March PROPEL Update

The new year has been a busy one for PROPEL. We've hosted a number of very successful events thus far and are looking forward to many more. Our membership continues to grow as more and more chamber members are realizing the great benefits and opportunities that PROPEL provides their young professionals. We're currently working on a PROPEL after-hours event for Thursday, March 25th at the new Linda Bean's restaurant on Exchange Street. To register, click here. This new establishment is very cool with great food and a cash bar. Details will be coming soon but pencil it in! We're also getting ready for our Entreverge program. More to come on that as well. Keep an eye out for our email updates or visit www.propelportland.org for more information.

Businesses Form MaineLine Coalition to Aid Rebuilding Efforts in Haiti

The recent earthquake in Haiti is the worst disaster in modern history, according to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). In just 35 seconds, the 7.0 magnitude earthquake claimed more than 200,000 lives and caused nearly $14 billion in damages or almost 117 percent of the country’s annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP). With more than three million people affected and the country’s infrastructure in ruins, it is estimated that reconstruction efforts will take decades.

Already one of the poorest nations in the Western Hemisphere, countries hit by disasters of this enormity often suffer economic consequences that are near impossible to reverse without sustained and direct international intervention. Further complicating recovery efforts in Haiti, is the fact that the capital city, Port-au-Prince – the center of commerce, government and communication – has been completely destroyed in the quake’s aftermath.

In response to this horrific and unprecedented tragedy, individuals, businesses, relief agencies and government organizations across the globe have banded together to help Haiti’s earthquake victims. Here in Maine, we have witnessed proactive and immediate assistance in various forms.

MaineLine: Haiti

The crisis in Haiti has highlighted the need for an organized, strategic effort to help connect Maine businesses to catastrophe sites in order to make a direct, specific difference during the rebuilding phase of relief efforts. To address this need, Preti Flaherty, Unum, Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Northern New England, Kennebunk Savings Bank, Reed & Reed, CD&M Communications and Mainebiz have organized MaineLine: Haiti, a coalition of concerned businesses for catastrophe relief and rebuilding assistance. By joining together in a coordinated effort and pooling the state’s business resources, Maine companies can now make a dramatic and personal impact in relief efforts in Haiti.

Over the next several months, MaineLine: Haiti will be assessing the needs of multiple aid sectors on the ground in Haiti through direct, in-country involvement and official oversight of an international aid expert. These sectors are likely to include water and sanitation, food and nutrition, shelter and non-food items, among others.

Maine’s Senior Senator Olympia J. Snowe, said, “Despite tough economic times, Mainers have taken swift action, donating much-needed resources and supplies to assist with rescue and relief efforts in Haiti. MaineLine is a great example of the spirit, care, and resourcefulness that has long epitomized Maine’s business community. Rebuilding Haiti and providing assistance to the millions of people whose lives have been devastated will take a long-term, committed effort and I believe business-sponsored relief efforts will play a critical part in the international community’s response to this crisis.”

Once the needs analysis is developed and the most appropriate relief organizations are identified and matched to the coalition members’ directive, arrangements will be made for each company to send the contributions directly to the major aid organization that will distribute the funds with direct oversight and documentation from the coalition representative. The overall distribution and application of monetary, gifts-in-kind (GIK), and expert service contributions from the coalition will be documented by the coalition representative on the ground in Haiti through photography, videos and reporting.

“MaineLine: Haiti is an important vehicle through which Maine businesses can play a significant role in the rebuilding of Haiti,” said Dana F. Connors, president, Maine Chamber of Commerce. “By joining together and pooling their extensive natural resources and brightest minds, Maine businesses are uniquely positioned to help drive relief efforts where they are needed most.”

Leading MaineLine: Haiti’s on-site relief effort is Darcy Pierce. Pierce is a senior partner with Envoy, a Maine-based firm focused on connecting the business world with the developing world. Commenting on the work that lays ahead, Pierce said, “The entire infrastructure of Haiti has collapsed and the rebuilding process will last through 2010 and beyond. Support will be needed to provide everything from housing construction to business restructuring as no sector escaped the devastation.” 

