The biennial budget outlines Governor LePage s vision for Maine. Governor LePage delivers second Inauguration Address.

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1 Governor LePage delivers second Inauguration Address January 15, 2015 The biennial budget outlines Governor LePage s vision for Maine EDITOR S NOTE: Governor Paul LePate presented his biennial budget proposal on January 9, 2015, to the Honorable Members of the 127th Legislature and Citizens of Maine. We are reprinting below the overview and highlights portions from his briefing document, as well as a summary on the proposed BETR/BETE changes. EDITOR S NOTE: These are the inauguration remarks as prepared for delivery by Gov. Paul LePage at the Jan. 7 Inauguration. We are reprinting the speech below for your review and consideration. Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the 127th Legislature and honored guests. Welcome. First, I must thank Ann and my children for their love and support during the last four years and particularly through the recent campaign, which was very negative. I m so proud of their strength and resilience through it all. I m especially proud of Ann, who has dedicated so much to the veterans of our state over the past four years. However, I hope she doesn t jump out of any more planes! Well, folks, we re back. The national experts and the media said we wouldn t be here today. They forgot to ask those who matter most: the Maine people. Pundits and pollsters don t determine why a person should be Governor. The people do. For four years, we have been taking our message directly to the people of Maine. We let our actions speak for themselves. That s what the people want: action. They are so tired of politicians preaching to the people and not listening to the people. They promise one thing, then do another. That s not who we are. We said we were going to pay the hospitals, and we did. We paid hospitals $750 million in welfare debt. We said we were going to lower taxes, and we did. We passed the largest tax cut in Maine s history. We said we were going to help Continued on Page 4... When I first took office four years ago, the challenges were many and the work ahead of us was immense. Maine was in the midst of the Great Recession, the economic outlook was bleak, and our government was in desperate need of reform. Instead of hiding from our state s challenges, our administration faced them head on. This was an important departure from business as usual in Augusta. My priority as governor has always been to tackle our long-term fundamental challenges so we can improve Maine s future. During my first term, we took the first step toward significant tax relief. We also reduced the state s unfunded public pension liability from $4.1 billion to $2.4 billion a decrease of 41 percent. We paid off, in its entirety, the long overdue welfare debt of $748 million to Maine s hospitals. These actions, along with a careful approach to bonding and insistence on increasing the balance of the Budget Stabilization Fund, have improved Maine s standing with credit Continued on Page 2...

2 Inside Impact... Biennial Budget p. 1, 9 Business Day p. 20 Call Centers (LD 9) p. 3 Career Fair p. 18 DC Fly-In p. 12 DECD Funds p. 11 E2 Tech News p. 19 Finance Commissioner... p. 13 JustGoodNews.biz p. 16 Legislative Committees.... p. 5 Legislative Posters p. 11 Legislative Week Ahead... p. 16 LePage Inauguration p. 1 New Legislation p. 14 The Bottom Line p. 15 Workplace Wellness p. 17 Vol. 49, No. 01 Impact (207) Impact (ISSN ) is published weekly January through June and monthly July through December by the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, 125 Community Dr., Suite 101, Augusta, Maine Periodicals postage paid at Augusta, Maine, and additional mailing offices. Maine State Chamber member companies are assessed $75.00 yearly for each newsletter subscription (subscribers or out-of-dues assessement). POSTMASTER: Please send any address changes to Impact, 125 Community Dr., Suite 101, Augusta, Maine Chairman of the Board of Directors: Melinda Poore President: Dana F. Connors Information in this newsletter is intended to provide guidance, not legal advice. Since exact language and definitions of key terms are critical to understanding the requirements of legislation, rules or laws, we encourage you to read each carefully. Articles and information contained in this newsletter may be reprinted with attribution given to: Maine State Chamber of Commerce. Please address comments to Melanie Baillargeon, director of communications. Information about the Maine State Chamber of Commerce may also be viewed on the Internet at: Our address is news@mainechamber.org. About the Maine State Chamber of Commerce: Since 1889, the Maine State Chamber has been fighting to lower your cost of doing business. Through our Grassroots Action Network and OneVoice program, we work with a network of approximately 5,000 companies statewide who see the value in such a service and provide the financial support that keeps our access, advocacy, and assistance efforts going strong. As Maine's Chamber, we make sure that the business environment of the state continues to thrive. The Maine State Chamber of Commerce advocates on behalf of their interests before the legislature and regulatory agencies and through conferences, seminars, and affiliated programs. Biennial Budget... (Continued from Page 1...) rating agencies such as Moody s Investor Services and Standard & Poor s. The progress of the last four years has resulted in more Mainers finding work and an overall improved economy, but there is much more work to be done. My long-term vision is a Maine without any income tax. When I first took office, Maine s top income tax rate of 8.5 percent was one of the highest in the nation; this made Maine unattractive for individuals to live and work here. We have reduced that rate to 7.95 percent. Today I am proposing that we modernize our outof-date tax code to make Maine more competitive with other states. I plan to reduce the top tax rate even further to 5.75 percent, dramatically improving our competitive position in this global economy. This budget also provides real tax relief for Maine families and small businesses. In all, Maine families and small businesses can expect to see a reduction in their tax burden of more than $300 million. We will achieve this significant reduction by transitioning our tax code from one dependent on taxing earnings to a more modern tax model based on consumption. In this budget, I am proposing elimination of the estate tax. Maine is one of only 19 states left that still imposes this tax. The estate tax punishes our small and medium-size multi-generation businesses in Maine. Family businesses are the backbone of our economy. We must keep them alive and well. In addition, this budget increases the amount of pension income exempt from income tax. It also completely exempts military pension income, honoring our veterans and elderly by helping them keep money in their already stretched budgets. These essential reforms will reduce the tax burden on working families and retirees while ensuring that our most vulnerable continue to receive the care that they need. My administration has realigned the Medicaid program in a way that allows us to chart a new course, prioritizing the elderly, the disabled and those with intellectual disabilities while advancing common-sense welfare reforms. This budget provides the necessary resources to care for the disabled Mainers who have been waiting in line for services they have long been qualified for, but were not funded. I also propose increased funding for nursing homes to make sure that Maine citizens continue to have access to quality long-term residential care. This budget addresses the illegal drug problem here in Maine by funding additional agents in the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, as well as more prosecutors and judges to adjudicate the increased caseload. We cannot allow these vicious drug traffickers to keep using our state as their marketplace, and my plan will hold these criminals accountable. A good education is the best tool for future prosperity. With the increased cost of a post-secondary education, this is becoming harder to achieve for the next generation. Maine already has a tax credit that provides financial support to college graduates, but it is virtually unknown and underutilized. Over the next year, I will be hitting the road and traveling across Maine to share the benefits of this program. This not only helps Maine residents, but also could be used as a tool to encourage young people to come to school in Maine and stay here to have a career and raise a family. Additionally, this budget provides funding to increase access to student loans through FAME and more investment in our public post-secondary systems, as well as funding to help local school districts collaborate with their neighbors. I am fortunate that Maine has given me the opportunity to live the American Dream. I want every Mainer to prosper. I want to create an economy that allows Maine families to thrive and succeed. I want them to have a chance to achieve their American Dream. Our state needs bold initiatives to make it a place where Mainers want to live and work and to make it an attractive destination for young families from across the country. Together, I am confident we can make this vision a reality. Continued on Page III Impact III 01/15/2015 For the most current information, visit

