant employee health and wellness center and a new collaborative workspace design that is being adopted as a best practice by other highly innovative companies."
Worldwide, IDEXX employs more than 5,000 people who are focused on keeping animals healthy and milk and water safe through the development and manufacture of innovative diagnostics and information-sharing products and services. The IDEXX campus in Westbrook serves as the Company's worldwide headquarters. IDEXX employees represent numerous career fields, including research and development, sales and marketing, manufacturing and operations, information technology, human resources, communications, finance, legal and business development.
"We are proud to grow in Maine and to continue to give back to the state by creating good jobs and contributing to our many communities through programs like Global IDEXX Volunteer Efforts, which gives all full- and part-time employees two paid days each year to volunteer at a charity of their choice," said Ayers. "Through a combination of quality products and services for our customers, as well as our commitment to the health and well-being of our employees and the communities where we work, IDEXX is making the world a better place."
As February is American heart month, and heart disease is the Number One killer for both men and women, it’s a good time to talk to your employees about what they can do to lower their risk of heart disease, as research indicates that most heart attacks and other causes of heart disease death could be prevented.
A simple pair of sneakers may be a good tool employees can use to fight heart disease, and the hefty tab that comes with it. And when employees crush out that last cigarette, or consume less sodium and fat, their efforts help reduce the 13% of all health care dollars going towards heart disease each year.
Here we highlight five steps to a healthier heart:
Blood Pressure: One of the strongest predictors for heart disease is measured in two numbers — your blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is 119/79 or below.
Cholesterol: Probably the most familiar heart disease risk factor, cholesterol is a type of fat that is an essential nutrient for your body. However, too much cholesterol — or not enough of the good type of cholesterol — floating around in your blood increases your risk for hardening of the arteries that can lead to heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
Body Mass Index (BMI): This is an indirect measure of your body fat, a quick way to see if you are overweight. BMI may be overestimated in people with a lot of muscle mass, such as body builders. It may also be underestimated in older people who have very little muscle mass. BMI uses a person’s weight and height to gauge total body fat. A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is ideal.
Blood Sugar: Overweight and too little exercise — that’s what greatly increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes. It’s nothing to take lightly because it can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and even blindness. A fasting blood sugar test — after not eating or drinking anything but water for at least 12 hours — is most commonly used to diagnose Type 2 diabetes. A normal fasting blood sugar is less than 100.
Exercise: Yes, you‘ve heard it all before. But we’re not talking about an unreasonable commitment here. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends aerobic exercising three to five days a week for 30 to 45 minutes. This doesn’t mean strapping on the leotards and joining others in the gym. Exercise that strengthens the heart comes in all shapes and sizes — including walking, biking, swimming, and jogging.
The next time you see your doctor make sure you know what your “numbers” are, and you’ll have a better sense of how healthy your heart is.
When employees feel good, they tend to perform better. That’s why most Chamber BlueOptions’ plans come with 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 (www.mainechamber.org/blueoptions) to find a producer.
For more information on the Chamber BlueOptions health plan, please contact Joyce LaRoche, executive director of the Maine State Chamber Purchasing Alliance, by calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 113, or by emailing jlaroche@mainechamber.org; or contact Amy Downing at ext. 104 or adowning@mainechamber.org.
New Member Profile: Mölnlycke Health Care and Rynel, Inc.
Posted Thursday, February 09, 2012 by MSCC
It’s always good to hear about a company that is not only keeping manufacturing jobs in Maine but that is also bringing additional jobs into Maine. That’s the case with Mölnlycke Health Care, a Göteborg, Sweden-based global medical device manufacturer and the newest member of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce. Mölnlycke established their presence in Maine when they acquired Wiscasset, Maine-based Rynel, Inc. in Feb 2010. Mölnlycke was a key customer of Rynel for more than 14 years prior to the acquisition. The combination of the unique Rynel absorbent foam and Mölnlycke’s unique Saftac® technology has produced the number-one selling foam wound dressing in the world.
