Media Advisory: Governor to Address 2014 Conference on Tourism 

AUGUSTA – On Wednesday, Governor Paul R. LePage will join staff from the Department of Economic and Community Development’s Office of Tourism and more than 400 members of the tourism industry at the annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Bangor.

The Conference theme is “The Next Five Years: Today’s Strategy for Tomorrow’s Success” and includes the unveiling of the Tourism Office’s 5-year marketing strategy. At 8:45 a.m., Governor LePage will deliver remarks.

Keynote speaker Mark Orwoll, international editor of Travel +Leisure and executive editor/international of American Express Publishing/Time Inc. is addressing “Marketing Maine in the New World of Travel,” followed by management consultant/author Dr. Trish Gorman discussing “Unlocking New Sources of Growth.”

The conference also includes a panel discussion on “Sharing Your Story in a Changing Digital Landscape” and trade show and networking opportunities for Maine’s tourism professionals. Attendees include lodging property owners/managers, hotel staff, transportation executives, chamber of commerce executives, and regional tourism organizations.

WHEN: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM, Wednesday, March 19

WHERE: Cross Insurance Center, 515 Main St, Bangor

For more information: http://www.mainetourismconference.com

State Labor Commissioner Jeanne Paquette released January workforce estimates for Maine.

Seasonally Adjusted Statewide Data

Highlights: Maine continued to have a lower unemployment rate and higher share of employed population than national and New England averages. Over the last year, job growth occurred primarily in the following sectors: professional and business services, leisure and hospitality, finance and insurance and retail trade.

Workforce estimates, including unemployment and payroll jobs data, have been revised for prior years. Information about unemployment revisions is available here.

Survey of Households  - The preliminary seasonally adjusted unemployment rate estimate for Maine was 6.2 percent in January, down from a revised 6.4 percent in December and 7.0 percent one year ago. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated 43,900 were unemployed, down 5,600 over the year.

The share of the population that is employed continued to outpace the national average–61.2 percent for Maine and 58.8 percent for the nation. January was the 76th consecutive month the employment to population ratio exceeded the national average.

Labor force and unemployment data is available here.

The U.S. unemployment rate estimate was 6.7 percent, little changed from 6.6 percent in December and down from 7.7 percent one year ago. The New England estimate was 6.7 percent. Rates for other states were 4.9 percent in New Hampshire, 4.0 percent in Vermont, 6.8 percent in Massachusetts, 9.2 percent in Rhode Island, and 7.2 percent in Connecticut.

Survey of Employer Payrolls – The preliminary estimate of nonfarm payroll jobs was 605,500 in January, up 6,500 from one year ago according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The number of private sector jobs has gradually trended higher since 2010, while jobs in federal, state, and local government have declined. Over the last year job growth was strongest in professional and business services, leisure and hospitality, finance and insurance and retail trade.

Nonfarm payroll jobs data is available here.

Not Seasonally Adjusted Substate Data

The not seasonally adjusted statewide unemployment rate was 6.9 percent in January, down from 8.2 percent one year ago. Not seasonally adjusted rates ranged from 5.0 percent in Cumberland County to 11.2 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 (5.4 percent), Bangor (6.3 percent) and Lewiston-Auburn (6.1 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.

February estimates will be released Friday, March 28 (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.

NEWS RELEASE

United Way of the Tri-Valley Area continues to move mountains

with its community support.

$151,000 just allocated to 21 programs serving Greater Franklin County.

The United Way of the Tri-Valley Area is pleased to announce that it has recently completed its annual allocation process, funding 19 Community Partners and 21 programs. This annual process involves dedicated community members reviewing applications from non-profit 501©3 human service organizations and then spending time interviewing the applicants over a two week period. This year, Lillian Lake, chaired the process. She was joined by Lorraine Pratt, Julie Libby, Mary Frank, Larissa Larrabee, Dennis O'Neil, Lisa Laflin, Ken Lust, Erin Arthers, Dr. Mike Rowland, Vickie Gammon, Brenda Clark, Tammy Hutchinson, Lesa Rose, Ray Glass, Dee Webber, and Luke Kellett. $151,000 was allocated this year to a wide range of organizations improving people’s lives in Greater Franklin County. A complete list is below.

