Sun Journal Profile 2003

Carl Beckett Bill Bergeron Crystal Bergeron Connie Boucher Marge Bourgoin Bob Brown LaurieCastonguay

Denise & NormBrodeur

Kristina Daigle Laurie Danforth Joe Daniels

Carol Doughty

Steve Drury Sue Dube

Dot Fernald

Melissa Field Cathy Fifield

Brenda Fontaine Claude Fontaine

Nicole Lussier

Quent Hall

Elaine Lajoie Angie Larochelle

MarilynLarochelle

ClaytonLarochelle

Sue RobitailleSue MeservierJohn & ChristineMarcous

Steve Morgan Mary AnnNorcross

Bert Ouellette Claire Poussard Maurice Rioux Chris Rizzolo Conrad Robitaille

Faye Searles Anne Servidio Richard Stroud Michelle Therrien Ben Watson Beth Watson Kathy White Dale Wilson

Helen Davidson

Lori Hart

Dan Ridley

Sheila Woodard Judy Worden

Josh Dunn

Julia Hixon Steve Hussey

Diane Dennis

Jim Thompson Lew Trask

WordenRealtyERA473 Center Street, Auburn Maine 784-0159

By LINDA GALWAYSpecial Sections Editor

In the midst of an unsettling economy, one realestate company has stepped out in front of the packand firmly stated “We believe in Central Maine.”

Those aren’t just empty words. ERA WordenRealty recently completed a 3,000 square footexpansion at its Center Street, Auburn, location.

“A lot of people have asked me, ‘Is that wise?’ ”said owner Tim Worden. Even given the currentups and downs of the economic picture, the need toexpand was evident, he noted. “We ran out of space,pure and simple.”

Worden explained that in order to grow and beresponsive to the needs of the agents working outof the office, he looked at finding another location,“but we made the decision to expand, rather thanmove, because we couldn’t find another place thatgave us the same level of exposure.”

In addition, the longevity the company hasenjoyed at its current location, just south of theVeterans’ Bridge connecting Auburn andLewiston, would be hard to replace.

“You get comfortable where you are,” he said,“and we’re doing business now with the sons anddaughters of our original customers, so I’mcomfortable with our decision to stay where peoplecan find us and are familiar with the surroundings.We’re creatures of habit.”

Continuity, Worden added, is an important factorin any business, but especially in real estate. Thisrepresents the company’s second addition, andwithin three or four more years, Worden said hehopes to remodel the front portion of the officearea. “We will then have virtually a new building,”he said.

INTERESTING PHENOMENA

ERA Worden Realty experienced “good, solidgrowth” during 2002, even though that hasn’t beenthe case in other sectors of the economy. “That’salso a national phenomenon,” noted Worden, “but

there is good, solid evidence we had the best yearin our history.” Tim believes Lewiston andAuburn will continue to be viewed in a positivelight and as a good place to live and raise a family.

“What excites me is the young doctor who liveson Gamage Avenue (Auburn) but has his practicein Portland,” Worden said. “We’re seeing the earlystages of Auburn and Lewiston becoming abedroom community for Portland.”

In the past, young urban Portland-orientedprofessionals wanting to buy their first homewould look toward such communities as Standish,Windham, even South Portland or Scarborough, henoted. That was in the past. Now, they’re looking alittle farther up the turnpike.

“We began expanding our advertising inPortland, and we’re starting to see the fruits of thatinvestment,” Worden said. “Another issue is theexcellent quality of our schools here, and the pupil-teacher ratio is a plus.”

People are buying residential homes, multi-family homes and land. “Real Estate is a long-terminvestment,” he pointed out, and this trend “is afunction of a lot of things making us lookattractive.”

WEATHER OR NOT?

In the real estate world, buying depends a lot onweather, Worden said. “A mild November andDecember translates to brisk sales,” he added.“This year, transactions have been very good, butwith better weather, it could grow even more. Lowinterest rates are really fueling our business.”

Currently, interest rates are hovering around 6percent or lower; that’s some difference from themid-1980s when people felt fortunate to secureloans at 12 percent while the going rate wasinching up to 18 percent.

“There are some huge differences,” Wordenexplained. “Back then, banks didn’t sell mortgages,and they often didn’t want to lend long-termbecause they were finding the costs of their fundsgoing up (over the life of the loan). Now, they sell

those mortgages, and that isn’t a concern for them,making the market more fluid.”

