LePage Administration, Volunteers Kick-off State Charitable Campaign

Governor LePage and Commissioner Paquette encourage State employees to give back

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – Highlighting the importance of giving back, Governor Paul R. LePage and Maine Department of Labor Commissioner Jeanne Paquette are calling on State employees and retirees to raise $300,000 through the 35th annual Maine State Employees’ Combined Charitable Appeal.

Governor LePage and Commissioner Paquette, who is serving as chair of the 2014 MSECCA campaign, kicked-off the initiative today in the Hall of Flags at the State House in Augusta.

Department leaders and volunteers from State agencies who will encourage colleagues to contribute to the three-month campaign joined Governor LePage and Commissioner Paquette. Representatives from the 18 federations – which includes the state’s United Ways – also attended.

“For thirty-five years, Maine State employees and retirees have shown their generosity by contributing to MSECCA. This tradition of generosity has made a lasting and tremendous impact in the lives of our local community as well as across our nation and beyond. We in Maine are always willing to comfort and give a hand up to those in need. As Maine employees, we work together to make a difference and strengthen our beautiful state,” said Governor LePage.

During its 35-year history, about $8 million has been raised through MSECCA, making it one of Maine’s most meaningful workplace giving campaigns. Last year, State workers and retirees showed their collaborative commitment to their communities by contributing almost $300,000 through one-time gifts or scheduled payroll/retirement deductions. Hundreds of charities are affiliated with the campaign through participating federations, but donors can also direct monetary gifts to an organization of their choice not listed.

“No matter the size of the individual gift made by current and former Maine State employees through MSECCA, they add up. It’s about Mainers helping Mainers,” said Commissioner Paquette. “We extend a huge thank you to the state employees who not only serve the citizens of Maine in their public duties but also extend that extra compassion to neighbors in need.”

Two guests from local non-profits spoke to the attendees, explaining the value of the support they receive from appeals such as MSECCA.

Nancy Provost, the abuse prevention educator at Family Violence Project for southern Kennebec County, teaches prevention programs to students from pre-K through grade 12. She covers more than 30 local schools and teaches at least 3,000 students each year.

Provost stated, “The issue of domestic violence knows no boundaries. Teaching children the fundamentals about healthy vs. unhealthy relationships is the first step in helping them become healthy adults. The support we receive from the United Way and the local school districts allow us to get the message out there that it takes the whole community to end domestic violence. Everyone can be part of the solution.”

Jeffery Johnson currently serves as the Executive Director of the Children’s Center, an organization that provides services to children and their families, primarily to those with disabilities. Johnson stated, “We provide supports and services to young children with disabilities … many of them with profound disabilities. Some of the services we provide to children are not funded but are essential. Thankfully, the United Way helps fund some of these children. The United Way is there for them and their families, and the Children’s Center couldn’t be more grateful."

Beginning today, State employees are able to contribute to the 2014 campaign online at www.maine.gov/msecca. The campaign concludes in mid-December.

Governor LePage to NFL Commissioner: Unite with Governors Against Domestic Violence

For Immediate Release: Monday, Sept. 22, 2014
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage has suggested that he and National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell create a coalition to bring nationwide attention to domestic violence. In a letter dated September 19, Governor LePage encourages Goodell to unite NFL team owners and governors in an effort to end domestic violence, an issue that has thrust the NFL into the headlines this summer.

“The National Football Association has an opportunity to take a high-profile stand against domestic violence by making it a national priority,” Governor LePage states in his second letter to the head of the NFL. “If you are willing to pull together a group of NFL owners, I will gather a coalition of Governors dedicated to this important cause. Together, we can create an influential partnership to provide a truly exceptional service to American society. Men must step up to end domestic violence, and NFL players are prominent role models who can turn the national spotlight on this reprehensible crime.