Applicants share compelling stories throughout the process. Here is one from Safe Voices. Names have been changed to protect confidentiality:

“Making a change can be hard, even more so when faced with changing almost everything about one’s life.  This is the place Amy found herself a few short months ago.  Amy had been in an abusive relationship and found her life turned upside down.  After her partner and father to her 4 month old baby assaulted her once again she knew she was facing an uphill battle.  With no support from family or friends she had to start making some really hard decisions about her safety and the safety of her two children.  Without knowing what resources and help were available she felt like she was floundering.  After the involvement of DHHS/child protective services she had finally been given Safe Voices contact information and decided to reach out.  She had temporarily lost custody of her children and was unsure what direction to turn.  After speaking with the local advocate Amy finally felt like she had a plan.  She began to come to our weekly support group gaining knowledge about domestic violence and processing what she had experienced. Along with the help of the advocate, she filed for and was granted a temporary then final protection from abuse order from the Farmington District Court.  Currently, her abuser is in jail awaiting trial and with the help of the Safe Voices advocate Amy is working with child protective services to reunify with her children. 

When talking with the advocate Amy expressed that she wished she had reached out sooner, she had felt so alone and helpless in the beginning.  “Now,” she said, “I feel like I can do this.”  So much of Safe Voices service revolves around just being there for someone who may have no one else, someone who may not feel like they deserve to be happy and live free from abuse.  When someone comes to us for help we strive to make a plan that fits their needs, capitalizing on their strengths and natural supports.  We connect them with resources and provide ongoing encouragement as they make hard decisions and are faced with endless challenges. 

Our partnership with local community resources such as the United Way of the Tri-Valley area make this a possibility.  We are fortunate to have an organization such as the United Way at the helm of our community making the work we do and the work of so many other organizations a reality.  They provide support, resources and critical funding to our organization.  Without them, we would not be able to provide the services we provide and effect change within our communities.” 

The United Way is able to make significant community investments because of the generosity of individuals, small businesses, corporations, and funders. You are invited to celebrate the extraordinary results of ordinary people at the United Way’s Campaign Celebration and Annual meeting on Wednesday, March 19 from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m at the Homestead Kitchen, Bar, & Bakery. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. Cost is $15. Please RSVP to volunteer@uwtva.org.

       

United Way 2014 Community Partners

INCREASING INDEPENDENCE AND FINANCIAL STABILITY

LEAP, Inc.

313 Farmington Falls Rd., Farmington, ME 04938. www.leapcommunity.org

The DREAM program. Family respite and community integration for adults with developmental and cognitive disabilities.

 

Literacy Volunteers serving Franklin & Somerset Counties

108 Fairbanks Rd., Farmington, ME 04938. www.literacyvolunteers.org.

Reading instruction to adults on a one-on-one confidential basis. Programs are also offered in family literacy and teen tutoring.

 

Rural Community Action Ministry

81 Church Hill Rd., Leeds, ME 04263.Contact: Gil Ward, (207) 524-5095. www.rcam.net.

Housing and homelessness programs including housing rehabilitation, shelter, and financial and technical assistance.

 

Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Services  

PO Box 349, Farmington, ME 04938. www.savesrapecrisis.org.

School-based sexual assault crisis intervention, prevention, and support services.

 

SeniorsPlus

   8 Falcon Rd., Lewiston, ME 04240. www.seniorsplus.org.

   Meals on Wheels Nutrition program for Greater Franklin County, which ensures older, isolated adults receive regular nutrition and social interaction.

 

United Methodist Economic Ministry

  1458 Salem Rd., Salem Township, ME 04983.

Outreach and assistance with basic needs, including housing repairs, food, clothing, and fuel in northern Franklin County.

 

Western Maine Transportation Services, Inc.

76 Merrow Rd., Auburn, ME 04210. www.wmtsbus.org

Community Rides Program which allows WMTS to provide public transportation in Greater Franklin County to those who otherwise would not be able to access medical and other critical services.   

 

Women, Work and Community

108 Perham St., Farmington, ME 04938. womenworkandcommunity.org

 Matched savings program for emergencies.

 

Work First, Inc.

PO Box 86, Farmington, ME 04938. www.workfirstinc.org.

Meaningful work experiences for adults with developmental disabilities. This increases independence and improves quality of life.

 

RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES AND MEETING BASIC HUMAN NEEDS

Farmington Area Ecumenical Ministry (FAEM) - Care and Share Food Closet

    227 Main St., Farmington, ME 04938.  www.faemchurches.org

Emergency food assistance to residents of Farmington and surrounding towns..

 

Farmington Area Ecumenical Ministry (FAEM) - ECU HEAT

    PO Box 147, Farmington, ME 04938. www.faemchurches.org

Emergency heating assistance for any Franklin County resident unable to afford fuel, after all resources have been exhausted.

 

Safe Voices

PO Box 713, Auburn, ME 04212. www.safevoices.org.

