FOREWORD, AND FORWARD

Transcription

1 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

2 FOREWORD, AND FORWARD 2015 has been a year of foundation-building work for the Island Institute. In response to consistent direction from our constituents in Maine s island and remote coastal communities, we are addressing three core goals with our work: strengthening community economies, enhancing the workforce and leadership for the future, and sharing solutions to sustain these communities. Our work reflects these goals. In our work to develop coastal economies, we have launched an initiative to encourage high-speed broadband service in underserved island and coastal communities. We also celebrated the 15th anniversary of our retail store, Archipelago an experiment that has paid off for Maine artisans to the tune of $2 million in income. Similarly, as we launch a collaborative project to study the ecological and economic benefits of kelp and shellfish aquaculture to coastal communities, we also recognize the significant role that our own staff especially marine scientist Dr. Susie Arnold played in establishing and serving on the Maine commission to study ocean acidification. That panel, only the second of its kind in the country, has already influenced the funding environment for further critical ocean acidification research. As an organization with its roots in publishing, we remain dedicated to connecting our constituents with information and resources to serve their own communities. But that means more now than just ink on paper: we are pursuing a multipronged strategy to share what works between communities from face-to-face meetings, to video series, to online libraries. We see a future full of challenges for island and remote coastal communities. But we also see communities full of people with the intelligence and determination to meet them. Our goal, in 2016 and beyond, is to provide those people with resources and support that will lead to even greater success in the future. Sincerely, Rob Snyder President Joe Higdon Chair, Board of Trustees

3 The work in this report addresses our three key goals: STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY ECONOMIES ENHANCE THE WORKFORCE & LEADERSHIP FOR THE FUTURE DELIVER & SHARE SOLUTIONS FOR SUSTAINING COMMUNITIES FINANCIAL REVIEW p. 2 p. 6 p. 10 p. 13 Photo: Seth Macy North Haven, ME Cover photo: Peter Just Williamstown, MA & Spruce Head, ME 1

4 STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY ECONOMIES FINANCIAL & TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR COASTAL ENTREPRENEURS With dedicated funds and new staff, we support leaders and entrepreneurs as they create visions for strong community economies, grow coastal businesses, and access the growing network of economic development resources in Maine. The Island and Coastal Innovation Fund is now in its fifth year. We have made six loans and two equity investments, and have helped over 20 businesses through ICIF business support services. We will continue to invest in community-driven businesses. 110 island and coastal entrepreneurs received individualized technical assistance and/or mentoring support in the past year. 100 entrepreneurs engaged in formal group workshops and trainings designed to inspire and support business plan development. BUILDING AN ISLAND BUSINESS Pete Pellerin is the owner and operator of Maine Island Energy, a Chebeague-based company that supplies fuel to seven island communities in Casco Bay. While establishing and expanding his business, Pete worked one-on-one with our economic development director, participated in our ISLE program, and helped facilitate the 2014 SustainME conference on Chebeague. Only five years ago, I was a part-time propane tech on Chebeague, but with the inspiration and support of Island Institute, I have been able to bring my vision to life. The ISLE program was instrumental in giving me the tools I needed to create a successful islandbased business that will help islanders and island communities flourish. 2

5 CELEBRATING 15 YEARS Archipelago, our retail store and gallery, is often members first introduction to the Island Institute. What many of our visitors don t realize is that Archipelago is more than a retail store it began as one of our first economic development programs. Since opening as Archipelago in 2000, we ve supported the work of more than 800 Maine artisans. OVER 15 YEARS: IN 2014: $2 Million income to all Maine artists through sales revenue ~$1 Million income to island artists $500,000+ Sales in Rockland and online 55% Portion of sales income returned to Maine artists 45 artists and makers attended the second annual Island and Coastal Artists Conference in April They learned about developing a marketing plan, social media marketing, product development and website development. 3

6 BETTER BROADBAND FOR MAINE S ISLANDS AND COAST We ve heard islanders repeated concerns that the lack of reliable, high-speed broadband is a major hindrance to economic development, stability, and growth within their communities. In response, we commissioned Tilson Technology to gather more information about current broadband capacity on 13 islands and identify options on how best to improve it. A November seminar brought together community leaders from each island to share information on possible next steps, learn from other Maine towns, and determine how the Island Institute can support them moving forward. 49 of 50 Maine s national ranking for broadband speeds. Only Montana has slower service mbps 18.2 mbps 7.3 mbps Boston Average National Average Maine Average Speed 4 70% SLOWER Most Maine islands have Internet speeds about 70% slower than the national average barely faster than dial-up. With spotty service, it can even be difficult to process credit cards.