Rynel’s specialty hydrophilic polyurethane foams are processed into a wide array of finished, as well as semi-finished, products for medical products, pharmaceutical products, cosmetic and personal care products and consumer products used all over the world. The Wiscasset facility ships foam products to a number of external customers as well as to other Mölnlycke locations located in Europe.
As a result of being happy with the Maine acquisition, Mölnlycke is currently building a new state of the art 79,000 square ft. manufacturing facility in Brunswick − at the former Brunswick Naval Air Station − to complement the work at the Wiscasset plant. With the construction cost of the new building, as well as the cost of the specialized production machines that will be in the building, the investment that Molnlycke is making in Maine is over $40 million.
Currently, the foam for Mölnlycke wound care dressings made in Wiscasset is shipped to Mölnlycke in Europe for final processing into the finished product and some of that finished product ships back to the U.S. and Canada – Mölnlycke’s fastest growing market. Now with the investment in Brunswick, Mölnlycke will be able to make the foam raw material and the finished products right here in Maine for the North American market.
According to site director Jim Detert, “Mölnlycke is obviously making a significant investment in state of Maine. The fact that we are building a factory in Brunswick is good news for Wiscasset as well. The entire process from raw materials to finished products will be completed right here in Maine for the North American markets. This is further evidence of what seems to be somewhat of a renaissance of manufacturing coming back to U.S.”
Detert said Mölnlycke’s Wiscasset facility currently employs about 70 highly skilled, highly technical people. Upon completion, the first phase of the Brunswick plant will employ upwards of 80 additional people. Ultimately the plan is for a second phase that should roughly double the footprint and the headcount in Brunswick. He said that the initial phase is expected to be completed by January 2013 with equipment up and running by the second quarter of 2013.
“We are very excited that in addition to the investment in Brunswick, Mölnlycke has decided that the Wiscasset facility will be the primary Research & Development Center for Mölnlycke foams worldwide. That’s a huge acknowledgment of the technical knowledge and skills of our people in Wiscasset,” said Detert.
For more information about Mölnlycke or Rynel, please visit the company’s websites at www.molnlycke.com and www.rynel.com.
Maine State Chamber board announces new officers and welcomes 2012 board of directors
Posted Wednesday, December 14, 2011 by MSCC
On Monday, November 28, 2011, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce confirmed its 2012 board of directors and elected its board officers during its annual Board Appreciation Dinner.
The Maine State Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the appointment of Frank McGinty of MaineHealth, as the organization’s board chairman. An alumnus of Bates College, Frank McGinty has served as Executive Vice President and Treasurer of MaineHealth, the state’s largest health system, since January 2003. He is responsible for leading the system’s government and employer relations activities, as well as the direction of its financial affairs. Prior to joining MaineHealth’s senior management team as Vice President for Operations & Treasurer in January 2001, he was a senior executive with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Maine for 11 years. McGinty also has 10 years in public service, serving as the Maine Department of Human Services’ Deputy Commissioner for Health & Medical Services from 1979 to 1984, and as Executive Director of the Maine Health Care Finance Commission from 1984 to 1989. Throughout his career, he has served on several Gubernatorial and Legislative commissions and as a trustee of several not-for-profit organizations.
In addition, the following officers were confirmed: Melinda Poore of Time Warner Cable, New England Div., as first vice chair; and, Wick Johnson of Kennebec Technologies as second vice chair. Stephen Culver of Hannaford Bros., Co. is the board’s immediate past chair.
In addition, the Chamber welcomed new Board members as well as those filling unexpired terms and confirmed the reappointment of 14 directors. New directors include William Allard of Burns & McDonnell; Michael Papp of Pratt & Whitney; Steve Rich of WBRC; Beth Shissler of Sea Bags; Owen Smith of AT&T/ T-Mobile; and, Tim Walton of Cianbro.
