November 20, 2020

Governor Janet Mills and Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development Heather Johnson announced today that the Mills Administration has begun distributing the second round of financial awards to Maine small businesses and non-profits through the Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program.

This second phase of the Economic Recovery Grant Program expanded access to funds by increasing the number of eligible organizations. Under Phase 2, businesses and non-profits that employ up to 250 people are eligible for grant awards. In addition, licensed childcare and behavioral health organizations were eligible in this round, along with businesses and non-profits in their first year of operation.

Grant letters notifying the recipients of their award will be sent today, Friday, November 20, in collaboration with Maine’s seven Economic Development Districts, which will distribute funds by mid-December. The grant program, backed by $200 million in Federal CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF), provides some financial relief for businesses and non-profit organizations that incurred business disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 1,222 awards, which include 1,107 to businesses and 115 to non-profits, total $53.6 million dollars and average just over $43,000 per award with recipients spanning the entire state. The hospitality sector, particularly lodging and accommodations and restaurants, represent the largest percentage of recipients, drawing 29 percent of the awards. In addition, the Maine Economic Recovery Grant provided $7.4 million in grants to 193 businesses and non-profits that are less than a year old.

The grants are intended to help sustain the viability of Maine’s small businesses and nonprofits – not to replace lost profits – and will provide short-term relief to help stabilize Maine’s economy. At the same time, the Administration continues to focus on the state’s long-term goals described in the state’s 10-year strategic economic development plan. The program draws on a recommendation from the Governor’s Economic Recovery Committee.

“I continue to call upon Congress and the President to provide desperately needed relief to Maine people. In the meantime, this second round of grants will offer businesses and non-profits at least a partial lifeline to stay open and operating,” said Governor Mills. “My Administration will continue to do all we can to support Maine’s small businesses suffering economic hardship as a result of this this pandemic. I urge all Maine people to shop locally, and shop safely, whenever you can.”

The Mills Administration worked with the seven Economic Development Districts across the state to operationalize the program. Based on eligibility requirements, which align with guidance from the U.S. Treasury Department, the Economic Development Districts determined the eligibility of each application, consulting with state agencies when needed. The Department of Economic and Community Development also worked individually with many businesses to help them with their application. If a business or non-profit was determined to not meet eligibility requirements, they were also notified today, Friday November 20, including a justification for the denial.

“Given the diverse areas of our economy that have been severely impacted as a result of the pandemic, it is our hope that this second round of grants with expanded eligibility will provide support to as many businesses as possible to help them navigate this difficult time,” said Heather Johnson, Commissioner of Economic and Community Development.

Grants awarded through the Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program may be used to cover expenses including: payroll costs and expenses; rent or mortgage payments for business facilities; utilities payments; necessary operating expenses; expenses incurred to replenish inventory or other necessary re-opening expenses; purchase of personal protective equipment required by the business- or business-related equipment. Funds must be spent on operations strictly within Maine. Recipients are liable for any misuse of funds, and the grants are subject to audit.

Get more information on the Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program and answers to frequently asked questions.

The Mills Administration’s use of federal funding awarded to the state can be viewed on the Bureau of the Budget website.

Gov.  Chris Sununu announced has signed an emergency order instituting a statewide mask mandate in New Hampshire as 529 new cases were announced — the state’s highest total to date.

The mask mandate takes effect Friday and will remain in effect through Jan. 15.

“With rising cases, substantial statewide community transmission and an increase in hospitalizations – the data supports enacting a statewide mask mandate,” Sununu said. “Instituting this commonsense mask mandate today will allow us to keep our economy open and help ensure our health care system has the capacity and workforce it needs in the coming weeks. By wearing a mask, Granite Staters can keep our friends, family, neighbors, and critical workforce members and those they care for safe – without shutting down the economy.”

