Registration Now Open for 5^th Annual Mainebiz Momentum Convention

 

PORTLAND, Maine (AUGUST 25, 2014)undefinedRegistration is now open for the 5^th Annual Momentum Convention which will feature a keynote presentation from EepyBird founders Stephen Voltz and Fritz Grobe, the Coke and Mentos guys whose viral videos have now been seen over 100 million times. One of Maine’s premier networking events, this year’s convention will celebrate the theme of transformation in the newly transformed Civic Center.

 

Convention attendees will have access to over 100 business to business exhibitors and networking with more than 1,500 business decision-makers. The annual event brings together Maine’s business leaders for networking, learning via the Mainebiz U sessions, and the annually anticipated keynote address. In the attendee favorite Pavilion area, participants will also sample “tastes of Maine” from more than 15 Maine food and beverage vendors.

 

“We recognize that businesses have to transform themselves to stay competitive. At Mainebiz, we have two decades of first-hand experience in learning how to transform our business and we aim to create an environment that helps other companies successfully navigate the many transitions they face. Whether you are family owned or publicly traded you need a plan for future leadership. At the convention, you can learn from Maine CEOs and professional experts on how to plan your successor and your succession from within and from without,” said Donna Brassard, Mainebiz’s publisher.

The Expo: Visit with over 100 of Mainebiz b2b companies to learn more about their products and services to help you be successful. Many offer free giveaways and prize raffles. Enjoy free samples from several Maine food and beverage purveyors.

 

Mainebiz U: Choose one from a selection of four panel discussions on the topics of evolution or progression. Speakers on the evolution track, which focuses on adapting to new market realities, include Shannon Kinney from Dream Local Digital, Jim Keenan from Bernstein Shur, Cheryl Bascomb from Berry Dunn, Alan McEwan from Verrill Dana, Ted Wirth from Diversified Communications, Don Gooding from MCED and Amber Lambke from Maine Grains. Speakers on the progression track, which focuses on setting up the future to succeed, include Steve Campbell from ProVoke, Fred Forsley from Shipyard Brewing Company, David Austin from Eaton Peabody, Derek Volk from Volk Packaging, Kal Kotkas from Clark Insurance and Frank O’Shea from Berry Dunn.

 

Keynote Speakers: Eepybird – Stephen Voltz and Fritz Grobe. Get an inside look at Voltz and Grobe’s creative process and discover how to improve your business by looking at old problems in new ways, and turn challenges into opportunities.

 

CEO Breakfast: An opportunity to network with your C-level peers from around the state. Moderated by Mainebiz Editor Peter Van Allen, join a panel of several Maine CEOs for a frank discussion about managing a business through a transformation. CEOs include Charles J. Spies, CEO of CEI Capital Management, LLC; M. Michelle Hood, President and CEO of Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems; William Haggett, CEO of Pineland Farms; and Curtis Simard, President and CEO of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. The panelists will share stories for strategic thinking that helped them manage through the unpredictability of transformation, as well as the use of back-up plans. Registration is required and there are a limited number of tickets available.

 

Momentum Pavilion featuring the Tastes of Maine: Experience a taste of Maine’s finest delicacies at the Pavilion, located at the far end of the Exhibition Arena, featuring vendors such as Bixby & Co., Coffee by Design, Dean’s Sweets, Oats Any Time, Eli’s Soda and Lucy’s Granola from 10:00am to 11:00am. From 3:00pm to 4:00pm the Pavilion will feature Coffee by Design, Eli’s Soda, Lakonia Greek Products, North Woods Gourmet Girl, Portland Fruit & Nut Co., State of Maine Cheese Co. and Wilbur’s of Maine Chocolate, as well as New England Distilling, Rising Tide Brewing Company, Shipyard Brewing Company, Capt’n Eli’s Soda, Sweetgrass Farm Winery & Distillery and WaldoStone Farm, LLC. The Pavilion, sponsored by Prime Motor Cars, will be accompanied by cash bars and additional complimentary hors d’oeuvres during the reception. Attendees are eligible to win an assortment of prizes, including airline tickets from Portland Jetport and a $2,000 travel voucher from Hurley Travel Experts.

