Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. $120 Million Investment Announced, New Jobs in Washington County Governor Paul R. LePage has announced that 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.” Attorney General Announces Settlement to Benefit Mainers Who Purchased Products with ‘DRAM’ Memory Chips The Attorney General announced that consumers can now file claims to recover money due to them as part of a national settlement worth $310 million. The settlement is with all the major manufacturers of Dynamic Random Access Memory computer chips (“DRAM”) for conspiring to fix their prices. Eligible consumers include those who paid more for DRAM or for the many electronic devices that contain DRAM. “I encourage Mainers to take just a few moments to fill out the claim form,” said Attorney General Mills. “In order to ensure that these manufacturers are held accountable for their actions, we need people to speak up. The activities were so widespread and these products were so common, if you bought one of the identified devices, you were likely a victim of the alleged price-fixing. The form is simple and only takes a moment to fill out.” After completing an investigation in 2006, Maine with other states, filed antitrust lawsuits in federal court alleging that Maine’s consumers over-paid for electronic devices containing DRAM for their purchases made from 1998 to 2002. DRAM is a common form of memory chip found in computers and other high technology devices. The settlements, reached in conjunction with class actions, pay individuals and businesses that purchased DRAM or devices containing DRAM in the United States during 1998 to 2002 from someone other than a DRAM manufacturer, such as retailers like Best Buy or Staples. The settlements also require the DRAM manufacturers to implement antitrust compliance programs and enjoin them from certain conduct related to the sale of DRAM that would violate the antitrust laws. To receive money from the settlement, eligible consumers need to submit a claim form by August 1, 2014 with the settlements’ administrator. The amount of money received depends on the type and quantity of electronic devices a claimant has purchased, and the total number of claims made. Individuals who purchased DRAM or products containing DRAM are expected to get a minimum $10 payment and may end up receiving up to the amount of the overpayment they actually made due to the alleged price fixing. To file a claim, visit DRAMclaims or call 1-800-589-1425. Any consumer who purchased one or more of the following between 1998 and 2002 is eligible to make a claim: • Desktop computers • Laptop computers • Computer servers • Computer graphics cards • Printers • Video game consoles • MP3 players • PDAs • DVD players • Digital video recorders. If you purchased other technology devices also containing DRAM memory, you also may be eligible to make a claim. Any payments resulting from the settlement cannot be made until the court has granted final approval to the settlements, including the resolution of any appeals. It is anticipated that final approval will occur within the next two years. Also, if too many or few claims are received, the court may order that the settlement funds be provided to public or non-profit organizations in addition to or instead of consumers who file claims. For more information about the settlements, visit DRAMclaims or call 1-800-589-1425. Federal, State and Nonprofit Partnership that Includes Maine DEP Awards $1.2 Million for Conservation Projects More than $1.2 million will help public and non-profit groups restore and protect high priority wetlands and other natural resources across Maine. The Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program – which is administered by The Nature Conservancy in collaboration with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – announced awards totaling more than $1.2 million to help restore, enhance or preserve wetlands and other important habitats at 12 project sites around the state. The program provides flexibility for both regulators and the regulated community to choose a fee in lieu of more time-intensive traditional mitigation options. These so-called In Lieu Fees are collected by the Maine DEP and then transferred to the Natural Resource Conservation Fund at The Nature Conservancy. “I’m excited that this announcement marks the fifth year that the Maine DEP, The Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have come together and done great things for Maine’s natural and economic environments. By providing in lieu fees as a mitigation option for developers, we are able to support important environmental enhancements in areas susceptible to development,” said Commissioner Patricia Aho of the