 View the full order here:

emergency-order-74.pdf

Profile Bank is proud to announce Kelly L. Glennon as the newest member of the Board of Directors. Ms. Glennon brings extensive banking knowledge to the board having worked in the banking industry for several years. Kelly is well known throughout the community and the Immediate Past Chair of the Dover Chamber of Commerce. Kelly and her husband Doug reside in Dover and are the owners of Jewelry Creations.

The Bank also announced that Dr. William R. Lowe III was elected Chairman of the Board, Dr. Lowe has served on Profile Bank’s Board of Directors since 2005. Albert H. Miltner, Jr. was elected Vice Chairman. Mr. Miltner has been on Profile Bank’s Board of Directors since 2008.

Profile Bank has been headquartered in Rochester, NH since 1907 with branches in Sanbornville, Alton and Somersworth. We pride ourselves in our commitment to investing in these communities and will continue to support them well into the future. For more information about Profile Bank please visit profilebank.com.

Today the SBA announced the updated interest rates for the 504 Loan Program offered by Certified Development Companies (CDC). The program now allows for 10, 20, and 25-year interest rates at 2.231 percent, 2.364 percent, and 2.399 percent, respectively. Small businesses can now apply for a 504 loan at these low-interest rates.

“These are very encouraging terms and very supportive of our nation’s goal to bounce-back from COVID-19,” said William Manger, SBA Chief of Staff and Associate Administrator for the Office of Capital Access. “The longer terms and now lowest interest rates support and encourage entrepreneurs to step outside of the box and look at real investments.”

Partnered with the SBA are the CDCs, which are the driving force behind the 504 Loan Program. See SBA’s 504 Loan Program factsheet for more information on how to expand your business real estate or improve your working capital.

The 504 Loan Program is an SBA business loan program authorized under Title V of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, 15 U.S.C. 695 et seq. The core mission of the 504 Loan Program is to provide long-term financing to small businesses for the purchase or improvement of land, buildings, and major equipment, to facilitate the creation or retention of jobs, and to support local economic development. Under the 504 Loan Program, loans are made in conjunction with private-sector lenders to small businesses by CDCs, which are certified and regulated by the SBA to promote economic development within their community.

For questions about the 504 Loan Program, please email  NH SBA District Office. or call 207-622-8551 for Maine

NH Lender List 

ME Lender List

Bangor Savings Bank is excited to launch Matter More Chats on Friday, December 4, 2020 at 8:00 a.m.  Matter More Chats are designed to connect local community members with each other and subject matter experts for conversations about success, growth, change and resiliency. 
Our first Matter More Chat centers on leveraging social media to attract and engage consumers throughout the holiday season and beyond. 

 

Panelists include two small business owners who have been achieved great success in using social media to reach consumers and increase sales - Melinda Frost, owner of The Not So Empty Nest located in Bangor and Jeff Mateja, Keller Williams Real Estate, and a Bangor Savings Bank Corporator, two members of the Bangor Savings Bank team responsible for social media, and Cary Weston of Sutherland Weston, a regional marketing agency serving businesses seeking to grow.

 

It is important to us that we cover any questions or topics that would be helpful to you and your business. Please email any questions or topics you would like us to discuss to MarketingDept@bangor.com.

 

Matter More Chats are free, and registration is required.  Click here to register.  We hope you can join us, with a cup of coffee or tea in hand!

Use these strategies to grow sales and build customer loyalty this holiday season.

With Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday in November kicking off the holiday shopping season, now is a good time for small businesses to boost sales. This year, 60% of consumers plan to do half or more of their winter holiday shopping at local retailers. Capitalize on this growth opportunity by using the following marketing strategies this holiday season.