 

Questions about attending this or other Mainebiz events can be directed to Rebekah Roy, Marketing/Events Manager at rroy@mainebiz.biz or 207-761-8379 ext.341.

 

What: The 5^th Annual Momentum Convention

 

Where:  Cumberland County Civic Center

 

When: Thursday, October 9, 2014

 

Who: Maine business owners, CEOs, company presidents, entrepreneurs, and professionals interested in networking with all of the above.

 

Hours: 7:30am – 4:00pm. Keynote is at 9:00am and exhibits are open from 10:00am – 4:00pm. Schedule here.

 

Registration: Registration is now open. Click here for more information on pricing and registration. Registration is required for some events and recommended for all.

 

Sponsors
Presenting: Bank of America / Merrill Lynch / U.S. Trust, and Efficiency Maine

Principal Sponsor: Eaton Peabody

Supporting Sponsors: MEMIC, Northeast Delta Dental, Mercedes Benz of Scarborough, Verizon Wireless, Garrand

Partner Sponsors: Broadreach Public Relations, Green Tree Event Consultants, Portland International Jetport

Exclusive Vendor Sponsors: Affordable Exhibit Displays, Headlight Audio Visual, The Snowman Group, and Welch Signage

Media Sponsors: The Forecaster, Gleason Media, and Maine Public Broadcasting Network

 

About Mainebiz Now celebrating its 20^th year, Mainebiz is a multimedia company providing business news, information and analysis for business owners and C-level executives in Maine, from Fort Kent to Kittery. Located in Portland, Maine, Mainebiz serves the business decision makers in Maine across multiple channels, including its flagship print publication, website, daily e-mail digest, events and its new and acclaimed Real Estate Insider e-mail news digest. Mainebiz is the recipient of myriad national, regional and local awards for journalistic excellence, outstanding design and graphics, and community service. Learn more at www.Mainebiz.biz.

 

About Momentum Convention

Momentum is an annual convention hosted by Mainebiz to connect business leaders and foster growth and innovation in Maine’s businesses. Spend the day with some of Maine's most successful CEOs who will share how their transformational approach launched their companies to new heights. The Momentum Convention is a full day of learning and networking with your peers and customers, October 9, 2014 at the newly transformed Cumberland County Civic Center. For more information and to register visit: www.Mainebiz.biz/momentumconvention

 

###

 

 

Rebekah Roy

Marketing & Events Manager

 

Mainebiz
48 Free Street

Portland, ME 04101

p: 207-761-8379 ext. 341

f: 207-761-0732

 

Join us at Mainebiz Momentum Convention October 9^th!

 

 

Practical Issues for Women During Wilderness Expeditions

Free workshop taking place September 22 at Franklin Memorial Hospital

Farmington¾

 

The Wilderness Medicine Collaborative is offering a free workshop for anyone interested in learning more about non-pregnant medical conditions encountered by women traveling in remote wilderness locations on Monday, September 22 from 5:30−7:30 p.m. in the Bass Room at Franklin Memorial Hospital.

 

The workshop will be an interactive discussion with the audience on topics including the management of minor problems like vaginal itching, urinary tract infections, and sacroiliac dislocation, to more serious conditions including menstrual hemorrhage, perineal and vaginal trauma, and acute abdominal pain.

 

Speakers will include medical providers from Franklin Health Women’s Care: Connie Adler, MD; Tara Aumand, MD; Jacques Belair, MD; Susan Kearing, DO; Jennifer Zeliger, MD; and and Susan Tinguely, FNP; along with wilderness medicine instructors: Gabe Gunning, WEMT-P; Paul Marcolini, WEMT-P; and Alan Sleight, WEMT-A.