Businesses throughout Maine are Asked to Join MaineLine: Haiti       

MaineLine: Haiti is actively working to expand coalition membership and increase business participation throughout the state. Membership is open to any Maine company – regardless of size and industry – looking to have a direct impact in Haiti by donating funds, goods or materials. In-country expertise will also be needed, and will be determined on a case-by-case basis. At the present time, MaineLine: Haiti is asking only two things from its member companies: (1) use of their business logo on the coalition’s website to show support for its efforts; and (2) a promise that when an appropriate infrastructure project is identified in Haiti, member companies will consider some form of contribution, be it a gift of materials, services or cash.

Current membership includes the organizing leadership committee as well as Woodard & Curran, Hussey Seating, The Baker Company, Nonesuch Golf Course, Baker Newman & Noyes, Headlight Audio Visual, and Others! Organic Fair Trade Coffee. The Maine State Chamber of Commerce and the Portland Regional Chamber have also given their support. For more information or to join the coalition please visit www.maineline.org.

MaineLine: Haiti Speakers Bureau

Coalition representatives are also available to speak to business groups and trade associations as part of the MaineLine: Haiti Speakers Bureau. To schedule a speaker, please contact Kim Stiver at (207) 774-7528.

Curves Locations in the Area Host Food Drive to Benefit Local Families

Clubs off freebies for both existing and potential member who participate

Curves is encouraging women in the local area to show their philanthropic strength by participating in the annual Curves Food Drive. And, even though donating food to families in need is its own reward, the clubs are offering compelling incentives for both existing and potential members who participate.

From March 1 to 31, Curves locations in the area will collect non-perishable items and monetary donations for food banks in the local area.  The goal, according to Curves Founder Diane Heavin, is for the community to come together to help families in need. “At the core of our business is the message that women are stronger when they rally together, and that is the point we hope to bring home with our food drive,” said Heavin.  “We want to show our communities just how powerful the generosity of our members can be.”

According to Heavin, members who donate a bag of groceries or make a minimum donation of $30 during the month of March will receive a reusable Curves grocery freezer bag for free.  Non-member who do likewise between March 8 and 20 can join Curves for free.  Curves will waive the cost to join.

Heavin says that as part of this effort, Curves locations in the area will be participating in a company-wide contest for the most food drive donations collected by Curves locations across the nation.  Winners will receive one of several cash prizes to be donated to their local food bank.  Each year, Curves locations collectively donate millions of pounds of food to feed the hungry.

“We hope women in the Portland area will come together and participate in this initiative,” added Heavin.  “Even if you’re not thinking about joining a gym, you can still drop off your donations.  There are so many families – right here in our own community – who need our help.”

For more information about the Curves Food Drive, contact:

Josephine Moody, Curves of Falmouth located at 240 U.S. Route 1, Unit 100, at 207-781-9007 or 97MUBIO@curvesmail.com

Beth Woodbury, Curves of Westbrook located at 26 Bridgton Road, at 207-899-2323 or 97AVCS6LK@curvesmail.com

Portland SCORE Begins Starting Your Own Business Workshop

Portland SCORE will begin March with its Starting Your Own Business Workshop on March 9, followed by its Marketing and Sales (March 16) and Writing a Business Plan (March 23) workshops.  The monthly chapter meeting, at 9:00 a.m. on March 10 will feature Maine SBA’s Sandra Fontaine on SBA’s annual Small Business Awardees for 2010, followed by chapter co-chair Jim McClaine briefing the members on SCORE national’s Shoe Leather Marketing Program for 2010.  Additional information about all the chapter’s activities can be obtained by telephoning 772-1147 or visiting www.scoremaine.com.  On March 22 Portland SCORE will co-sponsor CS Wurzberger’s Marketing Power Action Plan Boot Camp, designed to equip attendees with a solid, detailed marketing power action plan.  Additional information can be obtained by telephoning 866-956-6062 or visiting here.

