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BANGOR, ME

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Chamber NewsJuly 2013

On Oct. 1 the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce will complete a journey that started in earnest two years ago by moving into our new home at 20 South St., Bangor.

This new headquarters meets all our major criteria in our search for a new home:

LocationWe wanted to be in a place that would add value to the region’s economy and provide the

organization with visibility. We also wanted a location where a visitors’ center would be helpful to tourists and others coming to the region.

This location is a few blocks from downtown Bangor, but it is also in the heart of the city’s emerging waterfront district. And we are moving into a building that has been vacant in recent years and we expect to be a catalyst in getting this highly visible piece of commercial real estate occupied. Its proximity to the waterfront and the Main Street entertainment corridor make it a perfect spot from which to distribute brochures and offer advice to visitors.

Physical layout and amenitiesThe 3,500-square-foot space we will be leasing is somewhat larger than

our previous headquarters in Bass Park (it had 2,800 square feet ). It lends itself well to the creation of a boardroom and it has the offices and work stations we’ll need in a layout that will encourage the internal collaboration so important to our organization. There is adequate on-site parking as well.

It is actually a bit more space than we absolutely need, and we will be talking with other area nonprofits in coming weeks to see if there is an interest in a smaller group sharing expenses with

us through co-location. (This is permitted under our lease.) Ideally, we’d like to find a partner with three to five employees to occupy a nicely laid out mezzanine.

And it’s beautiful space. The property, the former Maine Energy building, is regarded as one of the nicer office buildings in the city. It has terrific views and nice architectural detail inside. Our space features skylights and good natural lighting overall.

CostAs was mentioned in the Bangor Daily News article on our pending

move, the Chamber got a “good but not ridiculous” deal for the space.

The challenge for the Chamber all along, however, has been that the organization has, with respect to its offices, been subsidized by the city of Bangor for more than a quarter century.

In our Bass Park location, the city provided the land under our headquarters for $1 per year. The building itself was built with money raised by the Chamber and the Jaycees, and there was no mortgage.

We left that building in 2011 to make way for the new Cross Insurance Center, a project our organization had strongly supported. Over the past two years, the Chamber has been housed by the city in temporary space near the airport, again paying just $1 per year.

Eventually, after exploring the options, it became clear that the best available alternative for the Chamber was to find good space to lease that would help us achieve our mission. But this meant we would give up our city subsidy, adding significantly to our cost structure.

Home Sweet Home

"...the best available

alternative for the

Chamber was to find

good space to lease

that would help us

achieve our mission..."

By John Porter, President and CEO, Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce

Relocation, continued on pg. 2

We'll be here!

Stephen King couldn’t have paced the drama any better than how it unfolded in this year’s legislative session in Augusta.

For months the State House simmered with intrigue over how divergent views among majority Democrats and Republican Gov. Paul LePage would be resolved.

It seemed headed for an all-too-obvious—and ugly—end: Democrats would never go along with the deep cuts to social welfare and/or local revenue sharing that were needed to preserve a scheduled income-tax cut and balance the budget. LePage seemed equally unlikely to give up the tax cut or add new revenues elsewhere to avoid

the budget cuts.Through it, the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce developed some advocacy goals

and we voiced them to lawmakers. We wanted to see the income tax cut stay in place, as the organization has long held that high income taxes in Maine are particularly harmful to businesses and economic development. And, if there needed to be new revenues to preserve important investments in education, health care and other priorities, then those should be implemented as part of a commonsense reform of our tax system.

Well, as it turned out, we got a good part of what we had hoped for. The income tax cut survived. But the temporary taxes put into place didn’t do a whole lot to reform the overall tax system. Nonetheless, like many, we came to view an imperfect yet workable outcome as better than a state shutdown.

As the session progressed, we also identified an energy bill taking shape as a terrific opportunity to help grow our economy. Our friends at Action Committee of 50 took the lead on this bill, and after some twists and turns and more drama than was necessary, it passed. The bill holds out the promise of addressing supply shortages for natural gas in our region and gives a boost to conservation and fuel switching. It lines up perfectly with our call for energy policies that seek to cut costs while promoting alternatives that lower our use of, and lessen our dependence on, foreign oil.

Through much of the session there was some serious discussions about more state borrowing with bonds, and the Chamber favored smart investments in research and development, higher education and transportation. The bond debate appears to have been put off, however, and it will likely resurface as we head into next year’s session.

Overall, it wasn’t a bad year for our legislative priorities in Augusta. The income tax cut survived. A crippling state shutdown was avoided. And the energy bill was a big, big win for economic development. Still, more investment in R&D, higher education and transportation for our region remains an unmet need. And few of us can be pleased with the tax increases that came with the budget compromise.

But given the dramatic build up of tensions, one has to be relieved that the session ended as it did.

