We are asking for your input and attendance. A chamber of commerce is run by its members and we are requesting your assistance. This meeting is important and is a pivotal part of the growth of the Skowhegan Area Chamber of Commerce. We are at a point that we need your help. Please RSVP to this as the speaker is driving up by Monday March 12th at 5 pm. Find the Agenda and more here .

Beauty by Design - March 14th

Enjoy networking in a fun and relaxed environment at Business After Hours. These evening receptions are a great place to meet fellow regional professionals.   This is a joint event with Hospice Volunteers of Somerset County. Find more   here  .

Superintendent Eric Cioppa announced approval of the  National Council on Compensation Insurance, Inc.’s (NCCI)  2018 loss costs for Maine, filed earlier this year, which proposed an average loss cost decrease of 12%. The new NCCI loss costs go into effect for new and renewing policies as of April 1, 2018.

 

The Superintendent noted that recently filed NCCI loss costs represent a cumulative decrease of 59.5% since the 1992 workers’ compensation reform, and that if all insurers fully adopt the decrease, Maine businesses could save an estimated $27 million in the year following implementation.

 

Loss costs are based on previous and projected losses and benefit payments. NCCI is the advisory rating organization for insurance companies that offer workers’ compensation coverage in Maine. NCCI-approved loss costs are available to insurers to reference when filing their workers’ compensation rates with the  Bureau of Insurance .

 

The 12% decrease is an average loss costs change, which ranges from -10.4% to -15.1% depending on the industry group. This is an average decrease, so some individual businesses will experience increases while the majority will experience decreases. The loss cost decrease is also only a recommended decrease, and it is up to the individual insurers to decide whether to accept the proposed change in loss costs.

 

Maine has a competitive market for workers’ compensation insurance, and each insurer sets its own rate level. Insurers may modify the NCCI loss costs and must select their own expense and profit factor in setting rates.

 

The Bureau of Insurance is part of the  Department of Professional and Financial Regulation , which encourages sound ethical business practices through regulation of insurers, financial institutions, creditors, investment providers, and numerous professions and occupations for the purpose of protecting the citizens of Maine.

 

Consumers with questions about insurance matters can obtain information and assistance from the Bureau by visiting the  agency’s Web site , calling toll-free (in Maine) 1-800-300-5000 or TTY Maine Relay 711, or e-mailing  [email protected] .

The Maine Department of Labor and the State Workforce Development Board have posted the 2018 modifications to the workforce development state plan for public comment.

The plan modification is a requirement of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)—federal legislation that directs each state’s workforce system to develop regional, service-delivery strategies with its Adult Education and Vocational Rehabilitation programs and replaces the Workforce Investment Act of 1998.  

The premise of the plan is that the success of Maine’s economy will ultimately be determined by the strength and quality of its workforce and the ability of employers to fill their need for skilled labor. It outlines the steps needed to address the state’s workforce needs and identifies tasks and duties of each agency and core partner. The State Workforce Development Board is seeking public comments for the plan. The plan is available here .

Comments will be accepted from February 28 through March 7, 2018 at  [email protected] , using the public comment form available through the link above or by mail to State Workforce Board, Attn: WIOA Unified Plan, 54 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333. Comments sent through traditional mail must be postmarked by March 6, 2018. Comments received after March 6, 2018 without an earlier postmark date will not be accepted.

The federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act was signed into law by the president on July 22, 2014. The federal legislation reauthorized the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998 and the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act. In Maine, WIOA core partners represent roughly $55 million in federal, state and other funding.

Students in the Digital Graphics Program learn design concepts related to Graphic Design, Digital Photography, and Marketing. Students use professional software and equipment to design and produce a variety of projects including promotional displays, brochures, logos, signage, note pads, decals and custom clothing.

In the second year, Digital Graphics students operate an in-house print shop, “DG Print Shop & Design Center”. By aligning “live jobs” for a variety of clients, students are not only able to apply and develop the skills they’ve acquired in the previous year of class, but gain skills in professionalism through real world experience.

Find more here .

The Professional Development Division at Kennebec Valley Community College provides non-credit and customized course offerings and training to those individuals, businesses, and organizations that require flexible scheduling and unique, innovative programming on our campus or at your facility. Kennebec Valley Community College’s Professional Development Division has an established history in industrial, mechanical, medical, safety, computer, and business training. Areas in which courses are available include, but are not limited. 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.

Date & Time:  Wednesday, March 7, 2018, 1:00 - 2:00 pm

Registration is Required by March 5th . This is a webinar, we are holding a location for people to watch it at. Bring your lunch and learn some great information. Did you know that more than 80% of small business owners underprice their products or services? How do you know if your pricing is too high or too low? Is it possible to raise prices and sell more? In this webinar, Dawn Fotopulos, the Hidden Profit Prophet, will cover common pricing traps and how to avoid them.

Register here

Date & Time:  Tuesday, March 27, 2018, 1:00 - 2:00 pm

Registration is Required by March 23rd. This is a webinar, we are holding a location for people to watch it at together and learn more. Are you ready to fulfill your dream of owning a business, but your funds are low? Becoming an entrepreneur on a low budget is possible—if you’re prepared for the journey. In this webinar, business professor and SCORE mentor Julie Brander Neiman will explain how to start a successful business in easy-to-understand and easy-to-implement exercises.

Register 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 Skowhegan

Be a part of a healthy thriving town. Favorable location for your office or retail space. Currently used on the first floor as an office, and the second floor as an apartment that has been vacant for quite some time. Inquire today for a private showing! This property is listed by Allied Realty, 187 Madison Avenue, Skowhe­gan, Maine 04976. 

For more click here

Located in Anson

Great opportunity to own a commercial building in a in-town location at the junction of Route16 and Route 8 in Anson, Maine. Nice storefront with three nearly finished apartments on the 2nd floor. Tenant on the first floor is already in place. Earn immediate income. This property is listed by Whittemore's Real Estate, 108 Water Street, Skowhe­gan, Maine 04976. 

For more click here

Great Location in Skowhegan

Great 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

PRIME REAL ESTATE often referred to as "The Gateway To The North" because of the routes access to Canada. If you are ready to expand your business or start a new venture this property is set up to get you on your way. Conveniently set up with 8' sewer line, public water, 3 phase power at the street and traffic lights close to the road frontage. 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. 

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.