3 Call center bill returns One of the first bills printed this session is one of last session s most onerous Confirming the old adage everything old is new again, one of the more onerous pieces of legislation from last session has become one of the first of the new bills printed in the 127th Legislature. LD 9, An Act to Retain Call Centers, sponsored by Rep. Stanley Short (D- Pittsfield), is a virtual carbon copy of legislation that eventually was defeated by the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs in the closing days of the 126th Legislature. LD 9 As drafted this session, the bill retains the features of last session s bill as it left the Joint Standing Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development (LCRED). LD 9 would require the commissioner of the Department of Labor (DOL) to compile a list of both stand-alone call centers and employers who have at least 30% of their call center operations located here and have relocated from Maine to a foreign country. It does not state how far back the DOL is to look, so it could be assumed to be retroactive many years. If a company appears on the list then it is banned from accessing state tax incentives, grants, or loans for a period of five years. There is also a claw-back provision requiring affected call center employers to repay an amortized amount of any such received assistance to the state. It mandates that any state agency s call center services be provided in-state. Lastly, it requires a WARN-like notification provision, which insists that any currently operating call center provides the state with at least 120 days notice before relocation or face a $350 per day fine. LD 9 purports to retain call centers in our state. In fact, it is our opinion that if LD 9 becomes law, the exact opposite would be true before the law could actually go into effect, it is likely that a number of call centers, either stand alone operations or those affiliated with existing businesses, would leave Maine, taking their jobs with them. Additionally it is more than likely that we would not see another new call center located here in the foreseeable future. A Bit of History In discussions before the LCRED committee last year, the previous bill (LD 1710) was strongly opposed by the Maine State Chamber as justifiably adding to the already notorious perception that Maine is unfriendly to business. It would impair our state s ability to attract future call center endeavors and will damage its overall business attractiveness. After all, if the state would penalize one class of businesses in this manner now, which group is next? In addition, the LCRED committee members were warned by their analyst that in all likelihood the proposal would have serious constitutional problems, including conflicts with the Supremacy clause of the U.S. Constitution, and conflicts with the ability and rights of states to regulate or interfere with international trade. Last session s bill took a somewhat tortured path through the legislative process. It came out of the LCRED committee with a partisan 8-5 ought to pass recommendation, with democrats and the lone independent supporting the bill, and the republicans on the committee opposing its passage. The proposal passed in the House, but was defeated in the Senate. Upon reconsideration there, the bill s sponsor made a small adjustment to the language, managing to get enough votes to pass out of the Senate, but ending up on the appropriations table, where it was eventually defeated by a majority of the committee. For the most current information, visit Impact begins weekly publication schedule With the beginning of the First Regular Session of the 127th Maine Legislature, the Maine State Chamber will resume its weekly publication schedule of Impact with this issue. To mark the start of the session, we have printed the list of legislative committees on page 5. Governor Paul LePage s Inaugural Address, delivered on January 7, 2015, is also included on page 1 of this edition. In the next few weeks, we will publish guest articles from legislative leadership in both the House and Senate regarding the issues facing Maine businesses in the coming months for your consideration. r Going Forward It is likely that LD 9 will be scheduled for a public hearing before the 127th Legislature s LCRED committee in the coming weeks. The passage of time has not in any way improved the ideas contained in the bill. To our knowledge, no other state has enacted similar legislation. It most certainly sends the wrong type of message not only to any call centers that might be interested in locating here, but to other employers who would legitimately wonder who is next. Lastly, legislation like LD 9 runs contrary to the comments made by legislators and legislative leadership who have indicated that jobs and the economy are top caucus priorities this session. Passage of LD 9 would certainly have an impact on both unfortunately for the worse. The Maine State Chamber will update members as to the scheduling of LD 9 s public hearing. For additional information or questions, please contact Peter Gore by calling (207) , ext. 107, or by ing pgore@mainechamber.org. r 01/15/2015 III Impact III 3

4 LePage Inauguration... (Continued from Page 1...) private businesses create jobs, and we did. State government is no longer an adversary against business, but a partner with the private sector. We made Maine Open for Business. Private-sector companies have created more than 20,000 jobs. And there are almost 7,000 jobs at the CareerCenter that still need to be filled. If you want a job, you can get it. But our work is far from complete! Welfare Reform Most importantly, we said we were going to reform welfare, and we are. So far, we have cut the welfare rolls in half. We stopped the growth of Medicaid. We went after fraud and abuse. We put photos on EBT cards. We put more money toward nursing homes. We are using the savings from our welfare reforms to take care of our elderly, disabled and mentally ill. We are transitioning people off welfare and into productive jobs. The Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, Labor and Veterans Services have teamed up to create an innovative program called Welfare to Work. More than 1,200 Mainers who were on welfare are now working full-time. No more welfare handouts. We will give them skills, training and jobs. We want them to know prosperity, not poverty. We are making progress in reforming our welfare system. But we are just getting started. Making Maine Competitive The people of Maine told us they want us to keep reforming government. They want better jobs. They want welfare reform. They want lower energy costs. They want lower taxes. They want good roads and bridges, and they want a smaller, more affordable government. Mainers work hard. They have common sense. They know what it means to pay the bills. They want their piece of the American Dream. We won t rest until every man, woman and child in Maine gets their chance to achieve prosperity, not poverty. Mainers deserve career jobs with higher pay and good benefits. We must attract new business to Maine and help our existing companies to grow and expand. We don t have to reinvent the wheel. Other states are growing and expanding. We can do what they are doing. We can make Maine competitive. Tax Reform States with the fastest growth have the lowest tax burdens and the lowest energy costs. That s not a coincidence. We need good-paying jobs that encourage young people and families to stay in Maine. To create these jobs, Maine must be competitive with other states. Companies want to come to low-tax states, and so do young families. Once they get here, we must keep them here. We want families, retirees and wealthy residents to stay in Maine. We lose them to other states because we tax them too much. When we lower the income tax burden and we will we put money back in your pocket. You earned it, you should keep it. My long-term vision is a Maine without any income tax. We will start by getting rid of the estate tax and income tax on pensions. Small Maine companies cannot afford to transfer the business to the family because the estate taxes are so high. Small, family-owned businesses are the backbone of our economy. We must Continued on Page III Impact III 01/15/2015 For the most current information, visit