 

The workshop will also include practical hands-on training on the principles of immobilization and proper application of traction splint for hip and femur fractures.

 

To register, email your intention to attend to: wildernessmedcollaborative@gmail.com.

 

EMS CEU HOURS and AMA CME credits will be granted. The information provided is for continuing education purposes and not

 

Governor To Celebrate Maine Farm Days

August 19, 2014

For Immediate Release: Monday, August 18, 2014
Contact: Jessica Nixon, 207-215-7388

Misty Meadows Farm in Clinton hosts one of Maine’s largest agricultural events

AUGUSTA – On Wednesday, Governor Paul R. LePage will join hundreds of agriculture enthusiasts at Maine Farm Days in Clinton. Misty Meadows Farm will host the event, which is one of the state’s largest agricultural attractions.

Maine Farm Days features activities for both farmers and non-farmers alike, and takes place between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. August 20 and 21. Admission is free and open to the public. Governor LePage will deliver remarks at the Commissioner’s Breakfast on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.

“This is a time of great promise and opportunity for Maine agriculture. While the number of farms in the U.S. has decreased, Maine has added farms and increased the market value of its agricultural products by 24 percent, to $763,062,000,” said Governor LePage. “Maine Farm Days is an excellent opportunity to meet some of the people contributing to this growth and learn how much of our food is produced and where it comes from.”

“Maine farmers work hard to bring food to our tables every day and ensure the viability of agriculture,” Commissioner Walt Whitcomb said. “This annual event gives the public a chance to experience how farms operate and for farmers to showcase and share innovation. It all is done in a fun educational atmosphere.”

Maine Farms Days has a wide range of agribusiness exhibits, equipment dealers, wagon tours, children’s learning center, craft tent, farmers market, and presentations. It is a virtual cornucopia of animals, farm information, interesting people, equipment, food and entertaining displays. A chicken lunch, sponsored by Pine Tree Camp, will be served each day.

Misty Meadows Farm is owned and operated by John and Belinda Stoughton of Clinton. The farm currently ships 38,000 pounds of milk daily to Oakhurst Dairy in Portland, with an average of 87 pounds per cow for their 530 cow herd. The Stoughton’s have a total of 850 dairy animals, and manage over 900 acres of cropland to produce feed for their herd.

 

Unemployment Rate at 5.5% for July

August 18, 2014

For Immediate Release: Monday, August 18, 2014
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, (207) 287-2531

Share of Mainers working still above national average

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage released a statement today about the 5.5% unemployment rate for July, which is down from 6.7% in July 2013 and is the lowest since August 2008. Maine’s unemployment rate is far below the U.S. unemployment rate of 6.2 percent.

The employment-to-population ratioundefinedthe share of Maine’s population that is employed and a better indicator of economic recoveryundefinedis 61.4%. July was the 82nd consecutive month Maine’s employment-to-population ratio was above the national average.

"Since we took office, almost 22,000 private-sector jobs have been created in Maine," said Governor LePage. "There are still plenty of jobs available, including almost 7,400 posted on the Maine Job Bank. Combined with our efforts to move individuals from welfare to work, there are more opportunities than ever for Mainers to get good-paying jobs that will improve the quality of life for them and their families."

The number of private-sector jobs is up 8,400 from a year ago in July 2013. The number of government jobs is down 1,300. Government accounted for only 16.3 percent of nonfarm jobs in June and July, its lowest share since May 1999.

“We have made progress, but we cannot stop now. Maine is still facing economic challenges from decades of failed policies from the past,” said Governor LePage. “Our high energy costs, which are a result of the policies of the past two administrations, are driving business away from Maine. Our aging population is a difficult factor we must overcome to continue with economic and job growth. That’s why we must keep working to bring more companies with good-paying jobs to our state, which will help keep more young people and families here. We must continue transforming Maine from a high-tax state with a large

 

First Lady Ann LePage to Host Fourth Annual Military Families Ice Cream Social

 

For Immediate Release: Monday, August 18, 2014
Contact: Lynn Harvey, 207-512-0280

AUGUSTA – First Lady Ann M. LePage will host the fourth annual Military Families Ice Cream Social on the Blaine House Lawn on Monday, August 18 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. Last year, more than 100 people joined the First Lady for the Military Families Ice Cream Social and this year between 100 and 120 military connected guests are expected to attend.

