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InTouch NewsletterApril 2022What’s Inside: Ribbon Cuttings People News Member News Calendar of Events Member Spotlight: Dirigo Labs50 ELM STREET, WATERVILLE, ME 04901 TEL: (207) 873-3315 FAX: (207) 877-0087brandi@midmainechamber.com www.midmainechamber.comJoy McKenna, chair of the board Kimberly N. Lindlof, president & CEO
From the Board: Gary LevesqueThis is the time of year that we celebratesome of the most amazing people andbusinesses from around the area. Withthings starting to get back to normal, I amhappy to say that this year’s AnnualAwards Ceremony will be held April 28.beverages - and enjoy the company of yourpeers and friends!Look for more information on eachawardee in the coming weeks online and inthe Morning Sentinel. You will find additional information and can reserve yourIf you feel this annual event is coming upquick, you’re not wrong. Last year, because spot today at midmainechamber.com or byof COVID, we had to move the date of our calling the Chamber at 873-3315. Ticketsevent to early November. At that time, we are 55 per person, with full tables accommodating 10 individuals.celebrated our much-deserving 2020winners.Best,With the return to our regular schedule, it Gary LevesqueMid-Maine Chamberis now time to celebrate our 2021 awardBoard Memberwinners. We have another remarkablegroup of people and businesses to recognize. Through their talent, drive, and dedication in their respective fields, they makea positive impact on our region. Each ofthem truly define what makes this community special, and our business and civiccommunity so strong.I hope to see you at this red-carpet eventon Thursday, April 28 from 5 – 8 p.m. atEnchanted Gables in Oakland. Please comeout to celebrate this year’s slate of incredible winners, have some great food andApril Mid-Maine Chamber CalendarFriday, April 1Friday, April 1Monday, April 4Wednesday, April 13Wednesday, April 13Friday, April 15Wednesday, April 27Tuesday, April 2627:45 a.m.9:15 a.m.8:30 a.m.8:30 a.m.Noon8:30 a.m.7:30 a.m.8:00 a.m.Board of DirectorsWorkforce Development CommitteeKV Connect Steering CommitteeWorkforce PractitionersPublic Policy CommitteeTaste of Waterville CommitteeMarketing & Membership CommitteeExecutive Board
People NewsNorthern Light Inland Hospital is pleased to welcome new providers: William Bassett, MD, pediatricorthopedic surgeon, to Northern Light Orthopedicslocated in Oakland; Leah Michaud, FNP, familynurse practitioner, to Northern Light Primary Carein downtown Waterville; Sydney Scott, PA, physician assistant, to Northern Light CardiovascularCare in Waterville; and Lisa LaGrange, FNP, familynurse practitioner, to Northern Light Walk-In Carein Waterville.CEI is welcoming 2 new staff members: IsalitaSeixas as a junior accountant and Lara Decker as itsnew Fund Accountant with the CEI Accountingteam. Welcome aboard!Congratulations to Vanessa Sullivan for being GoodWill-Hinckley’s latest “Life Changer” awardrecipient.Maine Community Foundation announced it hasnamed Deborah Ellwood, a leader in the field ofcommunity foundations with close ties to ME, asthe nonprofit's new president/CEO.Maine State Credit Union haswill promoted Stephen Wallace, currently executiveVP, to president and CEO. Congratulations, Steve!Welcome to Woodfords new Board of Trusteesmember, Marietta Dyer, parent advocate.Ellen Wells, associate broker with Coldwell BankerPlourde Real Estate in Waterville, recently earnedThe Institute for Luxury Home Marketing’s CertifiedLuxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) designation in recognition of her experience, knowledge,and expertise in high-end residential properties.Skowhegan Savings Bank would like to congratulate Jessie Everett, community banker in SomersetCounty on receiving the 2021 Spirit of AmericaAward the Town of Norridgewock.Amber Lambke, co-founder and CEO of MaineGrains was named this year’s Mainebiz Small Business/Entrepreneur Business Leader.3
