Hospital Outpatient Services Moving to Second Floor

Patients should report to new location starting April 1

FARMINGTON, MAINE¾

 

The Franklin Memorial Hospital Outpatient Clinic is moving to a new location to accommodate the growing number of patients seeking services such as lab draws, infusions, injections, holter monitors, dressing changes, and picc line/port flush and maintenance.

 

Effective Tuesday, April 1, these patients should report to the new location on the hospital’s second floor, down the hall beyond cardiology clinic offices. Clinic hours will continue to be 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday – Friday.

 

Wound care and the weekend clinic will remain in the current location, adjacent to the hospital lobby.

 

For additional information call 779-3120.

Media Advisory: Maine Taxpayers Pay for Welfare Dollars Spent in Florida, Las Vegas and Hawaii 

AUGUSTA – As Democrats vote against welfare reforms introduced by Governor Paul R. LePage, members of the LePage Administration continue to educate Mainers about the welfare fraud and abuse within the system. On Monday, a news conference will be held in the Cabinet Room of the Office of the Governor to focus on a Governor’s bill that restricts use of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards outside of the State of Maine.

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) discovered EBT cards are being used in all 50 states, including at Disney World, Las Vegas and in Hawaii.

“Democrats say that this is only a small amount of fraud and abuse. That’s like saying it’s okay to steal just a little,” said Governor LePage. “Democrats and the press can argue about what an acceptable percentage of welfare fraud is, but our Administration is working to stop 100 percent of welfare fraud.”

Additionally, the Governor has submitted three other bills that would:

• Prevent the use of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits for alcohol,tobacco products, lottery tickets and bail;
• Require job-ready TANF applicants to look for three jobs before receiving welfare benefits;
• Removes state exemptions allowing TANF recipients to get around the federal work requirement

On Monday, DHHS Commissioner Mary Mayhew will join House Republican Leader Ken Fredette and supporters of the Governor’s efforts to reform welfare at a news conference within the Office of the Governor.

WHEN: 12:00 PM, Monday, Mar. 31

WHERE: Office of the Governor, Cabinet Room, Augusta

Maine Unemployment Rate 6.1 Percent in February

State Labor Commissioner Jeanne Paquette released February workforce estimates for Maine. Seasonally Adjusted Statewide Data Workforce conditions in Maine continued to improve in February. The number of payroll jobs was up 6,300 from a year ago, driving the employment to population ratio to a five-year high, and the unemployment rate to a five-year low. Over the last year, net job growth was dispersed across a number of sectors. Household Survey Estimates – The preliminary seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 6.1 percent in February, little changed from 6.2 percent in January and down from 6.9 percent one year ago. The number of unemployed declined 6,000 over the year to 43,100. The unemployment rate was the lowest since October 2008. The share of the population that is employed reached 61.5 percent, the highest since December 2008, and remained higher than the 58.8 percent national average for the 77th consecutive month. The U.S. unemployment rate estimate was 6.7 percent, little changed from 6.6 percent in January and down from 7.7 percent one year ago. The New England estimate was 6.4 percent. Rates for other states were 4.7 percent in New Hampshire, 3.7 percent in Vermont, 6.5 percent in Massachusetts, 9.0 percent in Rhode Island, and 7.0 percent in Connecticut. Labor force and unemployment data is available here. Payroll Survey Estimates – The preliminary nonfarm payroll jobs estimate for February of 605,400 is up 6,300 from one year ago. Private sector jobs were up 7,400, primarily in the retail trade, professional and business services, leisure and hospitality, education and healthcare, and finance and insurance sectors. Those gains were partially offset by a decline of 1,100 jobs in government. Nonfarm payroll jobs data is available here. Not Seasonally Adjusted Substate Data The not seasonally adjusted statewide unemployment rate was 7.0 percent in February, down from 8.0 percent one year ago. Not seasonally adjusted rates ranged from 5.2 percent in Cumberland County to 11.4 percent in Washington County. Rates tended to be lower than the statewide average in southern and central counties and higher than average in northern and rim counties. The unemployment rate was below the statewide average in all three metropolitan areas: Portland-South Portland-Biddeford (5.5 percent), Bangor (6.4 percent) and Lewiston-Auburn (6.3 percent). This release is available at www.maine.gov/labor/cwri/news/release.html. Detailed labor force and unemployment data for the state, counties, and 31 labor market areas; nonfarm jobs data for the state and the three metropolitan areas and much more is available at www.maine.gov/labor/cwri/data.html. March estimates will be released Friday, April 18 (Data Release Schedule). NOTES: 1. Preliminary unemployment estimates for Maine tend to move in a direction for several months and then reverse course. Those directional trends are largely driven by a smoothing procedure and may not indicate a change in underlying workforce conditions. Annual revisions (to be published in March 2015) will eliminate those directional patterns. A comparison of preliminary and annually revised unemployment rate is available at http://cwri.blogspot.com/2014/03/workforce-data-revisions-part-1.html. 2. Nonfarm payroll jobs estimates tend to be volatile from month to month. Estimates for the period from October 2013 to September 2014 will be replaced with actual payroll data in March 2015. The job count is likely to show less volatility than preliminary estimates.