The social is a “Back to School” event, where each child will receive free school supplies, thanks to Operation Homefront and community members through sales at the Dollar Store. This event is free of charge, and open to Maine military families of any age, and any branch of service. Guests are encouraged to wear play clothes, and join in a variety of lawn games with the First Lady while they enjoy their ice cream.

“Maine’s military service members, and their families, make tremendous sacrifices on behalf of all of us,” said First Lady Ann LePage. “Many children are faced with the difficult task of a parent leaving home for deployment, and this is an opportunity for Maine’s military families to network, interact with each other, and enjoy some summer fun.”

 

The NFL has an Opportunity to Push Back Against Domestic Violence

 

Domestic Violence does not discriminate. This crime affects thousands of people, no matter their age, race or economic background.

Hello. This is Governor Paul LePage.

Most domestic violence victims are women, but this is not just a women’s issue. Men must be part of the solution to end the pattern of abuse.

Recently, the National Football League has taken heat for how it sanctions players who commit a domestic violence crime.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell gave a mere two-week suspension to Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice. This man knocked his fiancée unconscious, then dragged her out of an elevator. Rice pled not guilty, but the video doesn’t lie. Sadly, his fiancée is now his wife.

If a two-week suspension is the “punishment” for knocking a woman unconscious, then there is something very wrong with the NFL culture.

This week in a letter to Goodell, I told him I’m appalled that he promotes permissive disciplinary procedures that could ultimately result in the death of innocent people.

NFL quarterback Michael Vick served 2 years in prison for running a dog-fighting ring, but an NFL player who commits a violent crime against a woman gets a two-week suspension. The NFL mandates harsher penalties for players who violate the league’s personal-conduct policy or abuse drugs than those who commit domestic violence. This defies common sense.

Taking thugs and wife beaters off the field may be bad for business, but the NFL is playing games with people’s lives. 

I don’t know if Commissioner Goodell is familiar with domestic violence or if it has affected his family personally. However, I can tell you firsthand that domestic violence is about a perpetrator having power and control over another individual. Too many times, it leads to murder.

I have a zero-tolerance position on domestic violence. There is no excuse for this type of behavior in our society. Until all of us make an effort to end this abuse, the cycle will continue.

NFL players are role models for young men, and many of them excel at that. But if some players are allowed to act violently toward women, then young men will think that behavior is acceptable. It tarnishes all players and gives the NFL a bad name. 

This is not about winning or losing. This is about life or death. The NFL has an opportunity to change the rules. We urge Goodell to do the right thing. 

Thank you for listening.

 

MAINEBIZ ANNOUNCES THE 2014 WOMEN TO WATCH

 

Congratulations to the 2014 Women to Watch: Ellen Belknap, President of SMRT Architects and Engineers; Amber Lambke, President of Maine Grains; Lauren Wayne, Director of the State Theatre; Margo Walsh, Founder of MaineWorks; Claudia Raessler, CEO of Maine Textiles.

 

After a nomination period, research and vetting, Mainebiz selected five outstanding women in business who have faced challenges, personally and professionally, and found ways to get things done. They represent the fields of architecture, manufacturing, staffing, entertainment and agriculture, our 2014 women to watch share personal attributes of vision, drive and perseverance.

 

“The common thread with this year’s Women to Watch is grit,” says Peter Van Allen, Mainebiz editor. “They're entrepreneurs, risk-takers and visionaries. They've borrowed money and brokered deals. They've literally built buildings along with businesses. They've overcome challenges. They've demonstrated a certain grit that I think we can all acknowledge is an important part of running a successful business.”