As low bank rates combine with the largest real-estate inventory available, Worden stressed that ifpeople in the market to buy do not want to missout, they need to be pro-active with their searches.“We’ve listed some properties one night that havesold the next morning,” Worden said. “We have theinventory and we have the experience; you know,people can go onto the Internet and find out allkinds of things - taxes, lot sizes, square footagesand town registries. They can find out aboutbuildings, but when you engage a realtor, there aretwo things to look for.”

TRAINING DAY

Worden stresses experience at being able tonegotiate the deal and the ability to honestlyappraise your home’s worth or the property youare interested in purchasing.

“An experienced realtor brings these things tothe table, along with the ability to articulatevalue,” he explained. “Our agents have been aroundso long that many of them use the team approach.The office manager (Anne Servidio) and I don’t sellreal estate any longer. That helps us keep ourobjectivity, and our mentoring helps the neweragents to be more successful. As the agent’spractice grows and matures, it makes our companystronger.”

Worden noted there is a considerable amount oftraining that goes into “taking a new person fromrookie to seasoned agent. It’s born out of anecessity to be cognizant of the explosion ofregulations regarding disclosures and variousother laws pertaining to real-estate sales.”

Essentially, the longevity, continuity andcontinued presence of ERA Worden Realty assurescustomers they will be returning to the samebuilding, talking with many of the same people,and finding the same great deals whenever theneed arises.

Believing in Central Maine

Tim Wordenhas more than30 years in thereal estatebusiness. Herehe takes timeout from a busyschedule toanswer several

questions regarding the real estatemarket in Central Maine — its past,present and future:

It's been said that owning yourown home is the “AmericanDream.” How does ERA WordenRealty help the public accomplishthis goal, beyond serving as thevehicle through which they findhouses or land for sale?

ERA Worden Realty takes an activerole in the community, serving onboards and with memberships inservice clubs, to help protect privateproperty rights at the local level.Worden also belongs to the NationalAssociation of Realtors dedicated toprotecting property rights at thenational level.

Housing sales appearing tocontinue to be the best they have

been in years, despite concernsabout the economy. What isdriving these sale?

The lowest interest rates we’ve seenat Worden Realty in the last 20 years,plus outstanding job diversification,helps ERA Worden Realty agentsqualify more buyers than ever before.

How is the housing market inCentral Maine doing during thistime? What is the average houseselling for in this region?

The housing market in CentralMaine is very healthy, with moresales at Worden this year than lastand an average sale price of $112,000,up seven percent over last year.

How do you encourage buyers toconsider this region? What are itsstrong points?

We encourage buyers to come toWorden Realty because we are only 30minutes from the ocean, two hoursfrom Boston, and a mere 40 minutesfrom Portland.

Outstanding schools and a widevariety of homes for sale draw peoplehere from beyond the immediateLewiston-Auburn area.

Is pre-qualifying almost a pre-requisite?

Worden Realty has an exclusivehome qualifying method for anyoneinteresting in buying their first homeor moving into another one.

ERA Worden Realty also sells morehomes to first-time buyers than anyother agency in Central Maine.

What’s happening with supplyand demand in the area?

Supply and demand in the Lewistonand Auburn real estate still reflects aseller’s market, with fewer propertiesfor sale and premium pricing forlistings that do come to market.

Are the difficulties the stockmarket is experiencing having aneffect on the real estate market?

Absolutely. More investors arecoming to ERA Worden Realty thesedays. Real estate is realizing a solid,healthy, long-term appreciation.

What role can ERA WordenRealty play in bringing industryto a particular area?

We market to out-of-statecommercial buyers, and we articulatethe positive aspects of the area,giving them tangible reasons to movehere instead of alternate locations.

Why hire ERA Worden Realtywhen so many people believe they

can sell their property themselvesand save the commission?

Realtors at Worden Realty negotiatea fair price for both buyers andsellers, helping sellers arrive at aprice that will maximize their returnand ensure there will not be legalrepercussions in the future.

Worden Realty exposes your homenationally and internationally,helping to guarantee you a higherprice.

What are some of your goals forthe next 5 years?

ERA Worden Realty plans tobecome a “one stop shopping center”so people can have all the details of areal estate transaction taken care ofat one time and in one place.

Finally, what if someone isinterested in breaking into thereal estate sales business. How dothey go about it, and what is thebest procedure for them to follow?

Worden Realty hires more newagents than any company in CentralMaine. We have an in-house trainerand full-time sales manager. Thesepeople don’t compete with new salespeople, so they can objectively bringthem into the business.