1. Leverage email to grow sales. In a 2020 survey, 79% of small business owners said email is “important” or “very important” to their businesses. Take time over the coming weeks to establish an effective email marketing strategy for the holiday season. Start by adopting email marketing best practices, such as using email marketing software, dividing your email list into specific demographic groups, locations or other characteristics, and writing engaging subject lines. Next, consider what types of emails will be valuable to your customers during the holiday season, such as highlight sales, new products and services, pre-ordering and curbside pickup options, and shipping timelines that may interest your customers. After a customer first signs up for your email list or makes a purchase, follow-up with a “thank you” note and a discount code to stay connected to your customers. Avoid sending too many emails each week, or you risk losing subscribers (no matter how compelling your emails are)!
2. Engage with customers on social media. Social media is another great way to directly communicate with customers and market your business. Through social media, you can show why current and prospective customers should buy your products or services. If you’re a retail business owner, broadcast a Facebook Live event to showcase some of your latest merchandise and why they make the perfect gift. If you provide a service, consider marketing gift cards as holiday presents. Alternatively, you can explain how your services can ease the stress of the holiday season. Use hashtags and partner with other businesses to help your social media posts reach as many potential customers as possible.
3. Add a personal touch. In some cases, you might not be seeing your customers in-person this year due to local regulations related to the pandemic. If you have a direct mailing list, send handwritten notes to customers to maintain personal connections. Post a compilation video of your staff on social media thanking customers for patronizing your business in 2020. As always, provide top-quality customer service by responding promptly to messages by phone, email, and social media. Small things can make a big difference when distinguishing yourself from the competition.

For an expert second opinion on your holiday marketing plans, reach out to local SBA resource partners, who can provide one-on-one advice and are available remotely. Take advantage of SBA marketing resources, including SBA Learning Center courses such as Marketing 101 and Social Media Marketing. Focusing on marketing this holiday season will not only boost your sales at the end of the year, but will also help you generate leads and build brand loyalty for 2021 and beyond.

By DCG Communications on November 06, 2020

Category: SBA News and Views

Rollinsford resident Dennis Drake has been chosen by the Association of Rollinsford Culture and History (ARCH) as the recipient of the 2020 ARCH Heritage Award, presented annually to a person who has made significant contributions to the preservation of the history, heritage and culture of Rollinsford and the lower Salmon Falls region.

A life-long resident of Rollinsford, Drake is a history enthusiast with an extensive collection of vintage Rollinsford photographs and other memorabilia which he frequently shares on social media, sparking memories and community conversations about Rollinsford’s past. An avid photographer, he is well-known for his photographs of Rollinsford’s wildlife and natural landscape, and has also photographed many of the town’s 19th century culverts. At a town meeting to discuss the replacement of one of these culverts, Drake was able to demonstrate through his photographs of the interior and exterior of the culvert that it did not need to be replaced, thereby preserving a historic structure while also saving the town several hundred thousand dollars. His efforts have led to an increased appreciation for the town’s history and heritage, and ARCH is pleased to honor him with the ARCH Heritage Award.

Ordinarily the ARCH Heritage Award is presented at the organization’s annual fall dinner but due to current health conditions, that event has been canceled and the award will be presented at a brief outdoor ceremony at the Colonel Paul Wentworth House in Rollinsford at 1 pm on Saturday, November 21, with a rain date of Sunday, November 22.

A nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of Rollinsford and the lower Salmon Falls region, ARCH maintains the historic Colonel Paul Wentworth House on Water Street in Rollinsford. For more information, consult the ARCH website at www.paulwentworthhouse.org or send an email to paulwentworthhouse@gmail.com.

Ready to hear more? Attend a Virtual Information Session at our Rochester campus. Learn about programs in Advanced Composite Manufacturing (ACM), Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator (CNC), Nondestructive Testing and welding. Get info on the jobs/careers in these high demand fields, meet our industry trained faculty, and take a virtual tour our high-tech labs.

Next Info Session Nov 12 at 4:30PM.

For info: https://www.greatbay.edu/admissions/admissions-events/

Click on the image to register and view the recording or CLICK HERE to view the itinerary and reserve your spot!

November 9, 2020

Maine’s bold renewable energy and climate change policies are supporting economic growth and workforce demands in thriving clean energy industry, new report finds.

A new report from the Governor’s Energy Office and Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future offers a detailed analysis of the momentum within Maine’s clean energy economy, and how the sector is emerging as a source of economic growth and workforce opportunities to help the state’s recovery from the economic disruption of COVID-19.