5 P l e a s e c l i p a n d s a v e t h i s l i s t i n o r d e r t o c o n t a c t c o m m i t t e e m e m b e r s d u r i n g t h e l e g i s l a t i v e s e s s i o n. Joint Standing Committees of the 127th Legislature *Ranking Republican Member CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE: 2 State House Station, Augusta, Maine (207) or (800) CONTACT YOUR SENATOR: 3 State House Station, Augusta, Maine (207) or (800) Senate: House: AGRICuLTuRE, CONSERvATION AND FORESTRy Peter E. Edgecomb, Chair (R-Aroostook) Thomas B. Saviello (R-Franklin) James F. Dill (D-Penobscot) Craig V. Hickman, Chair (D-Winthrop) William F. Noon (D-Sanford) Robert J. Saucier (D-Presque Isle) Ralph Chapman (D-Brooksville) Michelle Ann Dunphy (D-Old Town) Russell J. Black (R-Wilton)* Donald G. Marean (R-Hollis) Carol A. McElwee (R-Caribou) Anthony J. Edgecomb (R-Fort Fairfield) MaryAnne Kinney (R-Knox) APPROPRIATIONS AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS Senate: James M. Hamper, Chair (R-Oxford) Roger J. Katz (R-Kennebec) Linda M. Valentino (D-York) House: Margaret R. Rotundo, Chair (D-Lewiston) John L. Martin (D-Eagle Lake) Linda F. Sanborn (D-Gorham) Aaron M. Frey (D-Bangor) Erik C. Jorgensen (D-Portland) Gay M. Grant (D-Gardiner) Tom J. Winsor (R-Norway)* Robert W. Nutting (R-Oakland) Heather W. Sirocki (R-Scarborough) Jeffrey L. Timberlake (R-Turner) CRIMINAL JuSTICE AND PuBLIC SAFETy Senate: Kimberley C. Rosen, Chair (R-Hancock) David C. Burns (R-Washington) Stan Gerzofsky (D-Cumberland) House: Lori A. Fowle, Chair (D-Vassalboro) Michel A. Lajoie (D-Lewiston) Justin M. Chenette (D-Saco) Catherine M. Nadeau (D-Winslow) James E. Davitt (D-Hampden) Charlotte Warren (D-Hallowell) Ricky D. Long (R-Sherman)* Karen A. Gerrish (R-Lebanon) Timothy S. Theriault (R-China) Michael J. Timmons (R-Cumberland) EDuCATION AND CuLTuRAL AFFAIRS Senate: Brian D. Langley, Chair (R-Hancock) Peter E. Edgecomb (R-Aroostook) Rebecca J. Millett (D-Cumberland) House: Victoria P. Kornfield, Chair (D-Bangor) Matthea Elisabeth Larsen Daughtry (D-Brunswick) Brian L. Hubbell (D-Bar Harbor) Richard R. Farnsworth (D-Portland) Ryan D. Tipping-Spitz (D-Orono) Teresa S. Pierce (D-Falmouth) Joyce A. Maker (R-Calais)* Michael D. McClellan (R-Raymond) Matthew G. Pouliot (R-Augusta) Paul A. Stearns (R-Guilford) ENERGy, utilities AND TECHNOLOGy Senate: David Woodsome, Chair (R-York) Garrett P. Mason (R-Androscoggin) Dawn Hill (D-York) House: Mark N. Dion, Chair (D-Portland) Roberta B. Beavers (D-South Berwick) Christopher W. Babbidge (D-Kennebunk) Deane Rykerson (D-Kittery) Jennifer L. DeChant (D-Bath) Martin J. Grohman (D-Biddeford) Larry C. Dunphy (R-Embden)* Beth A. O Connor (R-Berwick) Norman E. Higgins (R-Dover-Foxcroft) Nathan J. Wadsworth (R-Hiram) ENvIRONMENT AND NATuRAL RESOuRCES Senate: Thomas B. Saviello, Chair (R-Franklin) Eric L. Brakey (R-Androscoggin) Catherine Breen (D-Cumberland) House: Joan W. Welsh, Chair (D-Rockport) Robert S. Duchesne (D-Hudson) John L. Martin (D-Eagle Lake) Denise Patricia Harlow (D-Portland) Ralph L. Tucker (D-Brunswick) Richard H. Campbell (R-Orrington)* Andrew Russell Buckland (R-Farmington) Jeffery P. Hanley (R-Pittston) Dustin Michael White (R-Washburn) Benjamin M. Chipman (I-Portland) HEALTH AND HuMAN SERvICES Senate: Eric L. Brakey, Chair (R-Androscoggin) Earle L. McCormick (R-Kennebec) Anne M. Haskell (D-Cumberland) House: Drew Gattine, Chair (D-Westbrook) Peter C. Stuckey (D-Portland) Matthew J. Peterson (D-Rumford) Scott M. Hamann (D-South Portland) Christine S. Burstein (D-Lincolnville) Patricia Hymanson (D-York) Deborah J. Sanderson (R-Chelsea)* Richard S. Malaby (R-Hancock) Frances M. Head (R-Bethel) Karen Vachon (R-Scarborough) INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE Senate: Paul T. Davis, Sr., Chair (R-Piscataquis) Scott W. Cyrway (R-Kennebec) David E. Dutremble (D-York) House: Michael A. Shaw, Chair (D-Standish) Roland Danny Martin (D-Sinclair) Continued on Page 6... For the most current information, visit 01/15/2015 III Impact III 5

6 Legislative Committees... (Continued from Page 5...) Stanley Byron Short, Jr. (D-Pittsfield) Robert W. Alley, Sr. (D-Beals) Dale J. Crafts (R-Lisbon)* Stephen J. Wood (R-Sabattus) Roger E. Reed (R-Carmel) Patrick W. Corey (R-Windham) Gary L. Hilliard (R-Belgrade) Peter A. Lyford (R-Eddington) Matthew Dana II (Passamaquoddy Tribe) INSuRANCE AND FINANCIAL SERvICES Senate: Rodney L. Whittemore, Chair (R-Somerset) Linda L. Baker (R-Sagadahoc) Geoffrey M. Gratwick (D-Penobscot) House: Henry E. M. Beck, Chair (D-Waterville) Terry K. Morrison (D-South Portland) Janice E. Cooper (D-Yarmouth) Heidi E. Brooks (D-Lewiston) Gina M. Melaragno (D-Auburn) Ralph L. Tucker (D-Brunswick) Raymond A. Wallace (R-Dexter)* John Joseph Picchiotti (R-Fairfield) Robert A. Foley (R-Wells) Dwayne W. Prescott (R-Waterboro) JuDICIARy Senate: David C. Burns, Chair (R-Washington) Amy F. Volk (R-Cumberland) Christopher K. Johnson (D-Lincoln) House: Barry J. Hobbins, Chair (D-Saco) Kimberly J. Monaghan (D-Cape Elizabeth) Matthew W. Moonen (D-Portland) Joyce McCreight (D-Harpswell) Charlotte Warren (D-Hallowell) Stacey K. Guerin (R-Glenburn)* Roger L. Sherman (R-Hodgdon) Phyllis A. Ginzler (R-Bridgton) Lloyd C. Herrick (R-Paris) Jeffrey Evangelos (U-Friendship) Wayne T. Mitchell (Penobscot Nation) LABOR, COMMERCE, RESEARCH AND ECONOMIC DEvELOPMENT Senate: Amy F. Volk, Chair (R-Cumberland) Andre E. Cushing III (R-Penobscot) John L. Patrick (D-Oxford) House: Erin D. Herbig, Chair (D-Belfast) Paul E. Gilbert (D-Jay) Anne-Marie Mastraccio (D-Sanford) Dillon Bates (D-Westbrook) Ryan M. Fecteau (D-Biddeford) Lawrence E. Lockman (R-Amherst)* Susan M. W. Austin (R-Gray) Joel R. Stetkis (R-Canaan) Karleton S. Ward (R-Dedham) James J. Campbell, Sr. (I-Newfield) MARINE RESOuRCES Senate: Linda L. Baker, Chair (R-Sagadahoc) Brian D. Langley (R-Hancock) David R. Miramant (D-Knox) House: Walter A. Kumiega III, Chair (D-Deer Isle) Michael G. Devin (D-Newcastle) Robert W. Alley, Sr. (D-Beals) Lydia Blume (D-York) Joyce McCreight (D-Harpswell) Jeffrey K. Pierce (R-Dresden)* Kevin J. Battle (R-South Portland) Stephanie Hawke (R-Boothbay Harbor) David P. Sawicki (R-Auburn) William R. Tuell (R-East Machias) STATE AND LOCAL GOvERNMENT Senate: Michael J. Willette, Chair (R-Aroostook) David Woodsome (R-York) Nathan L. Libby (D-Androscoggin) House: Roland Danny Martin, Chair (D-Sinclair) Mark E. Bryant (D-Windham) Christopher W. Babbidge (D-Kennebunk) Elizabeth E. Dickerson (D-Rockland) Donna R. Doore (D-Augusta) Beth P. Turner (R-Burlington)* Randall Adam Greenwood (R-Wales) Richard A. Pickett (R-Dixfield) William R. Tuell (R-East Machias) Jeffrey Evangelos (U-Friendship) Senate: House: Senate: House: Senate: House: TAxATION Earle L. McCormick, Chair (R-Kennebec) Paul T. Davis, Sr. (R-Piscataquis) Nathan L. Libby (D-Androscoggin) Adam A. Goode, Chair (D-Bangor) Stephen S. Stanley (D-Medway) Matthew W. Moonen (D-Portland) Diane M. Russell (D-Portland) Denise A. Tepler (D-Topsham) H. Stedman Seavey (R-Kennebunkport)* Bruce A. Bickford (R-Auburn) Paul Chace (R-Durham) Thomas H. Skolfield (R-Weld) Gary E. Sukeforth (U-Appleton) TRANSPORTATION Ronald F. Collins, Chair (R-York) Kimberley C. Rosen (R-Hancock) G. William Diamond (D-Cumberland) Andrew J. McLean, Chair (D-Gorham) George W. Hogan (D-Old Orchard Beach) Christine B. Powers (D-Naples) Arthur C. Verow (D-Brewer) Mark E. Bryant (D-Windham) Jared F. Golden (D-Lewiston) Wayne R. Parry (R-Arundel)* James S. Gillway (R-Searsport) Bradlee Thomas Farrin (R-Norridgewock) Brian D. Hobart (R-Bowdoinham) veterans AND LEGAL AFFAIRS Scott W. Cyrway, Chair (R-Kennebec) Ronald F. Collins (R-York) John L. Patrick (D-Oxford) Louis J. Luchini, Chair (D-Ellsworth) Thomas R. W. Longstaff (D-Waterville) Robert J. Saucier (D-Presque Isle) John C. Schneck (D-Bangor) Kimberly J. Monaghan (D-Cape Elizabeth) Jared F. Golden (D-Lewiston) Jonathan L. Kinney (R-Limington)* Beth P. Turner (R-Burlington) Kathleen R. J. Dillingham (R-Oxford) Sheldon Mark Hanington (R-Lincoln) Henry John Bear (Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians) r 6 III Impact III 01/15/2015 For the most current information, visit