Tim WordenBroker/Owner

ERA Worden Realty— ahead of the pack

The Most ExperiencedAgency in the Area —

more than 12,000Homes SOLD!

E1 Sun Journal, Saturday, March 8, 2003

Building Partnerships toServe Western Maine

Businesses

Where good work is our way of life.

Direct Loan Programs• Flexible rates and terms• Access to federal and state

loans and guarantees• Special programs for micro

enterprises

Maine Small Business Development Center• Serving existing and start-up businesses• One-on-one business counseling• Free training seminars• Business plan assistance• Loan application guidance

Maine Manufacturing Enterprise Partnership• Enterprise Resource Planning ERP• ISO 9000 Internal Auditing• Inventory Control Assessments• Lean Manufacturing

Androscoggin Valley Council of GovernmentsOffering a variety of services and programs for businesses in Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford Counties

125 Manley Road, Auburn, ME 04210 • 207-753-9186 • www.avcog.org • [email protected]

WWAATCH US GRTCH US GROOW!W!

If you think we should be part of your plans call Norm MacIntyre at 369-9369 or email [email protected]

VISIT US AT: www.rivervalleycenter.comRiver Valley Technology Center

60 Lowell Street, P.O. Box 559, Rumford, Maine 04276 • (207) 369-9368 • Fax (207) 369-0356

The River Valley Technology Center is one of seven Applied Technology DevelopmentCenters located throughout Maine. Our focus is the precision manufacturing industry sector. Our four-floor 64,000 square foot facility is being prepared for occupancy later this year.We will provide our tenant companies with state-of-the-art facilities having high speedinternet access, videoconferencing, and other support services needed by developing hightechnology companies.

Business incubation catalyzes the process of starting and growing companies. A provenmodel, it provides entrepreneurs with the tools they need to make their ventures successful.

Our objective is to produce successful firms that will leave the program financially viableand freestanding. Incubator "graduate" companies create jobs, revitalize neighborhoods,commercialize critical new technologies and strengthen local, regional, and state economies.Our partnerships with educational institutions, industry trade organizations, state and federalbusiness development resources and financing sources give us a unique ability to improvethe likelihood that our sponsored companies will be successful.

Governor King presents a check to the RVTC kicking off the building program. Graduates of the RVTC Machine Tool Technology program find challenging jobs in precision manufacturing.

NEW BUSINESS INCUBATION

One reality of the 21st Century is that lifelong employment with one company is a thingof the past. This realization means that upgrading skills and being prepared for careerchanges are a necessity for everyone.

Recognizing that skills are needed in the precision machining portion of themanufacturing sector RVTC has partnered with Central Maine Technical College toprovide a one-year certificate program in Machine Tool Technology. All costs for classesand materials is borne by a workforce development grant from the US Department ofLabor. This program offers a broad training experience that prepares individuals foremployment in the metal products industry. Through a combination of classroom studyand assigned shop activities students acquire essential background information, developtrade skills, and become familiar with production methods and standards common to theindustry.

Graduates of this program may be employed as machine operators, machinists, CNCmachinists, tool & die makers, quality control inspectors, machine assemblers, machinetool designers, CNC programmers, or field service representatives.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Western Maine’sBusiness Future

E2 Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, March 8, 2003P R O F I L E 2003Community/Government

By DENISE SCAMMONStaff Writer

With the recent emphasis on shared services and cooperative efforts, the municipalities and counties of West-ern Maine proudly point to the suc-

cess of their forty year effort in collaboration, known as the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments (AVCOG). “We are proud of our accomplishments over the years and hope to continue this tradition,” noted James Marshall, President of AVCOG. “This is a member driven organization that looks for input from our member communities to make it all work,” added Marshall.

Owned and operated by the member towns and counties, “AVCOG was formed in 1962…to strength-en local self government, while combining total resources for meeting regional challenges beyond in-dividual capacities.…” Regional and municipal ser-vices are provided in four targeted areas: economic development; land use planning; transportation planning; and environmental management.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTAVCOG provides business counseling services

through the Maine Small Business Development Center and Maine Manufacturing Extension Part-nerships. They also provide direct lending to area businesses for start-up and expansion needs through a variety of programs. These regional revolving loan funds have played a critical role in stabilizing and expanding the economic vitality of the area.

