Harbor House Happenings February 2014

Harbor House Happenings February 2014

Great Harbor Shoot-Out!  March 14-16th The annual  Great Harbor Shoot- Out is coming up onMarch 14-16th.  We will need volunteers to help with everything from selling tickets at the door to selling concession to helping with the clock. If you are interested in helping please contact Diana Novella at 244-3713. Locations will be MDI High School, Pemetic Elementary, Mount Desert Elementary, MDI YMCA, Ellsworth Middle School & Trenton Elementary. To enter a team please click here for a registration packet.   HARLEM AMBASSADORS TOUR IS COMING YOUR WAY on  April 5th    Hoops and hijinks are coming to MDI onSaturday April 5thwhen our very own local challengers "Island Talent",take on the Harlem Ambassadors in a comedy basketball show the whole family will enjoy. The show starts at 6pm at MDI High School. Tickets can be purchased at both Main Street & Herrick Road buildings in Southwest Harbor.  Advance Tickets: Students/Senior $6 Adults $8  Kids under 5 are FREE!  At-The-Door Students/ Seniors $8 Adults $10 Kids under 5 are FREE! Proceeds from the event benefit Harbor House Programming. The Harlem Ambassadors offer a unique brand of Harlem-style basketball, featuring high-flying slam dunks, dazzling ball-handling tricks, hilarious comedy routines, music, dancing and games for the kids. Youth Center/After School Program This month the Underground is offering a snow tubing trip to Hermon Mountain for sixth through eighth grade students. The trip will take place onThursday, February 20th from 10:30 to 5:00, and the cost will be $20 per participant. Mark Woida and Crystal Noyes will take students on a Harbor House bus, so space is limited. Advance payment is required to reserve a space, and a minimum of ten participants will need to be signed up ahead of time for us to go. A permission slip from Harbor House and a waiver from Hermon Mountain must be signed ahead of time in order to participate.  For more information, or to register, stop by Harbor House, call us at 244 - 3713, or email  mark@harborhousemdi.org orcrystal@ harborhousemdi.org February Vacation camp will also be offered for kids in grades K - 5 this month, and we are excited to be collaborating with the Bar Harbor Y for some of our camp activities. On Wednesday the Y will bring kids from their vacation camp to visit Harbor House, where we will break into groups for a day of mock winter Olympics. On Friday it will be our turn to visit the Y for a day of swimming, gym games, and sledding. To see what else we have planned for the week download our camp flyer. Space is limited, and advance payment is required to reserve a place. For more information, or to register, stop by Harbor House, call us at 244 - 3713, or email mark@harborhousemdi.org orcrystal@harborhousemdi.org. Children's Center   Did you know that yoga is a regular part of our Early Care and Education program here at the Children's Center?  Once a week our children enjoy a half hour of yoga with Machelle LaHaye CYI.   Machelle studied Hatha Yoga and graduated from Namaste Institute in 2011. She then continued her studies to become a certified foundations instructor for children's yoga.     The children love Machelle and even our toddlers do yoga with her!     Now is the time to begin thinking about spring and summer.  Will you be going back to work at a seasonal job this spring?  Come by to talk about setting up a childcare schedule for your little one. Wondering what to do with your kindergartner or first grader this summer?  Brochures for our Scamper Camp program (June 23-August 22) will be out next month.  Call or stop by to get a sneak peek at all the fun that's being planned for this summer!   For more info about any of our programs contact us at: 244-9824 or  maryellen@harborhousemdi.org.  You can also follow us on Facebook. Health & Fitness 3 days left to sign up for our buy 3 months get 1 FREE special!  As a Health and Fitness member, you can attend Cardio Sculpt and Active Older Adult classes for FREE! Members also receive a discount on Indoor Cycling classes. Do you need some Yoga in your life? We have lots to choose from with great offerings from MaryKate Murray, Phoebe Barnes and Machelle Lahaye. Treat yourself to some YOU time and check our website for class times and descriptions. For more information contact Lisa at 244-9555 or email atlisa@harborhousemdi.org

Sixth Annual Maine Partners in Emergency Preparedness Conference

From Laurie Levine at the American Red Cross  State Relations Disaster Liaison & Maine Emergency Management Agency

Just a reminder that plans are underway for this year’s Maine Prepares conference to be held in April at the Augusta Civic Center.  This is an opportunity to partner with hundreds of public, private and non-profit leaders, officials, administrators, managers, responders and providers for a stimulating learning and networking experience.  Exhibitor booths are also still available if you are interested.