Maine DEP. “This collaboration between regulators and developers reflects our mission to steward our environment and natural resources and ensure a strong and sustainable economy.” This is the fifth round of awards from the Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program to advance important land and water conservation around the State: In Central Maine, the Atlantic Salmon Federation will use $62,000 toward restoring sea-run alewives and other migratory fish to Souadabscook Stream in the Penobscot River watershed by building a fishway on an impassable town owned dam currently blocking the stream. In the Midcoast, with $107,000, the Damariscotta River Association will purchase 97 acres of a forested tract that connects the Bureau of Public Land’s Dodge Point preserve with the Maine Department of Inland and Fisheries Wildlife Sherman Marsh Wildlife Management Area. This will represent the first significant connection between the Sheepscot and Damariscotta Rivers corridors. In Southern Maine, $136,000 will be used by the Loon Echo Land Trust to purchase and permanently protect approximately 150 acres on the shoreline of Perley Pond and the Northwest River in Sebago. In the Midcoast, the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust will use $199,500 to protect an 86 acre property in Georgetown, which is a valuable and critical parcel to the protection of the Morse Pond area. The property connects 325 acres of other KELT properties and creates a new connection between them and Reid State Park. Other 2013 award recipients include: Great Works Regional Land Trust, Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy, Casco Bay Estuary Partnership, Harpswell Heritage Land Trust, Maine Coast Heritage Trust and the Western Foothills Land Trust. Blaine House Annual Tree Tapping for Maple Sugar Season Governor Paul R. LePage joined Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Walt Whitcomb, Legislators and Maine Maple Producers on the Blaine House lawn for an annual tradition – the tapping of a maple tree. The event coincides with the beginning of maple syrup season and helps promote the industry. This year’s event was buoyed by the results of a new study highlighting the economic impact of Maine’s Maple Industry. “Maine’s maple industry contributes an estimated $27.7 million directly to the Maine economy,” said Governor LePage. “The new study also shows that Maine’s maple industry has an annual statewide economic contribution, including multiplier effects, of an estimated $48.7 million in output, 805 full- and part-time jobs and $25.1 million in labor income. Most importantly, this industry has a huge potential for additional job creation.” Other key findings of the study by University of Maine Professor of Economics Todd Gabe: Maine has the third largest maple industry in the United States. Maine’s maple industry is characterized by a relatively small number of farms accounting for the vast majority of syrup that is produced. Maine’s licensed maple syrup producers have been in operation an average of 24 years, and many of the farms appear to span multiple generations. Maine’s maple industry—which counts the licensed producers, and sales at retail food stores and businesses impacted by Maine Maple Sunday—generates 567 full- and part-time jobs, and $17.3 million in labor income. The study was funded through a partnership between the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, University of Maine, and the Maine Maple Producers Association. Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Walt Whitcomb noted the support that Maine’s maple industry receives from a variety of sources. “Governor LePage, the Legislature and particularly Representative Black (R-Wilton), all recognize the significance of Maine’s rural economy,” said Commissioner Whitcomb. “Today’s tree-tapping event is symbolic of the broad-based support our maple industry receives and demonstrates how Maine can have multiple uses of its natural resources – maple syrup, wood production, recreation and open space.” The Blaine House tapping event also serves as a prelude to Maine Maple Sunday, which is held every year on the fourth Sunday of March. This year, Maine Maple Sunday will celebrate its 31st Anniversary on March 23, with approximately 100 sugarhouses participating throughout Maine. Sugarhouses will be open for visitors to enjoy syrup and candy sampling, demonstrations of making syrup, sugarbush tours, and a variety of other activities. Spring Jobs Fairs Scheduled Around the State Spring is coming, and so are many opportunities to find a new job. The Department of Labor’s network of 12 CareerCenters will be sponsoring or participating in several career fairs. Hundreds of employers will be hiring for