9 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 8

   NEWPORT -  The Sebasticook Valley Chamber of Commerce will join a growing number of Chambers across the state in hosting a Red Tape Workshop to develop reform suggestions as part of incoming Governor Paul LePage's Red Tape Removal Audit.  Community and business leaders from across the 12-town region are encouraged to attend and contribute to the process. 

    Governor-Elect LePage has asked Maine's job creators to take part in his Red Tape Removal Audit.  It is an effort to identify regulations, statutes or compliance issues that need to be reformed to achieve a better balance between quality of life and the need for good jobs for Mainers.  

    The Sebasticook Valley workshop will be held at 9 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 8, at the Newport Cultural Center's second floor meeting room. The room is handicapped accessible. Light refreshments will be available. Advance registrations could be helpful by calling or emailing the Chamber, but are not required.

    Locally developed suggestions will be presented to the Governor-Elect and his transition team.  Copies also will be shared with area Legislators, who also will be invited to participate.

   All action taken on reform proposals follows Legislative procedures allowing both proponents and opponents to be heard before the appropriate Legislative committees, before reforms are presented for Legislative action.