University of New England to Inaugurate New Morocco Campus; Governor LePage to Attend, Explore Trade Opportunities for State of Maine 

AUGUSTA – Less than two years after entering into a formal agreement with the American School of Tangier, the University of New England will inaugurate its newest campus in Tangier, Morocco, on April 22 – the only American higher education institution in this thriving North African country.

UNE President Danielle Ripich, Ph.D. hails the new campus, stating it is “reflective of UNE’s commitment to advance the internationalization of higher education, create truly global citizens, and open new windows of opportunity not only for UNE students, but also the entire state of Maine.”

The university has invited dignitaries and representatives from Morocco, the city of Tangier, UNE’s global education partners, and the state of Maine.  Recently appointed US Ambassador to Morocco Dwight L. Bush, Sr., is also expected to attend.  Among Maine’s expected attendees are Governor Paul LePage and Senior Education Policy Advisor Tom Desjardins.  The UNE delegation includes Pres. Ripich, Provost Jim Koelbl, Vice President of Global Affairs Anouar Majid, Ph.D., and officers of the Board of Trustees.

UNE welcomed its first 23 students to the Tangier campus on January 10^th, 2014. The students’ inaugural semester balances language and cultural enrichment courses with laboratory sciences that enable them to stay on track in their academic majors.  Faculty members include UNE and Moroccan scholars who teach physics and chemistry, as well as basic Arabic and courses about Moroccan history and society. 

The UNE students received Global Education scholarships funded by donor Josephine “Dodie” Detmer, which paid for their round-trip airfare to the new campus. They have quickly immersed themselves in the culture and are actively exploring the region through trips to European and Moroccan cities like Budapest, Amsterdam, Rome, Brussels, Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Casablanca, Fez and Marrakesh. 

Tangier is experiencing extraordinary economic growth and cultural development.  Its bustling deep-water TangerMed cargo port is an active commerce and trade center located directly on the Strait of Gibraltar, at the crossing of two major maritime routes. It is one of the largest ports on the Mediterranean Sea, connecting North Africa with the global import/export market.

“As one of the most important free trade zones in the world, Morocco has aggressively developed its infrastructure to become a gateway to North Africa and the European Union,” says Governor LePage. “There are excellent opportunities for Maine companies to expand foreign investment in our state. To keep creating jobs here at home, we are doing everything we can to reach new customers for Maine-made products abroad.  I applaud President Ripich and her team for advancing higher education to the new Moroccan campus, which creates an educational partnership that will expand educational opportunities for UNE students and provide a Maine presence in the global trade economy.”

