Chamber News December 2013 What is Workforce development?

Chamber News
December 2013
What is workforce development?
By Joanna Russell, Executive Director, Tri-County Workforce Investment Board
Workforce development is nothing without education and economic development. Nationally,
must be addressed. To make effective and meaningful changes to our system and to strengthen
the trend is to develop a better, more efficient workforce system by establishing a statewide vision,
our workforce, we need industry partners at the table. That is exactly what TCWIB is doing. Our
improving data systems, building and fostering high-quality partnerships and aligning the use
strategic planning committee is made up of leaders in business, education and workforce systems,
of incentives and resources. A recent presentation by Garrett Groves of the National Governor’s
all of whom are lending their expertise and networks to build a plan that is not just a requirement,
Association held in Augusta suggested that states across the U.S. can design their system in such a way
but a tool to connect, shape and mobilize the workforce system of the Tri-County region.
that it engages education, economic development and businesses in meaningful activity that adds
This five year plan will provide direction and methods of program and project implementation,
value. Good news! Bangor, Maine proved to be well ahead of the trends posed by Groves. In fact,
and describe where funds will be directed over the next five years. The public is encouraged to
on October 1, 2011, many of the leaders and major stakeholders
follow our activities and provide feedback online at http://ow.ly/
in our region came together to participate in a conference titled
r8EWr. We need to hear specific details related to industry skill
"To make effective and meaningful
E3 (Education x Employment x Economic Development). This
gaps and resource challenges in our area.
region has already begun to weave together the three main system
In addition to strategic planning, the TCWIB and its
changes to our system and to
bodies: education, workforce and economic development.
partners are working on a new initiative, EPIC Maine, (Exploring
The TCWIB, in collaboration with its local partners, and
Pathways to Industry and Careers in Maine) a pilot career
strengthen our workforce, we need
as a member of Mobilize Eastern Maine (MEM) is proud to say
exploration experience to motivate and engage older youth and
that we have been actively modeling this concept for well over
young adults aged 16-24. Businesses and professionals at the
industry partners at the table."
two years. Aligning education, employment, and economic
event will provide industry specific education, direction, and
development has been our mantra! Our efforts as a workforce
hands-on experiences to participants. Career counselors and
board in overseeing Penobscot, Piscataquis and Hancock counties workforce system represent
advisors will provide education and financial pathways for chosen careers. Youth participants will be
only a fraction of the partnerships involved in the E3 movement. With the support of MEM, our
encouraged and empowered to make informed decisions about their futures. This FREE event is an
regional partners manifested what the rest of the nation is now beginning.
opportunity for our current labor force to give back to the community by mentoring and inspiring
Currently, TCWIB is involved in its five year strategic planning process, which covers the
area youth toward a fulfilling career in Maine. Youth attendees will get a chance to network, ask
timeframe of 2013-2017. While it is important to note that the strategic plan is a requirement in
questions and have meaningful conversations. EPIC Maine will be held April 2, 2014 on the campus
order to receive federal funding under the Workforce Investment Act, the planning process is also
of Eastern Maine Community College. It will run from 10am to 3pm (1-3pm dedicated to high
a great opportunity for E3 stakeholders to highlight best practices and identify challenges that
school students.) If your business would like to be involved in this unique event please call Joanna
Workforce Development, cont'd on pg. 2
w w w. b a n g o r r e g i o n . c o m
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT 46
BANGOR, ME
Chamber News
President’s Corner
Anyone who has had what I would describe as the simultaneous
misfortune and opportunity to serve in middle management can relate to this:
Senior management declares it is time for a new “vision” that will make the
organization “relevant” and provide a clear “strategic direction” going forward.
Privately, I know what all you middle managers do when you hear this. You
roll your eyes.
And you do so with good reason. For many organizations – too many –
strategic planning becomes an exercise in muddled compromises that add up
to a vision that goes no further than the glossy pages it is printed upon and the
shelf – or bottom drawer – that it occupies until the next such endeavor.
So the challenge for anyone running an organization, even a relatively
John Porter, President & CEO
small one like the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce, is to come up with
a plan that is bold enough to be both interesting and useful; one that can actually inform the work to be done
going forward.
The volunteer leadership of the Chamber in the form of its Executive Committee has just gone through a
strategic planning process for the three years commencing this Jan. 1. Jerry Whalen, a former board member
and vice president, business development at EMHS, helped us along. Jerry is a great facilitator and a real expert
when it comes to writing strategic plans that do not induce involuntary eye rolling.
We’ve got a draft together, and I have to say, as a former middle manager, it passes the tests of both
relevancy and imagination. Our next step is to run it by a focus group of stakeholders and then present it to our
board for consideration.