Governor LePage was the first governor to send a letter to commissioner Goodell on August 12 in which he advocated for the NFL to reconsider its inadequate domestic violence policy. Earlier this summer, commissioner Goodell announced Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice would serve a two-week suspension for knocking his fiance (now wife) unconscious and dragging her body out of an elevator. The incident and subsequent sanction from the NFL disturbed Governor LePage enough to write a detailed letter to Goodell. “Mainers and all Americans are watching as you simply slap the wrist of National Football League players who commit domestic violence,” the Governor wrote.”

After days of media scrutiny and pressure from thousands of people across the nation, the NFL changed its domestic violence policy. Governor LePage said the shift in policy is a step in the right direction. But he said there is much more to do to educate Americans about domestic abuse, how to prevent it and where to find resources for victims, if necessary.

“I have listed some of my initiatives as Governor to end domestic violence,” Governor LePage wrote to Goodell. “But I am only one man. Imagine the powerful, nationwide message we could send if NFL owners and Governors team up to tackle domestic abuse. Please join me in this effort.”

Governor’s Award for Business Excellence Presented to Maine Companies

For Immediate Release: September 19, 2014
Media Contact: Doug Ray, douglas.ray@maine.gov, (207) 624-9802

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage today presented eight Maine companies with a 2014 Governor’s Award for Business Excellence during a reception at Southern Maine Community College in South Portland.

The 24th annual awards, administered by the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development and sponsored by FairPoint Communications, recognize Maine businesses that are successful in a variety of ways.

“These businesses represent the best of the best here in Maine,” said Governor LePage. “All eight of these companies are committed to quality workmanship, maintaining a loyal and dedicated workforce, and giving back to the communities they do business in. Their leadership and direction is solid and I am honored to recognize their efforts and I thank them for doing business here in Maine.”

This year’s Business Award recipients are:

Priority Real Estate – Topsham: Priority Real Estate Group is a commercial real estate investment and development company. Established in 1998, Priority has built, owns and manages over $100 million of professional, medical, educational, retail, manufacturing, and industrial space. While achieving success locally, Priority is also invested in their community. 90% of all their financial contributions go to organizations that support children, provide heating assistance and address hunger prevention. Their biggest community development project to date is the Veterans Resource Center at Brunswick Landing. The Center provides assistance to veterans and their families in obtaining benefits, services and resources to meet their needs and support their reintegration into the community.

Kepware Technologies – Portland: Kepware Technologies is a software development company. Established in 1995 and now distributed in more than 100 countries, Kepware provides a portfolio of software solutions to help businesses connect diverse automation devices and software applications. From plant floor to well site to wind farm, Kepware serves a wide range of customers in a variety of international vertical markets including manufacturing, oil & gas, building automation, power distribution, and more.

Winxnet - Portland:
Since 1999, Winxnet has been helping organizations reduce their IT costs, lower risk, and achieve greater ROI on technology initiatives. With offices throughout New England and the southeast, Winxnet works with corporations, healthcare organizations, non-profits and public sector entities of all sizes. As a premiere IT outsourcing and consulting firm, Winxnet believes providing IT services is about more than just keeping information secure and systems and devices operational. Their business is based on establishing relationships with clients, understanding their unique challenges and then helping solve even the most complex of problems.

Hall Internet Marketing – Portland:
Hall Internet Marketing is a 15 year old organization that builds and markets retail and B2B websites. Hall has become a national player in search engine marketing by creating some really powerful technology - thanks to the support of The Maine Centers for Entrepreneurial Development, The Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, and with funding from The Maine Technology Institute. Their 20 employees enjoy an innovative corporate culture that has earned four consecutive Best Places to Work in Maine awards. A founding member of the Casco Bay Technology Hub, Hall's continued support for start-ups and new ideas adds a bit of a Silicon Valley feel to the Maine economy.

Huhtamaki – Waterville:
For more than 100 years Huhtamaki, Inc. has developed, manufactured and distributed a wide range of molded fiber articles including more than 400 different products in 100 different sizes. The finished goods are distributed across the U.S and Europe thanks to the efforts of nearly 500 full-time employees. Huhtamaki is the birthplace of the famous Chinet® brand thanks to the invention of Martin Keyes, founder of the Keyes Fibre Company. Mr. Keyes invented molded fiber technology in 1903; and in 2013, the company donated nearly 2,000 cases of Chinet® plates to non-profit organizations throughout Maine.