Reappointed directors include Cindy Carroll of Unitil Corp.; Jim Cohen of Verrill Dana, LLP; James Conlon of Bangor Savings Bank; John Delahanty of Pierce Atwood LLP; Alan Dorr of Dead River Company; William J. Dunnett of Baker Newman & Noyes, LLC; Duane Gushee of D & G Machine Products; Jim Hanley of Pike Industries, Inc.; Michael Hyde of The Jackson Laboratory; Wick Johnson of Kennebec Technologies; Melinda Poore of Time Warner Cable, New England Division; Audrey Prior of FairPoint Communications; Dennis Reese of Martin’s Point Health Care; and, Herbert R. Sargent of Sargent Corporation.
Regional Business Breakfasts present your company with a unique, targeted sponsorship opportunity
Posted Wednesday, December 14, 2011 by mcs
The Maine State Chamber is working to bring together business leaders on a regional level through our Regional Business Breakfast Meetings. Learn more...
SPONSORSHIP LEVELS
Below, please review the marketing opportunities you will receive as a as a sponsor of our Legislative Strictly Social or a Regional Business Breakfast Meeting.
Series Sponsor (This level includes all seven events): $2,000 Six premium benefits at five first-class events provide you with a maximum of 7 strategic marketing opportunities, for one low price!
Premier Sponsor (Select the location of your choice): $1,000
Presenting Sponsor (Select the location of your choice): $750
Social Spotlight Sponsor (Two available per location; Select the location of your choice): $650
Official Sponsor (Select the location of your choice): $500
EVENT LOCATIONS
* LEGISLATIVE STRICTLY SOCIAL: Wed., Feb. 15, 2012; 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.; The Senator Inn & Spa, Western Avenue, Augusta. Statewide event with many legislative leaders present!
* MAINE HIGHLANDS Regional Business Breakfast Meeting (Details TBD): April 2012; 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.; Greater Bangor
* CENTRAL MAINE Regional Business Breakfast Meeting (Details TBD): May 2012; 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.; Lewiston/Auburn * NORTHERN MAINE Regional Business Breakfast Meeting (Details TBD): June 2012; 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.; Presque Isle or Caribou
* MID-COAST Regional Business Breakfast Meeting (Details TBD): September 2012; 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.; Camden/Rockland
* SOUTHERN MAINE Regional Business Breakfast Meeting (Details TBD): October 2012; 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.; Sanford/Wells
* WESTERN MAINE Regional Business Breakfast Meeting (Details TBD): November 2012; 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.; Farmington
As a follow-up from our last article on cold and flu, we thought it might be fitting to provide information about antibiotic use and resistance this month. Antibiotic resistance is everyone’s business. Not only does it affect employees’ health and productivity, it can also threaten their lives. Antibiotic resistance is due to overuse, and is a world problem today. “Superbugs” are responsible for longer illnesses, more doctor visits, and the need for even more potent antibiotics to treat them.
Since the 1940s, few things have transformed medical care and reduced illness and death from infectious disease more than antibiotics. Unfortunately, over time, antibiotics have become less effective. In fact, 70 percent of hospital infections today are resistant to at least one antibiotic that used to treat them. This is why antibiotic resistance is one of the world’s most pressing public health problems.
Why should you care about saving antibiotic strength? Overuse and misuse of antibiotics can lead to the development of “super” bacteria, or strains of bacteria that are resistant to treatment. These resistant bacteria survive and multiply, causing a longer illness, more doctor visits, and the need for more expensive and toxic antibiotics. They can even lead to death.
And remember that antibiotics aren’t just received in pill form. Of the 50 million pounds of antibiotics used in the U.S. each year, almost half are for animal use and plant agriculture.
Think you’re not at risk since you rarely take antibiotics and eat organic food? Think again. People don’t become resistant to antibiotics – bacteria do. So even if you’ve never taken an antibiotic, you and your family could potentially be infected by “super” bacteria, and be unable to find an antibiotic that will treat them.
So what can you do? Three simple things can make a big difference:
* Avoid getting sick in the first place. Good hygiene, frequent hand washing, getting immunizations, and proper handling, preparing and storing of food will keep you and those around you healthier.