~ John Porter

2 Chamber News / July 2013

C H A M B E R N E W S

President’s Corner

The Chamber Governmental Affairs Committee will not be meeting in July. The group will resume in August. By then we will have the results of our member survey and that will mark the start of our work on our Issues of Impact statement for 2014. If you have an interest in contributing to the Chamber’s statement on public policy priorities for next year, contact us for information on how you can get involved.

Our Saturday morning Hot Stove sessions with lawmakers are generally held when the Legislature is in session. But the

past couple years we’ve done a session in the late fall so we can give lawmakers a sense of where we stand before things get rolling in Augusta. Keep an eye on the Chamber calendar for our next Hot Stove, likely in late November or early December.

25TH ANNUALCHAMBER CHALLENGE

GOLF TOURNEYSEPT. 20

BANGOR MUNI

CALLING ALL GOLFERS!

So, while we got excellent lease terms at 20 South Street, the new location will bring some significant added expense to the Chamber. To make the numbers work without a partner in that location, we will have to reduce our annual payment to reserves by $4,000 and raise dues by 10 percent across the board. That percentage increase would fall by a few points if a partner joins us.

The Chamber board agreed to the lease with the understanding that dues would increase by up to 10 percent. While this is not ideal, our dues still are comparable to other, larger chambers in Maine. And there is value to our members in both having a good location and having full financial independence from the city as an advocacy organization.

An eye to the futureThe relocation of the Chamber to new offices completes a

strategic overhaul of the organization undertaken nearly four years ago. In that time the Chamber has reasserted itself as a public policy advocate, added and expanded events, grown its membership base, strengthened and diversified its program offerings and solidified its financial position. The credit for this goes to the Board of Directors, which executed and then followed through on this new vision.

This year the board is undertaking an update of our strategic plan. Our new location will help us tremendously as was look to that future, keeping us immersed in the debate over the city’s waterfront and downtown and helping us raise the region’s visibility.

Relocation, continued from cover

Chamber News / July 2013 3

• Rudman Winchell, Counselors at Law in Bangor, Maine is proud to announce that the firm and several of the firm’s attorneys have received high ratings from Chambers and Partners, a worldwide legal rankings firm. Paul W. Chaiken, David C. King, Frank T. McGuire, George F. Eaton and William H. Hanson are all recognized by Chambers for excellence in their respective practice areas

• Penobscot Community Health Care(PCHC) announces the following: Jonas Westbrook, DDS, has joined the medical staff of PCHC’s Helen Hunt Health Center. Amy Freeman, MBA, People’s United Bank joins PCHC Board of Directors. The PCHC renovations to Capehart Community Health Center at 86 Davis Rd. are expected to be complete by July. Unlimited Solutions Clubhouse received $1,000 from Bangor Savings Bank through the Community Matters More Campaign and a $9,500 grant from the Maine Community Foundation to support food service vocational training at the Clubhouse.

• Good Shepherd Food Bank would like to encourage fellow Chamber members to participate in Hunger Action Month this September. GSFB can provide resources to help your organization learn about the economic impact that food insecurity plays in our community. There are many creative ways your employees and customers can get involved and have a positive effect on local efforts to feed Mainers in need. FMI contact Melissa Huston, Director of Philanthropy at 299-7793 or mhuston@gsfb.org or visit www.gsfb.org

• Congratulations to the new board of the Bangor Area Chapter of the InternationalAssociationofAdministrativeProfessionals:Nara Leavitt, President; Darlene Bean, Vice President; Nancy Soule Marks, CAP-OM, Secretary; Martin Bell, Treasurer.

• Pulse Marketing Agency is offering a free white paper: Social Media Marketing: Optimizing Your Social Media Presence To Generate Leads And Sales. The paper offers tips to help you make the jump in to social media without any prior experience, maximize the professional impact of your business profile, craft engaging content that speaks to your audience, and understand the differences between Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter,

M E M B E R B U S I N E S S

Breakfast Sponsor:

Wed., July 24Spectacular Event Center

A panel will discuss the Bangor’s expectations for Global Spectrum’s management of the Cross Insurance Center and the overall impact venues such as the Cross Center can have on the local and regional economy. Join us for a lively discussion!

Networking 7:00am Breakfast 7:30am Program 8-9am

Tickets $17 members $22 non-members

RSVP: 947-0307 oradmin@bangorregion.com

Media Sponsor:

Business After Hours

Thurs., July 11, 5-7pm

Sea DogThe Bangor waterfront in the height of summer with a great chance to network while you enjoy some good food & drink. What's not to like? See you at the Dog! Sea Dog Brewing Company, 26 Front St., Bangor.