The plan doesn’t try to change what works, and to that end, we’ve kept our mission statement the same.
“To promote and enhance a vital, healthy business environment.”
It is built on five “pillars” that form the framework of how we advance that mission: Membership;
Economic Development; Member Services and Regional Resource Development; Chamber Resources, People
and Finance; and Communications.
With each of these pillars we have named a handful of strategies that will up us advance our mission,
and there are some ambitious goals. We want to grow our membership still further. We want to be a leader
in economic development, especially when it comes to advocating among public policy makers. We want our
programs and other offerings to our members to be relevant and valuable to the community. We want to be a
high-functioning organization. And we want to set a high standard when it comes to leveraging the Internet to
bolster our communication efforts.
Some of these goals are obvious, but all are vital. And the plan itself is brief, to the point and ambitious.
Going forward, we will use this vision to inform a detailed work plan in each of the next three years. (Such
a work plan has been a part of how we manage here at the Chamber since current management took over nearly
four years ago.)
We will track our progress, my team and I, as staff, will be held accountable and together we will continue
to move the organization and the community it serves forward.
And thanks to the good work of the Chamber’s volunteer leadership, we should be able to do this with
minimal eye rolling. Welcome
NEW MEMBERS
Harbor Freight Tools
Darrin Porter, 50 Springer Drive, Bangor
www.harborfreight.com
In 1977, when Harbor Freight Tools was started
as a small family-owned business, they made a
commitment to provide working people with
great quality tools at the lowest prices. From
hand tools and generators, to air and power
tools, from shop equipment to automotive
tools, Harbor Freight offers more than 7,000
tools and accessories at quality levels that
match or exceed competing brands, but at
prices that are up to 80% less.
Aquatic Development, Inc.
Lani Tapley, 2717 Route 2, Hermon
www.aquaticdevelopmentpools.com
Family owned and operated for 43 years, Tapley Pools & Spas, Inc. is one of New England’s
oldest established swimming pool design &
build firms. Building quality swimming pools
and spas since 1962, Tapley Pools specializes in
customized gunite swimming pools and gunite
spas, negative or vanishing/infinity edge pools,
water features and vinyl swimming pools.
Auto Radiator Service
David Robichaud, 568 Hammond St., Bangor
David is the second generation Robichaud to
own and operate Auto Radiator Service in Bangor. His dad founded the business in the 60’s
and their customer base continues to grow.
David has expanded his services way beyond
radiator services to; remote car starters, radio
installations, cruise controls, and digital backup products, just to name a few. Go visit their
friendly garage soon!
~John Porter
Hot Stove is back! Mark your calendars for Sat.,
Dec. 7, from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. at Eastern Maine
Community College’s Rangeley Hall. For those
who are unfamiliar with the BRCC Hot Stove
League, it is a forum for Chamber members and
the local, state and federal officials who represent them. This upcoming session is a “preview”
prior the Legislature coming back into session
for 2014. We’ll present a draft of our 2014 “Issues of Impact” white paper on public policy issues. We
also hope to hear from as many of our local legislators as possible on how they see things playing out.
Many thanks to EMCC, our 2013-14 Hot Stove sponsor!
Innovative Business Networking
Melanie Ryan, P O Box 330, Bangor
Innovative Business Networking in Bangor
meets Wednesdays at noon at Season’s. Local
Bangor business representatives get together
discuss their businesses and share leads. Join
them in the Eagle Room at Season’s and learn
more about this Innovative group!
Defeat Your Goliath
Kristen Hornbrook, 43 Main Trail, Hampden
www.defeatyourgoliath.com
Life Coaching — it's all about YOU! Need some
help? Find out what a Certified Life Coach can
do for you! When was the last time you had
someone focus entirely on you — to help you
get what you really want? A professional Life
Coach will help you reach your goals — in every area of your life! And you can try it for free!
William Drake Photography
Bill Drake • www.photodrake.com
William Drake is a conceptual photographer
who turns ideas into images and images into
stories, always looking for a new way to tell them.
Evolving. Creating Concepts. Directing visions.
The Whistling Pig Smokehouse
Chris Jones, 735 Main Street, Bangor
www.whistlingpigsmokehouse.com
Now you can get great quality southern barbeque in the northern most state in the country!
This sounds a little crazy but it’s true! Introducing
the Whistling Pig Smokehouse in Bangor Maine.
This barbeque restaurant offers the essentials for
a great southern style BBQ feast. Succulent pulled
pork, mouth watering brisket, and delicious baby
back ribs are paired great with our side dishes to
make the perfect lunch or dinner. Make sure you
save room for dessert because our peach cobbler
is to die for.