both permanent and seasonal positions. Job seekers who need to update their resume or practice their interviewing skills should contact a CareerCenter for free help. To find more information about jobs fairs across the state or to locate the closest CareerCenter and information about job training programs, visit the CareerCenter website, mainecareercenter . Commissioner of Labor Jeanne Paquette stated, “For those who might need training to make a career change or get a dream job, the job fairs and the CareerCenters can help people make those connections.” She added, “People do not have to try to navigate the job search process on their own. In fact, people can visit a CareerCenter at any time to learn about job search strategies, improve computer skills and learn about training and apprenticeship opportunities.” Businesses interested in participating in these events and other free hiring services the department provides, such as Maine’s Job Bank, should contact their local CareerCenter. The following job fairs have been scheduled to date around the state: •Ellsworth: March 20, 9 a.m. to noon at Mill Mall, 248 State Street. Sponsored by Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce, The Jackson Laboratory, Tri-County Workforce Investment Board, Eastern Maine Development Corporation, Bangor CareerCenter and the Maine Department of Labor. •Portland: March 25, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Maine Sunday Telegram/Monster Spring Career Fair at the Italian Heritage Center in Portland. Hosted by Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram. FMI call Kim at (207) 791-6135. •Machias: March 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Lee-Pellon Event Center. Employers, call Dodie at 255-1933 to register, space is limited. Sponsored by the Machias CareerCenter, the Maine Department of Labor and Northern Maine Development Corporation. •Springvale: 4th Annual York County Regional Job Fair, March 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Nasson Community Center, 457 Main Street, Springvale, ME. Sponsored by the York County CareerCenter, the Maine Department of Labor, York County Maine Military Community Network, Sanford Regional Technical Center, York County Community College, Sanford/Springvale Chamber of Commerce and Goodwill Workforce Solutions. •Augusta: April TBA, Augusta Armory Job Fair. Open to Veterans and the general public. •Lewiston/Auburn: 11th Annual Androscoggin County Job Fair, Friday, April 4, 9 a.m. to noon at Central Maine Community College, 1250 Turner Street, Auburn. Employers should register online at androscoggincounty . •Presque Isle: April 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Northeastland Hotel. Sponsored by the Presque Isle CareerCenter, the Maine Department of Labor and Northern Maine Development Corporation. For employer registration information, call the Presque Isle CareerCenter at 760-6300 or 1-800-635-0357. •Calais: April 17, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Washington County Community College Gymnasium. Employers, call Dodie at 255-1933 to register; space is limited. Sponsored by the Calais CareerCenter, the Maine Department of Labor and Northern Maine Development Corporation. •Lincoln: April 24, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mattanawcook Academy, 33 Reed Drive, Lincoln. Employers contact Amanda Woodard at 207-794-3372 for registration information. •Bangor: May TBA. Spring Job Fair. •Pittsfield: May 14, Pittsfield Area Regional Job Fair, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Warsaw Middle School Gym and Cafeteria, 167 School Street. Registration form available atpittsfield.org . Sponsored by the Ken-Som (Kennebec-Somerset) Transition Team and the Town of Pittsfield. •Augusta: June 17, First Annual State of Maine Government and Maine Municipal Government Job Fair for Veterans at the Augusta Armory. Maine Statehood Day March 15 marks Statehood Day, which according to State statute is intended to “commemorate the admission of Maine as a state into the United States of America and the ideals and wisdom of those men and women who have formed Maine’s history and traditions.” The Maine Historical Society provides a number of online resources to support learning and celebrations, among them: An online exhibit, To Separate or Not to Separate, That is the Question, by Candace Kanes. Maine History Online, which provides information and primary sources to trace the events leading up to Maine’s official separation from Massachusetts in 1820 in the 1775-1820 Tension, War & Separation section and a focus on the years after statehood in the 1820-1850 A New State & Prosperity section. In the “Themes” section of Maine History Online, the work of William King (Maine’s