7 LePage Inauguration... (Continued from Page 4...) keep our small businesses alive and well. We must keep our families in Maine. We must also keep our retirees in Maine. Too many Maine retirees have moved to other states to avoid our high taxes. Let s work together to keep them here. More importantly, let s work together to keep their assets here as well. able energy for all Mainers, not just rich, subsidized investors and environmentalists. I am open to any form of energy that lowers the cost of electricity, but we can t wait 15 or 20 years. We need affordable energy, and we need it now. We must lift the 100 megawatt cap on all energy sources. We must lower the costs of heating our homes and our businesses. Our rebates and loan programs are driving down heating costs. But we need to allow open competition. Nearly 10,000 heat pumps have been installed in Maine. That saves on heating costs and improves energy efficiency. It puts money back in your pockets. Businesses want lower energy costs, and homeowners need lower heating costs. Let s give the people what they want. Reducing the Size of Government The people of Maine want an affordable, innovative and flexible government. The size and cost of state government should support not burden hard-working families. We have started to right-size government, but there is still more to do. It is time to eliminate obsolete regulations and poor customer service. You, the Maine people, are the customers, and state employees are your public servants. We must have a cost-effective and efficient government that is responsive to the needs of our citizens and our businesses. A government that is too big and Meetings, Receptions, Conferences, Banquets and more! The Augusta Civic Center is within an hour and a half drive for more than 75% of Maine's population and is conveniently located immediately off I-95. We are a full service facility with a 25,000 square foot auditorium, 23 flexible meeting rooms, including 2 ballrooms, and a full kitchen and food service staff on site. With over 41 years experience in conventions, trade shows, conferences and banquets, we stand ready to serve you! Augusta Civic Center Community Dr., Augusta, ME For information, please call (207) or visit us at Energy Costs Business owners from all over the state tell me the same thing: energy costs are too high. If you think your household electric bill is high, just imagine how much it costs to build a destroyer at BIW or make paper at a mill in Hinckley. Lower energy costs are absolutely critical to attracting major employers, manufacturers and high-tech industries. We re off to a good start. We brought natural gas infrastructure to Maine, but we need an adequate supply of natural gas. Massachusetts now has a governor who wants to work with us. We are already talking with him about increasing natural gas supply to our region. We need it here as soon as possible so we can help all Mainers. We need a Public Utilities Commission that concentrates on affordtoo expensive takes resources away from Mainers and discourages job creation. We need to be bold. We need to think outside of Maine s traditional model of government. Mainers are tired of paying for a government that doesn t deliver quality services or competitive schools. We have made progress on the state level. We have taken the politics out of improving infrastructure. Projects are now prioritized by professionals, not politicians. Infrastructure projects that speed economic development or help businesses get goods to market are the highest priority. Projects based on political promises get left by the roadside. It s time to do this at all levels of government. Yes, we must work together, but we must work smarter. Efforts to consolidate jails in Maine have failed. The attempt to consolidate our schools has failed. School budgets are rising every year. Maine has twice the number of administrators as the national average. But student enrollment continues to drop and Continued on Page 8... For the most current information, visit 01/15/2015 III Impact III 7

8 LePage Inauguration... (Continued from Page 7...) so does their competitiveness in the fastgrowing technical world. School administrators take home sixdigit salaries, while our teachers dig into their own pockets to buy classroom supplies. That s just simply wrong. Our education system is upside down. It has two winners and two losers. Administrators and union bosses are the winners. The two big losers are teachers and our students. We must get our education budgets under control. We must put the money where it belongs: in the classroom. If we really want achieve the state s mandate to pay 55 percent of local school costs, we could initiate a statewide teachers contract. We must also get our local budgets under control. Total spending on local government has increased by half-a-billion dollars over the past five years, during the worst recession since the Great Depression. This kind of spending is unacceptable. Mainers cannot afford it. Municipalities blame cuts at the state level, but they ignore that they are duplicating services. This has to stop. Cities, towns and counties must work together to provide key services. Local control is great, but no one wants to pay for it. We will never be competitive until we learn to share services by working together. It can be done. In Washington County, 18 municipalities have created a shared EMS system. This regional service has saved hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. In Waldo County, several communities have contracted with the City of Belfast to provide fire protection. State government should reward these efforts. The state should be helping these communities to reduce cost without decreasing services. If we want to improve services and reduce costs, we must have the courage to work together and do it right. Keeping Mainers Safe Mainers deserve to be kept safe. We will focus on fighting drug crimes. Unlike the 126th Legislature, the 127th must prevent young Mainers from getting addicted. We must make sure no more babies are born addicted to drugs. We must focus on the drug epidemic. We will continue to raise awareness and campaign against domestic violence. Whether it comes from national sports stars or the streets of Maine, there is no excuse for domestic violence. Men must step up and speak out against this heinous crime that traumatizes women, children and families. When it comes to keeping Mainers safe, we can t move fast enough. Conclusion To the Maine people, we say this: we listened to you, and we hear your concerns. We just hope the legislature is also listening to you. The election sent us all a clear message: Mainers want action. We must work together. My door is always open to anyone anyone who brings innovative solutions that will help move Maine forward. But be warned. I am not here to play political games. We are here to work to work hard for the people of Maine. We are here to bring prosperity, not poverty. Actions speak louder than words. Let s get to work. Thank you. r 8 III Impact III 01/15/2015 For the most current information, visit