Topic: The Cross Center

M E M B E R N E W SPinterest, and Google+ - and make the best use of each platform. Download your free copy at pulsemarketingagency.sites.hubspot.com/social-media-marketing

• “The Nite Show with Danny Cashman”will be filmed before a live studio audience at the Next Generation Theatre, 39 Center St., Brewer, on August 21st. Tapings begin at 6 p.m., but please arrive no later than 5:45 p.m. Audience members should be at least 14 years or older. No charge. Contact Dan Cashman: 207-947-9113; www.theniteshowmaine.com/tickets.aspx

• WillisofNorthernNewEngland, Inc. has announced that Nicole Goodrich has joined its Alternative Markets Department as a senior account manager at Willis’ New Gloucester, Maine office. Also, Alan D. Frost has joined the firm as an account executive in the Commercial Business Unit.

• Eastern Maine Development Corp. has been awarded a $400,000 grant from the U.S. EPA to complete assessments of petroleum and other hazardous waste in brownfields, which is property that contains hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminates. Also, EMDC has received a $3000 grant from Bangor Savings Bank Foundation which will be used to extend a number of its existing programs to students in schools in the Bangor/Brewer area.

• Bangor Hydro Electric announces that Leah Jones is the recipient of the 2013 Emera Scholarship for Employees’ Children. This is an $8000 scholarship payable over four years. Leah was chosen for her outstanding academic achievement, community involvement, and good citizenship. Also, Emera Inc., parent company of Bangor Hydro is the recipient of the Maine International Trade Center’s Foreign Investor of the Year Award. This award recognizes foreign-owned companies that have made a strategic decision to invest in Maine.

• Sewall Company in Old Town has been awarded the First Phase of Bald Mountain Assessment from Aroostook Resources, Inc. Sewall will develop a new mineral resource estimate for Aroostook County’s Bald Mountain mineral project. Long-term, the project has the potential to create tens of millions of dollars in economic activity and hundreds of jobs over a multi-decade timeframe.

Introducing the IRS Video Portal

The IRS Video Portal Web page features video and audio presentations produced by the IRS. Use it to get up-to-date information on many tax topics. Playback our many presentations anytime that’s convenient for you. And, it’s free!

It doesn’t matter if you’re a tax professional, business owner or just an individual tax-payer – there is something there for you and the products are catalogued for easy identification.

With technology improvements coming faster and the IRS offering more education ven-ues such as webinars, webcasts and podcasts … learning about taxes gets easier all the time.

Can’t attend an event on the date it occurs? Problem solved! Now they are stored and ready when you are, on the IRS Video Portal.

See what you can learn today – or if today’s not good for you, then tomorrow – take advantage of the IRS Video Portal.

www.irsvideos.gov

New On-Line Courses in Gerontological Practice: Interventions for Care of Older Adults in Diverse Settings (Instructor: Dr. Nancy Fishwick); Overview of the Opportunities and Challenges of Aging; Health Policy Issues of an Aging Population. FMI, please contact Len Kaye: len.kaye@umit.maine.edu (207) 262-7922 or Nancy Fishwick: fishwick@maine.edu, (207) 581-2607.

• BangorFederalCreditUnion has awarded nearly $15,000 to nine food pantries as part of the Maine Credit Unions Campaign for Ending Hunger. Recipients are: Bangor Area Homeless Shelter, Eastern Maine AIDS Network Food Pantry, Seeds of Hope Food Pantry in Bangor, Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen in Bangor, Brewer Community Council, Lighthouse COG Bread of Life in Orrington, Linda’s Food Cupboard in Levant, Widows & Orphans Food Cupboard in Stetson and the Good Shepherd Food-Bank.

• Bell’s Furry Friends Photography is holding a pet fair and art exhibition, "Ready for my Close-Up" on July 12 from 6-9 p.m. at the Sea Dog. Admission is a cash donation or pet supply to be split between Bangor Humane Society and the Furry Friends Food Bank. The event is for people only. Children are welcome. FMI, call Debra Bell at 207-356-2353, visit “Bell’s Furry Friends Photography” on Facebook. The company website is bffpetphotos.com

• CoffeeNewswas recently selected as one of the 75 franchises to consider now by Small Business Opportunities Magazine. The article emphasizes the fact that many entrepreneurs find franchising to be a great way to start their own business and states that the 75 listed franchises can be launched now with minimal experience.

• BangorSavingsBankhas launched a new website designed by Digital Agency Raka, LLC. The new website design now offers clients an enhanced experience and better online banking access. Go to www.bangor.com to explore this new site.

• Construction Specifications Institute has recognized WBRC Architects/Engineers as part of the Cross Insurance Center project management team for its excellence at its annual Maine Chapter Awards Banquet in Auburn on June 4th. The 2013 Award for Excellence in Construction Project Delivery recognizes the combined efforts of the City of Bangor, WBRC, Sink Combs Dethlefs and Cianbro in developing the initial project concept, final design and the management of the construction process of the facility.

• People’s United Community Foundation, the philanthropic arm of People’s United Bank, has awarded $67,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations throughout Maine.