Mark Your Calendars!  For the Sixth Annual Maine Partners in Emergency Preparedness Conference
Augusta Civic Center
Tuesday& Wednesday ● April 22 – 23, 2014
Visit www.maineprepares.com/conference for registration.

Partner with hundreds of public, private and non-profit leaders, officials, administrators, managers, responders and providers for a stimulating learning and networking experience.

Join us at SIPS - a fundraiser for the Acadia Family Center

Smuggler’s Den Campground 4th Annual Military Appreciation Weekend

Smuggler’s Den Campground

4th Annual

Military Appreciation Weekend

Free Campsites 

for active and retired military families May 30th and 31st, 2014

Reservations Required!

Please go to www.smugglersdencampground.com

And submit a reservation request and under comments

Please write “military” Two nights 30th & 31st .

1st come – 1st serve….yes cabins too!

Maine Chamber Needs your help!

ACTION ALERT

We need your help!

Public Hearing on New Tax Expenditure Bill- Huge Impact to State's Manufacturers & Jobs

There will be a public hearing at 10:00 a.m. on January 22^nd on L.R. 2721. "An Act to Related to the Report of the Tax Expenditure Review Task Force" The bill would limit the Business Equipment Tax Reimbursement Program (BETR) to 12 years, prohibits businesses from utilizing the LIFO accounting method to value inventory and would exclude retail property from BETR eligibility.  Sign-ups begin at 9:00 am.  The link to the bill is

http://www.maine.gov/legis/ofpr/appropriations_committee/materials/LR2721-TERTF.pdf

We need as many companies as possible to come to Augusta on January 22^nd and testify in opposition to this legislation! More Information will follow! 

Please let me know by email at lcaprara@mainechamber.org or cell phone at 458-2133 if you can testify. 

Maine State Chamber launches new website

Maine State Chamber launches new website, increases social media presence

New website and social media accounts will help the Chamber communicate more effectively with its members, business leaders, and the general public on events and issues important to the business community

AUGUSTA, ME - The Maine State Chamber of Commerce has launched a new website and is now on Twitter, Facebook, Linked In and You Tube. The new website is easier to navigate, more comprehensive and interactive than the previous site, and allows Maine State Chamber members, as well as business leaders across the state and the general public, to access the Maine State Chamber's messages and efforts more easily. To better serve Maine's business community, the Maine State Chamber is also widening its presence on social media, including Twitter (@mainechamber), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/MaineChamber), Linked In (http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Maine-State-Chamber-Commerce-3686793) and You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/user/MaineChamber). The Maine State Chamber encourages Maine businesses and their employees to follow us and connect with us online.

"The Maine State Chamber is always looking for ways to connect with business leaders and the general public more effectively," said Maine State Chamber President Dana Connors. "Our updated website and increased social media presence will allow the business community and all Maine residents to learn more about what the Maine State Chamber is doing on behalf of Maine's businesses to encourage and increase business investment in Maine, and to reach our goals of growing the state's workforce and improving Maine's economy. We encourage all interested parties to regularly check our new website and You Tube link, follow us on Twitter, join us on Facebook, and connect with us on Linked In to stay connected and learn more about the issues and events that impact Maine businesses."

The Chamber's new website highlights several Maine State Chamber initiatives, including InternHelpME.com, the Chamber's one-stop shop linking businesses across the state with college and graduate students interested in internships. It also highlights the Maine State Chamber's partnership with JustGoodNews.biz, a national website focusing on positive economic news. The Maine Corner Store, a place where small businesses can easily connect with one another on hot topics of interest to them, is featured. The new media center features photo galleries and a video archive of the Chamber's television program, "The Bottom Line," as well as recent events, such as Sen. Angus King's address to the Maine State Chamber's annual dinner. Additionally, all four of the "Making Maine Work" reports, which the Chamber produced with the Maine Development Foundation, are easily accessed on the web site, as are the Maine State Chamber's videos regarding "The Legislative Week Ahead," produced weekly by the Maine State Chamber's advocacy staff when the Legislature is in session. 

On its social media accounts, the Chamber will actively post video and information about the Chamber's advocacy efforts at the State House, information about and photos from its diverse calendar of events, current business news from across the state, and links to pertinent opinion pieces by Maine State Chamber staff and other business leaders.