 UNE’s Majid, a native of Tangier, says, “Tangier has instituted numerous infrastructure and economic improvements in recent years.  Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has just launched major economic and social projects aiming at making the historic city the most dynamic metropolis in the southern shore of the Mediterranean within five years. UNE couldn’t have chosen a better location to build its first campus overseas.”

MAINEBIZ ANNOUNCES THE 2014 BUSINESS LEADERS OF THE YEAR

 

Congratulations to the 2014 Mainebiz Business Leaders of the Year: small company business leader, Peter Rinck, CEO of Rinck Advertising; large company business leader; Royce Cross, president and CEO of Cross Insurance; and nonprofit business leader; Patricia Quinn, executive director of the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority.

After a nomination period, research and vetting, Mainebiz selected three outstanding chief executives who have led their organizations to record revenues and recognition. From sectors as diverse as insurance, advertising and mass transit, the 2014 business leaders share personal attributes of vision, drive and perseverance.

 

“The 2014 Mainebiz Business Leaders of the Year are impressive on many fronts,” said Mainebiz Editor Carol Coultas. “But what particularly impresses me is the creative approach each honoree uses to succeed in their respective industries. They are all accomplished leaders yet each is an outlier, someone who challenges conventional wisdom and the status quo. I find that inspiring.” 

 

The Mainebiz Business Leaders of the Year will be celebrated at a special reception on May 8th from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Portland Country Club in Falmouth. Tickets are $45. The Business Leaders of the Year recognition program is sponsored by Northeast Delta Dental, People’s United Bank, Pro Search Inc. and Verrill Dana LLP. For more information or to register, visit www.mainebiz.biz/bloy2014.

 

To view the 2014 Business Leaders of the Year profiles, please visit, http://ow.ly/v06sJ

 

Mainebiz is Maine’s premier business news source, covering business news from Fort Kent to Kittery. With its website (mainebiz.biz), Daily Report and new Real Estate Insider via email, as well as its flagship print publication, Mainebiz continues to expand its reach, bringing vital news to Maine’s business community through varied media.

 

Questions about sponsorship, or about attending this or other Mainebiz events? Contact Rebekah Roy, marketing & events manager at rroy@mainebiz.biz or 207-761-8379 ext.341.

 

Health Network Staff Presented with EPIC Awards

First four recipients announced

Farmington¾

 

The first four recipients of the EPIC awards established by the Franklin Community Health Network (FCHN) Spirit Committee have been announced. They include: Diane Daggett, Environmental Services; Beth Giberson, ICU; Roger Wells, Security; and Marsha James, Farmington Family Practice.

 

Joseph Bujold, board chair, and Joline Hart, vice president human resources, presented each recipient with a trophy and monetary gift at the March 25 FCHN board meeting. Each also has a designated parking spot of his choice for the next three months. According to Hart, “The EPIC awards were developed as a way to recognize employees who demonstrate on a daily basis their commitment to FCHN’s values of Excellence, Pride, Innovation and Caring.”

 

Daggett’s nomination cited Diane as being “extremely hard working, reliable, and exceptional every day. She not only performs the required tasks of her job with excellence, but goes above and beyond to reach out and touch those around her, offering support, and a caring ear to patients and staff alike.”

 

Giberson’s nomination described an “endearing kindness to patients that goes above and beyond the normal routines that one would expect from a nurse. For example, one lunch break Beth went shopping with her own money to buy gifts for an elderly patient who was being discharged that day to an extended care facility. Beth purchased and even gift wrapped the personal items and clothing she would need.”

 

Well’s nomination described an individual “who wears many hats and warmly greets everyone. If you ask Roger anytime, “How’s it going?” His reply is always ‘fantastic!’ One blustery snowy morning Roger was found outside brushing the snow off the cars of staff members who were just getting off their shift.”

James’ nomination said “Whether it is the extra time to listen to someone’s concerns, the time to comfort and console a person going through a difficult time, or a gentle touch to calm a frightened or worried patient, Marsha instills in others the ability to draw upon their own inner strength and resilience.”

