Upcoming Events, Member News, and More!

Insider Newsletter

Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce

KennebecValleyChamber.com

January 2020

Upcoming Events

January

01/08 Women's Network Luncheon

11:30 am - 1:00 pm

@ Senator Inn & Spa

01/08 Cynergy - How to Adult: Buying a Home

5:30 - 7:00 pm

@ KeyBank

01/14 KV Chamber Board Meeting

5:00 pm

01/15 Chamber Connection

7:15 - 8:45 am

@ Senator Inn & Spa

01/22 Business After Hours

5:00 - 7:00 pm

@ Senator Inn & Spa

01/24 The Kenney Awards

4:30 - 10:00 pm

@ Augusta Civic Center

01/28 Small Business Resource Team: Finding, Hiring, & Retaining Great Employees

9:00 - 10:30 am

@ Purdue University Global

February

02/11 KV Chamber Board Meeting

5:00 pm

02/12 Women's Network Luncheon

11:30 am - 1:00 pm

@ Senator Inn & Spa

02/18 Cynergy Trivia

5:30 - 7:30 pm

@ Quarry Tap Room

02/26 Business After Hours

5:00 - 7:00 pm

@ Augusta Elks Lodge #964

*Bold items are open to the public

Wednesday, January 8, 2020

11:30 am - 1:00 pm

The Senator Inn & Spa

Creating a Show From Start to Finish

with

Tamsen Warner,

Waterville Opera House

Tamsen has played many roles at the Waterville Opera House in the almost seven years she has worked there. These include Executive Director, Box Office Manager, Stage Manager, and Scenic Painter. Tamsen is a graduate of the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor's degree in Theatre Studies. She has also worked with Ogunquit Playhouse, The Muny in St. Louis, and Connecticut Repertory Theatre. Tamsen is a Rotarian and board member of the Waterville Rotary Club. When she's not working on shows, she spends time at the Waterville Creates Clay Studio making pottery.

RSVP

IMPORTANT: Your reservation guarantees your seat at the event. To cancel, please notify us three (3) business days prior to the event or you will be invoiced.

Thank you to our Women's Network Luncheon Sponsor!

Cynergy: How to Adult - Buying a Home

Wednesday, January 8 | 5:30 - 7:00 PM | KeyBank

Are you still learning how to be an adult? Join Cynergy, KeyBank, and your fellow adults who are still trying to figure out the whole adulting thing for the first installment of the How to Adult Series - Buying a Home. KeyBank's Mortgage Lender Team will give insider tips on what you need to know when searching for your first home.

Food and refreshments will be provided. KeyBank will also be raffling off some prizes!

Pre-registration is required for this event.

RSVP

Wednesday , January 15, 2020

7:15 - 8:45 am

The Senator Inn & Spa

The selection and role of a United States Ambassador in conducting U.S. foreign policy on behalf of POTUS/U.S.

with

John L. Estrada

Former U.S. Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago

Immigrating to the United States at the age of 14 meant John Estrada had to learn how to deal with change and stepping out of his comfort zone early in life. Called to by the professionalism, ‘can do’ attitude, and success of the US Marine Corps, at the age of 17, John enlisted and was off to begin his military training. In the USMC, he began to develop a team mentality, which accompanied his own personal philosophy to “leave everything better than he found it.”

Under this work ethic, John was able to rise through the ranks in his 34-year military career to become the highest ranking enlisted Marine, the 15th Sergeant Major of the United States Marine Corps. Over the course of his career he was responsible for supervision, training, oversight, morale and welfare of tens of thousands of Marines.

In July 2013, US President Barack Obama nominated John L. Estrada to further serve the United States as Ambassador. And so in 2016, his career took him back to the country of his birth the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, giving him the opportunity to strengthen ties between the two nations he

has had the honor and privilege to call home.

RSVP

IMPORTANT: Your reservation guarantees your seat at the event. To cancel, please notify us three (3) business days prior to the event or you will be invoiced.

Thank you to our Chamber Connection Sponsor!

The first Business After Hours of 2020 will be hosted by the Senator Inn & Spa, located at 284 Western Avenue in Augusta, on Wednesday, January 22nd from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. KV Chamber members and guests are welcome to join us for networking with business professionals from the 23 communities we service!