first governor) is highlighted under Leaders & Causes. Peopling Maine provides a snapshot of Maine’s people. Finding Katahdin: An Online Exploration of Maine’s Past includes primary sources and lesson plans. Chapter 4, From Revolution to Statehood, includes a collection of primary sources and lesson plans suitable for middle and high school classrooms. Additionally, the Osher Map Library of the University of Southern Maine provides several lesson plans designed for middle school students yet adaptable for elementary and high school students. Lessons are available for download and include such topics as Maine Statehood and Comparing Maps of Maine. The online exhibition, Printed Maps of the District and State of Maine 1793-1860, traces the growth of Maine from the first printed map in 1793 depicting five counties to the formation of 16 in 1860. Maine Community Health Options Need help navigating the new Health Insurance Marketplace? If so, you can visit enroll207. Enroll207 is a project of the Maine Health Access Foundation, the state’s largest health care foundation. The purpose of enroll207 is to connect Mainers to certified assisters who can help review new options for health insurance through the Maine Health Insurance Marketplace. The Maine Marketplace is an online insurance store where policies offered by different companies can be compared side-by-side. You will apply for and buy health insurance coverage through the Healthcare.gov website. If you have questions about your options, use the Find Help tool to find certified assisters in Maine to help you in person or over the phone. Assistance is free and confidential. The Maine Health Access Foundation (MeHAF), is the state’s largest private, nonprofit health care foundation. MeHAF’s mission is to promote access to quality health care, especially for those who are uninsured and underserved, and improve the health of everyone in Maine. Maine’s Bureau of Insurance Approves 7.7% Decrease in Workers’ Compensation Loss Costs, with $15.2 Million in Expected Savings to Help Businesses and Consumers Insurance Superintendent Eric Cioppa announced that the Bureau of Insurance has approved the National Council on Compensation Insurance, Inc.’s (NCCI) 2014 loss cost for Maine, filed earlier this month, which proposed a premium decrease of 7.7%. “This decrease is expected to save Maine businesses and consumers more than $15 million, and result in a cumulative decrease of 52.7% since the 1992 workers’ compensation reform,” Governor Paul R. LePage said. “Maine employers and employees should take credit for the improvement in the workers’ compensation system. There has been a concerted effort to improve safety in the workplace, return injured workers to employment as soon as possible and control medical costs.” Superintendent Cioppa explained that loss costs are based on previous and projected losses and benefit payments. “This significant decrease in loss cost, based on the most recent analysis by NCCI, reflects continued emphasis on safety among Maine employers and employees and will result in lower Workers’ Compensation premiums across all industries.” NCCI is the advisory rating organization for insurance companies that offer workers’ compensation coverage in Maine. NCCI-approved loss costs are available to insurers to reference when filing their workers’ compensation rates with the Bureau of Insurance. Maine currently has a competitive market for workers’ compensation insurance and each insurer sets its own rate level. Insurers may modify the NCCI loss costs and must select their own expense and profit factor in setting rates. The new NCCI rates go into effect for new and renewing policies as of April 1, 2014. Secretary of State Launches Innovative New Service to Combat Corporate Fraud The Maine Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions, a division of the Department of Secretary of State, becomes just the second state agency in the nation to introduce an Online Corporate Fraud Monitoring service. Maine business owners and registered agents have now been provided with the ability to automatically be notified of any filing completed against their business entities. The service has been applauded as an important tool for the business community. The service provides everyone, from a large corporation to the average small business owner, with a chance to be proactive in their fight against individuals who intend to harm others and seek profit by committing fraudulent filings. Users are immediately notified of any new filings, giving them a chance to quickly react to any unauthorized changes and take defensive steps, like freezing credit lines and contacting credit bureaus. Users who sign up for the service will create an online profile that will