7 OCEAN ACIDIFICATION & MAINE S ECONOMY Maine s first legislative commission on ocean acidification (OA), which included the Island Institute s Dr. Susie Arnold, released a report in January 2015 identifying OA as a threat to Maine s fisheries and economy. OA occurs when increasing atmospheric CO 2 is absorbed by ocean water and converted into carbonic acid. It is known to impede the growth of shell-building organisms. The Commission has called for additional research to better understand the potential impacts of OA, especially on the $400 million lobster industry. KELP MAY BENEFIT SHELLFISH GROWERS One recommendation from the OA commission is to investigate whether growing CO 2 -absorbing kelp can protect shellfish from increasingly acidic water. If it works, aquaculturists who choose to grow both kelp and shellfish could see improved shellfish production and sell the mitigating crop (kelp) for additional profit. The Island Institute is partnering with Bigelow Labs on a pilot project to monitor water chemistry at an Ocean Approved kelp farm. Preliminary results from this research will be available in

8 ENHANCE THE WORKFORCE & LEADERSHIP FOR THE FUTURE AQUACULTURE IN THE CLASSROOM Diversifying the local fishing economy is a critical need in many island communities and the people who will power that future economy are in island and coastal classrooms today. That s why our education team is partnering with Hurricane Island Foundation and Casco Bay Estuary Partnership to develop an aquaculture curriculum with educators in Casco Bay and St. George. Students will develop financial literacy skills and explore aquaculture as a viable option for working on the water. Photo: Hurricane Island Foundation 6

9 DISTANCE LEARNING TECHNOLOGY TAKES HOLD For students and teachers separated by miles of water, video conferencing creates a lifeline of support and collaboration. We provided distance learning technology (DLT) equipment through a $500,000 USDA grant secured last year, then hosted 25 teachers from 15 schools at a DLT training day in May. Attendees at the October Island Teachers Conference received individual training to ensure the technology is used to its full potential. A LIFELINE FOR THE OUTER SCHOOLS For six years, the Outer Islands Teaching and Learning Collaborative has used distance learning technology to support learning and create community. Through DLT, the TLC has regularly scheduled inter-island book groups, student council meetings, holiday parties, show and tell, virtual field trips, and professional development. 7

10 A SCHOLAR FOR SCHOLARSHIPS Blake Reidy of Vinalhaven is an education major at University of New England and the recipient of the George and Nancy Putnam scholarship. During a summer internship with the Island Institute s education and community development departments, Blake conducted research about the impact of the Island Institute s scholarship program. Her findings will inform future programming. I am able to follow my passion for education and for the islands through this internship and get to work with people who have the same hopes for the sustainability and success of island life. IN 2015: 68 island high school and college students were awarded $150,300 through the Island Education Fund. 38 Since 2012 we ve had 23 at interns host sites Since 1990, we ve given $1.4 million in 1168 Scholarship awards The Island Scholars Network reaches 150 students and parents each year. 8

11 The Fund for Maine Islands SUPPORTS A CRANBERRY ISLES FELLOW The Fund for Maine Islands supports programming related to agriculture, energy, climate change, and ecology. Island Fellow Jessi Duma works under COA professor Todd Little-Siebold to research the agricultural heritage of the Cranberry Isles. Like the other nine Fellows along the coast, she is intricately involved in daily life on the islands. While not conducting research, Jessi: Founded the Island Explorers afterschool program Teaches twice-weekly yoga classes Delivers meals to island elders Runs a farm stand and composting program Organized two Weatherization Weeks Plays viola at church 9

