Enjoy networking in a fun and relaxed environment at Business After Hours. Join us this month for a great event, and learn more about the Senior Planning Center in Skowhega, these evening receptions are a great place to meet fellow professionals. For this event learn what the school is doing and how we can work together.

Find more here .

We are trying to do a pilot program here in the Skowhegan Area with Junior Achievement. We need your help to make this happen and be successful, will you join us?

Junior Achievement of Maine is a statewide nonprofit organization with the mission of inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy. Our volunteer-delivered, kindergarten-12th grade programs foster work force readiness skills, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. Our goal is to bridge the gap between the academic and business communities and help prepare kids for the real-world and a future career. All programs are free to teachers in Maine and taught by community volunteers who weave in their life and work experience to the age appropriate curriculum's that are delivered during the school day. This past academic year, JA impacted more than 12,600 kindergarten-12th grade students across Maine with the help of 500 community volunteers.

You can find more on Junior Achievement of Maine   here  . Find more about the program   here   .

We are looking for 15-20 volunteers. Once we get to that number we will be holding and informational session to learn more. If you can commit to a few hours each school year, please let us know here. We look forward to getting the volunteers, and then going and introducing this to the area schools.

It is hard to imagine on days like today, that we will be sitting outside on a warm summer night watching a movie with our families. But, in just a few short months the 2  ^nd  Annual Summer Movies in Coburn Park series will begin. For those of you who attended an outside movie last year, you know why the thought of this happening again is so exciting. Last summer, from June to August, hundreds of community members gathered weekly

As part of the National Small Business Week, the Skowhegan Area Chamber of Commerce is offering free learning opportunities in the area geared to help small business development. Stay tuned as more information will be coming over the next couple of weeks.

The Town of Skowhegan is applying for a $150,000 Façade Grant. Any Business in Skowhegan that is interested in a façade grant for their business, should contact the Economic and Community Development office at 474-6905.

Businesses can apply for funds to fix up the exterior of their building, this can include doors, windows, painting exterior, new siding (non-vinyl). Every grant has to be matched at a minimum of one dollar for every grant dollar. Match can come from interior improvements. At this time, maximum grant for each business is $10,000. The town is trying to determine who is interested in a façade grant which will impact the Town grant application.

The Town of Skowhegan will have an informational meeting about the 2018 Facade Grant that all are welcome to attend. Skowhegan's Economic Development Office and others from the Facade Grant Committee will provide information about the facade grant process and how it works, offer ideas for projects and match, and answer questions.

The Early Childhood Education Program is a two year course for students who are interested in working with young children. The program focuses on child development and theory, psychology, child guidance, professionalism, curriculum planning, CPR/First Aid, and college and career planning.

Early Childhood Education students work to earn the State of Maine Early Childhood Assistant Certification as well as 6-9 college credits through our dual enrollment agreement with Kennebec Valley Community College.  Students train in early childhood programs throughout our local schools, job shadow at the hospital and with various therapy and/or counseling programs.

Find more here .

Is your business expanding? Are you considering locating your firm in Maine? Do your current Maine workers need new skills?

The Maine Quality Centers provide customized workforce training grants for Maine employers seeking to locate or expand their operations in Maine or who are interested in providing training to their incumbent workers. Find more here.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act made major changes to the tax law. Because of this, you and your employees should do a  paycheck checkup  using the  Withholding Calculator  on IRS.gov and, if necessary, complete a new  W-4 form . The calculator will help determine the right amount of withholding and can help prevent having too little (or too much) tax withheld.

Recent changes affecting withholding include:

A paycheck checkup is especially important if you or your employees:

For more information, please see  IRS.gov/taxreform . For updated withholding tables, please visit the  IRS newsroom  and the  IRS withholding table FAQs . 

We are doubtful that the legislature will adjourn on its April 18 statutory adjournment date, considering the weighty issues that remain. They are meeting every day this week, and we suspect that double sessions will occur in the near future.

MINIMUM WAGE:  The fate of   LD 1757 ,  An Act To Protect Maine's Economy by Slowing the Rate at Which the State's Minimum Wage Will Increase and Establishing a Training and Youth Wage, was defeated last week - losing by three votes! This is bad news for small and rural businesses.

DRUG FORMULARY:  IFS committee will finalize   LD 696 ,  An Act Regarding Insurance and Financial Services, this week. The bill remains a big concern for small businesses and other fully insured employers. It will negatively impact how an employer manages the prescription drugs in the drug formulary, inhibits an employer's ability to control costs, and complicates the associated administrative tasks. We oppose this bill because of the costs it will impose on employers through their health care premiums.

TAX CONFORMITY:  This proposal has been voted out of committee finally, and remains a big issue for Maine businesses. The Maine State Chamber is asking members to   contact their legislators   and encourage them to vote YES on the Minority Ought-to-Pass report. If you need more information, please contact Linda Caprara by calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 106, or by emailing  [email protected] .