* Know when your illness is viral or bacterial. Antibiotics do not treat viral illnesses. Examples of viral illnesses where you typically do not need antibiotics include the common cold, chest colds, flu, sore throats (except strep, which only happens 15 percent of the time), bronchitis, runny nose, and fluid in the middle ear. Work with your doctor to find the best treatment for you and your family.
* When you do take an antibiotic, finish the medicine. The bacterial infection may still be lingering in your body even after you feel better. Also, don’t take antibiotics prescribed for someone else. This could delay proper treatment, and allow bacteria to multiply.
When employees feel good, they tend to perform better. That’s why most Chamber BlueOptions’ plans come with 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 (www.mainechamber.org/blueoptions) to find a producer.
For more information on the Chamber BlueOptions health plan, please contact Joyce LaRoche, executive director of the Maine State Chamber Purchasing Alliance, by calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 113, or by emailing jlaroche@mainechamber.org, or contact Amy Downing at ext. 104 or adowning@mainechamber.org.
Big changes coming to Chamber BlueOptions in January 2012
Posted Wednesday, December 14, 2011 by MSCC
Since the program launched in January 2007, the Maine State Chamber Purchasing Alliance has reviewed the Chamber BlueOptions plan’s offering annually, looking for ways to enhance the plan offerings and ensuring the plans remain current to the needs of Maine businesses. To give employers even more flexibility, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has updated Chamber BlueOptions®, a suite of health insurance plans for employer groups with 50 or fewer employees including self employed and sole proprietors. If you’re already covered through Chamber BlueOptions, these changes will apply to your group on renewal.
These changes mean you’ll have access to a wider variety of benefit options plus significant added value. Here are the exciting changes:
* Chamber BlueOptions is expanding from eight plans to 10, to provide even more flexibility;
* All Chamber BlueOptions plans will include vision coverage; and,
* You’ll be able to choose a new “open access” HMO plan.
New in Maine: Access Blue New England
This “open access” HMO plan has proved popular in other New England states, particularly Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Its network includes all six New England states. Unlike a traditional HMO, there is no referral requirement. Members choose a PCP, and can see any provider in the Access Blue New England HMO network without a referral. In addition, there’s no coverage outside the network except for emergency and urgent care.
Since its launch the Chamber BlueOptions program has served 500 businesses and 6,000 individuals. Program requirements include membership in good standing with a local/regional chamber and an assessment form and $50 fee annually to the Maine State Chamber Purchasing Alliance. To learn more about Chamber BlueOptions, please contact a chamber insurance agent; a list of agents can be found online at www.mainechamber.org/blueoptions. For coverage options and details, please visit www.mainechamber.org/docs/ourprograms/CBOoverview_2012.pdf.
President's Message: “At the intersection of reflection and anticipation…”
Posted Wednesday, December 14, 2011 by mcs
This time of year always brings me to the intersection of reflection and anticipation. We recently finished our 2011 Annual Report, which is now available online for your review. And our attentions will soon turn to the upcoming legislative session.
Traditionally the short session, the legislature is scheduled to return to their desks on January 4, 2012. They will face many difficult and complex issues before they adjourn in mid-April. The first matter of business will be the supplemental budget discussions. Once that portion of the budget is addressed, a variety of issues, such as energy, workers’ compensation, workforce development and education, as well as the question of bonds, are likely to see extended discussion before the 125th Legislature finishes its business.
Maine will be facing some challenging public policy issues during 2012. In addition to electing new legislators and a new president, referenda regarding energy policy and equal marriage could also be before the voters during the 2012 election cycle.
Will the time allow us to make progress during an election year without politics getting in the way? We sure hope so! But today, in the spirit of this holiday season, we remain hopeful that the cooperative, bipartisan process displayed in 2011 will continue through the 125th Legislature’s second regular session in 2012.
