Fifteen Jackson Lab technicians recently completed teamwork training through EMCC's Center for Business and Industry. Designed to teach participants how to work together in a fast-paced and changing technical environment, the course was offered onsite at the company's Bar Harbor location. Topics included communication techniques, conflict management, and the impact of generational and cultural differences in the workplace.

The Jackson Laboratory continues to be a leader in biomedical research. EMCC, together with the MCCS Maine Quality Centers program, has been instrumental in helping us maintain that legacy, having trained over 500 animal care technicians in our lab animal health science class and 350 employees in our Teamwork in a Technical Environment class over the last 14 years.

Alex Therriault is a 21-year-old CMCC student and entrepreneur. A lifelong interest in dog sledding led him to start Ultimate Dog Sledding Experience, which offers dog sled rides and tour packages. With 25 dogs and a growing business, he turned to CMCC to help him gain important skills to ensure that his business succeeds.

I enrolled in CMCC because I was looking for a quality education close to home. I started the company before I enrolled in CMCC's business program, so I had more of a "learn as I go" mentality. I am currently taking classes to help me with the ins and outs of owning your own business, and they are really helping me promote my business in a professional manner and get ahead for next winter.

Seniors in NMCC's plumbing and

Cecil Hafford, Inspector for the Maine Fuel Board, carefully checks a boiler as part of a competition to test students' skills.

heating program recently participated in a competition to test their heating system installation skills.

Their work was judged by Mark Johnson, owner of Johnson's Plumbing and Heating inWoodland and an NMCC graduate, and Cecil Hafford, inspector for the Maine Fuel Board.

"The State of Maine has certain codes that must be followed in regards to plumbing and heating systems. Students must be aware of these codes and ensure they follow state guidelines," said Hafford. Jonathan Shaw and Aaron Legg took first place in the competition.

Nineteen Maine firefighters recently completed training at SMCC's Maine Fire Service Institute Officer Training Academy, preparing them for leadership roles at fire departments across the state. "We teach firefighters how to put out fires. That's the easy part," said Maine Fire Service Institute Director Bill Guindon. "For this, we're putting them through the wringer on leadership, team-building, media relations, conflict resolution and the politics of the job. This is about preparing future leaders."

Once again, the graduates of MCCS nursing programs have exceeded both the state and national rates on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). EMCC's 2013 graduates obtained the highest scores in the state with a 96% pass rate. Of the 24 EMCC nursing students who sat for the test, 23 of them are now employed as Registered Nurses, 22 of them in Maine.

The work of two CMCC nursing instructors has recently been published. Peter Miller has contributed a chapter on "Therapeutic Use of Heat and Cold" to the 5th edition of Nursing Interventions and Clinical Skills. Sharon Kinney's work is included in Innovations in Nursing Education: Building the Future of Nursing, a publication of the National League for Nursing.

CMCC and Husson University have recently signed a transfer agreement to make it easier for students to pursue a bachelor's degree. "Students who successfully complete approved coursework at CMCC in accounting, business administration, computer information systems, criminal justice, hospitality and tourism management, and sports management can now seamlessly transfer their credits to Husson University," said Marie Hanson, Husson's College of Business Dean.

SMCC held its second annual Launch or Grow Small Business Success Conference on Jan. 31. Speakers and participants included entrepreneurs, financial advisors, business coaches, and marketing experts. "SMCC educates many of Maine's most creative and dedicated small business owners and entrepreneurs," notes SMCC President Ron Cantor. "This conference is part of our continuing commitment to strengthen Maine's small business economy, which fuels the state's overall economy."