AVCOG’s community and economic development planning staff provides planning services and sup-port for municipalities. “Our staff provides techni-cal assistance with the development of applications for both the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and the Federal Economic Develop-ment Administration (EDA),” noted Robert Thomp-son, AVCOG’s Executive Director. “The CDBG includes Housing Assistance, Public Infrastructure, Public Facilities, Downtown Revitalization, Com-munity Planning and more, while the EDA includes public works investments and local technical assis-tance grants.”

LAND-USE PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENTAVCOG’s planning staff provides assistance to

comprehensive planning committees, planning boards, appeals boards, code enforcement officers and other municipal officials with a variety of plan-ning and land use topics. “AVCOG’s staff offers many types of guidance from phone calls to attendance at meetings to field visits. Their expertise is invaluable in developing new ordinances, assisting with ordi-nance amendments and conducting workshops for individual member towns.” Thompson added, “Staff

also assists many towns to conduct reviews of large or complex subdivisions and site plans.”

Environmental management services and techni-cal assistance include public education, solid waste management, watershed protection, stormwater management and road maintenance for water qual-ity improvement. “AVCOG has a long history - 40 years - in environmental management. Experience allows our staff to recognize issues and problems and then identify resources and strategies that move towards a solution,” said Thompson. One such strat-egy has been initiated...Brownfields are industrial and commercial facilities not being used to their potential, often abandoned or idle and not easily expandable due to possible environmental concerns. “AVCOG has applied for grant money that will allow us to fund municipalities’ Brownfields assessment and cleanup projects,” said Thompson.

TRANSPORTATION PLANNINGRegional planning and technical services for

transit and urban and rural transportation through AVCOG include the Androscoggin Transportation Resource Center (ARTC) and the Region 7 Regional Transportation Advisory Committee (RTAC). ARTC is comprised of elected and appointed officials from Lewiston, Auburn, Lisbon, Sabattus, AVCOG, An-droscoggin County Chamber of Commerce, Maine Turnpike Authority, Western Maine Transportation Services, Maine Department of Transportation and the federal funding agencies of the United States De-partment of Transportation.

“ATRC is the federally required and state des-ignated Metropolitan Planning Organization responsible for carrying out short- and long-range transportation improvement plans for urban Lewis-ton-Auburn, Lisbon, and portions of Sabattus,” said Thompson. “This regional hub is home to 70,000 resi-dents and 37,000 jobs.”

The long-range transportation plan is currently being updated, which takes into consideration population growth, employment, and residential and commercial development 20 years down the road. Two important studies are underway. “One is a passenger intermodal facility in the area of the Au-burn-Lewiston Airport for connections by car, bus, rail, and air,” said Thompson. “The other is a study to determine the feasibility of a new Maine Turnpike interchange and connector road for easier access to the Lewiston and Auburn downtowns.”

COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS“Municipal and regional cooperation is alive and

well at AVCOG, as it has been for 40 years. Finding solutions for complex challenges, the integration of resources, and sharing of information is what we do best,” said Thompson.

“The success of AVCOG can be measured by the success of its member municipalities and that says a lot.”

Regional cooperation promotes collaborative solutions

Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments

E3P R O F I L E 2003Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, March 8, 2003

Financing

The phone rings.It’s a client looking for 15,000 to 20,000

square feet of space in L-A to help grow a New England business serving the wood products indus-try.

Ben Hayes proceeds to ask a host of questions about space require-ments, costs, projected timetables, utility needs and other consider-ations. He pauses briefly between questions to chew on his pen. After he hangs up, Hayes gets busy matching Lewiston-Auburn prop-erties with the client’s request.

Meanwhile, in the conference room across the hall, the loan committee is reviewing a loan application from a small start-up seeking to plant its roots in L-A. The committee carefully reviews the company’s business plan, look-ing at leverage formulas, projected expenses, growth forecasts, and employment figures.

The application looks good, and as Ken St. Amand rushes to his of-fice to get a supporting document and make copies, he nearly crashes into Stephanie Lewis and Becky Smith. They are coordinating plans for a client visit to various business sites in L-A.

This describes a fairly typical day for the staff of the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council, the pri-mary economic development agency serving the Twin Cities.

Established in 1981, the private non-profit organization has four fundamental functions. It provides technical assistance to companies wishing to expand or relocate to the Twin Cit-ies, gap financing, site search assistance, and marketing/public relations support for clients and the general community.