• UMaine Center on Aging is offering

Michelle Hood, President and CEO of Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems was the guest speaker at the Chamber's June Early Bird Breakfast

C H A M B E R N E W S

4 Chamber News / July 2013

Teddi-Jann Covell(207) 944-198615 Mountain DriveOrono, Maine 04473tjdj@roadrunner.comTeddi-Jann spent many years working for the FAA, not tapping into her creative side. Now Teddi-Jann’s focus is her artwork. She has been recognized for her work throughout the state. Stay tuned to learn when and where her next exhibit will be.

Alliance Digital NetworksRichard Goodwin(207) 877-1475341 Main StreetWaterville, Maine 04901rgoodwin@adnmaine.comadnmaine.comAlliance Digital Networks has broken into the Bangor market with great success! They focus on your business’ overall telecommunication needs and upgrades while they save you money.

Safety & Health Council of Northern New EnglandPhillip DuPerry(207) 854-8441 or (888) 396-204757 Regional Drive Unit 6Concord, New Hampshire 03301melissaw@shcnne.orgwww.shcnne.orgThe Safety & Health Council of Northern New England will be hosting their annual event in Bangor this year at the new Cross Civic Center. Please be on the watch for an October invitation to this very well attended safety conference.

Bev, Inc. dba Hilton Garden InnEdward Dennis(207) 262-0099250 Haskell RoadBangor, Maine 04401edward.dennis@hilton.comwww.bangorhiltongardeninn.comWe are very happy to announce that the Hilton Garden Inn has joined our chamber. This beautiful facility is a great place to host your next get together.

Gene’s Electronics-Dish Authorized DealerStephanie Oliver(207) 834-3632342 West Main StreetFort Kent, Maine 04743stephanie.oliver@geisat.comgeneselectronics.comGene’s Electronics has been awarded The Authorized Dish Dealer of the Year! They are from Aroostook County where they have multiple locations. Now, they are joining us in Bangor at The Bangor Mall.

A Body In Knead, LLCDawn Day(207) 989-7473263 State Street Suite 6Bangor, Maine 04401ABodyInKnead@hotmail.comwww.ABodyInKnead.comDawn and her team have a full service spa located at 263 State Street in Bangor. No longer are they just a place to get a massage. Visit them for an entire menu of pamper-ing!

Revere Media, LLCSamuel Canders(207) 992-328035 Elizabeth AvenueBangor, Maine 04401info@Revere-Media.comwww.Revere-Media.comSamuel has broken into the Bangor market offering web services. Please join me in welcoming him to the area.

InBangorSteve Brown(207) 200-4457499 Broadway Suite 230Bangor, Maine 04401steve@inbangor.comwww.inBangor.comSteve is being very ambitious and has started his own on-line newspaper that is ALL Bangor. Visit his site at www.inBangor.com and be amazed!

Webster PointLaura Reading (207) 766-66965 Shore DriveOrono, Maine 04473reading.laura@gmail.comwww.websterpointorono.comWebster Point is managing the new, beautiful condomini-ums in Orono, right on the river. Visit www.websterpoin-torono.com for the details.

Gilman Electrical SupplyGood Gilman(207) 368-4319P.O. Box 98Newport, Maine 04953goodygilman@gmail.comGoody and his team have added their Newport location as a new member. Please join us in welcoming the New-port team to our Chamber.

WelcomeNEW MEMBERS

Thank you, Cross Insurance, for a sneak peek at the beautiful new Cross Center at last month's Business After Hours. A record 758 people attended!

Take it to the next level

AUGUSTA I BANGOR I BRUNSWICK I ELLSWORTH I PORTLAND

1-800-564-0111 I eatonpeabody.com

The business environment changes by the moment. We’re quick to anticipate,ready to shift gears.

Experienced counsel for your business

Business Law

MEMBER OFFERMainebiz is offering Chamber members a dis-

counted one year subscription. You can receive

26 bi-weekly newspaper issues at a 25% discount,

bringing your subscription rate to $32.95 per year.

Please contact the Chamber for a subscription form

to start enjoying news in this business journal.

C H A M B E R N E W S

Chamber News / July 2013 5

Data Center

Internet

Voice

Apps

Wide Area Networks

Oxford Networks is now offering a suite of cloud-based technology products that will increase your business data security options and help you to better manage your telephone and Internet service. If you’ve ever lost a hard drive, deleted an important e-mail, lost a spreadsheet or had a phone outage, then Oxford Networks’ cloud services are the solution for you.

Call today to fi nd out more 1-888-342-7678

Business is better in the cloud

MEMBER RENEWALSAdvantage Payroll Service/Paychex

Al Benner Homes, Inc.

Andrew Landry, Esq.

Angelo’s Pizzeria

B&D Fabrications by Design

Bangor Area Staffing Solutions

Bangor Letter Shop & COLOR COPIES

Bangor Metro

Batteries Plus

Beal College

Between Friends, Inc.

Black Beards U.S. A.