The Maine State Chamber's website can be accessed at www.mainechamber.org.  Please follow the Chamber on Twitter(@mainechamber), Facebook, (http://www.facebook.com/MaineChamber), You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/user/MaineChamber), and connect on Linked In, (http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Maine-State-Chamber-Commerce-3686793).

For more information, please contact Melanie Baillargeon, director of communications, by calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 110, or emailingmelanieb@mainechamber.org.

###

About the Maine State Chamber of Commerce.

The Maine State Chamber of Commerce represents a diverse network of 5,000 businesses statewide and advocates on behalf of their interests before the Legislature and regulatory agencies and through conferences, seminars, and affiliated programs.  Through its OneVoice program, the Maine State Chamber represents thousands of businesses with fewer than 10 employees.  Its Grassroots Action Network works to involve members and their employees in the legislative process through outreach campaigns.

Eastern Maine Development Corporation January Newsflash

In This Issue New Business Development Specialist for EMDC Schooner Bay Motor Inn Business Spotlight: Serenity Center of Maine Upcoming Events Visit Our Website EMDC.org and connect with us via social media   Sign up for other EMDC NewslettersHere EMDC Business Services Grows  EMDC recently hired Kent Quiet as a Business Development Specialist. EMDC Business Development Specialists work closely with the region's small businesses to connect them with resources that can help them succeed, and eventually, grow. Quiet brings nearly 20 years experience in sales and business development to his position with EMDC. Most recently he worked as a Maine representative for Massachusetts based Glacial Energy. He joins current Business Development Specialist, Janet Toth and will be based in our 40 Harlow Street office in Bangor.  "Adding Kent to our staff allows us to increase the number of businesses we can help," EMDC President Michael Aube said. "Our Business Services program is experiencing significant increases, which is a great sign for Maine businesses and for our economy." EMDC is one of Maine's leading secondary lenders for small businesses, working in partnership with public and private organizations, to secure capital for Maine businesses. Funding from EMDC can be used for a number of purposes including refinancing, real estate or equipment purchases, and other uses. To learn more about the services available from EMDC, businesses should contact bizservices@emdc.org or call (207) 974-3243 or visit EMDC online at www.emdc.org   EMDC New Client: Schooner Bay Motor Inn The Schooner Bay Motor Inn on Rockland's Commercial Street is under new ownership and has joined the growing list of EMDC Client Businesses.   Thanks to a lending partnership between EMDC, The First bank and the U.S. Small Business Administration, new owner Scott Perry was able to purchase the 17 year-old, 23 room, seasonal motel in the heart of Mid-Coast Maine. A short drive from popular destinations like Camden and Rockport, the Schooner Bay Motor Inn is known for it's unique combination of hotel like privacy and bed and breakfast feel. While the property is currently closed for the season, Perry and his staff are taking reservations for the upcoming May-November operating season. Additional information about the property and online reservations are available on the motel's website,www.sbaymotorinn.com or by calling 888.308.8855 or locally, 236-2205. Business Spotlight Serenity Center of Maine           EMDC works with hundreds of businesses in Eastern Maine and across our state. Our business, lending and workforce clients come from a wide range of industries and represent businesses of all sizes. In the Business Spotlight, EMDC Essentials shares their stories of success. Carol (Cookson) Chapman, owner of Serenity Center of Maine in Bangor, worked in human services for more than 40 years. When she decided to go back to school to earn her Master's degree in Counseling, she was determined to spread her wings. Prior to earning her Master's, much of Chapman's career had been as a case manager. Going back to school inspired her to open her own business. Serenity Center of Maine focuses on counseling for mental health and substance abuse. Chapman works with a wide range of clientele and her services focus on the mind, body, and spirit. "When I went back to school, I knew there was so much more I could do with myself. It was then I knew I wanted to open my own business and make my services available to those who needed it," explains Chapman. In order to get a business started, Chapman explored her options and realized she had to focus on the financial aspect. She talked with EMDC's Business Services department to acquire a loan and create a business plan. From day one she was able to clearly see what the future of her business