It’s been a busy several months for LAEGC. In December, the organization held a ground-breaking ceremony in Lewiston to celebrate landing a $45 million Wal Mart food distribu-tion center, which will create about 150 jobs initially, and possibly hundreds more in the fu-ture. The complex will serve Wal Mart grocery stores in northern New England.

LAEGC’s sister corporation, the Auburn Business Development Corporation, is helping to finance part of the $10 million, 110-room Hil-ton Garden Inn project in Auburn. The Growth Council staffs the Auburn organization, as well as the Lewiston Development Corporation, its Lewiston counterpart.

The Growth Council is also managing an initiative on behalf of the Lewiston-Auburn Railroad Company to preserve a short rail corridor which could serve as a critical link for future commuter and traditional train ser-vices. Through a voter-approved bond issue, the Maine Department of Transportation has granted $2 million to the railroad company for the task of preserving the rail spur running from Oxford/Beech Streets to the Lower Lewis-ton rail. LAEGC is working to purchase a num-ber of properties as part of the initiative.

Lucien Gosselin, president of the organiza-tion, has also been extensively involved in local transportation initiatives, including a plan to create an intermodal transportation hub near the Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport.

The hub would integrate multiple modes of transportation including bus, rail, and air traffic. LAEGC has also collaborated with the City of Auburn and the U.S. Customs Service to establish St. Lawrence & Atlantic Railroad’s Intermodal Facility in Auburn as a customs port of entry. The designation will eliminate the need for international freight having to go to Portland for Customs inspection, saving

clients time and money. Gosselin is also involved with plans to estab-

lish a new turnpike interchange in Auburn and the Route 126 connector.

In addition, LAEGC manages a number of loans and assets. Since its inception, LAEGC has loaned nearly $7 million to L-A businesses. A number of other confidential development projects are also in the works.

People from outside the Twin Cities may know LAEGC best as the organizers of the An-droscoggin Business to Business Trade Show, which will take place June 12 at Bates College’s Gray Athletic Building in Lewiston.

This marks the show’s eighth year, and plans call for a joint Trade Show/Chamber break-fast similar to last year’s standing-room-only event, an After Hours extravaganza, and other surprises. With nearly 200 exhibitors and 2,000 or more attendees, the show is the largest of its kind in the state.

LAEGC is involved in a number of other special projects, including facilitating an area wide image campaign to promote the area’s economic, cultural, educational and social as-sets. LAEGC has also hosted special showcase

weekends in the past, serving as familiarization tours for clients or prospects considering a future move to the Twin Cities.

Add to the mix the numerous boards and committees on which LAEGC employees serve, and the six-member office has its hands full. “Leadership, business advocacy, and community participation are all critical to what we do,” says Gos-selin. “By participating in creating a vibrant, successful community, the goals of attracting and retaining businesses and creating jobs become more attainable.”

Gosselin says LAEGC’s 20-member board of directors recently revisited its mission statement and purpose, and focused new attention on the im-portance of business advocacy and leadership.

“Economic development is all about relationships and building trust,” adds Gosselin. “Much of that involves community participation in local organizations and projects. Sometimes it means taking initia-tive and helping to lead. Other times it means collaborating and serving as a catalyst.”

One recent example of business advocacy and leadership was the joint effort with the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce to organize a “Strength in Diversity”

ad campaign. The Chamber and LAEGC worked together

to enlist support from the business community to contribute toward the cost of running a large ad in various statewide newspapers. In light of recent negative publicity surrounding a hate group rally, the ad conveyed the message that the community embraces diversity and multi-culturalism.

More than 70 companies signed on -- particu-larly impressive considering the two-week period during which companies were invited to participate coincided with the holidays.

Though the long, arduous work of economic development is often frustrating – sometimes taking years for a client to expand or relocate to the area – it is extremely rewarding, says Paul Badeau, Marketing Director.

“There’s nothing more satisfying than know-ing your involvement in a project played a part in bringing a direct investment of tax dollars and jobs to the community,” he explains. “The more good jobs and sound investments you attract, the more you help secure the communi-ty’s future and improve its quality of life.”

By DONNA KEENE ROUSSEAU / Freelance Writer

Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI), a non-profit community develop-ment corporation, has been in the L-A area for over 17 years work-ing with businesses on financing issues and serving as resource on employment issues. Two years ago, CEI expanded its office to serve the tri-county area of Androscoggin, Oxford and Franklin counties. This change brought additional services such as a loan and investment officer, a business counselor to work with targeted populations and a housing developer. Today these efforts build on the community’s assets and are responsive to changing markets and entrepreneurial needs.