9 BETR/BETE changes proposed in Governor LePage s 2016/2017 budget: Ÿ The Governor s budget proposal phases out the BETR program over a 4 year period beginning in 2016 and would propose to end the BETR program in All property currently in the BETR program would be transitioned to BETE during that 4 year period. Ÿ The proposal would work as follows: In year 2016, 25% of the assessed value of BETR assets would be transferred to BETE, 75% would stay in BETR. In 2017, 50% of the assessed value of BETR assets would be transferred to BETE, 50% stay in BETR, in 2018, 75% of the assessed value of BETR assets would be transferred to BETE, 25% stay in BETR, and by 2019, all BETR assets would qualify under the BETE program. Ÿ New retail investments made after April would no longer qualify for BETR reimbursement. Any property currently in BETR program placed into service before April 1, 2015 would be qualify for BETE until year Ÿ Property remaining in the BETR Program reimbursement will be at 90%. - the last two years there were reductions of 10% and 20%. Ÿ Photocopiers and mail machines would no longer qualify for BETR reimbursement. Senator Inn & Spa For the most current information, visit Budget Highlights Modernizing Maine s Tax Code... Ÿ Reduce top individual income tax rate from 7.95 percent to 5.75 percent; Ÿ Reduce top corporate income tax rate from 8.93 percent to 6.75 percent; Ÿ Cut taxes on all pensions and eliminate tax on military pensions; Ÿ Modernize Maine s sales tax rates and base, while continuing competitive rates nationally; and, Ÿ Repeal Maine s estate tax to preserve Maine s family businesses. Welfare Through Innovation And Sensible Solutions... Ÿ Provides funding to assist thousands of Mainer s currently on waitlists to receive services; Ÿ Prioritizing the elderly and supporting nursing homes by providing ongoing funding; and, Ÿ Increased access to primary care and preventive services. Educating And Attracting young People To Maine Ÿ Investing in our next generation by providing additional funding to the University of Maine System to keep a quality education affordable for all Mainers; Ÿ Completing long overdue infrastructure improvements at our public campuses; and, Ÿ Increasing funding to the Finance Authority of Maine s state grant program, making college more affordable for Mainers. Investing In Public Safety Ÿ Increased funding for seven new agents in the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; Ÿ Creation of four new assistant attorney general positions to focus exclusively on drug crime prosecution; Ÿ Relieving the burden on our county district attorneys by providing funding for 22 additional assistant district attorney positions; and, Ÿ Providing additional resources necessary for the judicial branch by funding four new district court judge positions. r 01/15/2015 III Impact III 9

10 CASELLA, YOUR MAINE RESOURCE We offer sustainable programs to our customers that not only provide sound economic and environmental return but also build jobs and careers. We view waste as a valuable resource as well as an opportunity for positive change. Learn how we re giving resources new life at casella.com and or call us at CASELLA. fb.com/zerosort The end of multiple choice recycling! Just toss all your recyclables into one bin, we take care of the rest. It s simple, convenient and effective. Casella Organics transforms traditional organic waste streams, including short paper fiber, ash, wood wastes, food wastes and biosolids into compost and other renewable products. Waste collection, responsible disposal, e-waste recycling and LEED certification services for material diversion and reporting. CASELLA RESOURCE SOLUTIONS RECYCLING COLLECTION ORGANICS ENERGY LANDFILLS 10 III Impact III 01/15/2015 For the most current information, visit

11 DECD announces additional funds to spur new lending to Maine businesses, help create jobs The Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) announced recently that Maine has secured an additional $4,345,555 in funding for the state s small businesses through a second disbursement from the U.S. Treasury Department s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). These funds will enable Maine s small businesses to leverage new capital and create more jobs, said Governor Paul R. LePage. The program s successful deployment shows that our economy and our businesses are growing and moving in the right direction. In partnership with DECD, the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME), regional economic development agencies, and the Maine Venture Fund, small business owners will continue to have more resources for growth. The state was awarded a total allocation of $13.2 million in September To date, the federal funds have generated $36 million in private sector financing to Maine businesses. Approximately $4 million in funding has already been disbursed to Maine businesses through FAME s Economic Recovery Loan Program, regional economic development agencies, as well as the Small Enterprise Growth Fund, d/b/a Maine Venture Fund. Maine job creators need access to credit and capital in order to create jobs and hire new employees, said DECD Commissioner George Gervais. Maine s economic recovery is driven by small businesses and their vision for growth. Small business owners will now have more resources for that growth. Lincoln Paper & Tissue, LLC, a Lincoln-based manufacturer of commodity and specialty tissue products, received a $970,000 loan through FAME s Economic Recovery Loan Program, of which $470,000 constituted SSBCI funds. FAME s investment has induced a commercial lender to invest an additional $6 million into the project. FAME s actions helped the mill retain 175 direct jobs and hundreds more indirect jobs in the local economy. Lincoln Paper & Tissue greatly appreciates FAME s assistance and commitment to the success of the mill, stated Keith Van Scotter, President & CEO. FAME s efforts and commitment to the region will go a long way toward helping to retain good-paying jobs in the area and to a bright future for the facility. We are pleased that our success is being rewarded with an additional $4.3 million to fund the growth of Maine s small business community, said Bruce Wagner, Chief Executive Officer of FAME. With the help of Maine s financial institutions, we hope to leverage these funds with private capital to generate $26 million for Maine s economy. SSBCI was created by the Small Business Jobs Act of Funded with $1.5 billion, the program is expected to spur up to $15 billion in new lending to small businesses and manufacturers as states use federal funds to leverage private investment dollars. DECD, in cooperation with the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME), uses SSBCI funds to support FAME s Economic Recovery Loan Program and Regional Economic Development Revolving Loan Program, as well as the Small Enterprise Growth Fund, d/b/a Maine Venture Fund. FAME s Economic Recovery Loan Program provides direct loans of up to $1 million for businesses with insufficient access to credit in order to remain viable and improve productivity. The Regional Economic Development Revolving Loan Program, also administered by FAME, provides loans to Maine s regional economic development agencies for the purpose of creating or retaining jobs. The Small Enterprise Growth Fund, d/b/a Maine Venture Fund, is a state-run venture capital fund that invests in Maine companies that demonstrate a potential for high growth and public benefit. For more information on FAME and the Economic Recovery Loan Program and the Regional Economic Development Revolving Loan Program, please visit For information on the Small Enterprise Growth Fund, d/b/a Maine Venture Fund, please visit r For the most current information, visit Legislative poster now available from the Maine Chamber The Maine State Chamber of Commerce has produced the two-year legislative posters, which were previously produced by the Maine Pulp & Paper Association (MPPA). Each of the two legislative posters contain color photos of all Senate and House members of the 127th Legislature, as well as a map of the state s legislative districts. The posters will be available for pick up at the Maine State Chamber s office in Augusta by January 14, 2015, and will be free while supplies last. The Maine State Chamber would like to thank the sponsors of our legislative posters: AAA- Northern New England; AARP Maine; Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield; Bangor Savings Bank; CIAN- BRO; Lambert Coffin; Merrill s Investigations & Security; Northeast Delta Dental; Plum Creek Timber Company; Senator Inn & Spa; Summit Natural Gas of Maine, Inc.; and, TRC Companies. The Maine State Chamber would also like to thank the MPPA for the opportunity to continue this service. To reserve your posters for pick up at the Maine State Chamber s office in Augusta, please contact Linda Caprara by calling (207) , ext. 106, or by ing lcaprara@mainechamber.org. Or simply stop by; directions are available online at r 01/15/2015 III Impact III 11