Calendar of EventsEvery Thursday in April, 9:00—11:00 a.m.,MMRACE & The Waterville Public Library Present:JOB SEARCH LAB.FMI: adulted@aos92.orgEvery Thursday in April, 7:00—7:30 p.m., Waterville Public Library offers Book Bites! (FacebookRead-A-Loud)FMI: www.facebook.com/watervillelibrary/Every Friday in April, Waterville Public Librarypresents Rhymetime: for Babies, Toddlers andTheir Grownups at 10:30 a.m.! FMI:www.watervillelibrary.orgEvery Monday in April, 6:00—7:30 p.m., HospiceVolunteers of Waterville Area is hosting PartnerBereavement Support Group.FMI: dworringham@hvwa.orgApril 1, 7:30-9:00p.m. - Colby College Museum ofArt presents Colby Wind Ensemble. Virtual.FMI: www.colby.edu/museumApril 8, 1:00—5:00 p.m., The Waterville PublicLibrary is offering Grab & Go kits for adults andteens. FMI: www.watervillelibrary.orgApril 23, 7:30 –9:00p.m.Colby College Museum ofArt. Presents [Switch ] Plays: Music of José Martínez. FMI: www.colby.edu/museumApril 9, 7:30 –9:00p.m.Colby College Museum ofArt. Presents Forgot peoplesFMI: www.colby.edu/museumApril 24, 9:00—1:00 p.m., Sexual Assault Crisis &Support Center presents One in Five 5K.FMI: www.silentnomore.orgApril 12 & 13, Waterville Opera House, a programApril 26, 8:00-10:00 p.m., Waterville Operaof Waterville Creates, hosts auditions for A Flea inHouse, a program of Waterville Creates, presentsHer Ear. FMI: www.watervillecreates.orgWho’s line anyway?April 13, 10:00—11:30 a.m., Waterville OperaFMI: www.watervillecreates.orgHouse, a program of Waterville Creates, hostsvirtual event, Slice: Costume Design with MeredithLabounty. FMI: www.watervillecreates.orgApril 14, 1:00—2:00 p.m., Waterville PublicLibrary brings back Virtual Homeschool Hub (viaZoom). What is a Seed Library? Colby CollegeStudent, Kai Goode, will explain how the seedlibrary works. Then join us while we make abiodegradable newspaper planter for your ownbasil plant! FMI: www.watervillelibrary.orgApril 16, 7:30 –9:00p.m.Colby Jazz Band PresentsApril 1—10, Waterville Opera House, a program ofWaterville Creates, presents Tuck Everlasting the Swing into Spring.FMI: ww.colby.edu/musicdept/jazz-band/Musical. FMI: www.watervillecreates.orgApril 22, 8:00 p.m., Waterville Opera House, aApril 6, 5:00-7:00p.m., Mainebiz, presents, Busiprogram of Waterville Creates, presents Theness leaders of the Year reception. We will beGhost of Paul Revere.announcing the 2022 honorees in March, thenhosting an in-person reception and special presen- FMI: www.watervillecreates.orgtation. Be sure to register in advanced,FMI: www.Mainebiz.biz/BLOY22April 23, 8:00 p.m., Waterville Opera House, aprogram of Waterville Creates, presents DeanFord & the Beautiful Ones.FMI: www.watervillecreates.orgGo your own way!Explore Maine’sKennebec Valley and see what adventures awaitright outside your front rervideos/4
Best Western Plus, 375 Main Street, WatervilleBricks Co Working, 10 Water Street, WatervilleThursday, April 147:15—9:00 a.m.Thursday, April 145:00—6:00 p.m.How To Grow A Base of Future Employees for our AreaDirector of Engagement at Live Work Maine and President ofStartup Maine, Katie Shorey, will present on ideas for attractingpeople to the great State of Maine and retaining recent graduates.Pre-register today online www.midmainechamber.com.Major SponsorsMedia & VideoSponsorspumpspotting: Providing Professional Support to Working MothersWith Amy VanHaren, Founder and CEO, pumpspotting.Listen in to hear how pumpspotting is creating a community for newmothers through personalized breastfeeding and baby feeding support toattract talent and retain employees while removing barriers to success. About pumpspotting: pumpspotting is a community-driven supportplatform used by companies of all sizes to help families meet their feedinggoals. To register, and FMI: www.centralmaine.org.Sponsored by:Beverage Sponsor:Harold Alfond Institutefor Business InnovationWednesday, April 135:30—7:00 p.m.Join MMCC and friends for an in-person Business After Hours atEducare Central Maine! This event offers a great opportunity to mixand mingle with other business professionals. We will also be offering the mic to members who want to speak and let us know whatyour business has been doing. Visit www.midmainechamber.comfor details.Sponsored by:Beverage Sponsor:KNOWLESMECHANICAL.COM(207) 445-4092Commercial & ResidentialPlumbing * Heating * VentilationA/C * Refrigeration * Core BoringMetal Fab * Sales and ServiceInstalls, Maintenance and24 Hour Energy Service5