Strengthening Maine’s Clean Energy Economy (PDF) unveils detailed strategies for expanding Maine’s clean economy workforce, supporting innovation, and training opportunities in renewable power generation and energy efficiency.

Renewable energy fields, like wind and solar, are some of the fastest growing sectors in the nation. The report found that Maine’s recent policy changes and investments in clean energy and energy efficiency have the state poised to see increased workforce demands for these growing industries, which will create new career opportunities and bolster employment in existing fields. Further, Maine’s innovation centers around forest products and floating offshore wind could provide additional opportunities as new markets emerge.

“The global threat of climate change looms large over the future of our state, eclipsed only by our determination to combat it and to create good paying jobs to boot,” said Governor Mills. “Over the past two years, through bold action and bipartisan policymaking, we have seen a clean energy economy begin to blossom in Maine. We have proven Maine is a leader forging the path to a clean energy future built by good paying, green collar jobs in innovative industries. Now more than ever, we can’t lose sight of that future and the steps it will take to get there.”

Nationally, clean energy careers have eclipsed employment in fossil-fuel energy sectors. Clean energy jobs offer meaningful pathways for workers without advanced degrees. Nationally, these jobs offer median hourly wages 25 percent higher than that in most areas, as well as competitive retirement and health insurance benefits.

The promise of the clean energy economy has been proven out across New England, which boasts three of the top-five states in the nation for clean energy workers per capita in Massachusetts, Vermont and Rhode Island. According to a 2019 national survey, Maine had approximately 14,000 workers in clean energy fields with 8,900 working in energy efficiency alone. While the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted this field, Maine saw growth in all energy fields between 2018 and 2019.

“Maine is making unprecedented investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency, we must ensure we have the necessary skilled workforce to meet the growing demand,” said Dan Burgess, Director of the Governor’s Energy Office. “This opportunity before Maine is significant, and this report lays out strategies we believe will be most effective to grow this dynamic economic sector.”

The most recent state workforce projections (PDF) indicate a slight decline in Maine employment over the coming decade, as a high number of workers reach retirement age. The report highlights the potential of the clean energy sector to forestall this trend over the next 10 years.

A survey of more than 100 energy businesses and organizations compiled for the report found that workforce scarcity is a primary concern for the future, with the success of workforce development, recruitment and retention efforts seen as directly affecting to the sector’s overall economic impact. Workforce development is highlighted as the clear opportunity and challenge for Maine and the report calls for enhancing career and technical opportunities for Maine high school and college students, as well as marketing and recruitment for clean energy careers.

Acting now is also viewed as critical, the report urges, based on the clear potential for the clean energy economy to spur Maine’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and to enhance Maine’s competitive advantage against other states seeking to attract renewable energy investments.

Growing Maine’s clean energy industry is a signature focus of the Mills Administration for catalyzing economic growth and curbing greenhouse gas emissions to slow the harmful effects of climate change. Since last year, Maine has set among the boldest clean energy goals in the nation, including a requirement that 80 percent of electricity come from renewable sources by 2030, and a goal of 100 percent by 2050 – if not sooner.

Strengthening Maine’s Clean Energy Economy was created for the Maine Climate Council, which will incorporate its recommended strategies as part of its four-year Climate Action Plan to be released on December 1.

Hannah Pingree, Director of the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future and co-chair of the Maine Climate Council, said the report helps bring the economic impact of fighting climate change into perspective for the Council as it prepares to deliver its own plan for action.

“The impacts of climate change on Maine are already being felt, and the threat to our state is severe unless bold steps are taken,” said Pingree. “These bold actions also come with the opportunity to grow good paying jobs in clean energy and innovative natural resources industries, which is a win-win opportunity for Maine to both reduce greenhouse emissions and grow our economy.”

Read the report, “Strengthening Maine’s Clean Energy Economy,” online.