 

The Women to Watch reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Portland Club in Portland. Tickets are $45. The Women to Watch recognition program is sponsored by Anthem BlueCross BlueShield, Pierce Atwood, Tidestone Solutions, and TD Bank. For more information or to register, visit www.mainebiz.biz/womentowatch 

 

To view the 2014 Women to Watch profiles, please visit, http://ow.ly/AeNow

 

Mainebiz is Maine’s premier business news source, covering business news from Fort Kent to Kittery. With its website (mainebiz.biz), Daily Report and new Real Estate Insider via email, as well as its flagship print publication, Mainebiz continues to expand its reach, bringing vital news to Maine’s business community through varied media.

 

Questions about sponsorship, or about attending this or other Mainebiz events? Contact Rebekah Roy, marketing & events manager at rroy@mainebiz.biz or 207-761-8379 ext.341.

 

Portland Man Sentenced to State Prison for Unemployment Fraud

Contact: Julie Rabinowitz, 207-621-5009 Collected benefits while employed AUGUSTAundefined Tracy Young of Portland, Maine was convicted on July 28, 2014, of  theft by deception for fraudulently receiving unemployment insurance payments. Young, age 49, worked and earned wages while collecting benefits. He was sentenced to three years and one month in Maine State Prison with two years of probation for two counts relating to unemployment fraud. He has paid restitution of $2,587.   “Unemployment fraud takes money away from people who are genuinely in need,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “Fraud also burdens the businesses that pay the unemployment taxes that fund the benefits. The Department of Labor is actively reviewing the data to identify fraud and referring cases to the district attorneys.” “Unemployment benefit fraud involving principal amounts of $1,000 or more are considered felonies under Maine law. We continue to aggressively move felony cases to prosecution,” stated Commissioner of Labor Jeanne Paquette.   The Department of Labor actively pursues the collection of benefit overpayments and any associated fines and interest. The collection process usually begins by contacting claimants to request repayment or establish a repayment schedule. As of July 31, the amount of fraudulent payments recovered in 2014 through prosecution totals $63,496.60. That same amount for all of 2013 totaled $67,501.01. Eighty-eight fraud cases are pending with district attorneys. In 2012, a total of 15 cases were referred to district attorneys for prosecution, resulting in five convictions. In 2013, the department referred 88 cases. “Fraud prosecution and prevention is a priority for the department. In the past two years, we’ve improved our reporting systems. We now receive information from employers faster and perform better cross-matches against employment and other databases to identify potential fraud. These efforts are paying off and send a strong message,” Commissioner Paquette said. Commissioner Paquette explained what constitutes fraud. “For people claiming benefits, unemployment insurance fraud usually involves someone misrepresenting information to qualify for benefits,” she said. “In this case, an individual continued to claim benefits after returning to work. In other cases, individuals might report that they are looking for work when they are not, or they might report having contacted employers in their search for work that they did not actually contact. Some may file claims under false pretenses.” To identify when people receiving benefits are hired for permanent work, the department cross-matches the list of active claimants against the National Directory of New Hires and against employer-reported quarterly wage data. On the employer side of the unemployment system, fraud includes intentional misclassification of employees as independent contractors, misreporting worker wages to avoid payment of unemployment taxes and “SUTA dumping,” a rate manipulation practice for obtaining a lower tax rate than a company’s unemployment experience would otherwise allow. Citizens can report instances of suspected unemployment fraud by phone, email, fax or mail; information is available at www.maine.gov/labor/unemployment/fraud.html . Tips can be kept confidential.