Delicious hors d'oeurves will be served and a cash bar will be available. Complimentary wine will be available courtesy of Cellardoor Winery.

Every Business After Hours is an incredible opportunity to win amazing door prizes and take part in the 50/50 raffle. Prizes at this month's Business After Hours includes Brunch Gift Certificates, Senator Bucks, and Spa Day Passes

RSVP

When: January 28, 9:00 - 10:30 am

Where: Purdue University Global, 14 Marketplace Drive, Augusta

Cost: FREE

Finding, Hiring, & Retaining Great Employees

Is your business facing the challenge of finding and retaining great employees? If it is, please join us for "Finding, Hiring, and Retaining Great Employees," a workshop designed to help small businesses find the right people for their businesses, and how to keep them in this tight labor market.

Presented by Mary Joan Kozicki LaFontaine, Regional Director for the Maine Department of Labor and Bill Card, Economic Development Specialist for the U.S. Small Business Administration, this workshop will provide specifics on how to identify prospective employees, how to make the best hiring decisions for your company, and how to get employees to maximize their value to your firm.

Tickets & Table Reservations Now on Sale!

The Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the Kenney Awards on January 24, 2020 at the Augusta Civic Center! The Kenney, named for the region we hail from, is awarded annually to area businesses and professionals that are deserving of our attention and recognition.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR'S WINNERS & FINALISTS!

Peter G. Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award - Robert Gordon

Robert Gordon has dedicated his life to helping others and creating community connections. With Rob’s leadership from July 1986 to August 2019, the United Way of Kennebec Valley doubled the number of organizations it helps fund to more than 50, through which more than 22,000 people are provided services. Rob is grateful for the opportunity he had to facilitate the work of United Way for 33 years and is thankful for the hundreds of committed board members, generous local businesses, and thousands of individual contributors who have kept United Way strong and growing. He hopes that the legacy of his work with United Way is a recognition that whenever we help one person, one child, one family to a better healthier life, we lift up and strengthen our entire community.

Large Business of the Year - Central Maine Pyrotechnics

Central Maine Pyrotechnics is Maine’s number one fireworks company, specializing in providing customers with a unique pyrotechnics experience for a memorable celebration. Formed in 1986, they have grown from 12 firework shows in their first year to operating over 300 fireworks displays each year in six New England states. In order to service these displays, they employ 55 licensed pyrotechnics, with 10 living in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Central Maine Pyrotechnics prides itself in providing the best quality in fireworks and the best showmanship, with displays choreographed to music.

Small Business of the Year - Zardus Art of Massage & Wellness Spa

Zardus Art of Massage and Wellness Spa encompasses the fine art of mind and body relaxation through contemporary and holistic solutions. The spa not only provides services as a therapeutic and relaxation massage center but also drives community involvement through wellness, nutrition, health, and alternative healing classes. Zardus Art of Massage began as a sole proprietorship in 2011 and has grown to a team of 7 licensed massage therapists and 9 additional independent practitioners contributing their own knowledge and expertise to the collective group.

President's Choice Award Finalists

Augusta Fuel Company

Augusta Fuel Company has been a staple in the capital area since 1888. AFC is a complete residential and commercial comfort provider, supplying energy efficient and low sulfur heating fuels as well as providing maintenance, repairs, and installation services. Throughout the years, the mission of AFC has remained the same - to provide the best home and commercial comfort solutions, with a professionalism and reliability that is unmatched.

Cushnoc Brewing Company

Located in downtown Augusta, Cushnoc Brewing Company is a 120-seat restaurant specializing in hand crafted beer and wood fired pizza. Cushnoc has quickly grown since its opening on Halloween of 2017. In two years, Cushnoc has grown from only being able to supply two draft lines at the restaurant to being available throughout Maine at over 630 locations on draft and in cans.

TRC Companies

As Maine’s top engineering design firm, TRC develops breakthrough energy and environmental solutions for businesses and communities in the Northeast and beyond, from solar power and microgrids to cutting-edge remediation and compliance programs. TRC started a local presence as a small engineering and environmental company in Augusta with 50 employees and has grown to over 280 professional employees in four locations.