would like, Chapman shared. "I was able to create a realistic business plan, succeed and exceed with this plan." The business has been operating for a year and a half and by word of mouth she has been able to expand her clientele in a short period of time. "I started with one full-time client, today I have 18 and my goal is 22," she said. "The financing process was a lot more intense then I originally thought, but it was all worth it! I can't thank EMDC enough. Without them this would've been impossible," Chapman said. "It was an eye-opening experience into where I want my business to go and what I want my business to look like. I am currently learning ways to help my business grow and expand." Since opening her own business, Chapman was able to move to a larger work facility with more space and hopes to expand her business by hiring a secretary and a cleaning crew. For more information on services available from Carol Chapman, please contact (207) 659-3408.     Upcoming Events  Opportunities to Network in Eastern Maine     Networking Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Breakfast 2014  We invite you to attend the Annual Business Breakfast with a special keynote address by Daniel Corcoran, president and general manager of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in Maine: The Affordable Care Act: Transformation of an Industry Tuesday, January 14; 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Morgan Hill Events Center 82 Morgan Hill Ln, Hermon, ME  04401  Click here to register online or for more information contact Marcia Baker by calling 947-0307.  Fees/Admission: Members $20 Non-Members $25 Corporate Table Sponsor  $350 Corporate Half-Table Sponsor $175  Ellsworth Chamber Business After Hours  The members of Lygonia Lodge invite you to stop in and see their new facility and share an evening of Camaraderie, Fellowship and Friendship. Thursday, January 16; 5:00-7:00 pm Lygonia Lodge is located at 140 Bucksport Road, directly across the street from Twilite Motel. Refreshments by Big Cats Catering  Door prizes  Please RSVP the Chamber at 667-5584 or by emaileaccdesk@gmail.com    Enrichment Record Keeping For Profit: Part I and IISponsored/Presented by:University of Maine Cooperative Extension Financial records are an important management tool for the business owner. These three-hour, hands-on workshops are designed to help small and home-based business owners learn the basic principles of single entry record keeping and how to apply these principles to the day-to-day operation of their businesses. Workshop participants will explore the components of a successful record keeping system, identify and learn about key business records and types of expenses, and learn how to record revenue and expense items. Recommended for small and home-based businesses. Wednesday, January 15     9:00 A.M. to Noon Hancock County Extension Office Cost: FREE FMI: 207-667-8212 or 800-287-1479 (in Maine) or emailjoyce.fortier@maine.edu   MaineStream Finance - Business 101   Thinking of starting a business? MaineStream Finance is offering five sessions of Business 101 in January, including live sessions in Bangor, Dover-Foxcroft, and Lincoln. This one-hour workshop provides an overview of the pros and cons of operating a small business and provides helpful tools and resources to people considering starting or expanding their businesses! Classes are free but we ask that you please register at least one day in advance on the registration page. Classes will be led by Microenterprise Consultant James Macomber. Location & Dates: Online: Monday, January 13th at 6:30 p.m. Online: Tuesday, January 14th at 10:00 a.m. Live in Bangor:  Tuesday, January 14th at 6 p.m., Penquis, 262 Harlow Street, Bangor Live in Dover-Foxcroft: Monday, Jan. 27th at 6 p.m., Penquis, 50 North Street, Dover-Foxcroft Live in Lincoln: Thursday, Jan. 30th at 6 p.m., Penquis, 40A Main Street, Lincoln MaineStream Finance is a non-profit community development financial institution and a subsidiary of Penquis CAP. We provide credit, capital, and technical assistance to help Maine residents achieve their small business and home ownership goals. Please contact Denise St. Peter at 974-2409 or dstpeter@penquis.org if you have any questions about the workshops or if you would like to register by phone. Basics of Starting a Business This 9-hour class covers the basics of a business plan, marketing, cash planning and is suitable for those thinking about or in the early start-up phase of a new business. It will help you assess the feasibility, desirability, and viability of your business idea and get you started with your plan. Note: The Basics curriculum was developed in partnership with the Women's Business Center at CEI. Wednesdays, February 5 to February 19; 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. UMA-Bangor, Bangor Hall 1 University Drive, Bangor ME, 04401 Registration/More Info To register, call Jane Searles, 262-7843, or emailmary.jane.searles@maine.edu