12 in conjunction with SAVE THE DATE! w DC Fly-In 2015 w March w SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITES STILL AVAIL ABLE w For more information, please contact MelodyR@MaineChamber.org. More and more issues that affect our state are being decided in Washington from the Affordable Care Act to regulations and the economic challenges confronting our nation that are finding their way to the state and local levels. Each brings with it the uncertainty that causes the business community s reluctance to invest and the consumers hesitancy to buy that needed item. Neither of which Maine s economy needs, if it is to grow. Our economy is a national one, and decisions that get made in Washington have an impact on each and every state. Again this year, we have the opportunity to work in conjunction with our partners at the New England Council, which has been conducting fly-ins for years, to deliver this program to our members. We are currently working with them to develop the itinerary for the 2015 Fly-In. Here is a sample of our itinerary: Ÿ Tuesday, March 24, 2015: Dinner with Maine Congressional Delegates, The Monocle Restaurant on the Hill. Wednesday, March 25, 2015: Ÿ Meetings with Maine s Congressional Delegation, Capitol Hill Ÿ Member Lunch Occidental Grill & Seafood at The Willard Intercontinental Ÿ Obama Administration Briefing - The Willard Intercontinental, Willard Room Ÿ Capitol Hill Reception, Russell Senate Office Building Ÿ Ÿ Thursday, March 27, 2015: Congressional Breakfast, Charlie Palmer Restaurant, 101 Constitution Avenue, NW Breakout Sessions, Issue/Industry specific sessions / key Congressional Committee Staffers these sessions are arranged by The New England Council Again this year, our emphasis is on visits with each of Maine s delegates. Last year, each one gave us their personal time and attention. We left knowing we had been heard. We left knowing that Maine is fortunate that we have congressional leaders who are caring, competent and accessible. While we may often take it for granted, not every state is as fortunate as Maine is. Registration for our third annual Washington, D.C., Fly-In is open until February 18, However, space is limited. Event registration is $750 per attendee. Attendees are responsible for all travel arrangements. We are currently working on a group rate for hotel reservations. More details will be available soon. For more information, please contact Joyce LaRoche, vice president of membership and marketing, by calling (207) , ext. 113, or by ing jlaroche@mainechamber.org. r 12 III Impact III 01/15/2015 For the most current information, visit

13 Governor LePage nominates Richard Rosen to serve as Commissioner of Finance & Administration On January 2, 2015, Governor Paul R. LePage announced the nomination of the Honorable Richard W. Rosen to serve as commissioner of the Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services (DAFS). The nomination is subject to the confirmation process by the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs and the Maine Senate. Rosen, a native of Bucksport, has been serving as acting commissioner of DAFS since the retirement of former Commissioner H. Sawin Millett, Jr. in May. Prior to his appointment as acting commissioner, he served as the Department s deputy commissioner of finance. Previously, Rosen served as the director of the Governor s Office of Policy and Management. During the 125th Legislature, he served as the Senate Chair of Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee. He served as a senator representing parts of Hancock and Penobscot Counties for four terms and as a member of the Maine House of Representatives for three terms, accumulating extensive legislative expertise in budget, tax, energy, and health and human services. I am pleased to nominate Richard Rosen to serve as commissioner of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services. For the last seven months, he has led DAFS through many important initiatives, including the development of my upcoming biennial budget. Richard is a dedicated public servant, and he will continue to serve the people of Maine well as commissioner, said Governor LePage. I am honored to have been nominated by Governor LePage to serve as commissioner, said Acting Commissioner Rosen. DAFS is a dynamic organization with a broad scope of responsibility, and I look forward to continuing our important work on behalf of the Governor and the citizens of Maine. In addition to his public service, Rosen owned and operated Rosen s, a department store located in Bucksport, with his wife, Kimberley, for more than 35 years. He is a graduate of the University of Maine and serves on the boards of the Retail Association of Maine, Bucksport Regional Health Center, and Northeast Historic Film. r For the most current information, visit 01/15/2015 III Impact III 13

14 Digest of New Legislation Maine Chamber staff have studied each of these recently printed bills to assess potential impact on business trends. If you have concerns regarding any bill, please communicate those concerns to a member of our governmental services staff at (207) BOND ISSuES LD 68, An Act To Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue To Attract Business by Investing in High-speed Broadband Infrastructure. (Rep. Campbell, I-Newfield) Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs. This bill provides for a bond issue in the amount of $10,000,000 to be used to expand high-speed municipal broadband infrastructure. The bill also establishes the Highspeed Municipal Broadband Infrastructure Fund to assist municipalities in developing and improving their broadband infrastructure, contingent upon passage of the bond issue. Business success is measured in degrees. If you want to succeed in business, you want a master s degree that s in demand and we have them, from data analytics and IT to marketing and project management. Whether you choose online or at one of our centers, you ll find them affordably priced and flexible. But the best part? You ll have the constant support of the finest team of admission counselors and academic and career advisors anywhere. Or to put it another way: You won t find a university more committed to your success snhu.edu/mainechamber BuSINESS REGuLATION LD 9, An Act to Retain Call Centers in Maine. (Rep. Short, D-Pittsfield) Joint Standing Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research, and Economic Development. This bill requires the Commissioner of Labor to create a list of employers that have relocated a call center, or a facility or operating unit handling at least 30% of the call volume within a call center, from the State to a foreign country. An employer appearing on the list is ineligible for a state grant, loan or tax benefit for 2 years. The bill also requires the employer to pay back the unamortized value of a state grant, loan or tax benefit previously issued to the employer. The bill requires that call center work for executive branch agencies of the State be performed in the State. If the employer fails to notify the Commissioner of Labor of the relocation of a call center at least 60 days before the relocation, a daily fine of $350 may be assessed. ENvIRONMENTAL LD 40, An Act To Protect Maine s Great Ponds. (Sen. Saviello, R-Franklin) Joint Standing Committee on Natural Resources. This bill creates a prohibition on the application of fertilizers within 50 feet of the normal highwater line of a great pond, with exceptions for persons involved in agriculture or applying fertilizer to establish or restore vegetation to stop, slow or remediate shoreline erosion or damage. Brunswick Lewiston-Auburn See Yourself Succeed HEALTH CARE LD 23, An Act To Remove from the Maine Medical Use of Marijuana Act the Continued on Page III Impact III 01/15/2015 For the most current information, visit