Community Service Award Finalists

Augusta Elks Lodge #964

The Augusta Elks Lodge number 964 prides itself on helping our community, our veterans, and our youth. Whenever the Elks see a need, they react to help whenever possible. They see that they have the means to help, the volunteers, and the drive to do so. Helping others is what being an Elk is all about. The organizations they support include the Maine Children’s Cancer Program, the Travis Mills Foundation, and the Augusta Boys and Girls Club.

Aveda Institute Maine

Aveda Institute Maine is a post-secondary educational facility through which students obtain an education in the fields of cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, and nail technology. It is part of the mission of Aveda Institute Maine to help their students achieve financial success by opening doors to future opportunities through education. Additionally, they hold several shows throughout the year to benefit different causes and charities.

Townsquare Media - Central Maine

For over 30 years, Townsquare Media’s radio stations – 92 Moose, and B98.5 – have been serving central Maine by supporting local causes, fundraising for local charities, and providing a platform and a voice for crucial messaging. Townsquare Media feels it is not just important to be involved and give back to the community but that it is their responsibility as community leaders to influence and support each other to rally together.

Cynergy Young Professional Award Finalists

Kaleb Pushard

Kaleb Pushard has known from a young age that if you want it, you have to work for it. His business ventures and hard work began at the ripe age of six selling paper planes and has evolved to becoming the director of his family-owned business's pilot program - MIKA’s Awesome After School and Summer Camp

Program - to founding his own business, SkyBox Holiday and Event Lighting. Kaleb believes you can always do more, give more, love more, and help more.

Peter Quigley

From a very young age, Peter Quigley was taught to do the best at everything he does, to always strive for perfection, and lead by example. From the very beginning of his working life, Peter learned that the ethics taught by his parents made him stand out among his peers. He wants to leave behind a legacy of hard work, honesty and integrity. He wants to be a light to the people around him to inspire them to go after their dreams.

Natalie Tortorella

Natalie Tortorella knew she wanted a career that had a big impact and was involved with children. After teaching inner city children in Boston, she moved home to be closer to family and began selling insurance for her uncle – a career change which sparked her passion for sales. With the founding of the Study Hall in Manchester, Natalie combined her two passions into one business. The Study Hall serves hundreds of students each week in a variety of subjects and customizes the tutoring experiences to fit almost any student need.

LIVE MUSIC PERFORMANCE BY THE SCHOOL STREET BAND

The School Street Band is an Augusta based group that has played throughout the state of Maine for nearly 30 years. Blending a mixture of classic rock, pop rock, rhythm and blues, as well as country, the band has been able to provide diverse audiences with entertaining music for their dancing and listening pleasure.

The group consist of four primary members: Bruce Cameron, vocals, acoustic guitar; Derek Gannett, vocals, drums, acoustic guitar, and harmonica; Tim Leighton, lead guitar, vocals; Greg Lindholm, bass guitar; and other various guests, including Laura Hudson, Marcia Gallagher (one of the original members of School Street), Lefty, the "sax man", David Thibodeau, and Jeff Farnsworth.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2020 KENNEY AWARDS SPONSORS!

HEADLINING SPONSORS

COCKTAIL

SPONSOR

ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR

PHOTO BOOTH SPONSOR

PLATINUM SPONSOR

Everett J. Prescott, Inc. | MaineGeneral Health | PERFORMANCE Foodserivce - NorthCenter

RECEPTION SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSOR

Alternative Manufacturing, Inc. | Longfellow's Greenhouses

2020 KENNEY AWARDS SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Welcome New Member!

Cusicks Auto Repair and Service

April Cusick, (207) 629-5565

Edward Jones - Vaunalee Foster

Vaunalee Foster, (207) 622-0991

www.edwardjones.com

NFP Property & Casualty Insurance

Nichole Kindelan, ACSR, CPIW,

(207) 249-4218

The Raging Bull Saloon

Bradley Wallace, (207) 480-1353

www.facebook.com/Theragingbullsaloon

Traverse Coffee Co.

Kyle Ng, (207) 480-1355

traversecoffeeco.com

Member Anniversaries

40+ Years

Augusta Fuel Company

30+ Years

20+ Years

Augusta Civic Center | Crisis & Counseling Centers, Inc. | Maine State Credit Union

10+ Years

Augusta Country Club | Dennis Keller State Farm Insurance | EZToUse.com | Mary Kay | Steve's Appliance Service & Sales, Inc.