Harbor House Happenings January 2014

Harbor House Happenings January 2014 Health & Fitness Start out the New Year with the gift of health to yourself or a loved one.  January Fitness Center special:  buy 3 months and get one free!   Call 244-9555 or email  lisa@harborhousemdi.org  and Lisa will set you up.  Great Harbor Shoot Out! March 14-16th  The annual  Great Harbor Shoot Out is coming up on March 14-16th.    We will need volunteers to help with everything from selling tickets at the door to selling concession to helping with the clock. If you are interested in helping please contact Diana Novella at 244-3713. Locations will be MDI High School, Pemetic Elementary, Mount Desert Elementary, MDI YMCA, Ellsworth Middle School & Trenton Elementary.   To enter a team please click here for a registration packet. HARLEM AMBASSADORS TOUR IS COMING YOUR WAY on April 5th   Hoops and hijinks are coming to MDI on Saturday April 5th when our very own local challengers "Island Talent",take on the Harlem Ambassadors in a comedy basketball show the whole family will enjoy. The show starts at 6pm at  MDI High School. Proceeds from the event benefit Harbor House Programming. The Harlem Ambassadors offer a unique brand of Harlem-style basketball, featuring high-flying slam dunks, dazzling ball-handling tricks, hilarious comedy routines, music, dancing and games for the kids. Stay tuned for more information and ticket prices.  Youth Center It certainly feels like winter at the Underground now, and we are prepared to enjoy the season both inside and out. Our chess club (chess, a quintessential indoor activity!) has two field trips planned this month for players who want to match their skills against new competition. Everyone is welcome to join us, even if they have not been attending the club regularly, so be sure to ask for more information if your child may be interested. As for outside activities, the Outdoor Adventure Kids program meets on Fridays, and if snow conditions cooperate we will head over to Causeway Club for some sledding after school. Not enough snow? No problem -- we'll head out on a hike and put out home made seed ornaments for the birds and following animal tracks on local trails. Be sure to have your child dress for the weather! For a January calendar click here Youth Sports Harbor House Basketball is in full swing and it is exciting to see all the energy both players and coaches bring onto the court. Parents, remember this month all our Saturday games will be held at the Bar Harbor Y -- the times will remain the same, only the venue has changed.Note this does not affect the pre-K/Kindergarten program -- we will still meet in the Pemetic gym at 8:00.  Any questions or comments about Harbor House sports? Feel free to contact Sports Director Mark Woida at mark@harborhousemdi.org.     If for some reason you haven't received the practice schedule for January you can download one here. Children's Center The New Year brings a return to our regular schedule here at the Children's Center. Story time with Susan at the library returns and our friend Machelle will be back with yoga for all of our children.  In circle time this month the children will be talking about Ice & Snow, Animals in Winter, Hibernation, Alike & Different and Shadows. The teachers will have lots of fun activities planned as well. Harbor House Children's Center is the first licensed childcare center on Mount Desert Island, serving the families of MDI since 1986. We offer an early care and education program for children ages 18 months until kindergarten. To learn more about our program or to arrange a visit contact us at 244-9824 or maryellen@harborhousemdi.org

Maine Coast Memorial Hospital Hosts: Birth Defect Prevention Education Forum

Please come join us to hear this magnificent recital by one of new england’s finest classical pianist

Pianist Ann Sears will again play a selection of classical pieces and a few surprises at 5:30, Sunday January 19th , 2014 on the Grand Steinway in the Salty Dog Gallery, Southwest Harbor, ME.

Her program will include song transcriptions by Franz Liszt, and Beethoven, Sonata in Ab major, Op. 26 by Beethoven and a few additional exciting surprises.

Ann is Professor of Music at Wheaton and holds degrees from the New England Conservatory of Music, Arizona State University, and The Catholic University of America.  She has presented papers and lecture-recitals at national meetings of the Society for American Music, the College Music Society, and the American Matthay Association. 

Her writing appears in American Music, the Journal for Black Music Research, the International Dictionary of Black Composers, the Cambridge Companion to the Musical, and Blackness in Opera.  She is the pianist on three compact discs of African-American song for Albany Records.

Please come join us to hear this magnificent recital by one of new england’s finest classical pianist. Although there is no admission charge, this will be a  benefit will be for the Westside Food Pantry. Bring an  hors d ‘oreuvre and your favorite drink.

2014 WINTER PAINTING at the SALTY DOG GALLERY

Now that Christmas and New Years are behind us, it’s time to get serious about furthering our painting skills.

For all of you who painted here last year, you may remember we had a group who painted 2 to 3 days a week, brought  lunch to the gallery and enjoyed talking art etc., learned from each other, and generally had a good time. 

This year, in addition to painting,  Phil would like to help with questions you might have with the producing a better painting. This instruction will be no additional cost other than the $30.00 a month (towards the cost of light and heat). 

Although Phil is primarily a watercolor instructor, he has also taught oil painting, and will help if requested in both mediums. 