Brewer Federal Credit Union

Brick & Mortar Holding Group

Brogue Insurance & Financial Services

Brookings-Smith

Chapel Hill Floral

Cianbro

Concentra Urgent Care

Concord Coachlines

Country Inn At The Mall

Dawson Insurance Agency

Farrell, Rosenblatt & Russell

Fot Knox Park Inn

Four Points by Sheraton Bangor Airport

Freightliner of Maine, Inc.

Frost’s Garage, Inc.

Geaghan’s Restaurant & Pub

General Electric Company

Gilbert & Greif, PA

Granville Stone

Greenway Equipment Sales

Hotel Equities

Instant Title Service

J.T. Hicks & Company, PA

Jenkins Beach/Cottage & Boat Rentals

Key Bank N.A. - Brewer

Kiley & Foley Funeral Service

M.Ray Bradford Jr. Esq. PA

Maine Department of Economic and Community Development

Maine Valve and Fitting Company

McLaughlin Seafood, Inc.

MERT Enterprises

MetLife - Ed Troscianiec

Miller Drug

Mount Desert Spring Water

NORTHPOINT Financial Services

OHI

Organized Solutions

Penobscot Community Health Care

Realty of Maine

Richard Whitmore Logging

Seacoast Security

Sewell Company

Snowman Printing & Stamps

Spruce Run Association

TBA, Inc.

TC Hafford Basement Systems

Tender Lawn Care

The Lane Construction Corporation

Tim Horton’s - Brewer

Tim Horton’s - Main Street Bangor

Tim Horton’s - Odlin Road

Town or Hermon

U.S. Small Business Administration

Vacationland Inn

W.A. Bean & Sons

Wallace Tent & Party Rental

Weber MT, Inc.

Wicked Wines, Inc.

Willey Law Offices

Dear Members,

In June, you should have received our Member to Member discount card as part of your membership packet. These cards are for all of your employees. Please share the wealth, make copies, call us for more cards, etc.

Please take advantage of this membership benefit! This is something you can offer everyone on your team without any additional expense to your bottom line.

These discounts will be running through the end of 2013. We will be rolling out a new discount card in January and we would love to see it full of member discounts. If you are interested in learning more about joining in or if you have any questions, please call me or email me.

All the best,

Kate Grover, Director of Membership kate@bangorregion.com 207.947.0307

. . . .

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6 Chamber News / July 2013

B R C C P R O G R A M S

Community gardens are a great way for individuals to gather and connect with one another and the environment. In a recent report (April 18, 2013), researchers from the University of Utah claim those involved in community gardening have a lower body mass index (BMI), a body measurement based on height and weight, than non-gardeners.

Not only were gardeners studied, but also control groups that included non-gardeners from the neighborhood, same sex siblings of gardeners, and spouses of gardeners. Each group was crucial in studying environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors as they relate to BMI. Data from the control groups was gathered through population records commonly used by health researchers. The study found that gardening women were 46 percent less likely to be overweight and gardening men were 62 percent less likely to be overweight than non-gardeners.

There are social and nutritional benefits to community gardening. Members often feel connected and value creating nutritious local produce. While not all neighborhoods have a community garden, generating a household produce garden can still offer health benefits.

Here are tips on how to start your first garden:• Decide what produce you want to grow. Beginners may

benefit from a smaller garden at first, as a way to learn the ropes and output of each plant.

• Even if you do not have a yard, containers can be used

as long as there is plenty of sun, water, and good soil. Many plants require six to eight hours of sunlight. If this is not possible, leafy vegetables can be planted, as they grow well without full sun.

• If your soil does not drain well, you can build raised beds

that are lined with newspapers and soil. To determine how well your soil drains, soak your soil with a hose and wait one day until digging up a handful of soil. If water streams out when squeezing the soil, you may

Community Gardens

NWI Member Benefit – DiscountsYes, you get discounts to even more wellness benefits thanks to your dual WLCME-NWI membership. One of those discounts is 10%

off Whole Person Associates publications, the leading publisher of training resources for stress management, wellness promotion, and mental health issues. Another valuable discount is 35% off New Harbinger Publications, which offers a multitude of effective, scientifically sound self-help books dealing with a range of topics in psychology, health and personal growth.

To access these discounts, go to www.nationalwellness.org and click “Your NWI Member Discounts” under the “resources” tab.

Good for the Environment, Good for your Family, Good for You

Wellness Council of Maine Hires New Executive Director

The Wellness Council of Maine has hired Roxane Dubay of Old Town as the organization’s newest Executive Director.

Roxane comes to the Wellness Council of Maine from the University of Maine New Balance Student Recreation Center, where she served as Lead Fitness Instructor. Roxane’s past experience include fitness positions with the Bangor and Old Town YMCAs, where she served as Fitness Director at the Bangor location. She also ran her own business, Women’s Fitness Studio, for several years.

Roxane will lead the 100+ member statewide organization, which works to advance and promote good health among businesses and organizations across Maine.

