In Short from Dec. 29, 2008 | A roundup of new hires, promotions, accolades and appointments from Maine's business community

New Hires

Salem Advisory Group, a financial planning firm based Kennebunk, recently hired Warren Berger as director of financial planning services. Berger is president of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Associates for Southern Maine. Also hired were Joyce Stobo as a financial advisor and Faith Gillman as a business development specialist.

Donna Fancy has joined the Camden-based Allen Financial Group as an office administrator. Fancy is a graduate of Husson College, where she received a bachelor’s degree in business administration; she is currently studying accounting at the University of Maine in Augusta.

Care & Comfort, a Waterville-based home health care agency, recently hired Julie Bennett as human resources manager. Bennett is certified by the Human Resources Certification Institute and has 16 years experience in the human resources field.

Margaret Burgess has been hired as associate curator of modern and European art at the Portland Museum of Art. Burgess will oversee the presentation and development of the museum’s collection of 19th- and 20th-century European art, including the Joan Whitney Payson Collection, the Scott M. Black Collection and the Albert Otten Collection.

Melissa Glenn of South Portland has joined North Yarmouth Academy as assistant director of development. Glenn was previously campaign division director at the United Way of the Midlands in Columbia, S.C.

Portland-based Know Technology recently hired Kamron Bonta for the information technology company’s business development team. Her focus is identifying new client relationships and providing customer service.

Lewiston-based Northeast Bank recently hired Lindsay Harris as commercial loan officer and assistant vice president. Based at the bank’s Portland branch, Harris will be responsible for commercial lending and business development in the Greater Portland market. The bank also recently hired Ben Ketchen as commercial loan officer and assistant vice president. Based at the bank’s Brunswick branch, Ketchen will be responsible for commercial lending and business development in the Midcoast market.

Augusta-based Consumers for Affordable Health Care recently hired Jill Conover as a health policy advocate. She will research, analyze, report and communicate on health and related policy matters from the State House and around Maine.

The Maine Civil Liberties Union has hired two members to expand the organization’s work in legislative policy and marriage equality. Recently hired were Alysia Melnick as public policy counsel to work on policy issues and legislative communications, and field organizer Katy Jayne, who will develop educational and organizing strategies in the area of marriage equality to extend civil marriage rights to same-sex couples. 

Portland-based accounting firm Baker Newman Noyes recently hired Robin Cyr as manager in the firm’s tax department, working with the personal financial planning team, and Jacqueline Leclair as a senior consultant in the information technology consulting division.

David Rowbottom has joined Westbrook-based reinsurance provider Disability RMS as director and actuary. Rowbottom holds a bachelor’s in mathematics from the University of Waterloo, Canada, and earned his Fellow of the Society of Actuaries designation in 2007.

Andrew Sturgeon recently joined Old Town-based James W. Sewall Co.’s engineering, surveying and utilities group as director of business development. Formerly president and CEO of Ames Corp., a Bangor-based engineering and architectural firm, Sturgeon has 27 years experience in business and project management; land development permitting and design; unorganized territory regulatory review; and local, state and federal permitting.

The Institute for Civic Leadership in Portland recently hired Stephen Schuit as executive director. Schuit has 15 years experience as principal consultant for The Greenshoe Group, including international leadership development assignments in Asia, Europe, South Asia and the Middle East.

Portland-based Spurwink Services recently hired Sonia Garcia as director of clinical business development. Garcia was previously service line marketing manager with the University of Maryland Medical System.

Oxford Networks recently hired Lyndsay Gammon as customer service receptionist at its Lewiston headquarters.

 Promotions

Michele Martin and Kim Ouellette were recently promoted at KeyBank in Fort Kent. Martin was named manager, and Ouellette was named assistant manager.

Spurwink Services, a nonprofit in Portland, recently promoted the following: Meagan Hall and Charles O’Rourke from generalists to assistant program directors of residential services in Auburn; Susan Magee from special education teacher to associate director of educational services in Casco; and Jason Temple from special education teacher to associate director of educational services at the Cummings School in Portland.

Dan Beressi was recently promoted to senior strategic sourcing manager at TD Banknorth, a financial services firm based in Portland. Beressi will manage the technology-based sourcing team for U.S. operations. TD Banknorth also promoted Jane Hanson to business development and sales manager at its branches in Newport and Pittsfield, and Kate Hatch to workout officer in the commercial department at TD Banknorth in Portland.

Becky Adams was recently promoted to staff accountant at Austin Associates, an accounting firm with offices in Auburn, Norway and Windham.

Disability RMS, a reinsurance provider based in Westbrook, recently promoted Doug Drummond to assistant vice president of information technology. Drummond previously worked as director of professional services.