You can paint here at your leisure - each artist gets a key. You can leave your equipment and  unfinished painting in the gallery. It is a warm and cozy place with good lighting. We have room for 14 artists at our tables. If you are an oil painter and need an easel, we will loan you one. 

In the beginning of summer we will plan to have a show of your best work in the gallery.

If this sounds like an enjoyable way to spend the cold winter days, please call or e-mail me to preserve your spot.

Joan 

Joan Crawford Steel

207-244-5918 / 772-465-8322

philsteelartist@gmail.com

January Newsletter from the Maine Small Business Development Centers

Maine Small Business Development Centers January 2014 Meet with a  Business Counselor In This Issue Start the New Year Off Right Trade Show Seminars Emergency Preparedness Veterans in Business   Veteran Business Initiative  Service member or veteran business owner? Have a business question?  Contact: Gordon Platt 207-615-3294 Maine SBDC  Upcoming Workshops January 16  - Brunswick Starting a Small Business in Maine January 16 - Portland Pricing to Sell - Pricing, Credit & Shipping Policies for Wholesalers January 24 - Portland Introduction to Small Business Taxes for Sole Proprietorships January 24 - Portland Developing Sales Materials for Trade Shows January 25 - Portland Trade Show BOOTH Camp with Industry Expert Bruce Baker February 2014 - Portland Strategic Planning Basics for Small Business Wednesdays - 4 -6 pm Six Workshops! Attend on, or attend them all! MULTIPLE DATES Strategic Positioning & Risk Assessment - 2/5 & 3/19 Knowing Your Target Market & Competition - 2/12 & 3/26 Assessing Your Industry - Trends/Social Responsibility and Sustainability - 2/19 & 4/2 Solid Financials - Cash Flow Forecasting - 2/26 & 4/9 Solid Financials - Balance Sheet Management - 3/5 &  4/16 Growth Strategies & Setting Goals - 3/12 & 4/23 Cost: Any 1 session is $20, OR prepay for all 6 sessions for $100 For more information or to register, contact Chris Long at 780-4949 Join Our Mailing List HAPPY NEW YEAR! Start the Year Off Right Helpful resources to getting the most of 2014 Below are a few articles that you may find helpful in making 2014 your best year yet: 5 Tax and Financial Planning Actions for the New Year (Small Business Administration) Start 2014 Right With These Four Legal Tips for Your Small Business (Huffington Post) Top 5 Technology Secrets To Build Your Small Business in 2014 (Entrepreneur) 3 Important Ways to Prepare for 2014 (Inc.) If Your New Year's Resolution Is 'To Get More Done,' Here's The Best Way To Do It (Forbes)   Looking for a little extra help in the new year? There are numerous Maine organizations to support you (and your business), such as Maine Technology Institute (MTI), Maine International Trade Center (MITC), Maine Center for Entrepreneurial Development (MCED), and, of course, the business counselors here at the Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC).  Trade Show Success Limited number of seats available Ready to stand out at trade shows? Three workshops to help set you apart from the competition!    Pricing to Sell - Pricing, Credit & Shipping Policies for Wholesalers  January 16th, 6-8 pm Workshop covers product-pricing, handling shipping costs, new customer accounts, obtaining credit references and getting paid.   Developing Sales Materials for Trade Shows January 24, 6-9 pm  Explore how to use creativity, descriptive language, graphics and photography to help increase the power of your trade show experience. Covers topics such as brochures, price lists, order forms, shipping policies and credit terms. Trade Show BOOTH Camp with industry expert Bruce Baker January 25, 9 am - 5 pm Covers proven ideas for displays including design, materials, color, lighting and environment. Practical tips on being a dynamic sales person without the 'hard sell', engaging booth visitors and discovering what they need.   A successful owner of art/handcraft and jewelry stores, Bruce Baker is a sought-after speaker brimming with boundless energy, expertise, humor, information and ideas.  Emergency Preparedness Resources to lessen the impact of a disaster It's officially winter in Maine, and with last month's ice storm, ithas us all a little shaken. Was your business prepared for an emergency?     The Small Business Administration (SBA) has compiled a list of things to think about before disaster hits. Included in these resources is a Winter Weather Preparedness Checklist and helpful tips on planning and preparing your business for winter emergencies.  Lessen the financial impact and re-open quickly! For additional information, click here.  Wishing you all a prosperous 2014!

Maine Small Business Development Centers | Website | 207-780-4420