Traveling Latitudes
Bill Reed, 1075 School Street, Veazie
www.travelinglatitudes.com
Traveling Latitudes is committed to offering travel
services of the highest quality. Our experience
and commitment to customer satisfaction has
earned us a solid reputation in the travel industry.
Mainely Mortgages
Rick Burgess, 53 Croghan Road, Hermon
www.mainelymortgages.com
The Mainely Mortgage team is committed to
providing their clients with the highest quality
financial services combined with the lowest rates
available in our area. Their outstanding mortgage professionals will work with our community
one on one to ensure that we get a financial
solution that is tailored specifically to meet our
financing needs.
Eagre Interactive
Chuck Carter, 31 Central Street, Suite 214, Bangor
www.eagreinteractive.com
At Eagre Interactive, they are redefining the classical textbook experience by leveraging the advanced capabilities of today's ubiquitous mobile
computing platforms. They reimagine and reassemble textbooks from the ground up, bringing
them to life with realtime 3d graphics, interactive
labs, and experiential learning content.
Phenix Title Services
Deb Whitman, 263 State Street, Suite 2D, Bangor
www.phenixtitle.com
Phenix Title Services is the leading New England
title company and provider of title and closing
services to the mortgage and real estate industry
in Maine. To the folks at Phenix, attitude is everything and their commitment to their customers
is to provide the very best in real estate and
conveyancing expertise. Phenix is an attorney
driven company with the knowledge and expertise required to navigate these challenging times.
Hobby Lobby’s first opening
in Maine is in Bangor.
Nick and his team are very
excited to be here. A team
from Oklahoma flew here
for the grand opening. The
store has hired 75 local
people and has stayed busy
since the doors opened.
Workforce development cont'd from cover
Russell at 992-0770 or 951-2549 or feel free to email jrussell@nmdc.org
In summary, the Tri County Workforce Investment Board directs the use of employment
resources for the benefit of our citizens and employers by nurturing partnerships, working in
conjunction with local economic development initiatives, and being mindful of the needs of the
local economy. It’s our region and we stand firm on a foundation of education, employment and
economic development. For more information please visit our website www.tricountylwib.org
2
Chamber News / December 2013
Harbor Freight-Darrin
Porter, Store Manager and
a few of his team members
along with Betsy Vickery,
Hope Gabric, Nettie Kilby
and Chris Olsen and John
Porter were on site for the
grand opening of Harbor
Freight’s Bangor location.
Member Business
TOPIC: Economic
Outlook for 2014
Thurs., Dec. 12 ■ 5-7pm
Guest speaker: Todd Gabe,
UMaine economics professor
Join fellow business professionals for an
evening of networking, delicious food, great
drinks, and terrific prizes! See you there!
Dec. 11, 2013
Griffin Rd., Bangor
Media Sponsor:
Collins Center for the Arts
RSVP at admin@bangorregion.com for an extra
chance to win these fantastic prizes, but you have
to be present to win!
Spectacular Event Center,
Breakfast Sponsor:
Business After Hours
Dr. Gabe's research areas are in Regional and Community Economic Development and Public Finance. His
recent projects have studied the growth of creative
occupations in U.S. metropolitan areas; the determinants of investment in rural businesses; the impacts
of cruise ship passengers in Bar Harbor, Maine; and
the effects of a proposed property tax cap in Maine.
Gabe has extensive experience in regional economic
and fiscal impact modeling. In the past few years, he
has examined the economic impacts of the Maine golf
industry, Maine harness racing industry and the New
England biotechnology industry. Please join us to hear
his thoughts on economic development in our region.
• Travel package to Florida, provided by Bangor
Travel
• Tickets to Mamma Mia, courtesy of the UMaine
Alumni Assoc.
• Tickets to An Accoustic Evening with Lyle Lovett
and John Hiatt
•
Tickets to UMaine men's
hockey game
•
Tickets to the
Bangor Symphony's Nutcracker
•
Dining certificate
to 11 Central, provided
by Ann Marie Orr
Networking 7:00am
Breakfast 7:30am
Program 8-9am
Tickets $17 members
$22 non-members
Join us!
RSVP:
947-0307 or admin@bangorregion.com
Pay online: www.bangorregion.com
M ember n e w s
• Katahdin Trust Company has promoted
Jean Noyes to serve as Vice President and
Information Security Officer and Andrew
Putnam to Vice President and Chief
Information Officer.
Ronald McDonald House and $5,000 to Penquis
Community Action Program, and $5,000 to
Hardy Girls Healthy Women in Waterville,
Maine. The communities are very thankful for
the donations from People’s United Bank.
• Regency Mortgage announces that Rae
Ann Rice has joined the agency. Regency is
located at 189A State St. Rae Ann’s contact
information is: rrice@regencymtg.com or 207974-8996. Stop in to say Hi!