CEI Loan & Investment officer, Stephen Lovejoy describes the corporation as a lending institution for economic development for everything from small, in-home business loans to financing for larger business real estate and building transactions. “As an economic development agency, we can take more risk than the banks,” he explains. “That’s our job – to take on the risk that banks nay not be able to take.”

It is important to note that CEI does not compete with banks but rather, serves as a support lending resource. CEI raises capital from a variety of private and public sources to re-lend or invest in promising Maine enterprises that meet its financing and social impact criteria. The corporation is also involved with a consortium of eco-nomic growth partners including FAME, the Lewiston Economic Growth Council, and AVCOG. “We work with other develop-ment agencies and commercial banks to help businesses grow,” says Lovejoy. “We provide what is known as ‘gap financing’. We fill in the gap between what is needed for the loan and what is available through conventional lenders. Our goal is to create new jobs and businesses that wouldn’t happen without someone stepping in to fill the void.”

Lovejoy points to the Small Business Administration 504 Pro-gram as one of the programs CEI offers to encourage economic growth. SBA 504 provides low interest rates and long-term financ-ing for businesses borrowing $250,000 or more to purchase real estate and equipment. Financed projects must meet set criteria set forth by CEI to ensure the creation of jobs, the creation of busi-nesses owned by women or Veterans, or spur economic growth and development of rural areas.

CEI’s StartSmart program works with the refugee, immigrant

and growing secondary migrant populations to establish and expand businesses as another way to strengthen the economic fabric of the community. While honoring the diverse literacy levels, cultural and business experiences that a person brings from his or her country of origin, CEI provides 1:1 busi-ness coaching, assists with feasibility studies for business ideas, offers business education classes, and assists individuals in securing financing through CEI and community loan programs.

StartSmart coordinator, Jann Yankauskas, says, “We begin by listening.” The process begins by iden-tifying an individual’s skills and merging that skill-base with community needs. Literacy sensitive tools and training help the entrepreneur understand how to create and expand a business within American business practices.

“Somali women, for instance, traditionally stay at home to care for their families,” says Yankauskas. “So we are helping women identify ways for contributing to the household income through home-based businesses, such as daycares, home-manufacturing of food, craft products and interpreter service.” StartSmart at CEI is currently working on a feasibility study for a group of Somali women interested in making Arabian sofas and draperies. “These popular dowry items are difficult to get from their country of origin, so this might be a potential business opportunity,” says Yankauskas.

To create new opportunities for existing, na-tive businesses, StartSmart is also involved in the “Goat Project” to bring Somali and Latino storeowners together with native farm-ers to increase the availability of goat meat, a traditional, primary food source for the Somali community.

Partnerships with other agencies are the driving force behind other StartSmart projects including the United Somali Women of Maine, Dareelka, the Somali Center of Maine (all originated by the Somali community), the Maine Rural Workers Coalition and Com-munity Concepts and the New Americans Agricultural Project.

Beyond business development is the issue of housing for Maine’s low and moderate-income households. John Egan, CEI Housing Developer, says, “The formula for our success lies in the partner-ships CEI is able to form with the city and other organizations. In example, CEI served as the consultant and developing agent for the

elderly housing Frye School project. Senior Plus was the project sponsor and partnered with us.”

“We want to reduce the barriers for people to take over their own economic control,” explains Egan. He cites the example of a tenant of a newly renovated Maple Street three-unit apartment complex who is working to become the owner of the building. CEI offers training and education on landowning and homeownership, assists in resolving credit issues and establishes an Individual Development Account (IDA), a savings account whereby every dollar saved by the tenant was matched by CEI up to four thousand dollars.

Egan acknowledges the City of Lewiston as being a particularly enthusiastic partner in the city’s housing development. The Ken-nedy Parkview Townhouse is just one of the projects underway for 2003. Says Egan, “We are working on the development of a proper-ty located on Park and Spruce Streets, a downtown property with mixed residential and commercial use. Through a grant, the prop-erty will be reconfigured from a sixteen unit apartment house to eight ownership units, effectively introducing homeownership to that area.” Egan anticipates the sale of these townhouses between $40,000 and $60,000 per unit.

CEI continues to participate among community leaders and advocates to develop the vision of making L-A a world-class com-munity, focused attention on job creation and alleviating poverty. CEI’s mission is “to help Maine people and communities, particu-larly those with low incomes, reach an adequate and equitable standard of living, learning, and working in harmony with our natural environment.” Visit www.ceimaine.org for more details.