Her strong proficiency and skill in the health and wellness fields made Roxane a choice candidate for the position according to John Porter, President and CEO for the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce, the Wellness Council’s parent organization. “Not only is Roxane very knowledgeable in the field of wellness, but she can relate well to small business owners, having run a business herself. We are confident the Wellness Council of Maine’s members will benefit from both her business and wellness expertise,” Porter said.

Paige Allen, Chair of the Wellness Council of Maine’s Executive Committee, echoed Porter’s sentiments. “We are very excited to have Roxane as Executive Director,” Allen said. “She will be especially skilled in relating to small businesses and helping them to implement and retain successful wellness programs.”

Roxane began on June 24th and will be working out of the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce offices. She can be contacted at director@wellnesscouncilofmaine.org.

For more information on the Wellness Council of Maine visit www.wellnesscouncilofmaine.org.

want to consider adding compost (decaying organic matter that can be used as fertilizer) to improve drainage or building a raised bed.

• Loosen soil by hand, shovel, or tiller before planting.

After loosening the soil, compost should be added and mixed in with the soil. Smooth the area with a rake, water, and leave for a few days before planting. Try not to walk on future planting regions as the soil will become compacted.

• Choose a variety of vegetables your first year. In following years,you can select varieties that worked well for you in the past. Try new varieties to replace those that may have been unsuccessful.

• Water plants when the top inch of the soil is dry. This practice generally adds up to watering once per week, but is weather dependent. Raised beds typically require regular watering, so check the soil frequently.

Article by Kelli Oligney, Associate Editor

For more information on nutrition and community gardens, visit the National Wellness Institute, WLCME’s national partner in wellness, at www.nationalwellness.org.

Have you ever been voluntold to participate in an educational experience? More specifically, have you ever had this happen to you at work? I have, and I walked away from it - it being BRLI - with a

greater sense of community than I could have ever imagined living in Bangor, 200 miles from the place I had always called home.

In the short nine months since starting the Bangor Region Leadership Institute I have seen a group of 23 Bangor region professionals, from many backgrounds, become a living, breathing, leadership machine. Under the keen instruction of Kathy Hunt, and an excellent group of steering committee members (who not only played host to our 9 sessions but also dedicated countless hours to each and every one of our learning opportunities along the way), we experienced a synergy I didn’t think was possible on day one. I have truly learned the difference between being someone’s boss and being a leader, and I know what side I will choose to stand on every day without fear of failure.

Thanks to BRLI, I have an excellent network of supportive local professionals ready to help me in any way possible, and that is what makes the program an opportunity worthy of jumping into headfirst, when strongly suggested to you, by any of our 300 alumni

Chamber News / July 2013 7

B R C C P R O G R A M S

Fusion is excited to announce Fusion’s Night out with DARLING’s! Barenaked Ladies, Ben Folds Five and Guster hit the Bangor Waterfront on Sunday, July 21st, and Darling's is giving Fusion Bangor members exclusive access to its VIP tent. Enjoy VIP treatment from the Darling's tent, where there will be food, a cash bar, and plenty of other Fusion members to network with, all the while watching one of the hottest concerts of the summer! Please note that you must purchase a ticket to the concert in order to gain access to the tent. Tickets can be purchased at www.waterfrontconcerts.com. Admission to the VIP tent is free courtesy of Darling's and Fusion Bangor. There is a limit of two VIP tickets per person. To register your VIP ticket, visit FusionVIP.eventbrite.com. Act fast! There are a limited number of tickets available, and registration ends by end of day July 10th.

Another exciting partnership that Fusion is pleased to announce is that Bangor Savings Bank will be the premier sponsor of Fusion’s Downtown Proud initiative. Downtown Proud, which began over a year ago with grant funds from the Realize Maine Network and Downtown Bangor Partnership, works to connect residents with downtowns in the Bangor region, ensuring downtown communities stay attractive and vital. The initiative, which has already coordinated a variety of retail open houses, clean ups, beautification projects, and downtown networking events, will continue thanks to the support of Bangor Savings Bank.

“Downtown vitalization is a key initiative for Fusion,” says Annie Collins, Fusion Bangor Chair. “It’s important to keep downtowns active and alive, as they are a hub of great local businesses, retailers, and arts organizations. We are so excited to be collaborating with Bangor Savings Bank on this effort. They have been a strong supporter of Fusion since we began in 2005.”

“Bangor Savings Bank has been a longtime supporter of Fusion and the tremendous work the group does to connect young professionals to the community. We are delighted to have another opportunity to engage with Fusion and look forward to the continuation of the Downtown Proud initiative!” said Carol Colson, Director of Community Relations and Communication for Bangor Savings Bank.

To get involved in Fusion and their Downtown Proud movement, check out their Facebook at Facebook.com/FusionBangor.