EDUCATION:  The committee is still meeting.  LD 1666 ,  An Act To Ensure the Successful Implementation of Proficiency-based Diplomas by Extending the Timeline for Phasing in Their Implementation, will have its sixth work session as well as review of two bills from the LePage Administration (LD 1900 and LD 1898). LD 1898 waters down the provisions in LD 1666; LD 1900 repeals proficiency-based diplomas.

MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION IMPLEMENTATION:  The State Chamber is supporting   LD 1719 ,  An Act To Implement a Regulatory Structure for Adult Use Marijuana. There will be two amendments coming forth in the very near future, could even be this week.

Skowhegan has two entrepreneur challenge winners — a woman who will start a counseling business downtown, and a high school student with plans for a computer services startup.

This was the second time the Main Street Skowhegan Savings Entrepreneur Challenge was held. Sponsored by Main Street Skowhegan and Skowhegan Savings Bank, it aims to bring business and economic sustainability to the region, particularly downtown. It was joined this year by the Junior Entrepreneur Challenge for high school students.

Amanda Leigh Clark, the winner of the primary challenge, will get more than $23,000 in benefits and incentives, including a $10,000 forgivable loan from Skowhegan Savings, to start her business, River Trail Counseling and Wellness Center.

Matthew Gallant, a junior at Mt. Blue High School in Farmington, will get a $1,000 grant as winner of the student challenge.

Vicki Alward, senior vice president at Skowhegan Savings Bank, said in a news release that one of the goals of the contest, which offers workshops prior to winners being announced, is to educate local entrepreneurs about what it takes to start, own and maintain a successful business.

Participants began in September, attending business seminars about insurance needs, required permits, cash flow and financial analyses and marketing strategies.

Junior entrepreneurs took entrepreneurship classes at their schools and met with area business leaders.

Clark is required to open her business by this summer and stay in business for five years in order for the loan to be forgiven. The contest also asks winners sign a three-year lease on business space.

She is a licensed clinical social worker and her practice will specialize in counseling, as well as offer health and wellness services, including community workshops, massage therapy and yoga. The business enhancement committee will work with her throughout her first few years in business, according to the release.

Besides the loan, which is paid in three installments, she gets business services that range from insurance and computer help to carpentry, photographer, phone lines, internet and reduced rent from sponsoring companies.

The winner of the first challenge, also named Amanda Clark, started The Maine Barkery, an organic dog treat business. Clark has since closed her downtown storefront and moved her operation to her hometown of neighboring Smithfield to concentrate on wholesale production, the  Morning Sentinel reported in September.

The experience with the first winner spurred the three-year lease requirement in the current round.

Junior entrepreneurs make debut

The junior challenge had 63 competitors from three high schools. It was developed by Jobs for Maine's Graduates, as well as Skowhegan Savings and Main Street Skowhegan's Business Enhancement Committee.

Gallant participated in Mt. Blue High School's Entrepreneurial Program and pitched his startup idea in early March to the committee, which picked the three winners.

Gallant will use the $1,000 prize to start Gallant Media, which will provide computer services — including website and mobile app development, computer network and software installations — to small and medium-sized businesses in western Maine. He also developed Gallant WebMaster, a tool that will allow clients who don't have programming experience to build and manage their websites.

Second-place winners were Emily Edgerly, Shelby Belanger and Katie Worthen, of Madison High School, who developed Smart Planner, an organizational app for students. The school gets $450 of the $750 second-place prize, and the three entrepreneurs will split the remaining $300.

L. Enright Photography, a business idea developed by Skowhegan Area High School sophomore Lauren Enright, was the third-place winner. A portion of the $500 cash prize will be awarded to Enright as a scholarship for college, and the remainder goes to the entrepreneurship class at her high school.

Gary Perlson, education consultant at the MELMAC Education Foundation said the competition for the students is important on a large scale.

"Innovation and entrepreneurship are the cornerstones of the American economy," Perlson said. "Fostering these attributes in our young men and women is vital to the future of our state and nation."

A report released today by the personal-finance website WalletHub shows Maine as having the third highest overall tax burden of the 50 states.

WalletHub's 2018 Tax Burden by State report  compared the 50 states according to their property taxes, individual taxes and sales and excise taxes as a share of total personal income.

MaineHousing’s Pre-1976 Mobile Home Replacement Initiative provides income-eligible Maine residents with an opportunity to replace the pre-1976 mobile home they own and occupy as their primary residence with a new ENERGY STAR  ^®  certified manufactured home.

The initiative combines an amortizing, interest-bearing MaineHousing mortgage loan with a $30,000 MaineHousing grant requiring a 15-year occupancy compliance period, to be used to help Maine residents with the cost of dismantling and removing the pre-1976 home and purchasing and installing an ENERGY STAR  ^®  certified new home on the same site as their existing home. 