Consumers for Affordable Health Care, a health care advocacy organization, recently promoted Mia Poliquin Pross to the position of director of policy and operations and Doug Clopp to the position of director of government affairs and coalition coordinator. Pross and Clopp both previously worked as health care policy analysts.

Appointments

Thomas Wells has been named chairman of the board of directors of Biddeford Savings Bank.

Charles Miller, an attorney and managing shareholder at Bernstein Shur in Portland, was recently appointed co-chair of Lex Mundi’s Women’s Initiative Leadership Task Force. Lex Mundi is an association of law firms based in Houston, Texas.

The Maine Real Estate & Development Association has appointed Noel Graydon to its board of directors. Graydon is regional vice president and commercial lender at Norway Savings Bank’s office in Saco.

Andrew Dodge, director of L.L.Bean’s Direct to Business division in Freeport, was recently appointed to the board of directors of the Incentive Marketing Association in Naperville, Ill.

The Maine International Trade Center recently named John Wolanski to its board of directors. Wolanski is vice president of sales and marketing at Safe Handling in Auburn.

Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in West Boothbay Harbor recently appointed David Coit to chair of its board of trustees. Coit is the founder and senior managing director of North Atlantic Capital Corp. in Portland.

David Pease was recently appointed to state council director of the Society of Human Resource Management for the state of Maine. Pease is senior vice president and human resources director at Androscoggin Bank in Lewiston.

The Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce in Rockland recently appointed the following to its board of directors: Jane Dagley of KeyBank, based in Cleveland, OH; Everett Spear III of E.L. Spear Inc. in Rockland; Mike Jones of Camden National Bank in Camden; Peter Horch of Horch Roofing in Warren; Gordon Page Sr. of Maine Eastern Railroad in Rockland and Edward Kolmosky of Fuller Automall in Rockland.

Lisa Rideout, senior vice president of the Norway Savings Bank Asset Management Group, was recently named a corporator for Simmons College in Boston, Mass.

Mark Johnston, president and CEO of Kennebec Savings Bank in Augusta, was recently elected to the Independent Community Bankers of America’s board of directors.

Spotlight

A Bangor law firm recently celebrated its 70th anniversary with a party for clients at the Penobscot Valley Country Club.

Gross, Minsky & Mogul was founded in 1938 by Edward Gross as a real estate and collections firm in downtown Bangor. Today, the statewide practice employs 11 lawyers and offers services including litigation and transactional work. Two former firm partners now serve as chief judges in federal court in Maine — George Singal as chief judge of the U.S. District Court and Louis Kornreich as the chief justice of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

Norman Minsky, who joined the firm in 1955, spoke at the party about the firm’s history, and Gross’ widow, Rae, flew up from Florida to attend the event.

Company news

WMTW-TV of Portland recently announced the creation of Keep Maine Strong, a statewide program to encourage consumers to spend local dollars in the state of Maine. Keep Maine Strong includes a series of television commercials designed to point out that when Mainers spend money locally, their dollars help strengthen the Maine economy.

Great Works Internet, a Biddeford-based Internet and phone services provider, recently partnered with Bath-based web hosting, promotion and design firm Maine Hosting Solutions to offer a greater scope of services including Web 2.0, eCommerce, blogging software, email marketing tools, content management systems, do-it-yourself website builder and graphic statistics.

Funtown USA, a water and amusement park in Saco, recently said it will feature a new roller coaster, The Wild Mouse, when it re-opens in May of 2009.

Independence BioFuel of Durham recently said it will donate BioHeat Heating Oil, a blend of biodiesel and No. 2 heating oil, to needy families in Southern Maine.

University of New England President Danielle Ripich has signed the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment. President Ripich joins other higher education leaders across America who have pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on their campuses, raise awareness of the issue of global warming, and strive for climate neutrality.

The Acadia Hospital in Bangor has provided up to $250,000 over five years to establish a professorship at the University of Maine School of Nursing in Orono. The hospital and the university will work together to recruit a Ph.D.-trained faculty member to teach student nurses, manage their onsite clinical education and conduct research with Acadia staff on the needs of populations served by the private, nonprofit psychiatric and chemical dependency treatment provider.

Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of nonstop, jet service from Bangor to Orlando, Fla. The low-cost airline inaugurated service from Bangor International Airport to Orlando Sanford International Airport on Nov. 7, 2007 and has carried nearly 32,000 customers between Orlando and Bangor.

Maine Bank & Trust of Portland has partnered with the Harbor Fish Market in Portland to stimulate business in the fresh lobster and seafood industry in Maine. The bank is purchasing Harbor Fish Market gift cards for every employee.