Building Bridges is accepting registrations for the 2014 program, which will begin in the second

week of January and run through the end of May. If you’re an educator looking to connect with business leaders and learn more about the Bangor region economy, this course is for you! To register and get more information, visit the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce’s website at www.bangorregion.com.

The Bangor Region Leadership Institute has a new website! Check it out by visiting www.brliexperience.org. There, you can read about the BRLI experiences of more alumni and learn about the benefits of the program. In addition to the fresh design, interested candidates are able to submit applications for the class directly through the website. It also includes a new component, The BRLI Exchange, that enables alumni to join groups and better stay in touch with their classmates and fellow alumni.

Interested in being a part of the BRLI Class of 2014? Applications are now being accepted. Read on to see how BRLI impacted Katrina Mumford, member of the Class of 2013.

Pictured are attendees of Fusion's June 21st Downtown Proud Celebration. The event included a scavenger hunt across downtown Bangor, retail open house, dodgeball in Pickering Square, and catered reception at COESPACE.

8 Chamber News / July 2013

B R C C & M E M B E R E V E N T S

8 Building Bridges 4pm

10 Membership Cmte-Noon

11 BIZ Action 8am

11 Biz After Hours: Sea Dog

12 Fusion Steering 8am

12 Executive Committee 7:15-9am

24 EBB 7-9am –Spectacular Event Center

25 Board 7:30-9am

Unless otherwise noted, all meetings will take place at the Chamber. Please note: the Chamber's temporary address is 208 Maine Ave., Bangor, near the airport's runway. Just look for the building with a large tan tower with a "J" on top. You can't miss it!

4 4th of July Parade 11am-1pm. Begins on Acme Road in Brewer to JC bridge to Main St. Bangor to Exchange St.

4 Fresh Air Market located along Broad St. and West Market Square in Bangor. 5-8pm. Free Cool Sounds Concert featuring “Bangor Band” in Pickering Square.

4 Tommy Knockers Tour – Stephen King fans, Bangor Residents and out-of-state tourists. The tour consists of a narrated one and a half hour drive through the city. Tour meets at the Waterfront parking lot at 64 Front St. $20 tickets (advance ticket only) Please call 947-5205 or www.visitbangormaine.com

5 Mt. Hope Cemetery Tour – The tour meets at the Mt. Hope Superintendent’s Office at 1048 State St. $10 non-members, BMHC members free, $5 under 12, under 5 free. All tours are approximately one hour long. www.bangormuseum.org/tours.html (5pm)

7,14,21,28 Bangor Farmers’ Market – Every Sunday 11am – 2pm. Across from the Bangor Public Library.

9 Tuesday Forum will host a meeting at the Seadog @ noon. Presenter will be: Jennifer Skiff, author, The Divinity of Dogs. Please contact Hope Gabric for more information at: 947-8802 or hgabric@eradawson.com

9 Devil’s Half Acre Tour – Meets at Waterfront parking lot at 64 Front St. (Recommended for Adults Only) 7pm

10 Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion, “Daughtry & 3 Doors Down” 800-745-3000 or www.waterfrontconcerts.com

10 Bangor Public Library Summer Music Series – “New Renaissance Singers” Held just outside the Library in Peirce Park, in inclement weather the music will be moved to the Lecture Hall on the 3rd floor. 7PM

11 Fresh Air Market located along Broad St. and West Market Square in Bangor. 5-8pm. Free Cool Sounds Concert featuring “Dark Hollow Bottling Co.” in Pickering Square.

12 Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion, “NEF-Fight Night” 800-745-3000 or www.waterfrontconcerts.com

13-14 Summer at Leonard’s Mills – Colonial era spinning, woodworking, blacksmithing and so much more! Try some bean-hole beans; take a horse-drawn wagon ride. 10am-4pm. 974-6278 or www.leonardsmills.com

16 Tuesday Forum will host a meeting at the Seadog @ noon. Presenter will be: Erin Sweeney, Food & Medicine. Please contact Hope Gabric for more information at: 947-8802 or hgabric@eradawson.com

17 Bangor Public Library Summer Music Series – “The Silver Duo” Held just outside the Library in Peirce Park, in inclement weather the music will be moved to the Lecture Hall on the 3rd floor. 7PM

17 Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion, “Mayhem Festival” 800-745-3000 or www.waterfrontconcerts.com

18 Fresh Air Market located along Broad St. and West Market Square in Bangor. 5-8pm. Free Cool Sounds Concert featuring “The Mallett Brothers Band” in Pickering Square.

20 Bangor Public Library Summer Music Series – “Timbered Lake” Held just outside the Library in Peirce Park, in inclement weather the music will be moved to the Lecture Hall on the 3rd floor. 7PM

20 Mt. Hope Cemetery Tour – The tour meets at the Mt. Hope Superintendent’s Office at 1048 State St. $10 non-members, BMHC members free, $5 under 12, under 5 free. All tours are approximately one hour long. www.bangormuseum.org/tours.html (10am)

20/21 Curran Homestead Living History Farm and Museum(372 Fields Pond Road, Orrington) Presents 2-Day Summer Festival and Maine’s Open Farm Day with Olde Fashioned rides, demonstrations, games, music, food and world-famous Doodlebug(antique vehicles)Pulling Competition. www.curran homestead.org or (207)745-4426.