15 The Bottom Line explores timely issues crucial to Maine s economy Maine employers are affected every day by issues such as transportation, technology, education, energy, health care, environment, and taxation, just to name a few. That is why the Maine State Chamber launched its television show, The Bottom Line, in February The Bottom Line takes an in-depth look at a wide variety of business related issues, their impact on jobs here, and highlights positive aspects of Maine s economy. Host Dana Connors is joined monthly by various experts to essentially bottom line the various facets of these and other complex issues that ultimately create jobs and growth in our state. The Bottom Line airs three times per week on Time Warner s public access station, channel 9 for TWC customers. You can watch it on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. and on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. It is also available on our homepage at Each episode of The Bottom Line is archived at This month, host Dana Connors discusses the newest Making Maine Work report, Preparing Maine s Workforce, with guests Dr. Christopher Quinn, president of the Maine campuses of Kaplan University; Ryan Neale, program director for the Maine Development Foundation, our collaborative partner for the Making Maine Work series; Craig Larrabee, president of Jobs for Maine s Graduates, Inc.; and, Garret Oswald, director of the State Workforce Investment Board (SWIB) at the Maine Department of Labor. If you d like to support this initiative, we have a special underwriter opportunity available. Each of the two annual $2,500 underwriters will receive: 30-second Ad Spot: Each of our two possible 30-second ads will run approximately times per month (every Thursday at 7:00 p.m. and every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.). The underwriter is responsible for the production of the video. Legislative Week Ahead: Your logo and website link will be placed on our broadcast, sent weekly during the legislative session (January through June 2015) to approximately 2,000 subscribers. Show Highlight: We welcome your participation as a show guest to highlight your positive economic story in one halfshow segment during the year. Other Mentions: Annual underwriters will be listed in opening and closing credits on every show, as well as in our newsletter and social media. For more information about The Bottom Line, please contact Melanie Baillargeon, director of communications, by calling (207) , ext. 110, or by ing melanieb@mainechamber.org. Underwriter inquiries can be sent to Melody Rousseau, sponsorship and advertising sales manager, by calling (207) , ext. 102, or by ing melodyr@mainechamber.org. r For the most current information, visit New Legislation... (Continued from Page 15...) Requirement That a Patient s Medical Condition Be Debilitating. (Rep. Russell, D- Portland) Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services. This bill removes from the Maine Medical Use of Marijuana Act any limitation on the type of medical conditions for which patients may be certified by their physicians to engage in the medical use of marijuana. LABOR LD 36, An Act to Increase the Minimum Wage. (Rep. Evangelos, U-Friendship) Joint Standing Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research, and Economic Development. This bill raises the minimum wage to $9.00 per hour beginning October 1, 2015 and to $10.00 per hour beginning October 1, 2016 and provides that, beginning October 1, 2017, the minimum wage must be adjusted for inflation on October 1st of each year. LD 52, An Act to Adjust Maine s Minimum Wage. (Rep. Martin, D-Sinclair) Joint Standing Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research, and Economic Development. This bill raises the minimum wage to $9.50 per hour beginning October 1, LD 72, An Act to Increase the Minimum Wage. (Rep. Hamann, D-South Portland) Joint Standing Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research, and Economic Development. This bill raises the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour beginning October 1, 2015 and provides that, beginning October 1, 2016, the minimum wage must be automatically adjusted for inflation on October 1st of each year. MISCELLANEOuS LD 53, An Act To Require Shareholder Consent for Corporate Political Contributions. (Rep. Rykerson, D-Kittery) Joint Standing Committee on Legal and Veterans Affairs. This bill requires a majority vote of a corporation s shareholders before the corporation makes a political contribution or expenditure and requires that once the contribution or expenditure has been made, the corporation posts notice of the contribution or expenditure on its website. This bill disallows a corporation that has over half of its shares owned by one or more institutional investors who cannot hold public office, such as a pension fund or a for-profit or nonprofit corporation, from making any political contributions or expenditures. This bill also allows a shareholder who disagrees with a corporation s political contribution or expenditure to receive from the corporation upon request a rebate of a percentage of the political contribution or expenditure equal to the percentage of ownership the shareholder has in the corporation. r 01/15/2015 III Impact III 15

16 Have you read the Good News? Check it out at /legweekahead.php Last fall, the Maine State Chamber launched a new partnership with JustGoodNews.biz, a free, national online news service that focuses solely on publishing positive business headline news from around the country, including Maine. The service is a powerful tool for attracting new businesses to a state, and includes a Who s Hiring page connecting job seekers and employers. Here are a few of the just good news story headlines from Maine s business community! Ÿ Maine lobster industry hauls in big holiday sales Ÿ Tech Place accelerator set for takeoff in Brunswick Ÿ Aroostook County the star on top of Christmas tree sales Ÿ Portsmouth Naval Shipyard hiring a boatload in Kittery Ÿ Pop-up shops prop up small business in Bucksport Ÿ Poultry processing plants propagating in Maine Ÿ Idexx becomes first Maine firm to ring NASDAQ bell Ÿ Navy floats more business to Bath Iron Works Ÿ L.L. Bean booting up hiring in Lewiston Ÿ Sherman certified business-friendly Maine is Open for Business! Reach out to DECD s Governor s Account Executives. We re here to help your business succeed. We ll work with you to identify your goals, overcome challenges, and bring the right people and resources to the table. Together... We ll make it happen! CALL TODAY to connect with a member of our team! We want to ensure we are covering good news stories from all across Maine and not just in specific areas. We are asking that you let us know if you have good news about growing and expanding companies; innovative businesses and startups with great ideas; hiring opportunities, so employers and jobs seekers can connect; and, national, regional, state rankings and awards. To get your good news to us, simply visit click Share Your Good News at the top of the page, and fill in the information, including uploading photos if you have them (always a nice enhancement to your story). You can also add info@justgoodnews.biz to your newsletter and news release distribution list or the basic info for follow-up to Amy Downing at adowning@mainechamber.org. If you or your company has a Facebook page, please like the JustGoodNews.biz Maine page - simply search for JustGOODNews.biz Maine on Facebook to find the page. If you or your company is on Twitter, you can follow JustGoodNews.biz on there too We look forward to hearing about and sharing your good news. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact Amy Downing, member services and program manager at the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, by calling (207) , ext. 104, or by ing adowning@mainechamber.org. r 16 III Impact III 01/15/2015 For the most current information, visit

17 January is Smoking Cessation Month When you smoke, you re exposing yourself to more than 4,000 chemicals, including cyanide, benzene, and ammonia and at least 40 of those chemicals can cause cancer. Perhaps the best known is nicotine, an addictive compound that can make it ferociously hard to stop smoking. How will my health improve if I stop smoking? Your body benefits as soon as you stop smoking. According to the American Lung Association, within 20 minutes of your last cigarette your elevated blood pressure and pulse rate drop to normal. After a couple of days, your abilities to smell and taste improve and your damaged nerve endings start to repair themselves. Within a few months, walking and other physical activities will become easier and your lung function will increase by up to 30 percent. After five years, you ll have nearly halved your odds of getting lung cancer. How can I quit successfully? Make a plan. Preparing to quit is an important first step. There s no one right way to stop smoking, but smokers who lay the groundwork are much more likely to succeed. Make a list of the people, places, and pastimes associated with your smoking anything that triggers your behavior. One of the hardest things about being a regular smoker and then giving it up is that you ll always know how good that after-dinner smoke tastes. Come up with a plan for coping with each of those triggers. For example, after a meal you may want to get up and take a walk or brush your teeth. If a cigarette automatically appears in your mouth when you leave work at the end of the day, substitute a lollipop or a toothpick. If a glass of wine makes you reach for a cigarette, you may want to avoid alcohol for the first week or so. Set a quit date. Pick a date that s realistic and allows you to develop your plan. Try to select a time period when you don t anticipate being under much stress yet will be too busy to sit around thinking about smoking. It may also help to start at a time when you ll have a little extra impetus. For example, if you re going to visit people around whom you can t smoke (your grandparents or your in-laws, perhaps), vow to remain smokefree after the trip is over. You ll have a few days under your belt already. Tell your friends and family about your plan. Having their support and knowing they re counting on you can increase your motivation to stick with it. If involving others doesn t suit you, become a quiet quitter. For some people, kicking the habit without all the fanfare and questions from concerned supporters is easier in the long run. Knowing that everyone s counting on you might stress you to the point of failure instead of bolstering your resolve. Which approach will work best depends on your personality. Take it day-by-day, or even trigger-by-trigger. This may sound like addiction-speak, but it works. To approach the process by thinking, I can t wait until I ve been nicotine-free for a week won t help you with that craving you get with your morning coffee on the very first day. Keep busy. If you find yourself obsessing about smoking, find something to do. Come up with activities that engage you in some way: Make a quick phone call, take a short walk, talk with a coworker or friend. Develop new interests. Take a class, embark on a household improvement project, or start an exercise routine. Exercise whether walking, biking, jogging, swimming, or taking an aerobics class can distract your mind and body from the desire for cigarettes. Any of these activities can make you feel better and improve your health. And chances are the healthier you feel, the less you ll want to taint that by smoking. Get support and encouragement. Make an arrangement with someone you can call anytime, day or night, whenever the urge to smoke gets overwhelming. This can be particularly helpful if you have a sudden emotional shock or a slipup. What if I fail the first time? If you slip up and have a cigarette or two, it doesn t need to bring your program to a crashing halt. Cheating or lighting up once over a cup of coffee needn t put you back on the road to a pack a day. Remind yourself that quitting is hard. Just like anything that s difficult, you re not going to get it right immediately. Figure out what caused you to smoke, and learn from it. The key is to move on from the slipup, because berating yourself will only add to your stress and may make you fall off the wagon completely. Treat it as a bump in a road you re still traveling down. Remind yourself why you want to quit, and get back on track again as a nonsmoker. For more information on smoking cessation, visit anthem.com. These links may also be helpful: or Continued on Page For the most current information, visit 01/15/2015 III Impact III 17