Sandra Lipsey, an executive coach and business consultant of Falmouth, was selected to participate in the Executive Coach Summit in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. This is the 10th international Executive Coach Summit, which attracts coaches from around the world to exchange best practices and create new initiatives.

Preble Street, a nonprofit serving the homeless in Portland, recently received a $15,000 donation from the TD Charitable Foundation as part of its “Housing for Everyone” competition, which supports affordable housing initiatives in the community.

U.S. Cellular recently erected an additional cell site in Belgrade Lakes to improve call quality for its customers. The new site will increase U.S. Cellular’s coverage and network capacity in the town of Belgrade Lakes and along Routes 8, 11, 27, and 135.

Allen & Selig Realty in North Yarmouth and Bath recently announced that Bonnie Jalbert earned her associate broker license.

The Maine State Chamber Purchasing Alliance Inc., which represents a network of 5,000 businesses statewide, local chambers and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, has announced additions to its Chamber BlueOptions product line for 2009. Starting in January, Chamber BlueOptions will include eight health plans from HMO and PPO options with varying levels of deductibles to consumer-driven health plan options. The plan options have been increased from seven to eight options for 2009.

Wild Oats Bakery & Café in Brunswick recently teamed up with Ash Cove Lobster in Harpswell. Ash Cove Lobster sold their lobsters on the porch at Wild Oats Bakery & Café in the Tontine Mall in Brunswick. In exchange for supporting the fishermen, consumers received a coupon to use inside the bakery to buy side dishes or desserts for their feast.

Maine Medical Center in Portland recently made a $60,000, three-year commitment to support the operations of Portland’s Gary’s House, a Mercy Health System of Maine hospitality program for families receiving care at area hospitals and health care facilities. Maine Medical Center’s gift is being made as part of the Portland Pirates’ “Goals for Gary’s House” Program. 

Portland-based Wright-Pierce, a New England provider of water, wastewater and infrastructure engineering services, recently announced that it has become a member of the United States Green Building Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sustainable design and construction. Also, employee Cathy Bracy recently earned the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional credentials.

Body Symmetry Pilates and Personal Training Studio in Brunswick recently expanded its retail department to include Lululemon Athletica, an athletic apparel line based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Body Symmetry is the only retailer in Maine to offer Lululemon apparel.

Junior Achievement of Maine, a nonprofit economic education organization providing young people with real-life experience from local business leaders, recently received a $35,000 pledge from the Galen Cole Family Foundation, which supports the Cole Land Transportation Museum in Bangor. JA of Maine will aim to raise an additional $70,000 in matching funds during the fiscal year.

The Wal-Mart Foundation has awarded a $15,000 grant to Literacy Volunteers of Bangor to expand volunteer recruitment efforts through a targeted outreach campaign to coincide with its 40th year of service.

Katahdin Cedar Log Homes of Oakfield recently introduced its R-23 Energy Envelope System. The insulation system increases the R-value of exterior cedar log walls by 156%. The system was developed to be able to meet or exceed new efficiency codes nationwide and qualify for green construction ratings without modifications.

Consigli Construction Co.’s Portland operations have completed multiple renovations and repairs to the Maine Irish Heritage Center’s headquarters on Gray Street in Portland. Consigli oversaw renovations that returned the center’s bell to its belfry, among other improvements. 

Norway Savings Bank recently held a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the future Yarmouth branch located at 688 U.S. Route 1 in Yarmouth. The branch is slated to open in spring 2009. It will be managed by Sandie Randall.

Employees of Three Allen Agency, an employee-owned insurance, employee benefits, and financial services company with offices in Camden and Rockland, recently participated in the annual Rotary District 7790 Youth Leadership Awards in Caratunk. The RYLA are designed to provide leadership skills and experiences to young professionals who will become leaders in their respective businesses.

Paradiso Salon and Spa in Portland recently hosted its third annual Cancer Awareness Night, which was coordinated through the Cancer Community Center. Complimentary spa services were offered to men and women undergoing treatment for cancer or who are currently in recovery or remission.

IEA, an engineering, project management, procurement and construction management company headquartered in Portland, has been contracted to design a key portion of a coke manufacturing facility for Gateway Energy and Coke Co. in Granite City, Ill. The new system designed by IEA will convert steam heat exhaust into electricity.

Kate Halpert Lowry, a trained and certified stager and redesigner, recently announced the opening of Kate Lowry Designs in Falmouth, a full service staging and redesign firm.

The University of Maine at Presque Isle expects to begin generating clean energy in late spring 2009 after reaching an agreement with general contractor Lumus Construction Inc. on a $2 million project to install a 600-kilowatt wind turbine on the northern Maine campus. This agreement establishes UMPI as the first university in the state and one of only a handful in New England to install a mid-size wind turbine.