 

Additional nominations were received for: Cindy Sweetser, Environmental Services; Diane Staples, Radiology; Vickie Adams, Cardiopulmonary; Courtney Ryder, Med/Surg: Katrina Tozier, Martha B. Webber Breast Care Center; Maria Watson, Med/Surg; Heidi Hilton, Cardiopulmonary; and Ruth Nile, Sleep Lab. All nominees received a certificate and a copy of their nomination form.

 

Nominations for review and selection of the EPIC awards will take place on a quarterly basis according to Hart.

Courses offered in Augusta, Bangor, Lubec, Presque Isle and Portland

AUGUSTAundefinedThe Maine Department of Labor’s SafetyWorks! training and safety consultation program announces free training courses for April.

"As we get ready to do more work outdoors and construction projects pick up speed, we encourage businesses to make sure that their safety training is up to date so we can hit the road running," said Governor Paul R. LePage.

All courses are held in the Central Maine Commerce Center at 45 Commerce Drive in Augusta unless otherwise noted. To register, call (207) 623-7900 or register online at http://www.safetyworksmaine.com . Businesses with several employees requiring the same training course should contact SafetyWorks! to ask about the free onsite training program.

Hazard Communication/Global Harmonization - April 1, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m, Portland GHS stands for "Global Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals". GHS is a system that defines and classifies the hazards of chemical product and communicates health and safety information on labels and material safety data sheets (called Safety Data Sheets, or SDSs, in GHS). Come learn what you need to do to prepare for the GHDS and the impact it will have on you and your workers. Course will be held at the Seasons Event and Conference Center, 155 Riverside Street, Portland.

Mine Safety and Health Administration - April 2, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) requires all surface mining (ex: stone crushing, gravel pit, etc.) employees to receive eight-hour annual training. However, site-specific training will also need to be conducted once you return to your respective job sites.

Public Works Safety Series - Two-Day Class, April 3, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and April 4, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
This series is based on the most common types of hazards and injuries occurring in Maine public works departments. The class is intended for public sector employees only.

Ladder Safety - April 7, 8:30 a.m. to 12;30 p.m. Ladders are a major source of injuries and fatalities in the workplace. However, falls can be reduced if people use caution when climbing ladders or when working in places where falls are a potential hazard. This course will show participants how falls from ladders can be prevented through education that includes planning for their use, inspecting the ladder prior to use and using basic ladder safeguards.

Mine Safety and Health Administration - April 8, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Presque Isle
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) requires all surface mining (ex: stone crushing, gravel pit, etc.) employees to receive eight-hour annual training. However, site-specific training will also need to be conducted once you return to your respective job sites. Course will be held at the Presque Isle CareerCenter, 66 Spruce Street, Suite 1.

Laws Governing Workplace Rights - April 9, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Lubec This course is designed for human resource or benefits professionals, accountants, business owners, managers, or payroll supervisors. Labor laws can be complex. This seminar covers wage and hour laws, including minimum wage, overtime, youth employment, severance pay, equal pay, leave requirements (family medical leave, family sick leave, and domestic violence) and break requirements. Also, addresses commonly asked labor related questions. Course will be held at the Lubec Town Office, 40 School Street.

10-Hour Construction Standards Training - 1 1/2 Day Course, April 10, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and April 11, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Portland
This one-and-a-half day course gives basic information on several of the OSHA standards for construction (29 CFR 1926). Attendees who complete the course will receive an OSHA 10-hour course completion card for construction. Class runs from 8:30-4:30 on day one and 8:30-12:30 on day two. OTI charges $5 per card. Course will be held at the Seasons Event and Conference Center, 155 Riverside Street, Portland.