5+ Years

Atlee Gleaton Eye Care | CBU Benefits, LLC | Knowles Lumber Co. | Northern Mattress & Furniture 1st

Also Renewing

Kennebec Valley Tourism Council | LaRochelle Painting Company | Maine Information Network | N.C. Hunt Lumber

Member Spotlight: Fortin & Macdonald Group

Tim Fortin, Associate Broker and Amy MacDonald, Managing Broker, together operate the Hallowell location of William Raveis Real Estate. William Raveis Real Estate is the top family-owned real estate company in the New England Region, as well as the 8th largest real estate company in the country. Tim and Amy have a combined 25 plus years experience servicing buyers and sellers in and around Kennebec County. Tim was awarded the 2019 Realtor of the Year both locally and statewide and was honored to represent Maine Realtors at the National Association of Realtors Convention in San Francisco. Tim and Amy seek to grow the Hallowell William Raveis office over the coming year with a professional crew of like-minded client focused Realtors. To learn more about William Raveis Real Estate - Fortin & MacDonald Group contact Tim or Amy at 207-621-0092.

Chamber Member News

Amtrak Downeaster is offering discounts for the month of January. Take the train in January and pay just $15 one-way for travel from Brunswick to Boston or points in-between. This promotion is valid on ALL Downeaster trains. To use this discount, tickets must be purchased at least three days in advance of travel. Click “Buy Tickets”, select “Adult”, and enter promo code v623. This discount is not valid for travel in business class.

Bar Harbor Bank & Trust collected more than 1,250 children’s toys during the Bank’s second annual Holiday Toy Drive. Over the course of two weeks, customers and community members dropped off new, unwrapped toys at their nearest Bar Harbor Bank & Trust branch. The toys were then donated to local non-profits throughout Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont to be distributed to children in the community.

Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) was named by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program in Washington, D.C. as one of 150 community colleges eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America's community colleges. Based on strong and improving in student outcomes—including in learning, completion rates, employment rates and earnings, and equity—15 percent of community colleges nationwide have been invited to apply for the Aspen Prize.

Kennebec Historical Society's January Presentation will be held on Wednesday, January 15th at 6:30 p.m. at the Maine State Library. The presentation is titled, "Hermit: The Mysterious Life of Jim Whyte," and will be presented by Jeffrey Ryan, Maine based author and photographer. When Jim Whyte settled outside the slate mining town of Monson, Maine in 1895, people hardly knew what to make of him. And almost 130 years later, we still don’t. A world traveler that spoke six languages fluently, Whyte came to town with sacks full of money and a fierce desire to keep to himself. It was clear that Whyte was hiding from something—enough to make even the FBI to eventually come looking. But even the Feds couldn’t imagine how Whyte, who lost every penny he had when WWI broke out, amassed another fortune before he died. Based on the true story, Hermit follows one man’s quest to discover all he can about Whyte’s secret life before it’s too late.

SCORE Augusta is hosting a free workshop, "Facebook Groups and Ads for Business," on Wednesday, January 15th from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce. In this 90-minute presentation, Greg Glynn, Meg Crowder and Emma Dimock will share their experiences and recommendations for how your business can use Facebook ads and tap into the power of Facebook groups for your business.

United Way of Kennebec Valley is looking to help Capital Area CA$H Coalition find volunteers. Ca$h Maine provides free tax preparation assistance to qualified tax filers and connects them to financial education, savings opportunities, and other services. United Way serves as the fiscal agent of this program, which is based through New Ventures at UMA. Last year the program helped 106 needy families file taxes in our area. However, they had to turn 60+ families away because they simply didn't have the volunteer capacity. The more volunteers they have, the more people they can help! Sign-up at: www.cashmaine.org

Woodlands Senior Living of Hallowell is holding a job fair on Thursday, January 9th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm located at 152 Winthrop Street in Hallowell. Woodlands is searching for hardworking, compassionate, and responsible individuals who are interested in a career with purpose and opportunity for professional growth. They invite practiced heathcare professionals, as well as people who are ready to jumpstart their career, to visit the job fair to learn about employment opportunities available at the senior living community.