21 Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion, “Barenaked Ladies” 800-745-3000 or www.waterfrontconcerts.com

23 Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion, “Lil Wayne” 7:30pm. $41-$92 800-745-3000 or www.waterfrontconcerts.com

23 Devil’s Half Acre Tour – Meets at Waterfront parking lot at 64 Front St. (Recommended for Adults Only) 7pm

23 Tuesday Forum will host a meeting at the Seadog @ noon. Personal Profile by Gordana Hassett, Psychotherapist, Life Coach. Please contact Hope Gabric for more information at: 947-8802 or hgabric@eradawson.com

24 Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion, “Big Time Rush” 800-745-3000 or www.waterfrontconcerts.com

24 Thomas Hill Standpipe Summer Sunset Tour-Climb to the top of the standpipe for a great view of Bangor 5-9pm. www.bangorwater.org

25 Fresh Air Market located along Broad St. and West Market Square in Bangor. 5-8pm. Free Cool Sounds Concert featuring “Retrorockerz” in Pickering Square.

26-Aug 4 Bangor State Fair, 100 Dutton St. Admission $12 947-5555 or fair@bangormaine.gov

27 Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion, “Radio Romance Tour” 800-745-3000 or www.waterfrontconcerts.com

30 Tuesday Forum will host a meeting at the Seadog @ noon. Speed Networking. Please contact Hope Gabric for more information at: 947-8802 or hgabric@eradawson.com

30 19th Annual State Street Neighborhood Block Party at Chapin Park(behind Miller Drug) 6 to 8pm. Featuring Bangor Band, ice cream, lemonade, hot dogs, clowns, face-painting and police, fire, hydro presence. Open to the public.

31 Bangor Public Library Summer Music Series – “Jonee Earthquake Band” Held just outside the Library in Peirce Park, in inclement weather the music will be moved to the Lecture Hall on the 3rd floor. 7PM

Aug.1 Fresh Air Market located along Broad St. and West Market Square in Bangor. 5-8pm. Free Cool Sounds Concert featuring “Flash in the Pans Steel Drum Band” in Pickering Square.

Aug 1-4 Bangor State Fair, 100 Dutton St. Admission $12 947-5555 or fair@bangormaine.gov

Aug 2 Mt. Hope Cemetery Tour – The tour meets at the Mt. Hope Superintendent’s Office at 1048 State St. $10 non-members, BMHC members free, $5 under 12, under 5 free. All tours are approximately one hour long. www.bangormuseum.org/tours.html (5pm)

Aug 2 Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion, “Miranda Lambert” 800-745-3000 or www.waterfrontconcerts.com

Aug 3 WLBZ2 Sidwalk Art Festival – Downtown Bangor

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Need help with college planning?These free workshops are being offered by the Maine Educational Opportunity Center:

• Bangor Adult Learning Ctr., 121 York St. (July 16 & 23 @ 1pm)• UMA-Bangor, Lewiston Hall, 65 Texas Ave (July 11, 18, & 25 @ 9am) • Tri-County Career Center, 45 Oak St. (July 12, 19 & 26 @ 9am)• Bangor Housing Authority, 161 Davis Rd. (July 1 & 8 @ 9am)• Brewer Housing Authority, 1 Colonial Circle, (July 8 @ 1:30pm)

To register or more information: call 1-800-281-3703 or http://meoc.maine.edu.

Seeing StarsUniversity of Maine Orono, Jordan Planetarium, Wingate Hall - Public Star ShowsCosmic Colors, ages 8 and up, Fridays, June 7 & 14 at 7:00pm.Our Sky Family, ages 4-8, Wed. July 3 & 24 at 11am, and Sun. July 14 at 2pm.Hubble Vision, ages 10-Adult, Thur. July 4 at 11am.Wilbear’s Big Adventure, ages 4-7, Sun. July 7 at 2pm.Rusty Rocket’s Last Blast, ages 7-Adult, Wed. July 10 at 11am.Origins of Life, ages 10-Adult, Thurs. July 11 at 11am.Two Small Pieces of Glass, ages 9-Adult, Wed. July 17 at 11am.Cosmic Colors, ages 8-Adult, Thurs. July 18 at 11am.Trip through Space, ages 6-10, Sun. July 21 at 2pm & Wed. July 31 at 11amBlack Holes, ages 9-Adult, Thurs. July 25 at 11amThe Little Star that Could, ages 5-8, Sun. July 28 at 2pmTickets: $3 per person at the door; call 581-1341 to reserve seats