Personal Protective Equipment Assessment - April 15, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
This course is designed to assist you in developing a PPE standard and how to organize your PPE needs. Employers must conduct a hazard assessment before requiring employees to use PPE. The assessment provides information needed to select the appropriate PPE for the hazards at the workplace. Learn how to conduct a hazard assessment in this hands-on class.

Lockout/Tagout Procedures - April 16, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
This training session covers the OSHA requirements and procedures to be used in the Lockout/Tagout process to ensure safety and protection during repair and maintenance of equipment.

Mine Safety and Health Administration - April 16, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Bangor
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) requires all surface mining (ex: stone crushing, gravel pit, etc.) employees to receive eight-hour annual training. However, site-specific training will also need to be conducted once you return to your respective job sites. Course will be held at the Bangor CareerCenter, 45 Oak Street.

Welding/Compressed Gases - April 17, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
This class will include storage and proper use of compressed gas. Proper inspection techniques of hoses, torches, and regulators will be demonstrated.

OSHA Recordkeeping: April 18, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
This class provides thorough and comprehensive six-hour training for both new and experienced safety and human resources personnel. You will learn the OSHA rule (29 CFR 1904) regarding recording and reporting work-related injuries and illnesses as it applies to your organization. This class includes several hands-on activities on how to correctly fill out the required injury reporting forms.

Accident Investigation/Injury Analysis: April 29, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
When work doesn't go as planned, accidents and near-misses happen. Investigating these incidents can prevent similar or even more serious problems from happening. Learn how to conduct a thorough accident/incident investigation and how to use your results to prevent future accidents.

Mine Safety and Health Administration: New Miner - April 30, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This course covers eight hours of classroom training under the part 46 training requirements per the Mine Safety and Health Administration for all new miners. This is only a portion of the New Minor Training requirements; the balance of the training must be completed by the employer.

SafetyWorks! is not OSHA and cannot issue fines or citations to private businesses. While SafetyWorks! helps businesses of any size, priority is given to small businesses. The program trains about 8,000 people and consults at nearly 1,000 worksites in Maine each year. Employers interested in learning more about the consulting and training services offered by SafetyWorks! should call 1-877-SAFE 345 (1-877-723-3345) or visit http://www.safetyworksmaine.com .

Statement of Governor LePage on Welfare Reform Bills

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage released a statement today about the party-line votes to kill his welfare reform bills, which would have required applicants to look for work and would have prevented fraud and abuse of cash benefits from EBT cards.

“It is incomprehensible that Democrats on the Health and Human Services Committee would vote to reject these common-sense proposals,” said Governor LePage. “I am the first one in line to help someone in need, but I don’t want to be taken advantage of and neither do hard-working Mainers. These liberal politicians would rather see welfare cash benefits, which are provided by struggling Maine taxpayers, go out of state than to keep that money in Maine.”

“They prefer to automatically hand out welfare benefits to anyone who applies, instead of simply asking them to look for work first. This is outrageous. Mainers don’t mind providing a hand up, but they expect applicants to try to get a job before asking the taxpayers for welfare.”

The Health and Human Services Committee voted strictly along party lines, on both LD 1815 and LD 1820, 7-5.

Later today, the Committee is expected to consider two more of the Governor's welfare reform bills, LD 1822, which would prohibit the use of welfare funds on tobacco, liquor, gambling, and bail; and LD 1842, which would eliminate exceptions to the federal work search requirement for TANF recipients. Both bills are expected to be voted on late Wednesday.

Are you one of the Best Places to Work in Maine?

This Employee Engagement program will help you find out!

 

Sign up today for the 9th annual "Best Places to Work in Maine" program! This employee engagement program will assess what your employees really think about your company culture and benefits. Any company with at least 15 employees in the state of Maine is encouraged to participate. Companies selected as a " Best Place to Work in Maine " will get a chance to celebrate their success and be announced at a gala event in the fall of 2014.  A complete list of top companies will be featured in a statewide publication put out by Mainebiz. 