• Landscape Architect, Steve Ribble,
announces that the new Context By Design
Landscape Architecture/Planning website is
now live and online! According to Steve, “This
was a major reconstruction which took a ton
of interaction with the web developer, Links
Online Marketing. They developed the site and
I developed the content. It turned out well and
I look forward to seeing comments from the
site’s visitors.” Check out the site for yourself
and let Steve know what you think at: www.
contextbydesign.com
•
Penobscot Community Health Care
(PCHC) sends word that Cindy Avery, MD, has
joined the medical staff of PCHC’s Community
Care and Geriatrics; Susan Hoovler, MSN,
FNP-C, Family Nurse Practitioner, has
joined the medical staff of PCHC’s Capehart
Community Health Center; and Edward Zanca,
DMD has joined the PCHC Dental Center.
Also, PCHC announced that it has received
$31,455 in grant funding from the Cardinal
Health Foundation to improve medication
safety for patients with heart failure or chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• OHI invites you to join them 1-4 p.m. Dec.
11 for the Grand Opening of the Brewer Area
Food Pantry, located at 222 North Main Street,
Brewer, where they will showcase the opening
of this community resource. You can help those
in need by bringing non-perishable food items
with you to the Open House. A ribbon cutting
will take place at 2 p.m. and three area businesses
will be presenting donations. There will be tours
of the facility and light refreshments.
•
People’s United Community Foundation,
the philanthropic arm of People’s United Bank,
announces that it has awarded $3,500 to Four
Directions Development Corporation, $10,000
to Good Shepherd Food Bank, $2,500 to the
• Anthony John’s Day Spa Salon and Boutique
celebrates their 5th Anniversary on December
5, 2013 4:30 to 7:30 pm with a Holiday Soire.
Join them in the festivities! There will be wine
and appetizers, mini services and 25% off retail
items. For more information call: 207.907.4263
or visit www.anthonyjohnsdayspa.com
• Husson University will once again present
the Frank M. Carter Tax Institute. The Penobscot
County Bar Association and the Maine Society
of CPAs are co-sponsors of this 41st meeting of
this event. Presentations will give attendees a
sense for significant and regulatory changes in
2013 plus a review of relevant cases brought to
the state and federal levels. The session is being
held on Friday, Dec. 6, 2013 at the Richard
E. Dyke Center for Family Business, on the
Husson campus in Bangor. Registration is open
at www.husson.edu/taxinstitute. For details,
please contact Professor Nancy Forster-Holt at
forstern@husson.edu
• Acadia Hospital Earns Accolades for
Film, Mental Health Screening-Acadia recently
received recognition for excellence regarding
the film, The Road Back, and its involvement
in National Depression Screening Day. A
short feature film on adolescent anxiety and
depression, The Road Back, produced by Acadia
Hospital in conjunction with Project AWARE
and Maine teens, was chosen by Healthline.
com as one of the ten best depression videos
of 2013. The movie, written and directed by
Hermon High School Senior Faith Bishop,
also won honors for Best Student Film at the
Iowa Independent Film Festival. For more
information or to take the online screening, go
to: www.acadiahospital.org. To view the film, go
to: www.youtube.com/acadiahospital. For more
information, please contact: Alan Comeau, MA,
APR, Communications Officer, at 207-973-6166.
development. She joined the City of Bangor two
years ago as a business development specialist
and previously worked as Brewer’s economic
development deputy director and at Eastern
Maine Development Corporation
• The City of Bangor has promoted Tanya
Emery to be Bangor’s director of economic
• See your news in print! Share with us at
admin@bangorregion. com.
• St. Joseph Healthcare has appointed
William Wood Jr. MD vice president of Medical
Affairs.
• Dirigo Pines has hired Joanne Gallant as
their Executive Director. www.dirigopines.com
• The Ellsworth American has been named
Newspaper of the Year by the New England
Newspaper & Press Association for the 3rd year
in a row. They have circulation of more than
8100 weekly. www.ellsworthamerican.com
• Tue., Dec 3-Season’s will be offering a fivecourse wine dinner! Please call for details: 207992-2250.
Maine Traveling Chef
The Maine Traveling Chef, local caterer and
personal chef, JoAnn Brown, is available to cook and
deliver your entire holiday meal, from turkey to pies,
and all the "fixins," please see attached holiday price
list for more information. All pies are made from
scratch with 100% butter; no shortening or lard is
used.
Gift baskets for the holidays can be ordered
now with any combination of homemade
needhams, chocolate covered peanut butter balls,
almond toffee, whoopie pies, cookies, biscotti, and
red pepper jelly. In addition, the Maine Traveling
Chef is available to cater holiday parties, dinners,
or lunches for your business, group, or family.