Franklin County outreach, emergency services, and community education for victims of domestic violence, including court advocacy, support groups, children’s and youth services, and emergency shelter.  

 

United Valley American Red Cross

1180 Lisbon St., Lewiston, ME 04240.www.maineredcross.org.

Area disaster aid and relief services including, food, clothing and shelter to victims of fire and other disasters.

 

STRENGTHENING FAMILIES AND CHILDREN

 

Community Concepts, Inc.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Program

    240 Bates Street., Lewiston, ME 04240. www.community-concepts.org

School and community-based mentoring  program in Greater Franklin County.

 

Franklin County Children’s Task Force   

113 Church St., Farmington, ME 04938. www.fcctf.org.

Community education efforts that prevent child abuse and neglect, including the ‘Baby Think it Over’ and ‘Nurturing Fathers’ programs. Programs are offered to adults and students alike throughout Greater Franklin County.

 

IMPROVING HEALTH

 

Community Dental

366 US Route One, Falmouth, ME 04105 www.communitydentalme.org.

Dental services, dental health education and emergency care to children and adults who otherwise could not afford them.

 

Healthy Community Coalition

105 Mt. Blue Circle, Ste.1, Farmington, ME 04938. www.fchn.org/hcc.

Mobile Health Unit outreach program which provides free health screenings, information and education to northern Franklin County area residents and nutrition education program that promotes healthy eating by growing food locally.

 

Tri-County Mental Health Services, Inc.

PO Box 2008, Lewiston, ME 04241. www.tcmhs.org.

Access to mental health services for low-income individuals and families; and support for veterans’ mental health services.

Western Maine Community Action

PO Box 200, E. Wilton, ME 04234. www.wmca.org.

Emergency heating assistance administration for Greater Franklin County.

 

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Photo(s) Caption:  The United Way of the Tri-Valley Area recently allocated $151,000 to area non-profits ranging from improving access to dental care by supporting the Patient Assistance Program at Community Dental, to the Care and Share Food Closet. Help celebrate these community investments and learn more about the United Way  at its Annual  Campaign Celebration and Annual meeting Wednesday, March 19 from 4:30 – 6:30 pm at the Homestead Kitchen, Bar & Bakery. RSVP to volunteer@uwtva.org.

Hospital to Host Summer Health Careers Exploration Camp

The camp is open to all students who will be entering grades 7-12

 

Farmington, Maine¾

Registrations are now being accepted for Summer Scrub Club Camp taking place June 23–26 from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at Franklin Memorial Hospital. The camp is designed to introduce participants to a wide variety of careers available in health care and is open to all students who will be entering grades 8-12.

A sampling of careers explored include: physical therapy and sports medicine, nursing, pharmacy, orthopedics, medical lab science, mental health counseling, and emergency medical services.

Campers will have the opportunity to participate in unique hands-on activities and demonstrations such as casting, suturing, lab analysis, and emergency response to a mock accident. All campers will receive certification in American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR.

Online registration is now available at http://www.fchn.org/registration/summer-scrub-club

For more information, please contact Devon Frechette in the Education Department at 779 - 2451 or e-mail, dfrechette@fchn.org

This program is sponsored by Franklin Memorial Hospital and the Western Maine Area Health Education Center (AHEC), a member of the Maine AHEC Network, which is supported by a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration.

 

Health Information Professionals Week Focuses on “Transforming Health care with Information.”

HIP Week Set for March 16-22, 2014

 

Farmington-The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) honors and celebrates health information professionals during the 25^th annual Health Information Professionals (HIP) Week, March 16-22. This year’s theme is “Transforming Healthcare with Information.”

 

“The work health information management (HIM) professionals do to ensure the integrity of health information is imperative to clinical and administrative decision making. Access to accurate information helps all of us make important decisions and leads to a healthy society,” said Heather Chartier, director of health information management at Franklin Memorial Hospital (FMH). Health Information Professionals Week spotlights the important role HIM professionals play in our health care system.”

 

As the focus in health care shifts from the ability to collect data to using information effectively, health care organizations will continue to depend on HIM professionals as leaders in this area. With their expertise in management of information, as well as data integrity and analytics, health information professionals are well positioned to move the health care industry into a transformed future.

 

The HIM professionals at Franklin Memorial Hospital want to inform patients that they have the right to inspect, review, and receive a copy of their medical records. There are three ways to request Franklin Memorial Hospital (FMH) medical records: in person, by fax, or by mail. To request medical records in person, print and complete the Authorization to Receive Protected Health Information Form found at www.fchn.org, under Services and Programs, then choose the link for Health Information Management (HIM). Return the form to the HIM department (medical records) release of information office, located on the ground floor of the Franklin Health Medical Arts Center in the hospital campus, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  A valid photo ID must be presented when picking up records.