 

Interested companies can apply to participate in the program online at www.bestplacestoworkme.com. The deadline for registration is May 23rd, 2014, and all registered companies will be surveyed simultaneously following the deadline date.

There is a fee to participate in the "Best Places to Work in Maine " program that helps cover the costs of producing the comprehensive Employee Feedback Report so you can analyze how you did in the employee survey.

 

Check out what past participants are saying about the "Best Places to Work in Maine" program.

 

"Putney was thrilled to earn the number one Best Places to Work Award in 2013.  Our rapid growth requires continual development of the skills, communication and leadership competencies of our team and that we recruit similarly high caliber people who will enrich our culture and capabilities.  The award has helped us attract good quality, motivated candidates as we create new positions and recognizes that we are succeeding on key dimensions that will underpin our growth from start up to a $100 million+ business -- our team and workplace culture."

Sally Amirault

Senior Director, Talent & HR

 

"Being recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Maine has been a terrific boost to our recruitment efforts, and is often one of the first things potential candidates reference when we meet with them for the first time. It has undoubtedly helped to expand the pool of potential candidates we attract, which in turn helps us maintain the quality of our team here at Portland Webworks".

Tom Lovering, Director of Business Development

 

The program is put on by the Maine State Council of the Society for Human Resources Management and is endorsed by, Best Companies Group, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, The Maine Department of Labor, The Department of Economic and Community Development, Maine HR Convention and Mainebiz

 

It’s Time for Real Welfare Reform

It’s time somebody looks out for the hardworking Mainers who pay for welfare programs. Simply put, it’s time for real welfare reform.

Hello, this is Governor Paul LePage.

Welfare benefits are supposed to help families, children and our most vulnerable Mainers. When liberal politicians refuse to do anything about wasteful spending on welfare, they are taking advantage of Maine taxpayers.

When we go after welfare waste and abuse, liberals claim we are conducting a “war on the poor.”  This is outrageous. Until they have walked in my shoes, they have not earned the right to accuse me of waging war on poor people.

I was born into poverty, and I don’t want anyone to have to live that way. But I will not tolerate one dollar of waste and abuse in our welfare system. Every dollar that goes to liquor, cigarettes or lottery tickets is a dollar that is not going to a needy child.

Our Administration has released information showing thousands of transactions abusing taxpayer-funded welfare benefits on EBT cards. These are not anecdotal. That’s why we have submitted four bills to crack down on welfare fraud.

If someone wants to buy alcohol, tobacco, lottery tickets or pay for bail, that's their business. But if you pay for them with an EBT card funded by taxpayers, that's our business. 

One bill would prohibit the use of EBT benefits for buying alcohol, tobacco, lottery tickets or paying for bail.

Some people move out of state for months at a time, but keep using Maine EBT cards. Another bill would restrict the use of Maine EBT cards to Maine.

A third welfare reform bill is necessary to make Maine law comply with the federal government. Maine allows far too many exemptions that excuse welfare recipients from work. Even the federal government has found Maine too lenient. Now we are facing fines for violating federal rules. Our bill will repeal those exemptions.

Our fourth bill emphasizes the importance of looking for work before asking the taxpayers for welfare benefits. This common-sense bill originally came from House Republican Ken Fredette, but legislative leadership rejected it.

It’s also a federal requirement, and Maine is being fined for not adhering to the rules.

This bill sends a clear message. The quicker welfare applicants find work, the quicker they can become self-reliant and move out of poverty.

Our goal is to transition Mainers from welfare to work so they can succeed and prosper. I know it works because many of us have done it.

I want to be clear: I am not opposed to providing welfare benefits to those who are truly needy. Some people are incapable of working. Some have physical or intellectual disabilities, and some are elderly. Some families fall on hard times and need assistance.

There are many good reasons why some Mainers need a hand up. But there is no reason welfare should be a way of life.

If you suspect some of abusing the system, please call the welfare fraud hotline at 1-866-348-1129.

Thank you.