Nominations Sought for the $10,000 Preserve America History Teacher of the Year Award

The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is seeking nominations for the annual $10,000 Preserve America History Teacher of the Year Award, given to the best middle or high school history teacher in the United States. The Preserve America History Teacher of the Year is chosen from outstanding history teachers in each state, district, and U.S. territory.  The award is sponsored by the Gilder Lehrman Institute, Preserve America, and HISTORY™ (the History Channel). 

One winner will be chosen from each of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense Schools, and U.S. Territories.  State winners receive $1,000 and an archive of books and other resources for their school. Each winner is honored in a ceremony in his or her home state.  

In 2010, the Gilder Lehrman Institute will honor a middle or high school teacher of grades seven through twelve. K-6 teachers are honored every other year.

Teachers are selected based on several criteria, including: at least three years of

classroom experience in teaching American history; a deep career commitment to teaching American history, which includes local and state history; evidence of creativity and imagination in the classroom that address literacy and content beyond state standards; close attention to primary documents, artifacts, historic sites, and other primary materials of history, including oral history; and evidence of thoughtful assessment of student achievement.

To nominate a teacher and learn more about the award, visit www.gilderlehrman.org/htoy.html or contact the Gilder Lehrman History Teacher of the Year coordinator at htoy@gilderlehrman.org or 646-366-9666.  You may also contact your state coordinator: contact Carolin Collins, Director of Education at Maine Historical Society, at 774-1822 ext. 212 or ccollins@mainehistory.org. The nomination deadline is March 15. 

About the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

Founded in 1994, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is a nonprofit organization improving and enriching American history education through a wide range of programs and resources for students, teachers, scholars, and history enthusiasts throughout the nation. Gilder Lehrman creates and works closely with history-focused schools; organizes summer seminars and development programs for teachers; produces print and digital publications and traveling exhibitions; hosts lectures by eminent historians; administers a History Teacher of the Year Award in every state and U.S. territory; and offers national book prizes and fellowships for scholars to work in the Gilder Lehrman Collection as well as other renowned archives. Gilder Lehrman hosts www.gilderlehrman.org, serving as the gateway to American history online and featuring the quarterly online journal History Now, designed specifically for K-12 teachers and students.

Excellence in Maine Projects to be recognized

Every year sees Maine produce a number of inspiring and exciting Projects, and it’s time to honor the best of them.

The worldwide Project Management Institute, 500,000+ members strong, fosters professionalism in the fast-growing field of Project Management. The Maine Chapter of PMI is doing its part, showcasing outstanding Project work done by organizations of all kinds in the state.

Eligible Projects can be in such fields as education, business, health care, communications, economic development, social service, technology, construction, public works, marketing or any other in which innovation is introduced.

The Project of the Year 2009 competition gives your organization – for-profit or nonprofit – the opportunity to earn public acclaim for doing things right in a Project completed in calendar 2009.  Expert judges will match POY 09 entries against standards based on PMI’s Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) and adapted by PMI Maine. The judging panel will add its own outlook to assure that the very best Project performance receives the highest honors. Entrants do not have to be members of PMI, and entries do not have to conform to the format of the Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) – although a PMBOK-based format is provided for guidance in preparing the entry documentation. This year’s winners will be honored at a PMI Maine awards dinner in June 2010. 

Since POY 02, Project of the Year winners have been the Cianbro Corp. of Pittsfield, Shalom House of Portland, the Maine Turnpike Authority and HNTB Corp., USM’s Center for Entrepreneurship, Unum and Eastern Maine Medical Center. Additionally, a number of Project of Distinction honors have been awarded.  PMI Maine members on the POY 09 Project Team are available to assist with assembly of your entry packet.

Entries can be filed from now until April 30, 2010. Information and nomination forms are available at pmimaine.org or from:

Jim Milliken, Maine POY 09 Project Manager, POY@PMIMaine.org, 16 Willow Lane, Portland, Maine  04102, 207-772-4575