GAC Chemical – Searsport:
GAC Chemical Corporation and its 65 employees are proud to be celebrating 20 years of business in Maine. GAC manufactures and distributes industrial, specialty, and fine chemicals. Primary markets include: Pulp and Paper, Power Plant, Industrial Manufacturing, Potable Municipal Water, as well as Waste Water. GAC is the worldwide leader in the production of high purity ammonium sulfate used in markets such as pharmaceutical, food, and water treatment. In 2013, GAC partnered with a manufacturer based in Mexico. This company’s multi-million dollar project at GAC marked the first Foreign Direct Investment from Mexico into Maine and allowed GAC to become certified as a Pine Tree Zone business.

Fluid Imaging Technologies – Scarborough:
Fluid Imaging Technologies manufactures a proprietary digital-imaging particle analysis system called FlowCAM. The Company is a spin-off of Bigelow Laboratories and its initial “headquarters” was located above a garage in East Boothbay. In the last 15 years, the company experienced rapid growth and to accommodate the expanding team, Fluid Imaging Technologies moved to its fourth location last summer. This new location is equipped with a state-of-the-art testing laboratory, a dedicated product development area, and expanded production capability. They have sold over 500 FlowCAMs in about 45 countries, so Maine represents the global geographic epicenter of their markets and the company takes pride in being able to live and work in this state.

Haven’s Candies – Westbrook:
Herbert Haven founded Haven’s Candy Kitchen on Forest Avenue in Portland back in 1915. Over the past century Haven’s has stuck to its heritage of creating the finest handcrafted confections by using the best ingredients and timeless recipes. Haven’s operates out of a chocolate factory in Westbrook, with satellite retail stores in Portland and Scarborough. Haven’s employs 28 people, many of whom have made a career with the company in the confection trade. The name Haven’s has truly become a Maine brand and the owner and employees take great pride in being stewards of a company with deep local roots and enthusiastic customers.

Unemployment Rate is 5.6%; Percent of Mainers Working Remains Higher than National Average

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage released a statement today about the 5.6 percent unemployment rate for August, which is down a full point from 6.6 percent a year ago.

The employment-to-population ratio, which is the percentage of adults who are employed and is a better indicator of economic recovery, is 61.1 percent undefined well above the national average of 59.0 percent.

“Thousands more Mainers are working in the private sector now than when I took office," said Governor LePage. “With more than 8,000 job openings on the Maine Job Bank, now is an excellent time for people to get back into the workforce, and our CareerCenters can assist those looking for a new job or to change careers.”

Payroll jobs ticked up again in August. Since Governor LePage took office, 22,100 private-sector jobs have been created. Government employment accounted for 16.2 percent of nonfarm jobs in July and August, the lowest share since before 1983.

The number of unemployed people in Maine is down 7,400 over the year. The number of private-sector jobs is up 9,400 from one year ago, mostly in leisure and hospitality; retail trade; professional and business services; education and healthcare; and construction. The number of government jobs is down 1,300 from this time last year.

“Creating an environment where our economy can grow is vital to increasing the number of jobs available to Maine workers,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “But making sure that our workers have the skills necessary to compete for the jobs that are in demand is important, too. My administration has been focused on putting targeted training programs in place that address both the needs of the long-term unemployed and our businesses. We are making the connection between industries and the people who need good career jobs. In this way the state can help not hinder our economy.”

Community Heartsaver Class Offered

Skills taught include first aid, CPR and AED use

Farmington¾

Franklin Memorial Hospital is offering an American Heart Association Heartsaver First Aid and CPR course on Saturday, October 11 from 8 a.m.−3 p.m. Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED is a classroom, video-based, instructor-led course that teaches students critical skills needed to respond to and manage medical conditions, choking or sudden cardiac arrest emergencies in the first few minutes until emergency medical services arrives. 