Speaking of the pending holidays, I sincerely hope yours are spent making lasting memories, family, and friends. Your Maine State Chamber “family” is thankful for the confidence you place in us and wish you all the best as we work to build a more prosperous Maine in 2012.
Nov. 1: Maine’s Untapped Workforce: How Hiring People with disAbilities Makes Good Business $ense
Posted Tuesday, September 27, 2011 by mcs
Maine’s Untapped Workforce: How Hiring People with disAbilities Makes Good Business $ense Tuesday, November 1 8:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Harraseeket Inn, Freeport Your $50 registration can be submitted electronically or by check.
We’ve heard the demographic statistics and predictions about Maine’s workforce: We’ve got an aging population and an ongoing out-of-state exodus of younger workers. To meet the state’s unique labor challenges and boost their bottom line, many local employers and businesses are thinking creatively. One proven strategy? Hiring people with disabilities. The result is overwhelmingly win-win: Employers get reliable, productive, high-quality workers and job seekers with disabilities gain new skills, economic independence, and a better quality of life. Businesses can also generate community goodwill when they diversify their team to include workers with disabilities. It just makes good business sense. Procter & Gamble is one of the companies doing business in Maine that actively recruit and hire people with disabilities. When P&G was looking to hire workers at its Tambrands Flexi-Center facility in Auburn earlier this year, it reached out to Maine’s rehabilitation community. Now, P&G is committed to providing job opportunities for Mainers with disabilities — 30 percent of employees at the new Auburn facility have physical or developmental disabilities — through its Tambrands Hiring Initiative. P&G also received support through its partners Pathways, Inc., the Bureau of Rehabilitation, and Department of Health and Human Services to integrate its workforce. P&G’s Maine initiative is adapted from a groundbreaking diversity-hiring project started by Walgreens at several of its distribution centers in South Carolina, Georgia, and Connecticut. According to Walgreen Co. VP Randy Lewis, who spearheaded the plan, it’s not simply a case of “doing the right thing” — it’s sound business practice for companies to expand their talent pool and hire disabled workers because they are assets to businesses of any kind or size. “People ask, ‘Will this work in my environment?’ Yes, yes, it will,” Lewis says. The Walgreens model for integrating its workforce is so successful and such a positive return on investment that a number of other companies and organizations are considering implementing it. One in five Americans has some type of disability. To paraphrase Walgreens executive Randy Lewis, diversifying your work team to include disabled workers is not “an act of charity”; it’s a solid business solution every Maine employer who wants to lower costs, expand, and increase profits should consider. Come hear more about opportunities for Maine businesses to learn from each other and share knowledge and resources about including people with disabilities in your workforce. If you’re a business owner or manager, how do you get started? Sign up to attend “Maine’s Untapped Workforce: How hiring people with disAbilities makes good business $ense,” a conference on diversity and inclusion in the workplace taking place November 1 at the Harraseeket Inn in Freeport. Deb Russell, corporate manager for Walgreen Co., will be the keynote speaker. Gov. Paul LePage will make introductory remarks, plus there will be a Maine Business Panel sharing experiences about hiring people with disabilities, resources, and nuts-and-bolts answers to your questions. The conference is presented through a partnership of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Maine Department of Labor. For more information, contact Amy Downing at (207) 623-4568, ext. 104 or adowning@mainechamber.org. Register today!
NOTE: If you can’t make it to the November event but you are interested in finding out more about offering employment opportunities to people with disabilities in Maine, contact business consultant Valerie Oswald at the Maine Department of Labor, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (Valerie.j.oswald@maine.gov) or visit the website (http://www.maine.gov/rehab/index.shtml).
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Information on this site is intended to provide guidance, not legal advice. Since exact language and definitions of key terms are critical to understanding the requirements of legislation, rules or laws, we encourage you to read each carefully. Articles, blogs, and information offered here may be reprinted with attribution given to “the Maine Corner Store, a program managed by the Maine State Chamber of Commerce.” Please address comments to Melanie Baillargeon, director of communications, by calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 20, or by emailing melanieb@mainechamber.org.