12 DELIVER & SHARE SOLUTIONS FOR SUSTAINING COMMUNITIES SMITH ISLAND, MD ISLAND EXCHANGE TRIPS Institute staff and local residents visited communities facing similar challenges Experience and knowledge flowed both ways - Working waterfont access - Capacity building BEAVER ISLAND, MI - Community services BLOCK ISLAND, RI STAR ISLAND, NH You demonstrated an extraordinary knowledge of your islands need and the programs which have been put in place to address them. If we can get the Great Lakes islands together, as you have done in Maine, we have an enormous opportunity. - Energy planning - Renewables in islanded grids - Ocean energy projects - Peter Igoe, Beaver Island Association Board of Directors 10

13 ISLAND LEADERS SHARE EXPERIENCES Since 2002, the Maine Islands Coalition (administered by the Island Institute) has brought together representatives from all 15 islands to discuss common challenges and solutions. Quarterly meetings provide an opportunity for inter-island networking and resource sharing. The island leaders are joined by Institute staff, state representatives, and others who have a stake in the topic under discussion. This year, MIC discussions focused on: - Substance abuse - Land conservation - Insurance - LifeFlight and medical resources WHEN YOU CAN T MEET IN PERSON... In October, we launched the beta version of our digital resource library, What Works. Intended as a practical resource for island and remote coastal community members to learn from each other about solutions to common problems, the library includes entries on affordable housing, eldercare, addressing high energy costs, and more. With the beta launched, we will focus on gathering feedback from community members about its effectiveness. Future entries in the library will be selected and documented with the help of island community members, partners, and Island Institute staff. To see the entries, visit: 11

14 12 LESSONS FROM DENMARK TURN INTO ENERGY ACTION After traveling to Samsø Island in Denmark in 2014, the five islanders in the Fund for Maine Islands Collaborative for Island Energy Research and Action (CIERA) returned and put their plans and lessons into action. Several participants have brought their expertise to Community Energy Action Teams (CEAT), five intergenerational groups formed to further energy education and action in their communities. CEAT is funded through the Environmental Protection Agency. Below, Long and Cliff Island students are viewed through the infrared camera at their joint Energy Day, organized by the East Casco Bay CEAT. $12,000+ in annual energy savings in 36 homes thanks to Weatherization Weeks organized by CEATs on Islesboro, Vinalhaven, Long, and Cliff Island. BOARD OF TRUSTEES Joseph R. Higdon, Chair Leila Bisharat, Vice Chair, Programs Chair George W. Cole, Treasurer, Finance Chair Henry L. Miller, Development Chair Hannah Pingree, Governance Chair Michael P. Boyd, Clerk Natalie Ames Megan McGinnis Dayton Thomas K. Glenn II Nathan Johnson Emily Lane Patrice McCarron Katherine Drew McGhee Dana R. Robes Barbara Kinney Sweet Tom Tinsley Daniel R. Tishman Charles Verrill, Jr. William F. Whitman, Jr. Donna Wiegle John Bird (emeritus) Louis W. Cabot (emeritus) Horace A. Hildreth (emeritus)

15 OPERATING REVENUE Grants $2,635,201 Contributions $1,421,651 Other Income $1,650,424 Product Income $606,506 Earned Income $98,795 TOTAL $6,412,577 OPERATING EXPENSES Community and Economic Development $1,777,966 Education $724,849 Energy $303,961 Marine $500,941 Media $522,579 A LASTING LEGACY Through gift planning, you can make arrangements now to help sustain Maine s island and remote coastal communities in the years to come. Legacy gift commitments are recognized through our Islands in Time Society. PROGRAMS TOTAL $3,830,296 Fundraising $501,264 General & Administrative $1,304,889 TOTAL $5,636,449 FY2015 FY2014 Chart Title To discuss how your family can meet philanthropic and financial goals through a gift to the Island Institute, contact Michelle Tussing at mtussing@islandinstitute.org or NET ASSETS $23,861,829 $ 23,398,884 13

16 O R MISSIO The Island Institute works to sustain Maine s island and remote coastal communities, and exchanges ideas and experiences to further the sustainability of communities here and elsewhere. 386 Main Street PO Box 648 Rockland, Maine (207) inquiry@islandinstitute.org