Member NewsBar Harbor Bank & Trust is celebrating its 135thanniversary as a leader in banking, financial services, and wealth management in Northern NewEngland. The Bank was incorporated on March 4,1887, in Bar Harbor, where it is still headquartered.Seniors in all Maine counties can access nutritiousmonthly food boxes by applying through theircounty's supporting agency. Each food box,valued at 50 and freely available to eligibleseniors. To apply Contact: Spectrum Generations,(207) 622-9212 or toll-free (800) 639-1553.United Way of Kennebec Valley is excited toannounce that the 52nd Annual Golf Scramble isset for August 1 at the Augusta Country Club.Main Street Skowhegan received 2 million tocover phase one costs of the Skowhegan Run ofRiver Project for development of WhitewaterRiver Park and improved river access, terracedseating for events and construction of the riverpark.Did you know that Kennebec Valley CommunityCollege has funds available to train your employees on how to work from home? FMI: ElizabethFortin, EFortin@kvcc.me.eduWaterville Creates is excited to announce The44th annual Maine Student Film Video Festival isDirect Communications of Rockland, Idaho ancurrently accepting submissions until June 15. Allnounced that it has acquired Unitel of Unity,Maine students grades K-12 are eligible to enterMaine. Direct Communications, a family-ownedfor free. Films will be judged by category: Narrabroadband provider, has been assisting customtive, Documentary, and Creative (animated, exers with their communications needs since 1954. perimental, etc.), and by age group: Grades K-5;Grades 6-8; Grades 9-12. Students can submitTown of Winslow awarded 500 to the Woodford’s programs that benefit its residents in 2022. their work at MaineStudentFilm.org/Festival.Bruce White, Waterville-native and two-termincumbent State Representative, has announcedhis re-election campaign for the new House District 65 formally District 109 in Waterville.In Jan., Woodfords partnered with its neighborsat GMS & hosted its 1st ever employee blooddrive in recognition of National Blood DonorMonth. Collectively, 23 donors donated 25 unitsof blood equal to 75 lives potentially saved.Town of Winslow received 1 million to addresscritical deficiencies associated with the existingChaffee Brook Pump Station and Force Main toensure the reliability of the town’s sanitary sewercollection system, and to address the recommendations associated with the town’s recently updated Combined Sewer Overflow Master Plan.Congratulations to the Town of Norridgewock’sfire dept. that received a 40k grant from theStephen & Tabitha King Foundation to purchaseequipment to extricate people from vehiclewrecks.6The Maine Film Center, a division of WatervilleCreates announced the dates of the 25th annualMaine International Film Festival (MIFF), whichwill be held July 8-17, 2022, in Waterville at Railroad Square Cinema and the Waterville OperaHouse, in Skowhegan at the Skowhegan Drive-InTheater, and online. Festival passes and packagesare now available to pre-order via the Festival’swebsite, www.MIFF.org.Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is currently acceptingapplications from high school seniors for theBank’s Career & Technical Education Scholarship.Interested students can visitwww.barharbor.bank/scholarships FMI abouteligibility and to download the application. Thedeadline to apply for a 2022 Career & TechnicalEducation Scholarship is May 1, 2022.