keep track of the business entities they want monitored. This profile will allow users to review, add, or delete entities from their monitoring account, to review add, delete or edit email addresses on file for notifications, and to view a list of filings or changes completed against the entity/entities over the past one year. A $35 annual charge will be assessed for each entity listed in the profile and customers can conveniently pay using a Visa, MasterCard or Discover debit/credit card or their InforME Subscriber Account. If a new filing is submitted for an entity being monitored through the online service, the customer will receive an email notification immediately letting them know. “There are nearly 80,000 registered entities in the State of Maine,” stated Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap. “While small business owners and corporations may be vigilant in protecting their entities and investments, it can be difficult to always stay alert and informed of outside risks. This will eliminate some of that risk.” The online service was developed at no cost to Maine taxpayers and was created by the Maine Secretary of State, Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions, in partnership with the state’s e-government portal provider, InforME. Corporate Fraud Monitoring adds to the suite of corporate services available through the CEC and Maine.gov, which continues to be the premiere resource for online business information and services. For more information regarding this service, please visit the website at https://www1.maine.gov/online/sos/cfm. Legislative Hearings Listed are a few hearings that may be of interest. For a full listing, please visit the Legislature’s web page at maine.gov/legis/. Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (Cross Building, Room 214): LD 1808 An Act To Protect the Public from Mosquito-borne Diseases- March 18, 2014, 1:00pm Appropriations and Financial Affairs (State House, Room 228) Criminal Justice and Public Safety (State House, Room 436) LD 1814 An Act To Create a Secure, Therapeutic Mental Health Unit- March 17, 2014, 10:00am Education and Cultural Affairs (Cross Building, Room 202) Energy, Utilities and Technology (Cross Building, Room 211) Environment and Natural Resources (Cross Building, Room 216) Health and Human Services (Cross Building, Room 209) Judiciary (State House, Room 438) Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development (Cross Building, Room 208) Marine Resources (Cross Building, Room 206) Taxation (State House, Room 127) Transportation (State House, Room 126) LD 1817 An Act To Amend the Law Concerning the State Cost-share Program for Salt and Sand Storage Facilities- March 18, 2014, 2:00pm Veterans and Legal Affairs (State House, Room 437) Maine State House Maine State House Stay informed by visiting the Maine State Legislatures web page at maine.gov/legis/ Office of Governor Paul R. LePage: (207) 287-3531 maine.gov/governor/lepage/index.shtml Secretary of State: (207) 626-8400 maine.gov/sos/ Office of the Attorney General: (207) 626-8800 maine.gov/ag/ Report Fraud to the Department of DHHS: https://maine.gov/dhhs/fraud/ Contact the Consumer Protection Division: maine.gov/ag/consumer/complaints/ Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles: maine.gov/sos/bmv/index.html Town of Bancroft Schoolhouse Road Bancroft, ME 04497 (207) 456-7542 Town of Crystal 272 Crystal Road Crystal, ME 04747 (207) 463-2770 Town of Dyer Brook 864 Dyer Brook Road Dyer Brook, ME 04747 (207) 757-8302 Glenwood Plantation 361 Main Street PO Box 1010 Houlton, ME 04730 (207) 521-0343 Town of Haynesville 16 Danforth Road Haynesville, ME 04497 (207) 448-2239 Town of Island Falls 68 Houlton Road Island Falls, ME 04747 (207) 463-2246 Town of Linneus 1185 Hodgdon Mills Road Linneus, ME 04730 (207) 532-6182 Town of Ludlow 831 Ludlow Road PO Box 487 Houlton, ME 04730 (207) 532-7743 Macwahoc Plantation 48 Kingman Road Kingman, ME 04451 (207) 765-2581 Town of Merrill 3391 Rte 2 Smyrna, ME 04780 Town of Mount Chase 1094 Shin Pond Road Patten, ME 04765 (207) 528-2225 Town of New Limerick 11 Old Station Road New Limerick, ME 04761 (207) 532-3303 Town of Oakfield School Street PO Box 10 Oakfield, ME 04763 (207) 757-8479 Town of Patten 21 Katahdin Street Patten, ME 04765 (207) 528-2215 Reed Plantation 8 Springer Road PO Box 10 Wytopitlock, ME 04497 (207) 456-7546 Town of Sherman 36 School Street #1 Sherman, ME 04776 (207) 365-4260 Town of Smyrna 3391 Rte 2 PO Box 239 Smyrna Mills, ME 04780 (207) 757-8286 Town of Stacyville 414 Station Road Stacyville, ME 04777 (207) 365-4195 Town of Weston 5 Church Lane Weston, ME 04424 (207) 448-2316
Posted on: Fri, 14 Mar 2014 21:15:56 +0000
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