Irving Oil recently announced the opening of its new Kittery Truck Stop.

Delta Service Co. Inc., a locally owned debt collection service in Westbrook, recently announced the launching of its new web site www.deltaserviceco.com.

Tingis Magazine, a magazine edited by Anouar Majid, professor and chair of UNE’s Department of English and Language Studies, was selected for inclusion in ProQuest student research database products. Tingis Magazine will be included in Ethnic NewsWatch, a specialty database product used by scholarly researchers at university libraries nationwide.

Five insurance agents from the Allen Agency, an employee-owned insurance, employee benefits and financial services company with offices in Camden and Rockland, recently traveled to Halifax, Nova Scotia, to participate in the International Sail Training & Tall Ships Conference, held by American Sail Training Association and Sail Training International.

Video Interactive web development firm Brave Boat Studios of York Harbor, recently announced the release of three new video-driven websites for local business. The new video websites are: Preservation Timber Framing Inc. (www.preservationtimberframing.com) of South Berwick; Viena Posada DMD (www.drposada.com) of Portsmouth, N.H.; and Hahnel Brothers Co. (www.hahnelbrosco.com) of Lewiston.

Accolades

Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care of Lewiston, a child development services provider, recently was honored by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services with a level four quality award. The award recognizes early care and education centers and family childcare homes for meeting quality benchmarks.

Androscoggin Bank of Lewiston has awarded Cheryl Garnett with its Individual of the Quarter award. Garnett recently conducted a financial education class at Lewiston High School and spoke to students about the benefits of saving early.

Ivan Fernandez, a University of Maine professor of soil science and cooperating professor of forest resources, has been selected as the 2008 Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education. Fernandez earned master’s and doctoral degrees from UMaine and has served on the university’s faculty since 1983.

Peter Schroeter of Saco, managing partner of Smith Elliott Smith & Garmey of Saco and Portland, has been chosen by his peers for inclusion in the 2009 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Schroeter, who has practiced law for 28 years, specializes in alternative dispute resolution.

United Way has recognized Oxford Networks, a high-speed fiber optic network provider in Lewiston, with its 2008 Outstanding Campaign Award. The company and its employees raised nearly $25,000 for United Way’s “Live United” campaign.

The University of New England’s field hockey field and grounds manager Lance Tibbetts recently were named recipients of the Sports Turf Managers Association’s Field of the Year award in the sporting grounds category. Criteria included the sports turf manager’s management techniques, innovative problem solving, maximizing budget dollars and resources, and the safety and playability of the field’s surface.

The Maine Women’s Law Association, a student-run organization at the University of Maine School of Law, recently awarded Sara Gagné-Holmes with its 2008 Outstanding Alumna of the Year award. Gagné-Holmes graduated cum laude from the UMaine law school in 2001. She is now the executive director of Maine Equal Justice Partners in Augusta and also serves on Dirigo Health’s board of trustees.

The Maine Innkeepers Association recently honored industry members at its annual meeting. Laura Honey of Fisherman’s Wharf Inn in Boothbay Harbor was recognized as Innkeeper of the Year. Tom Walsh, founder of Ocean Properties Ltd. of Portsmouth, N.H., was honored with the Special Service Award, which recognizes contributions to the improvement of the hospitality industry. Marian Burns of the Mira Monte Inn in Bar Harbor earned the Community Service Award for taking an active role in her community. Maureen McQuade of the Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth and Jack Donovan of the Inn at Naples were honored with Hall of Fame Awards for their contributions as retired tourism professionals. Peter Schultz, owner and president of Dirigo Stitching in Skowhegan, was named Allied Member of the Year for his efforts on behalf of suppliers.

Twenty-eight Maine lawyers from Verrill Dana LLP of Portland and Augusta recently were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2008 edition of New England Super Lawyers & Rising Stars. The annual guide recognizes the top five percent of lawyers in Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Connecticut as “super lawyers.” The top 2.5% in each state are selected for the list of “rising stars,” which identifies top up-and-coming attorneys who are 40 years old or younger, or who have practiced for 10 years or fewer. James Kilbreth of Portland was named one of the edition’s Top 100 Super Lawyers in New England.

At its recent annual meeting, United Way of Eastern Maine recognized the Maine Community Foundation, Penquis and former board chair George Thomas. The Maine Community Foundation received the Pillar of the Community Award for its community-focused grants. Penquis, the 2008 Community Builder, was noted for its excellence in community-based services. Thomas, CEO of construction company Sargent Corp. of Bangor, was recognized with the Board Chair’s Award for his work on United Way boards and committees and for his campaigns at the workplace.