 

Help Children Succeed Together, we can inspire children and give them the tools to succeed in school.   Do you remember as a child that wonderful feeling of picking out things for a new school year? The smell of new crayons and glue...Arguing with your mom about sneakers?   These simple back to school rituals are how we let our children know that education is important. It's how we let them know that we believe in them and their ability to succeed in school. Back to school is supposed to be a wonderful time for children, filling them with anticipation, confidence and motivation.   Unfortunately, many children do not have this back-to-school experience. We live and work in a community where many children show up to school empty-handed on their first day. Our educational partners have told us that when kids arrive without the needed supplies, they are not ready to learn.   Every summer United Way of Androscoggin County, with your help, hosts the Backpack Project. This program - one of the largest of its kind in Androscoggin County - provides backpacks and school supplies for the upcoming school year to children in need. Last year, your gifts supported close to 750 children in our community. The Backpack Project is one of many ways that United Way works to increase the academic success and high school graduation rates of children in Androscoggin County.   In the spirit of community, service and collaboration please support the program again this year. Will you collect school supplies in your workplace and/or purchase items for the Backpack Project? Your contribution to this initiative will make a powerful statement in support of education for all the children in our community. To the right you'll find simple and easy ways you can join us in supporting the Backpack Project.    Thank you for all you do to LIVE UNITED.   School Supplies Collecting Pencils, pens, notebook paper, composition books, backpacks, erasers, pencil cases, tissues, crayons, colored pencils, hand sanitizers, protractors, compasses & hi-liters.

Start a collection in your workplace Start a movement in your workplace by designating a collection spot. Click here for a poster to help! Deliver collected items to United Way's office You're always welcome in our office. Stop by and we will welcome you with open arms. Our address is: 66 Ash Street Lewiston, ME 04240 Deliver collected items to Big Lots Auburn Store Big Lots has joined our efforts once again! They will be selling and collecting school supplies for our Backpack Project between August 6 and 18. Please visit their store at: 730 Center Street Auburn, ME 04210 Join United Way, YPLAA and the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce at Business After Hours at the Balloon Festival Join community members at the Business After Hours at the Balloon Festival for free fun, food and prizes! When: Thursday, August 14 Time: 5pm to 6:30pm Where: Simard Payne Memorial Park in Lewiston TELL YOUR FRIENDS Help spread the word about

 

Governor LePage Supports “The Art Of Giving Gala”

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, August 12
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, (207) 287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage has designated $6,000 from his contingency fund in support of Down East magazine’s initiative to give back to the community through their 60th anniversary celebration. “The Art of Giving Gala,” which will take place this week on Thursday, August 14, will be hosted in partnership with six Maine artists. Proceeds from the event will go to each of the artists’ preferred non-profits. Governor LePage has indicated that each of the six non-profits will receive $1,000 from his contingency fund.

“I’m proud to support Down East magazine in their efforts to invest in Maine and improve the lives of Maine people,” said Governor LePage. “I commend the Down East team for choosing to give back to the community in celebration of the iconic magazine’s 60th anniversary.”

With purchase of admission to the gala, each attendee will have opportunity to exchange their admission ticket for a raffle ticket, which gives them a chance of winning artwork created by one of the local artists. The six non-profits to benefit from the Governor’s designation and from the proceeds of the gala are: The Locker Project (a community partner of the Good Shepherd Food Bank), Maine College of Art Scholarship Fund, Colby College Museum of Art, Bowdoin College Museum of Art, North Haven EMS and the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association.

"'The Art of Giving Gala' is only possible thanks to the generosity of the participating artists, the support of our sponsors and the contributions of the hundreds of people attending. Now, we gratefully add to the list Governor Paul LePage's thoughtful designation from his contingency fund," said Down East Publisher Bob Fernald. "We are truly honored the Governor has chosen to contribute to 'The Art of Giving Gala,' which will benefit six beloved Maine non-profits. Everyone's support reinforces our commitment to Maine as we celebrate our 60th anniversary. This is a unique opportunity to give back to the community that has supported us since 1954."

For more information about “The Art of Giving Gala” and how you can participate, please visit www.downeast.com/artofgiving.