The Maine Traveling Chef can cater events out
of the Avalon Village Manor House (beautifully
decorated for the holiday season) in Hampden or
can deliver and cater to any local venue of your
choosing. Please contact JoAnn at 951-5669 or
mainetravelingchef@gmail.com to book your
event today.
Chamber News / December 2013 3
Chamber News
Sweet Frog-Doug Reed and his
family are excited to announce their
grand opening of Bangor’s Sweet
Frog Premium Frozen Yogurt.
member renewals
AARP Maine
Key Lock & Safe
American Red Cross Blood Services
Maine Distributors
ATC Tennis Center of Bangor and Hampden
Maine Network for Health
Atlantic Designs
Maine Streaming Media
@WORK Personnel
Millers Workshop
Balance Hair and Body
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
Bangor Band
Morita's School of Dance
Bangor Computer Copy
Mutual of Omaha
Bangor International Airport (BGR)
Myerowitz Chiropractic & Acupuncture
Clinic
Bangor Museum and Center for History
Bangor Travel Services
Bangor Truck Equipment
Camp CaPella, Inc.
Care and Comfort
Cashman Communications
Central Street Farmhouse
Challenger Learning Center
Creative Prints Services
Dirigo Pines Retirement Community
Downtown Bangor Partnership
Eastern Maine Development Corporation
Econo Lodge
Elite Auto, Inc.
Fireside Inn & Suites
Garaftek, LLC
Gateway Title of Maine, Inc.
Gerard Tassel
Gross, Minsky & Mogul, PA
Harley Plumbing and Heating Plus
Bangor Mayor Nelson Durgin is in
front of PCHC’s grand re-opening
of their Cape Hart medical facility.
The building went through an entire
upgrade, supervised by Nickerson
O’Day, general contractor.
Henry Associates Inc. DBA The Henry
Bridal Boutique & Formal Wear
PAGEmployment, Inc.
Parkside Children's Learning Center
Pemberton Swift, Inc.
Penobscot Cleaning Services, Inc.
Penobscot Job Corps Academy
Pottle's Transportation, Inc.
Pro-Realty
Richard S. Cattelle, Inc.
RT Ziegler Financial Services
Sandra A. Morin, Acct.
Sargent Corporation
SGC Engineering, LLC
Smart Alternatives
The Bangor Y
The Wilde Agency
Thistles Restaurant
Time Warner Cable
Transco Business Technologies
United Insurance - Whitehouse Agency
W.S. Emerson Company, Inc.
Waterfront Concert Series
J.B. Industrial Paint Company
Whittens 2-Way Service
John Bapst Memorial High School
Wings For Childen & Families, Inc.
Katahdin Area Council, Boy Scouts of
America, Inc.
This presentation is brought to you as part of AC50’s Trade Logistics
Initiative (TLI), which seeks to leverage the region's transportation
and logistics assets to promote trade and economic development.
This is a free event. Coffee and light refreshments will be available.
Directions:From the north or south, take I-95 to Bangor. Take Exit 185
(Broadway) and turn right onto Broadway. Go half a mile and and turn
left onto Husson Avenue. At the stop sign, take a right. The Richard E.
Dyke Center for Family Business will be on your left.
Wed., Dec. 18, 2013
8:00-9:00 a.m. (doors open at 7:30 a.m.)
Husson University, Dyke Center for Family Business
4
Chamber News / December 2013
Limited seating is available. Please RSVP
by calling 947-0307 or email
admin@bangorregion.com
C HAMBER N EWS
Thank you to our hosts, The First, for offering food,
drink, hospitality (and prizes) to our members at the
November Business After Hours.
Labor &
Employment
Key to your piece of mind
Whether your business is large or
small, private or public, a municipality
or county, for profit or a nonprofit, we
are there for you. Day in and day out
we are on the phone or in person,
providing advice on any number of
labor or employment issues -- just like
da
the ones you face every day.
We provide comprehensive preventive
services to employers through the
development of employment manuals
and policies, employment agreements,
and training programs. Rely on us.
Voice
Internet
Apps
Business is better
in the cloud
Data
Center
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 find out more
1-888-342-7678
Wide Area
Networks
AUGUSTA I BANGOR I BRUNSWICK I ELLSWORTH
I PORTLAND
1-800-564-0111 I eatonpeabody.com
Chamber News / December 2013 5
BR C C P R O G RAMS
8 Tips to
Avoid Weight Gain
During the Holidays
Before You Overeat
H. A. L. T.
Determine what’s going on.
Ask yourself: “Am I…”
Hungry?
True hunger is felt in the throat, not the stomach according to Dr. Joel
Fuhrman. If your blood sugar is low, your body receives signals to eat and eat
soon! Not sure if it’s hunger? Try drinking a large glass of water. Portion out a
small balanced meal eating the vegetables first. Eat slowly and reassess your
hunger after 20 minutes.