Replacement property requirements apply. The new unit:

Find more here or Visit our member Ames Home Center here .

Job hunting isn't always easy , whether you’re looking for your first job, trying to find another job or striving for a better job. Maine CareerCenters provide a variety of employment and training services at no charge to help you in your search.

Located in Norridgewock

Looking to invest for your future? This is a special opportunity with solid returns on this piece of real estate. Sale includes: 31 unit storage facility known as American Self Storage, two bedroom single family home, 3 bay garage with office, and a single wide mobile home. All units occupied at time of listing for sale, inquire today for more details! This property is listed by Allied Realty, 187 Madison Avenue, Skowhe­gan, Maine 04976. 

For more click here

Located in Canaan

Commercial building with 3,760 square feet on about 1 acre of land. Previously used as a medical office. Plenty of paved parking, right off of Route 2 with excellent traffic visibility. Building is equipped with emergency lighting. Main level entry to the building. This property is listed by Whittemore's Real Estate, 108 Water Street, Skowhe­gan, Maine 04976. 

For more click here

Great Location in Skowhegan

Great house or business lot! (Former site of an old school). 3.04 acres with a small clearing at road and the rest is mostly wooded. Could be used for a business. Well worth a look! Close to Skowhegan and/or Waterville. This property is listed by Whittemore's Real Estate, 108 Water Street, Skowhe­gan, Maine 04976

 For more click here

Great Location in Skowhegan

Rare find! In-town acreage of mature tree growth, beautiful stand of pine. Great location near all town amenities. This property is listed by Allied Realty, 187 Madison Avenue, Skowhe­gan, Maine 04976. 

 For more click here

412 Madison Ave, Skowhegan, ME 04976

.89± ACRE VACANT LOT— READY FOR DEVELOPMENT. Frontage 180± Feet on Route 201. Ready for Development - Retail and/or Office 

FOR SALE $ 130,000.  This property is for sale by: Malone Commercial Brokers, 5 Moulton Street Portland, ME 04101. Find more  here.  

Hight Properties, LLC

363 & 373 Madison Ave. 1.95 Acres 300’+ Road Frontage.

Close  Proximity to commercial properties: Irving - Dunkin Donuts - Tractor Supply - Burger King - Olympia Sports - Dollar Tree

Call for more information 207-431-2454 207-399-0668. You can also view  here .

15,000 square feet of industrial/commercial space available in Skowhegan. Facility includes loading dock, freight elevator, private offices and bathrooms. Available space is bright and open and encompasses the third floor of an active textile products maker utilizing the first and second floors. The space is wired with 220 and 110 electrical, equipped with compressed air from central air plant, and is wired with high speed data and phone system. Shared services that are available include order fulfillment, materials shipping and receiving, and equipment maintenance. 

Contact Bill Swain of Maine Stitching Specialties at 474-3108, ext 1.

Evelyn’s Furniture is now available for rent

30 x 140 space, Bathroom and office space, parking for

10 cars, not included in rent heat, electric, water or plowing. 217 North Avenue Skowhegan Maine 04976

Commercial Contact Roland Veilleux at 207-399-5317 Owner will to switch out windows on front walls.

$1500 a month for more Info give us a call or email us here. 

Skowhegan Village Plaza is available for rent

Join Beauty by Design, Miller Fitness, Pizza Hut, and Family Pet Connection, at the Skowhegan Village Shopping Plaza. Several different options are being offered for retail space. Skowhegan Village Shopping Plaza is located at the intersection of Rt 2 and East Madison Road with a traffic count of over 18,000 cars. This is a highly visible location.This property is listed by DC Rentals 30 Access Highway, Caribou, Maine 04736.If you are interested in renting the space please contact us  here  at the Chamber. 

119 Madison Avenue is ready for a rental

Looking for a high traffic location with lots of parking in front, and a grass lawn area in the rear, take a look at the pic and see just a glimpse. The owner is looking for a long term business that will be successful. This would make a great location as a restaurant, a training center, or anything that you can think of. For more information please contact Darryl at 858.6279 or contact us  here   at the Chamber for more. 

Governor Paul R. LePage has named John H. Doyle Deputy Counsel/Senior Policy Advisor in the area of public safety.

“I am pleased to welcome John to my staff,” stated Governor Paul R. LePage. “His legal experience in other states will bring an important perspective to our team.”

Prior to joining the Office of the Governor, Doyle’s broad legal experience included time working in the Office of the Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Virginia, in the corporate and securities group of a large law firm in Washington, D.C., and as an in-house corporate counsel.

A graduate of the College of William and Mary and the University of Virginia School of Law, Doyle is admitted to practice law in Maine, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Doyle and his family now reside in West Baldwin, at his wife’s historic family homestead where they continue the family’s farming tradition.

