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Notes from APP and NMDC
Volume 3, Issue 109
Sept. 19, 2014
In This Issue
NADO BoD
APP Board Meets
Marketing Workshop
Clark named to NADO Board of Directors

    Robert P. Clark, Executive Director of the Northern Maine Development Commission in Caribou, ME, was elected to the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) 2014 - 2015 Board of Directors on August 26, 2014 at NADO's Annual Business Meeting.      The meeting was held in conjunction with the association's 47th Annual Training Conference in Denver, CO.

    NADO was founded in 1967 to provide training, information, and representation for regional development organizations throughout the United States.      

NMDC Exec. Director Bob Clark
   Today, NADO member organizations serve local governments and the public within their regions through various programs focused on diversifying local economies, assisting businesses, creating jobs, and providing social services.  The NADO Board of Directors oversees the association's budget and operations and develops policy on issues affecting regional development organizations. 
   "We are honored to have Bob serve on NADO's board of directors.  Bob brings a wealth of expertise, knowledge, and leadership on regional community and economic development issues to the national level," stated Joe McKinney, NADO Executive Director.  "Most importantly, Bob is focused on helping our nation's local communities pursue comprehensive regional strategies for remaining economically competitive in today's rapidly changing global environment."

    NADO's Board of Directors includes member organizations that represent a broad section of the United States including the Eastern, Midwestern, Southeastern, Southwestern, and Western regions. 

    Clark's appointment is for a three-year term.
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APP Board of Directors hears update on Opportunities Aroostook


     PRESQUE ISLE - With 130,000 policyholders in five states and a growth rate of 7 to 9 percent per year, MMG Insurance is a local success story. The major reason for that success, according to MMG President Larry Shaw, is the employees.

    Shaw, addressing the Aroostook Partnership for Progress (APP) board of directors at the Sept. 12 meeting held at MMG Insurance in Presque Isle, said his company employs 145 people in Presque Isle and another 35 away from outside the area. Shaw added the company has adopted a "High Tech-High Touch" philosophy to enhance customer service and improve operations.

    The board of directors meeting was also the first since Shaw was appointed chairperson of the board. APP President Bob Dorsey said it is customary when a meeting is held at an investors' location to hear an update on the business.

    "It's a good way for CEOs and others to hear what is happening with other businesses in the region," he said. "Plus it reinforces the fact you can have a successful business in The County."

    UMPI President Linda Schott presented on the launching of Employer-U at the Presque Isle campus. She said the hope is the university's resources can assist businesses with customized trainings. She indicated this effort is still in the early stages and a business survey will be forthcoming to assist in the planning and development of the program.

    The board also received an update on "Opportunities Aroostook", which is a collaborative effort between APP and LEADers Encouraging Aroostook Development, businesses and educators to grow the 18- to 44-year-old workforce in Aroostook County. The new job/resume posting website, www.opportunitiesaroostook is now live, in beta, to allow people to explore career opportunities in Aroostook County.

    "We hope every business in Aroostook County will post all openings," said Dorsey. "This effort will only work if we have the cooperation of the Aroostook business community."

    Job and resume postings are free and the site has some unique tools to market your business to potential employees.

    Also on the agenda was a review of APP activity over the summer. Dorsey said the staging of an Export Conference during the World Acadian Congress and the second Education to Industry Summit made for a very busy July and August.

    The next APP board of directors meeting will be Friday, Nov. 14, at Acadia Federal Credit Union in Fort Kent.

Marketing and online tourism tools workshop set for Oct. 15
  

    CARIBOU - Business owners, especially those in the tourism industry, who want to up their marketing expertise are encouraged to attend a free training session devoted to online marketing tools and tourism resources. The training is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 9 a.m. to noon at Northern Maine Development Commission in Caribou.

    Erica Quin-Easter, Microenterprise Specialist with Women, Work, and Community, will present the workshop.

    "This workshop will show you how to connect your business with online tourism resources and marketing tools," said Quin-Easter. "You will learn how to identify the best outlets to promote your business, network with influential sites in your sector, involve your customers in spreading the word and focus your online marketing for best results."

    She added, by the end of the workshop there will be hands-on examples and action steps for marketing a business online.

    "If you feel overwhelmed by the online possibilities or need help figuring out how to reach and retain your customers online, this workshop is for you," Quin-Easter said.

    The workshop is sponsored by Northern Maine Development Commission, the Maine Woods Consortium and USDA Rural Development.

    The workshop is free, but pre-registration is required. You can register electronically at www.nmdc.org or by calling NMDC at 498-8736, ask for Jon Gulliver.


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