18 Career Fair Registration is OPEN! The Office of Alumni & Career Services invites you to participate in our annual Thomas College Career Fair Wednesday, March 11, :00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Harold Alfond Athletic Center, Thomas College Sheridan, Because there is a Difference Employers will have the opportunity to promote their businesses and meet with undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni from all majors. The event is strategically designed to introduce you to top-notch candidates who are seeking internships and career employment opportunities. Please Register by March 6, Register online at For more information, please contact Diane Anderson, assistant director of career services, by ing andersond@thomas.edu or by calling (207) r Workplace Wellness... (Continued from Page 18...) University Credit Union, Orono, Maine The Sheridan Corporation 33 Sheridan Drive, Fairfield, Maine Warren Avenue, Portland, Maine Sheridan Construction Design-Build / General Contracting / Construction Management / Engineering Save Time and Money When employees feel good, they tend to perform better. That s why most Chamber BlueOptions plans come with employee discounts on health products and services, as well as an online health and fitness program. Just contact your Anthem-appointed insurance producer for more information, or go to the Chamber s BlueOptions web page ( to find a producer. For more information on the Chamber BlueOptions health plan, please contact Joyce LaRoche, executive director of the Maine State Chamber Purchasing Alliance, by calling (207) , ext. 113, or by ing jlaroche@mainechamber.org, or contact Amy Downing at ext. 104 or adowning@mainechamber.org. r *Resources provided by Anthem.com This information is intended for educational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Please consult your physician for advice about changes that may affect your health. Respond online to unemployment requests for separation ation information Use SIDES E-Response to answer wage and layoff information requests. Decrease paperwork. Streamline the unemployment process. Reduce overpayments. Minimize potential appeals. Help keep unemployment tax rates low and avoid penalties quickly provide accurate information to the Department of Labor. equest.html. Bureau of Unemployment Compensation The Maine Department of Labor provides equal opportunity in employment and programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available to individuals with disabilities upon request. 18 III Impact III 01/15/2015 For the most current information, visit

19 E2Tech to host energy forum Free Webinar: Opportunities in Mexico for Maine Environmental and Energy Companies Mexico, the second largest economy in Latin America, has a stable democracy and a trillion-dollar, free-market economy. About three quarters of the country s 120 million residents live in urban centers, with more than 20 million in the greater Mexico City metropolis. Maine companies involved in energy, environmental and clean technologies will find excellent opportunities for export sales and partnerships in the Mexican market. The Mexican government has identified improvements in water quality and infrastructure as a key development goal, and has recently announced liberalizations of the energy sector will open new markets It s the things we do every day that put MaineHealth in a unique position to lead Maine to a healthier future. Operating at the intersection of the health, business, education, not-for-profit and public spheres, we feel a responsibility to advocate for policies that best promote the health of the people of Maine. As a network of leading hospitals, high-quality providers, community wellness programs, and other healthcare organizations, we re all actively working to keep Mainers healthy at every turn. mainehealth.org for companies involved in the supply chains for electrical, petrochemical, and renewable energy, particularly solar. Join the Maine International Trade Center (MITC) and E2Tech on Wed., February 4, at 11:00 a.m. to welcome Claudia Salgado, commercial specialist for the U.S. Department of Commerce in Mexico City. During this free webinar, Salgado will discuss the outlook for environmental, energy, and cleantech companies in Mexico and how Maine companies interested in the Mexican market can get involved. Details about this webinar are available at MaineHealth member organizations include: Franklin Community Health Network, Lincoln County Healthcare, Memorial Hospital, Maine Behavioral Healthcare, Maine Medical Center, Pen Bay Healthcare, Southern Maine Health Care, Waldo County Healthcare, Western Maine Health, HomeHealth Visiting Nurses, Maine Physician Hospital Organization, NorDx, Synernet. Affiliates of MaineHealth include: MaineGeneral Health, Mid Coast Health Services, New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland and St. Mary s Health System. For the most current information, visit Governor Paul LePage has placed energy cost reduction at the top of his agenda in his second term. Priorities may include renewable portfolio standard revisions; regional efforts to expand natural gas pipeline capacity; support for lower cost heating systems in homes and businesses; and investment in Maine s hydropower infrastructure. The Governor will also appoint two new commissioners to the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The Maine PUC will tackle topics that are likely to be part of the policy agenda in the legislature, such as renewable energy incentives, wind energy siting, and long-term contracts. On Wed., January 21, E2Tech is hosting a forum with government and business leaders to discuss energy policy issues and potential legislation, including those proposals, programs, and actions that will be critical to Maine s energy future and investments in natural gas, renewable energy, and electricity transmission and distribution. For registration, speakers and other information, please visit Navigate Explorer launched In December, NECEC s Cleantech Navigate Northeast program launched the Navigate Explorer, which is a one-stopshop for entrepreneurs and their supporters to find resources, request assistance from the Cleantech Navigate Northeast community, and to connect with each other. The platform already contains more than 350 support organizations helping companies grow in the Northeast and a private mentor directory that includes more than 200 members. To learn more about this exciting tool to connect Maine s cleantech startups and entrepreneurs to a region-wide network of funding, mentoring, and other assistance, or to become part of the network, please contact Bonnie Frye Hemphill by ing bonnie@e2tech.org. r 01/15/2015 III Impact III 19

20 Periodicals Postage Paid Lisbon, ME 125 Community Drive, Suite 101 Augusta, Maine w Thursday, May 14, 2015 w 8:00 a.m. to Noon w The Maine State Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Business Day at the Statehouse on Thursday, May 14, 2015, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Hall of Flags (Statehouse, Second Floor). For more information or to RSVP, please contact Linda Caprara, director of grassroots advocacy, by calling (207) , ext. 106, or by ing lcaprara@mainechamber.org. With your participation, the Voice of Maine Business will resonate throughout Augusta!