Angry?
Stress, anger and frustration send that fight or flight response into gear. Your
brain seeks a chemical release and food cravings kick into play. Try getting
that same chemical release through exercising. Try a fast walk, dancing, even
yelling can release that tension and gnaw off those cravings.
Lonely?
Loneliness, sadness, disappointment can trigger those comfort food desires.
Curb those feelings through social channels. Call or text a good friend. If
one’s not available, try reading or watching TV. The distraction can put you
into a better frame of mind.
Tired??
We know that lack of sleep greatly affects the body’s ability to manage weight
(and everything else). Rather than resort to a late night snack, get some
needed rest. Comfortable pajamas, socks to keep your feet warm (cold feet
can keep you awake), and no light from that TV or phone…unplug!
1.
For potluck dinners, bring a healthy lower fat dish and label it. You will be sure there is something
you can eat and others watching their diets will appreciate the option. The “Hot Corn Chile Dip” below, with
baked tortilla chips is delicious and lower in fat.
2.
Always eat a little something before the party. Going to a party hungry is too tempting. Choose from
a piece of fruit, a handful of nuts, or nonfat yogurt.
3.
Pick the small plate and arrange your choices so that half your plate is salad or veggies, one quarter
with meat, and the final quarter with a starch. Avoid creamy dips and sauces and anything fried.
4.
Good dessert choices are: fruit, Jello, pudding, shortbread cookies, ginger snaps, or angel food cake.
If you don’t have lower fat choices, take a small portion of dessert and make it last.
5.
Be careful with drinks. Drinks are full of empty calories. Choose to add seltzer to a portion of punch,
fruit juice, or wine to cut the calories. Avoid high calorie drinks such as eggnog. Beer, wine, or spiced cider
make better choices in the low fat department.
Hot Corn Chile Dip
Ingredients
1/4 cup (2 tablespoons) canola oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
another bite” are ways to ease your way from the food table/offerings.
Conversation is calorie free. Spend time socializing and enjoying each other’s company…away from
the food table, and you’ll come away with great holiday memories and not extra inches on your waist.
If serving immediately, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, jalapenos, onions and green and red bell peppers.
Cook for a few minutes, until the peppers get great color on the outside. Add the chilies and stir for 30 seconds. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of the low fat pepper-jack, the fat free cream cheese, mayonnaise, lowfat sour cream and
4 ounces fat free cream cheese, softened.
green onions and stir until combined. Add the corn mixture and stir to combine thoroughly. Pour into a small baking dish.
1/2 cup mayonnaise (low fat does not work well)
Bake immediately, or cover with foil and refrigerate up to 48 hours.
1/2 cup low fat or nonfat sour cream
3 green onions, sliced thin.
Baked tortilla chips or pita crisps, for serving
6
It’s Ok to say no, politely. “Everything tasted great, thank you” and “It was all delicious, I couldn’t eat
Heat a grill on medium heat. Grill the corn until lots of the kernels have color. Cut off the kernels and set aside.
1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 1/2 cups grated low fat, pepper-jack cheese
7.
Directions
2 jalapenos, seeded and diced finely
2 cans diced green chilies 4oz. each
Use the H.A.L.T. method to resist overeating. Recognize whether you are eating because you are
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired and make sure you eat for the right reasons.
8.
5 ears fresh corn, shucked or 5 cups frozen
6.
Chamber News / December 2013
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup pepper jack cheese over the top and bake until bubbly, 20 to 25 minutes. Serve with baked
tortilla chips or pita crisps. Watch out...this stuff is addictive!
mmmmmm......
BR C C P R O G RAMS
Bangor Federal Credit Union helped FUSION go back in time
on Saturday, November 9th to the roaring twenties for its 2013
Awards Extravaganza. Guests socialized and danced the night away
while enjoying complimentary gin concoctions from Sweetgrass
Farm Winery & Distillery from Union Maine.
Guests were welcomed to the beautiful sounds of Colin
Graebert and the Aurora Jazz Project. A short awards ceremony
followed and was emceed by Zach Robbins where FUSION
bestowed three awards:
•
The Downtown Proud Vitalization Award, sponsored by
Bangor Savings Bank, was given to 11 Central Downtown Eatery;
•
The Innovator of the Year Award, sponsored by the
Blackstone Accelerates Growth, was given to Garrett Wilkin;
•
The Leadership and Vision Award, sponsored by
BerryDunn, was given to Ben Sprague.