 

To request medical records by fax or mail, print the Authorization to Receive Protected Health Information Form. Fax the completed form to the HIM department at (207) 779-2629, or mail the completed form to Franklin Memorial Hospital, Attn: HIM (medical records), 111 Franklin Health Commons, Farmington, ME 04938. Be sure to supply the address where the records are to be mailed or the secure fax number. Records will be mailed to you within 5-10 business days to allow time for processing.

 

For additional information pertaining to the release of medical records, please contact FMH’s release of information specialist at (207) 779-2330.

 

For patients with a Franklin Health primary care physician, there is a patient portal available. A patient portal is a secure online Web site that gives patients convenient 24-hour access to personal health information from anywhere with an Internet connection. Using a secure user name and password, patients can view their test results, office visit summaries, medication list, and request prescription refills and appointments. To obtain access to the portal contact your physician practice for information.

Center for Workforce Research and Information Launches Blog

For Immediate Release: March 12, 2014 Contact: Julie Rabinowitz, Maine Department of Labor, 207-621-5009 Economists will provide context for workforce conditions and trends AUGUSTAundefinedThe Center for Workforce Research and Information (CWRI) of the Maine Department of Labor has launched a non-partisan blog on Maine’s economy. Economists will use it to provide context for workforce conditions and trends. The blog is available at www.maine.gov/labor/cwri/blog.html. “Understanding both the changing nature of our economy and what forces are at play is essential to moving Maine forward,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “Education, knowledge and skill demands are changing rapidly as technology affects how we work. Aging is impacting workforce growth.” “Business leaders, policymakers and job seekers must examine these trends to make informed decisions. Economic data sometimes provides conflicting signals about growth. Our analysts provide some clarity and context to the changing dynamics for those who want to use this information,” the Governor added. The initial posts include profiles of Who Is Not Participating in the Labor Force? and Union Membership in 2013 as well as a short excerpt of a national study on  The Rising Cost of Not Going to College and a look at recently published annual unemployment-rate revisions for Maine. CWRI develops and disseminates information on employment, unemployment and wages; analyzes outcomes of education and training programs to guide decision-making; and develops industry and occupational employment forecasts designed to guide career planning and curriculum development. They work with a wide range of customers to provide context to the dynamics of the economy and the implications those have for workforce development. CWRI publishes a variety of data on Maine’s economy, workforce and demographics at www.maine.gov/labor/cwri.

Governor LePage Thanks Dept. of Corrections Commissioner Joseph Ponte 

AUGUSTAundefined Governor Paul R. LePage has issued a statement about the departure of Department of Corrections Commissioner Joseph Ponte, who has accepted a position as Commissioner of New York City’s Department of Correction. Commissioner Ponte informed the Governor last week that he would be taking the job in New York.

“Commissioner Ponte has done an excellent job for the State of Maine,” said Governor LePage. “He has a long career in corrections, and his work around the country earned him a national reputation for reforming prisons. He found efficiencies within the Maine corrections system and reduced expenses without sacrificing operations or safety at the prisons.

“During his tenure in Maine, Commissioner Ponte reduced the use of solitary confinement, created an intensive mental health unit and prioritized the probation system to better manage high-risk offenders. He will be difficult to replace, but we wish him well in his new position.”

Governor: Solar and Wind Energy Will Not Help Mainers Heat Their Homes 

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage released the following statement on today’s Ought to Pass report on LD 1252, "An Act To Improve Maine's Economy and Energy Security with Solar and Wind Energy," from the Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology:

“Mainers are already struggling with high heating oil prices and a cold winter. Now, with the recent announcement by the PUC, they will soon be incurring more than a 10 percent increase in electricity prices. You would think that this situation would lead Augusta to help Mainers address their heating costs and promote cost-effective technologies, such as efficiency or heat pumps.

“Instead, liberal politicians in the Legislature have been entirely focused on imposing a new fee to provide a rebate for something that Efficiency Maine Trust has determined does not meet their cost-effectiveness test. This is an old, regressive policy that will take $1 million from hardworking families and give it to the very few who can afford solar. It is exactly the wrong way to develop a long-term policy for solar. It will not help the average household struggling with energy costs. This is not the way to move our economy forward.”    

More Background: The Governor’s Energy Director, Patrick Woodcock testified in opposition of the bill. His testimony is here: http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/getTestimonyDoc.asp?id=9211 .