Students will learn how to treat bleeding, sprains, broken bones, shock, and other first aid emergencies. This course also teaches adult CPR and AED use.

This course is for anyone with limited or no medical training who needs a course completion card in first aid, CPR and AED use to meet job, regulatory or other requirements.

The cost is $60 and includes the book. Registration and payment is required prior to the course.  The number of participants is limited by American Heart Association’s guidelines. Another course is planned for January. To register or for additional information, call Franklin Memorial Hospital’s Education Department at 779-2381.

Honoring Maine’s Veteran’s on POW/MIA Recognition

For Immediate Release: Thursday, Sept. 18
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

First Lady to highlight special ceremony in Old Orchard Beach

AUGUSTA – First Lady Ann M. LePage will welcome hundreds of military family members of Prisoners of War and Missing in Action (POW/MIA) veterans at Old Orchard Beach Baseball Park as part of the Maine Heroes Fund recognition weekend. The event begins Saturday, September 20 at the Ballpark located in Old Orchard Beach beginning at 9:30 a.m.

“Maine has a long and strong military heritage to be proud of so making sure to honor our prisoners of war and to remember those still missing in action is critical,” Mrs. LePage said. “Our veterans and their families truly hold a special place in my heart, which is why I’m always so honored to be a part of ceremonies like this one.”

Governor Paul R. LePage has signed a proclamation declaring September 19, 2014 as POW/MIA Recognition Day throughout the State of Maine. POW/MIA Recognition Day honors this Nation’s prisoners of war; those still missing and their families; and highlights the government’s commitment to account for them. There are over 500 citizens of Maine who remain unaccounted for as a result of their valiant service to our Country.

“Maine is proud that 140,000 veterans call this State home,” the Governor said. “They served us well and many sacrificed a great deal to protect our country. This weekend we take time to recognize our veterans whose lives have been forever changed as a Prisoner of War or remain Missing in Action.”

Founded by Russell Warriner and the POW/MIA Recognition Weekend Committee, The Maine Heroes Fund hosts the POW/MIA Recognition Weekend to honor veterans and their families for their sacrifices to their country. The weekend will also serve as a fundraiser to help veterans in need. In previous years, funds raised went to help the Wounded Heroes of Maine Fund.

First Lady LePage has chosen to support Maine’s military service members and hopes Mainers will consider attending this weekend’s event.

“It is important to honor the men and women in uniform who defend our freedom,” said Mrs. LePage. “This weekend’s event gives us an opportunity to remember the more than 500 Maine citizens who honorably served their country and remain unaccounted for as a POW or MIA. These heroes deserve our respect, and we continue to strive to learn the truth about every missing American.”

Residents Invited to Attend Health Network’s Annual Meeting

Taking Place Monday, September 29, from 4-6 p.m.

Franklin Community Health Network (FCHN) invites interested members of the community to attend its annual meeting. The annual meeting will take place on Monday, September 29, from 4-6 p.m. in the Bass Room at Franklin Memorial Hospital.

Those who attend will receive a printed annual report, along with updates regarding new medical staff, new services and programs, our forthcoming MaineHealth partnership, future plans, and more including time to have your questions answered. Presenters will include Rebecca Arsenault, president of Franklin Community Health Network; Joseph Bujold, board chair; and L. Michael Fraley, medical staff president.

Healthy Community Coalition staff will offer free flu shots. Please come early if you'd like one. The meeting includes a social hour starting at 4 p.m. with refreshments. The program will start promptly at 4:30 p.m.

One of the highlights of the program is the presentation of the annual Community Health Leadership Award to a deserving member of the community. Through the award, FCHN recognizes the unsung heroes who work to improve the health of our greater community and its members.

Interested persons should RSVP here or call Kathy Bryant, assistant to the president, at 779-2265.

FCHN is a locally controlled not-for-profit network of rural health care providers that includes Franklin Memorial Hospital, Evergreen Behavioral Services, Franklin Health, NorthStar, and the Healthy Community Coalition of Greater Franklin County.