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Maine Connections | November 2010 |
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Greetings!
It has been a busy fall thus far here in DECD. We were excited at the opportunity to participate in the first Mainebiz Momentum Convention at the end of October. We had a wonderful time speaking with the visitors at the DECD booth and sharing information on the resources available for economic and community development. We were also proud to sponsor keynote speaker, Doug Hall, whose presentation on innovation was very well received. Doug is a big supporter of the state of Maine and a really talented individual.
The energy at the convention was evident, which is a good sign that Mainers are embracing a positive spirit, looking forward with optimism and enthusiasm and...gaining momentum. Congratulations to Mainebiz on a successful event!
All the best,
Commissioner Thaxter R. Trafton
www.businessinmaine.com
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DECD is proud to welcome the following new Maine Made members!
Ella's Candy, Lewiston Heart of the Earth, Clinton Lost Loon Farms, Cambridge Mainesscent, Kennebunk Moose Hill Turnings, Jay Nana Mary's Stitches, Farmingdale
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DECD Business Tip of the Month
Stay Competitive: Take Advantage of Training Initiatives like GTI
Encouraging the creation and expansion of high-quality jobs in Maine is a top priority. DECD and the Department of Labor have joined forces to provide Maine's workforce with the best possible training programs. The Governor's Training Initiative program develops and coordinates training for firms intending to expand or locate in Maine, reorganize a workplace to remain competitive, or upgrade worker skills. Eligible businesses may receive reimbursements for on-the-job training, competitive retooling, assessment, job-task analysis, workplace safety and literacy, specialized recruitment, high-performance skills, or customized technical training. Click here for more information.
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Business Development Specialists Complete Training, Recognized by Governor
| Governor John E. Baldacci congratulated Maine's regional business development specialists (BDS), trained and certified by DECD, at a special event on October 21. The BDS program is part of a statewide effort to regionalize economic development. |
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| Maine's 2010 Lobster Chef of the Year, Kelly Patrick Farrin of Azure Caf�, prepares a delicious dish at Harvest on the Harbor. Photo credit: Greater Portland Convention & Visitors Bureau and Focus Photography.
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Harvest on the Harbor Makes a Splash
Harvest on the Harbor 2010, the three-day food and wine festival on Portland's waterfront featured talented chefs, restaurants and many Maine Made businesses and products and attracted more than 5,000 people to Portland and the surrounding area. Attendees included exhibitors, volunteers, media, sponsors and food-lovers, who generated more than $2 million for the local economy. Ten percent of the Maine people attending commuted from more than 50 miles from Portland. More than 60 businesses sponsored the event, along with the Maine Office of Tourism.
Attendees at the third annual event traveled from 34 states to sample tasty treats from nationally recognized chefs as well as award-winning local chefs. Kelly Patrick Farrin, Sous Chef at Azure Caf� in Freeport, earned the title of Maine Lobster Chef of the Year 2010.
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Mainebiz Momentum Convention a Success
| DECD's Elaine Scott joins Senator Susan Collins, Governor John Baldacci and others for the ribbon cutting ceremony at the convention. |
The first Mainebiz Momentum Convention was held last month at the Augusta Civic Center. Hundreds of attendees participated by visiting exhibitor booths, attending educational workshops and networking with other business people from around the state. DECD sponsored the keynote speaker, Doug Hall CEO of Eureka! Ranch. Doug did a fantastic job speaking about innovation and the potential for businesses in our state to excel.Next year's event has already been scheduled for October 19, 2011. Mark your calendar now and make plans to be there. | DECD's Jeanne St. Pierre talks with a visitor to the DECD booth at the convention. Photo credit: Tim Greenway
| Photos from the event can be found here: http://www.mainebiz.biz/momentumconvention.html
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Upcoming Events:
November Saturday, November 6
Reception: 2 - 5 p.m.
Gallery Talk: 2:30-3 p.m.
"Thread by Thread" on View at Maine Fiberarts
Maine Fiberarts is displaying the handwoven and mixed media screen artwork of artist Sarah D. Haskell of York, Maine. This celebration of Haskell's work, entitled "Thread by Thread" at Maine Fiberarts Center/Gallery at 13 Main Street in Topsham is on view until November 30. A reception open to the public takes place November 6 from 2-5 p.m. The artist will give a Gallery Talk about her work on November 6, from 2:30-3 p.m.
Monday-Tuesday, November 8-9 Maine Innkeepers Association 89th Annual Meeting and Conference The Cliff House Resort & Spa, Shore Road, Ogunquit
This two-day meeting and conference attracts more than 100 owners and managers of hotels, motels, inns, resorts and B&Bs from throughout the state. Attendees will have a chance to participate in a number of workshops, network with members and visit exhibitor booths.
Wednesday, November 10 Western Mountains Alliance 2010 Annual Meeting 4:30 - 7 p.m. North Dining Hall, University of Maine Farmington, South Street, Farmington Some of us grew up here, others have migrated in. Whatever our histories, we've stayed, tucked in the mountains and small towns of western Maine. Why choose this place to do business, raise families, create and explore? Join us for a thoughtful discussion with authors Bill Roorbach and Robert Kimber, and members of the Brochu family of Stratton. For more information, please visit: http://www.westernmountainsalliance.org/AnnualMeeting2010.html December Wednesday, December 1 States Resources Available for Economic and Community Development Presentation
4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
River Valley Technology Center, Rumford DECD Deputy Commissioner Brian Hodges will offer a presentation on the services and programs offered by the state to help businesses and communities grow and thrive in Maine. Hodges will discuss several resources offered by DECD including the Tax Increment Financing program, the Governor's Training Initiative program, Pine Tree Development Zones, Community Development Block Grants and more. For more information and to R.S.V.P. by Nov. 26, please contact Beverly Crosby at the River Valley Growth Council by phone at 207-369-0396 or by e-mail at [email protected].Various Dates: Maine Technology Institute (MTI) Webinars
Maine Technology Institute is offering several webinars for entrepreneurs to learn how to apply for funding to support business planning, market research, intellectual property filing, prototype development or later-stage R&D. For a list of webinar dates, times and topics, please visit: http://www.mainetechnology.org/.
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