The rest of the evening was spent taking fun pictures in the
Darling’s photo booth, dancing to the great sounds of DJ KTF,
having pictures taken by Jeff Kirlin and David Cox (check them
out on our facebook page) or hanging out in one of the amazing
lounges sponsored by ERA Dawson Realtors, Rudman Winchell
and furnished by Rent-A-Center in Old Town.
Thank you to everyone who came out and celebrated with
FUSION at its extravaganza and thank you to our sponsors to make
it happen!
FUSION is now accepting new members for its committees
(marketing, events, community, and sports). If you are looking for
a volunteer position and want to help move the mission of FUSION
forward, you should consider joining a committee. To find out more
information, email programs@bangorregion.com or call 947-0307.
A roaring
good time!
Thank you to our photographers for the evening: Jeff Kirlin and David Cox.
Applicants Welcome!
The BRLI Class of 2014 had its third class session at the University of Maine Innovation Center, with a
theme of the Maine Economy and entrepreneurism. Participants learned about the Maine Economy from
Ryan Neale of the Maine Development Foundation and then heard from a fabulous small business panel
made up of Elizabeth Sutherland from Sutherland Weston, Brad Ryder from Epic Sports, David Colter
from GAC Chemicals and Mike Fern from the Maine Edge. The class also worked with their nonprofit
partner, The Ronald McDonald House to brainstorm and select project ideas for the year.
Building Bridges will begin its 2014 program on Tuesday,
January 7th, at the University of Maine Foster Center for
Student Innovation. Registration is now open. If you are
interested in participating, email programs@bangorregion.
com or call 947-0307. Industries that will be toured this year
are: banking and finance, advanced manufacturing, technology,
education, architecture, downtown small businesses/
nonprofits, engineering, media, healthcare, innovation and
business development, government, hospitality and tourism,
social services, and retail.
Chamber News / December 2013
7
1
Cross Insurance Center: UMaine - Men's Basketball v. Dartmouth 2:00 pm Tickets: Adult: $10 Children/Senior: $5 Box Office ,
207-561-8333
1,8,15,22, 29 Hollywood Casino’s “Soundstage” features: Karoke 6-11PM For more info: 877-779-7771 or: hollywoodcasinobangor.
com Sat. 2 & 7 pm; Sun. 3pm. $21-$37.
3
Tuesday Forum will hold its monthly business meeting where Officer Elections will take place at Seasons @ noon. Sponsored by:
Deb Neuman, ME Dock Designs. Please contact Hope Gabric for more information at: 947-8802 or hgabric@eradawson.com
3
University of Maine at Augusta, Bangor Campus (UMA Bangor) presents Galumpha, a modern troupe that combines stunning
acrobatics, striking visual effects, physical comedy, and inventive choreography to bring to life a world of imagination and
beauty. 7:00 pm in 124 Eastport Hall. Free. Limited seating.
4
Bangor Museum and History Center – Free Brown Bag Lunch – Different topic each month. Thomas A. Hill House, 159 Union
Street. 12 Noon – Call 942-1900 for more information.
5
Cross Insurance Center: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis 7:30pm Box Office: 1-800-745-3000. Pricing: $77, $67,
$57, $41
5-29
Penobscot Theatre- Cinderella: A New Telling of an Old Tale, Not your mama's Cinderella! This holiday musical extravaganza
breathes fresh life into the classic fairy tale, featuring outlandish costumes, exuberant choreography, spectacular sets, and a cast
of colorful characters. FMI: times and tickets: www.penobscottheatre.org 942-3333
6
Hollywood Casino’s “Soundstage” features: Tomorrow Morning For more info: 1-877-779-7771 or: hollywoodcasinobangor.com
7
Hollywood Casino’s “Soundstage” features: Don Campbell Trio For more info: 1-877-779-7771 or: hollywoodcasinobangor.com
7
Home For the Holidays-Bangor. Five historic, architecturally impressive homes will be open to the public. Proceeds will benefit
the outreach programs of St. John Episcopal Church. 12-4pm $25 www.stjohnsbangor.com
7
Collins Center for the Arts Solstice Celebration. Vocalist Tierney Sutton joins forces with the two-time Grammy Award winning
Turtle Island Quartet. 8pm 581-1755 or: www.colinscenterforthearts.com
7
Bangor's Annual Festival of Lights Parade 4:30-5:30pm Starting at Railroad Street, turning right onto Main Street, crossing Union
Street, through downtown, right onto State Street, another right onto Exchange Street and ending at Camden National Bank. A
tree lighting will follow in West Market Square.