He began his new position on Monday, April 2.

It’s no secret, childcare in the U.S. is a well-known enigma for parents and teachers alike. It’s often crippling expensive and inconvenient for parents. And paradoxically, as a teacher, it can be notoriously hard to make a decent living. Here’s how one San Francisco-based company is  making it happen , turning preschool teachers into entrepreneurs in the process. Still think you can’t learn new tricks?

1) Under Attack! The typical small business website is attacked 44 times a day, according to the  Washington Post.  That’s not a typo. The report found so many bots, malware, backdoors, and bad stuff that the company estimates that more than 18.5 million websites are infected at any given moment. (Check out our  cybersecurity resources center ).

2) Rising Optimism:  Middle market business  leaders joined their  small business counterparts  in reporting higher optimism as the tax cuts take hold. Whether the will hold  will be very interesting to watch  moving forward.

3) Small Business Hiring is Down, according to  payroll provider ADP . A separate report in CNBC  reported a starker picture, with the lowest hiring numbers seen in 7 years. What's behind the trend—whether fewer qualified applicants or budding signs of a weaker economic outlook —  is up for debate. Let us know what you think.

4) Upcoming Event Worth Noting: The SBA and SCORE are hosting a FREE three-day  Virtual Conference  from May 1 to May 3. There will be webinars on everything from consumer behavior trends to addressing harassment in the workplace. Check it out from the comfort of your own device!

1) Small businesses are typically limited in their approach to marketing. But it doesn't have to be that way. Here’s some  great advice from SCORE  on how to take on competitors who have much larger marketing teams.

2) And if that isn’t enough, take a cue from  one designer  who used Twitter and some gumption to get his scarf featured into Black Panther, the  highest grossing  Superhero film of all time.

3) On the heels of Women's History Month, we asked six female founders the #1 piece of advice they wish they knew when they got started.  Here’s what they said.

4) Every year the  Dream Big Small Business  of the Year program honors the achievements of small businesses and highlights their contributions to America’s economic growth. Applications are open for this year (with a $25K top prize).  Check out the program  here.

We're in the middle of an escalating tit-for-tat with China on trade, and that's not good for anybody. "A potential trade war between the world's two largest economies could send shock waves across the global economy," Chamber CEO Thomas Donohue  wrote today  in the Washington Examiner. 

Small businesses from  printers  to  hog farmers  are getting nervous, and bracing themselves for what it might mean for their bottom line.  Read more here.  

In addition, the House will be taking up legislation this week that could make it much easier for small businesses to access the capital they need to grow.  Read more here .

U.S. Trade Policy:

U.S. trade policy  has continued to make global headlines in recent weeks with multiple high-stakes issues coming to the fore all at once. It’s more important than ever for the American business community to have a seat at the table in these unfolding international debates. This is why I was pleased to participate in the B7 Business Summit in Canada last week, and I will speak at the Summit of the Americas in Peru this week to stress the importance of international engagement and working together with our global partners to solve shared challenges.

One of the hot topics of discussion has been the trade actions by the Trump administration targeting China’s problematic industrial policies and unfair trade practices. A potential trade war between the world’s two largest economies could send shock waves across the global economy.

The White House first imposed global steel and aluminum tariffs that risk alienating some of our strongest global partners. These measures won’t help American metal-consuming manufacturers that are struggling with soaring U.S. prices and shortages, and they do little to address the real issue of Chinese overproduction of steel and aluminum. Then, just last week, the administration announced about $50 billion worth of sweeping tariffs on a wide range of imports from China, which led China to retaliate by promising tariffs on about $50 billion worth of U.S. exports. 

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce shares many of the administration’s concerns about China’s problematic policies and practices, as do most of our nation’s key trading partners. But there is  a better path  to solving them. The U.S. should work with our partners in Europe, Asia, and elsewhere to confront China’s trade practices. A united front would maximize our leverage and send a clear signal that China’s actions pose a threat. 

Indeed, we should work with our partners to forge new trade agreements that guard against China’s model of state capitalism. The goal would be to craft new trade pacts to promote cutting-edge technology and manufacturing jobs, enhance the digital economy, protect intellectual property, and compel state-owned enterprises to play fair in the marketplace. This is what the U.S. sought to do in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and it’s the path that makes the most sense going forward.

On all of the challenges and opportunities before us in the arena of global trade, the Chamber will continue to work with our own government and partners around the world to ensure positive outcomes that support the goals of growth and jobs for the American economy. Find more here .

Ten years ago, they barely existed. Now food trucks are HUGE, bringing in $2.7 billion in sales according to the “ Food Truck Nation ,” a study released by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Check out a few cool food trucks  here ,  here (and  this one , which used to be an ambulance).

Does your business have news to share? Let us know, and we’ll promote it, just click the picture and email us here the information.