Making a positive impact on business and home ownership

Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council staff, seated in front,Becky Smith and Lucien Gosselin; in back, Ken St. Amand, Paul Badeau, Ben Hayes and Stephanie Lewis.

Growth Council brings jobs, dollars to the area

CEI

In front, left to right, Leslie A. Cybulski, housing management administrator; Sandra L. Goss, site supervisor; John Scribner, VISTA cconomic development; Elaine Sederlund, housing developer. In

back, left to right, Marcel Gagne, program developer; Anne Pfeiffer, IDA coordinator; jann Yankauskas, StartSmart coordinator; Howard

Dupee, senior program officer. Not pictured: John Egan, housing developer; Sean Gambrell, VISTA Community Entrpereneur; Steve

Lovejoy, investment and loan officer; Christie MacConnell, business counselor; Ellee Simons, project coordinator.

Coastal Enterprises Inc. Lewiston-Auburn staff

CEI continues to participate among community leaders and advocates to develop the vision

of making L-A a world-class community, focusing attention

on job creationand alleviating poverty.

LAEGC is the area’s primary economic development agency

Community/Government

Ask the people what they want and give it to them. That’s how the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce does business, and with more than 1040 members, Chamber President Chip Morrison is never at a loss for suggestions. Morrison noted there are several reasons to join the Chamber, which has been providing services since its inception in 1888. “Small businesses want to make contact with other businesses,” he explained. “Network-ing is usually the primary reason small busi-nesses become involved, as well as, having an opportunity to be listed in the Chamber’s annual guide.” Morrison is fond of saying, “We succeed when our members succeed,” and The Chamber is constantly looking for new programs to support the members.

Each month The Chamber sponsors the highly attended Community Breakfast, Busi-ness After Hours, two or three seminars, and a Brown Bag luncheon. “We survey our mem-bers annually to find out what they’re interested in — it’s that simple,” he said. Topics have in-cluded hiring practices, custom-er service, personal financial planning, business resources for small businesses, Myers-Briggs personality profiles, health care, and the Maine economy. “Many members join because they like the events. Breakfast alone draws 200 or more people each month,” he said. “It’s becoming more and more difficult to find facilities to hold our events.” The social, educational and special-topic programs and seminars are very popular, and the annual meeting draws a ca-pacity crowd of 400 to the Ramada Conference Center each year.

The Chamber is often seen as a powerhouse in the business community, but often over-looked when it comes to community involve-

ment. The Chamber services all of Androscog-gin County and promotes the communities through a variety of venues, including their web site (www.androscoggincounty.com). There are even postcards of the area to email to family and friends. “For anyone looking to relocate or visit, The Chamber is the first place to call,” Morrison stressed. The web site features links to businesses, employment, rec-reational activities, and educational opportu-nities, as well as all the information included in the relocation, visitors and business guides. Those without Internet access receive the

guides free of charge.Over the past three years there has been an

increased determination by members to raise scholarship money — so far over $85,000 — to benefit young people in our county. “This has become a focus because an educated work-force is needed for a community to run well.” The Corporate Spelling Bee raises money for the students in Lewiston-Auburn College’s Teacher Program and the annual Scholarship Scramble golf tournament funds scholarships for students at Central Maine Technical Col-lege and for graduates of all the area’s high

schools.The Chamber also assists

all the festivals that take place throughout the sum-mer. If not on the festival committee, the staff is avail-able to offer phone support, by fielding incoming calls. The Chamber also is in-volved in efforts to enhance the image of our communi-ties through the Adopt-a-Spot program and a Beautifi-cation Conference.

Volunteers, he said, have been the mainstay of the organization. With a staff of only five and 1040 members,

“we can’t do it all without our volunteers to help at various events, give us guidance and run programs.” Relying solely on staff would drastically reduce the Chamber’s abilities, he noted. In comparison, Portland, with 1350 members, has a staff of 10.

THE CHAMBER 179 Lisbon Street

PO Box 59 Lewiston Me

04243-0059Tel: 207.783.2249 Fax: 207.783.4481

Empower Lewiston (EL) is an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization estab-lished to implement a Strategic Plan

and manage funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support activities in the Lewiston Enterprise Community. This is done under the federal Empowerment Zone (EZ)/Enterprise Community (EC) Program.