7
UMaine Museum of Art, 40 Harlow St. features Art Factory/Family Fun Day. 11am-4pm. Create lasting memories this holiday
season at a variety of art-making stations where you can create a card, ornament or gift. Supplies are FREE. 561-3350
10
Tuesday Forum will host a meeting at Seasons @ noon. Holiday Marketplace & Cookie Swap. Please contact Hope Gabric for
more information at: 947-8802 or hgabric@eradawson.com
10
Central Street Farmhouse presents: Greendrinks, network with friends and neighbors while enjoying a pint. Be eco-friendly and
bring your own drinking vessel or buy one on site. 5-8pm. www.bangorgreendrinks.org
11
Winter Holiday Tour of the Thomas Hill Standpipe. 2-5pm. www.bangorwater.org
11
The Nite Show Taping: The Next Generation Theatre in Brewer. Must be 14 years of age and there is no charge. 5:45pm 9897100 or www.theniteshowmaine.com
11
Cross Insurance Center: UMaine - Women's Basketball v. Hartford 7:00 pm Tickets: Adult: $10 Children/Senior: $5 Box Office ,
207-561-8333
13
Hollywood Casino’s “Soundstage” features: Fighting Fiction For more info: 877-779-7771 or: hollywoodcasinobangor.com
13
Cross Insurance Center: UMaine - Men's Basketball v. Army 6:00 pm Tickets: Adult: $10 Children/Senior: $5 Box Office , 207-5618333
14
Hollywood Casino’s “Soundstage” features: Network For more info: 1-877-779-7771 or: hollywoodcasinobangor.com
14
University of Maine’s Hudson Museum features the 2013 Maine Indian Basketmakers Sale and Demonstration. 581-1904 or:
www.maine.edu/hudsonmuseum 9am-3pm
15
Cross Insurance Center: Bangor Band Holiday Concert 7:00pm Free concert “Donations Gladly Accepted”
17
Tuesday Forum will host a meeting at Seasons @ noon. Holiday Buffet & Gift Exchange. Please contact Hope Gabric for more
information at: 947-8802 or hgabric@eradawson.com
20 &21 Hollywood Casino’s “Soundstage” features: Kayla Wass Trio For more info: 1-877-779-7771 or: hollywoodcasinobangor.com
20
Maynard F. Jordan Planetarium-Wingate Hall, UMaine: Star Shows. “Black Holes,” 7:00pm; “Little Star That Could”
21
Planetarium-Star Shows continue - 2:00pm: “Worlds of Wonder,” 4:00pm: “Season of Light,” (207) 581-1341. www.galaxymaine.
com
21
Cross Insurance Center: UMaine - Women's Basketball v. Towson 2:00 pm Tickets: Adult: $10 Children/Senior: $5 Box Office , 207561-8333
21, 22 Collins Center for the Arts: THE NUTCRACKER Sat. 2 & 7pm. Sun. 3pm. 581-1755 or: www.colinscenterforthearts.com $21 - $37
8
27
Hollywood Casino’s “Soundstage” features: Juke Rockets For more info: 1-877-779-7771 or: hollywoodcasinobangor.com
28
Hollywood Casino’s “Soundstage” features: Jump City Jazz BandFor more info: 1-877-779-7771 or: hollywoodcasinobangor.
com
28
Hollywood Casino’s “Soundstage” features: Motor Booty Affair For more info: 877-779-7771 or: hollywoodcasinobangor.com
31
Spectacular Event Center New Year’s Eve Dance Party $125 per couple. Includes all beer, wine, liquor, appetizers, dinner, dessert,
champagne toast & dancing. Reserve today! Call 941-8700 FMI www.spectaculareventcenter.com
31
New Year’s Eve, Downtown Bangor – Celebrate the new year in the streets with family, friends and neighbors. There will be
plenty of activities including the traditional ball drop.
31
Penobscot Theatre presents Forever Plaid. To purchase tickets: 942-3333 or www.penobscottheatre.org
31
UMaine Museum of Art, 40 Harlow St. invites you to GET BEDAZZLED on New Year’s Eve. 6-8pm. Begin the celebration by
creating a glittering crown or tiara to wear throughout the evening. Supplies are FREE. 561-3350
Chamber News / December 2013
DECEMBER meetings
DECEMBER eVENTS
BR C C & M e m b e r e v e n t s
2Building Bridges, 4pm
3BRLI, 8am - EMDC
5BIZ Action, 8am
6 Fusion Steering, EMDC,
8am
9 Governmental Affairs,
Noon
11Membership Cmte, Noon
11EBB 7-9am, Spectacular
Event Center
11Member Orientation
5:30-7pm
12 Community Council
meeting 7:30am
12Business After Hours
Collins Center for the Arts
5-7pm
13 Executive Committee,
7:15-9am
19Board Meeting, 7:30am
Unless otherwise noted,
all meetings will take
place at the Chamber.
Please note: the
Chamber's new address
is 20 South Street, behind
Oxford Networks on the
waterfront in Bangor.