Governor LePage Announces $120 Million Investment, New Jobs in Washington County 

New tissue machines, 80 new jobs at Baileyville mill

AUGUSTAundefined Governor Paul R. LePage announced today International Grand Investment Corporation will invest $120 million to install two new tissue machines at the new St. Croix Tissue in Baileyville.

The new machines will lead to the creation of up to 80 new jobs, along with another 200 to 300 indirect jobs.

“This is a major investment in the paper industry, the kind that has not been seen in Maine for decades,” said Governor LePage. “This is tremendous news for our neighbors Down East, providing them new opportunities for good-paying, full-time jobs in a growing industry. The tissue market is strong, and the investment by IGIC will stabilize the future of the mill.”

The pulp for the new tissue machines will come from the Woodland Pulp Mill.

The first machine will be operational in the fourth quarter of 2015. The second machine will be operational in the first quarter of 2016.

The new investment is the result of more than two years’ worth of discussions, planning and negotiations between IGIC and the LePage Administration. Governor LePage met the owners of IGIC in China during a trade mission in 2012.

“I’d like to thank A.K. Agarwal, CEO of International Grand Investment Corporation, and Bert Martin, director of Woodland Pulp, for their work in making this investment possible and bringing prosperity to Mainers,” said the Governor. “Government does not create jobs, but it can create an environment where businesses can thrive. As I often say, investment capital goes where it is welcome and stays where it is appreciated. We welcome IGIC to Maine, and we appreciate their business.”

Study Indicates Economic Imperative for Natural Gas Infrastructure to Lower Maine’s High Electricity Prices

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AUGUSTA – The Governor’s Energy Office, the Public Utilities Commission, and the Office of Public Advocate released a study today confirming the urgent need for additional natural gas pipeline capacity into New England, in order to lower Maine’s, and the region’s, escalating electricity prices.

“A Review of Natural Gas Capacity Options” was commissioned pursuant to the Omnibus Energy Act passed last year. The omnibus bill directed the Maine PUC to evaluate the costs and benefits of additional natural gas pipeline capacity into New England.  The study’s release is very timely, particularly in light of the extraordinarily high prices for natural gas delivered to New England (including Maine) this winter, prices which continue to drive high electricity prices throughout the region.  Patrick Woodcock, Director of the Governor's Energy Office, commented on the study: “This report highlights the imperative to move forward with basic infrastructure to access the domestic and world-class natural gas supplies in our backyard.  It is critical that we cost-effectively manage New England’s reliance on natural gas by expanding our infrastructure to improve our employers’ competitiveness, reduce the use of petroleum for electricity generation, and finally lower Mainers’ electric bills.” 

In the report, consultant Sussex Economic Advisors describes the dramatic impact that New England’s inadequate pipeline capacity has on electricity prices, and concludes that “incremental natural gas pipeline capacity into the New England region would place downward pressure on the regional natural gas price indices and, therefore, benefit customers who use those price signals in transactions (e.g., electricity generators).”  In particular, the study shows that a reduction of the “basis differential” by 75% (i.e., the price difference between the Marcellus shale, where gas is produced, and gas delivered to New England) would save New England electricity customers more than $1.5 billion a year, and would save Maine electricity customers more than $120 million a year.  The study also observes that, in areas where new pipeline has been built or proposed to alleviate congestion, the projected basis differential has fallen substantially.

Maine PUC chairman Tom Welch provided the following comments regarding the report's conclusions: “The Sussex report shows the regional and Maine-specific cost – in the form of higher electricity prices – of the current shortage of natural gas pipeline capacity into New England, and shows that substantial net savings can be achieved by increasing that capacity.  The report reinforces the need for Maine, and the region, to act quickly to address this vital infrastructure issue.” Maine Public Advocate Timothy Schneider agrees. “The Sussex report shows that the dramatic spikes in New England natural gas and electricity prices we have seen this winter and last will only get worse, and the costs to electricity customers will be enormous, unless the underlying pipeline capacity issues are addressed. The analysis in the report should give renewed urgency to regional efforts to address the problem.”

The Governor’s Energy Office, the Public Advocate, and the Public Utilities Commission continue to work towards reducing the cost of natural gas delivered into New England and Maine, in order to avoid prolonging the current price impacts on electricity.  The Sussex study will help inform those involved in the regional initiative announced by the New England governors in December 2013, and in evaluating actions that Maine might take under the Omnibus Energy Act.

The report may be found on the Maine PUC's home page: http://www.maine.gov/mpuc/