NEW MEMBERSA.E.Hodsdon Engineers10 Common St.Waterville, ME dsdon.com/No Negatives Photography9A Getchell St.Waterville, ME 04901nonegativesphoto@gmail.com207-458-9688Melody Grace Hair and Makeup9A Getchell St.Waterville, ME 2Techy Company110 Elm PlazaWaterville, ME 04901parker@techycompany.com207-509-8009Old Soul Collective22 Silver St.Waterville, ME ww.oldsoulcollectiveshop.comMbingo Mountain Coffee7 Silvermount St.Waterville, Maine 04901(207)861-1796Bmalori Creative71 Dock Rd.Alna, ME ther Johnson111 Sewall St.Augusta, Maine 04330(207) 624-9800www.maine.gov/decd7
PRE-SORTED STANDARDU.S. POSTAGEPAIDPERMIT #146Waterville, ME 0490150 Elm StreetWaterville, ME 04901Member Spotlight - Dirigo LabsDirigo Labs Launches Inaugural Cohort, Spotlighting EmergingTechnologies, Manufacturing, and Sustainable AerospaceThe central Maine region is emerging as Maine’s newest startup ecosystem. With world-class academic institutions and a geographiclocation within 60-minutes of the state's largest cities, Dirigo Labs isDirigo Labs has selected the 12 startup teams to participate in itsinaugural accelerator class. Launching next week at Bricks Coworking the primary entrepreneurship service provider between Bangor/and Innovation Space at the Hathaway Creative Center in downtown Orono, the home of the University of Maine, and greater Portland,Maine's hub of economic and startup activity.Waterville, the cohort will run through mid-June,culminating with a pitch event.Startup teams were selected based on the stage ofdevelopment, founder experience, and potential to scale.Dirigo Labs strategically matches the startups with atemporary board of advisors from its diverse local andnational mentor networks. Founders will also attendweekly seminars while engaging in customized curriculumto execute their project plans. Seminar topics will engagea wide range of subjects, including how to utilize public-privatesector grants and economic incentives, customer acquisition strategies, capital planning, and intellectual property evaluation.“Dirigo Labs exists because this community and region of our statewant to embrace entrepreneurship,” said Susan Ruhlin, Dirigo Labs’Managing Director. “From software to biotech to aerospace and legacy manufacturing, this unique cohort of incredible companiesdemonstrates the breadth of what’s possible to launch in Maine.”The Dirigo Labs hybrid operating model accommodatesboth remote and in-person participation. Teams whoneed a base of operations will have designated workspace and full access to the Bricks Coworking and Innovation Space facilities. Workshop sessions will be conductedboth in-person and remotely.“This group of entrepreneurs truly embodies the spirit ofMaine with their hardworking, genuine, and thoughtfulapproaches to running their ventures,” said Emalee Couture, growthmanager at Dirigo Labs. ”They're hiring exceptional Mainers,attracting top-notch talent, investing back into their communities,contributing to Maine's economic growth, and serving as inspirationfor innovators and entrepreneurs across the state.”For a full list of Dirigo Labs 2022 Corhortcompanies, please visit www.dirigolabs.org.Disclaimer: Mid-Maine Chamber’s InTouch newsletter is published monthly as a benefit to members and affiliates. All member news is compiled and submitted solely by our members; therefore, we reserve the right to omit and/or edit as appropriate and cannot guarantee complete accuracy of all8announcements. Sponsorship inserts do not necessarily reflect the position of Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce.
Mid-Maine Chamber59th Annual AwardsCeremonyDim the lights, ready the cameras,and join us as we honor nineof the area's finest!APRIL 28, 20225:00 - 8:00 PMENCHANTED GABLES78 HUSSEY HILL RD., OAKLANDHORS D'OEUVRES, DESSERT & CASH BARTICKETS - 55 RESERVE ATWWW.MIDMAINECHAMBER.COMOR BY CALLING 873-3315
59th Annual Award WinnersDistinguished Community Service: Edson R. Small,Sponsored by: Colby CollegeSmall Business of the Year: Holy CannoliSponsored by: Kennebec Savings BankLarge Business of the Year: HuhtamakiSponsored by: Gateway Financial PartnersMunicipal Employee of the Year: Michelle FlewellingTown of FairfieldSponsored by: GHM Insurance AgencyExceptional Volunteer of the Year: M. Sawyer BouletteAlfond Youth and Community CenterSponsored by: One River CPAsOutstanding Professional: Erin MerrillEducare Central MaineSponsored by: New Dimensions Federal Credit UnionRising Star: Sabrina JandreauCentral Maine Growth CouncilSponsored by: Day's JewelersElias A. Joseph Award: Darlene RatteThomas College, Best Western Plus and KVCCSponsored by: KVCCCustomer Service Stardom: Heather LeClairColdwell Banker Plourde Real EstateSponsored by: Coldwell Plourde Real Estate
2022Business After Hours: A great place to network and market your business. After Hours is hosted,or co-hosted, by chamber members in our region and is one of many benefits we offer ourchamber members. Hors d'oeuvres, beer, wine, and other beverages are available, or you couldwin the 50/50 raffle and fabulous door prizes donated by area businesses. Make sure to bringyour business cards!Please join us from 5:30-7:00 p.m.April 13:Educare Central Maine56 Drummond Ave., WatervilleMay 18:Maine State Credit Union81 Grove Street, WatervilleJune 15:Freedom’s Edge Cider420 Quaker Hill Rd., AlbionJuly 20:Kennebec Valley Community College92 Western Avenue, FairfieldSeptember 21:Snow Pond Center for the Arts8 Goldenrod Rd., SidneyOctober 19:State Farm Insurance—John Fortier305 Kennedy Memorial Drive, WatervilleNovember 16:Central Maine Motors Auto Group420 Kennedy Memorial Drive, WatervilleDecember 14:Day’s Jewelers80 Main Street, WatervillePROUDLY SPONSORED BY:Beverage sponsor
Best Western Plus - Colby/Coburn Rm. - 375 Main St., Waterville - 7:15 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.April 14:How To Grow A Base of Future Employees for our Area: Director of Engagement at Live Work Maineand President of Startup Maine, Katie Shorey, will present on ideas for attracting people to the great Stateof Maine and retaining recent graduates.May 12:Marketing Through Social Media: Founder and Lead Account Strategist at Fluent IMC, Marnie Grumbach,will speak on marketing your business through LinkedIn and other social media platforms.Sept. 8:Substance Abuse in the Workplace: Safety Management Consultant Alexis Flink from MEMIC will addressissues of substance abuse in the workplace with regard to impairment and detection.Oct. 6:Legislative Topic: TBD.Nov. 10:Hybrid Working Arrangements: How to Effectively Manage Employees and Productivity: Back bypopular demand, CEO/Owner of Career Management Associates, David Ciullo, and Peter Lowe, lawyer atBrann & Isaacson, will present on the new reality of hybrid working in the organization.Dec. 8:Unconscious Bias Topics: Ellen Miller, Senior VP of Business Operations, TRC Companies, Inc. willpresent on eight types of unconscious biases and how these may influence your decisions. She will introducestrategies to minimize the influence of these biases in your decision-making process.Cost per person: 20 members; 27 at the door and non-members.Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, 50 Elm Street, Waterville, ME 04901-6015TO REGISTER: www.midmainechamber.com or email: Cindy@midmainechamber.comPHONE: 873-3315 FAX: 877-0087(PLEASE NOTE: Cancellations must be two (2) business days prior to the event to avoid being charged.)Proudly sponsored by:Print mediasponsorRadiosponsorVideosponsor
How to Grow a Base of Future Employees for Our AreaWhen: Thursday, April 14, 7:15 - 9:00 a.m.Where: Best Western Plus, 375 Main St., WatervilleDirector of Engagement at Live Work Maine and President ofStartup Maine, Katie Shorey will present on ideas for attractingpeople to the great State of Maine and retaining recentgraduates.Katie returned to Maine after working in Washington, DC andSan Francisco, CA. She is active in economic developmentinitiatives to help foster innovation and entrepreneurship andwill have valuable information to share that will assist in yourorganization.Pre-register today: cost per person: 20 members; 27 at the door and non-members.TO REGISTER: www.midmainechamber.com or 873-3315.
UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTINGThursday, April 7 - NoonMelody Grace Hair & Makeup and No Negatives Photography9A Getchell Street, WatervilleJoin us to welcome Kristina and Amy to the neighborhood!2022 Ribbon Cutting Sponsors:Join us for our next Business After Hours eventEducare Central Maine56 Drummond Ave., WatervilleWednesday, April 13 - 5:30 – 7 p.m.Take this opportunity for an evening of ‘greats’ great networking, great food and drinks, and somegreat prizes!
ar Harbor ank & Trust is celebrating its 135th anniversary as a leader in banking, financial ser-vices, and wealth management in Northern New England. The ank was incorporated on March 4, 1887, in ar Harbor, where it is still headquar-tered. United Way of Kennebec Valley is excited to announce that the 52nd Annual Golf Scramble is