The Lewiston Enterprise Community con-sists of census tracts 201 and 204, which gener-ally make up Lewiston’s downtown and is about 0.9 square miles. In 2000, these census tracts had a total population of about 4,500 (6,000 in 1990); the 2000 poverty rates were 46% in CT 201 and 37% in CT 204 (US Census Bureau poverty thresholds in 2000: for one person: about $8,800; for family of four: about $17,600). The federal funds are used to improve the quality of life in the EC. The designation runs Dec. 24, 1998 - Dec. 24, 2008.

Empower Lewiston is separate from the city; it is governed by a 21-member board of direc-tors and has five Committees. Eight seats on the board are specifically designated for EC resi-dents. Empower Lewiston first distributed EC funds in April, 2000; it works with more than 50 partners (including EC residents, government, nonprofits, businesses, and other organiza-tions) on more than 50 projects. Empower Lew-iston solicits both grant funding for projects, and project proposals for EL funding. The proj-ects must conform to the Strategic Plan and are rated by the board, and additional EC residents.

The Strategic Plan is a locally-developed, fed-erally-approved plan designed to bring about positive changes. It takes a comprehensive approach: community, economic, human and physical development; it reflects problems & opportunities. The plan’s strategies range from health care to economic development. The plan is updated periodically to account for new programs and input from the community. Implementation relies on combined financial, program and human resources.

The federal Empowerment Zone/Enterprise Community program was created to provide for community and economic development in distressed communities; it is designed to be a catalyst for change, and to be a grass-roots based program. The program’s key principles: strategic vision for change, community-based partnerships, economic opportunity, and sus-tainable community development. For our EC, it means an annual federal grant of $250,000 (al-though that is subject to annual appropriations action by Congress).

HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2002Jobs and Economic Development In 2002 business and nonprofit partners

completed expansions at Sun Journal and Lep-age Bakery, and renovations at Knapp Shoe Store/CMMC, Dept. of Human Services/RPM Realty, and CMMC nursing school. This $22.5 million of investment include the creation of 42 jobs and the retention of 665.Community Cen-ter The Lewiston Housing Authority oversaw major progress on this $2.6 million project in 2002. After the future occupants’ needs were de-termined and the final design created, ground-breaking took place in late 2002. The Center will house several nonprofit offices (including EL’s), community meeting rooms, Head Start, adult education, classrooms, a computer lab, and the Sisters of Charity Bates St. Family Health center. EL contributed $50,000 to LHA, and an additional $25,000 to Head Start for their new facility at the site; occupancy is expected in Oc-tober of 2003.

Resources DirectorySeniorsPlus completed the “Community

Resource Guide” which contains information on hundreds of helpful local programs for food, clothing, housing, employment, and other ar-eas. Copies were given to EC residents on the board and each listed local nonprofit organiza-tion (about 180). The directory and a searchable database are also at the Lewiston Public Li-brary, Lewiston Adult Education at the Multi-Purpose Center, Lewiston General Assistance office, Longley School, and Faithworks. EL gave $10,200 for the initial development and $3,600 for the printing and copying of an updated version to be available April 2003.

Lead-based PaintThe City of Lewiston shares a $2.4 million US

Dept. of Housing and Urban Development grant with Auburn. The project’s activities include blood lead tests, training in lead hazard control reduction activities, grants to owners and land-lords for hazard reduction activities, temporary housing for families relocated

during lead control work, and others. The destructive effects of lead paint poisoning on learning and behavior means this work is criti-cal to breaking the cycle of poverty. To-date in the EC: 86 children

screened at EC locations, 39 units approved for grants, three units approved for the rehabili-tation loan program, and creation of an infor-mative website: http://www.ci.lewiston.me.us/lead. EL helped with the grant application and with funding for printing brochures

Outreach to ResidentsAfter a brief hiatus, the Seeds of Change proj-

ect, including its well-known outreach worker aspect, now

comes directly under Empower Lewiston’s oversight and funding. Tina Bailey will conduct outreach and provide assistance on various op-portunities to many EC residents. Community Participation Committee and EL staff will man-age the project.

City Infrastructure The City of Lewiston was the lead for a num-

ber of other projects that saw progress in 2002: Bates Mill #3 Courtyard was completed, Court-house Plaza was nearly completed, improved lights were installed on Lisbon St. from Chest-nut to Main, the Bates Mill Parking Garage (600 new spaces) was completed, and the city began work on adding 250 spaces at the municipal lot on Park St.

Literacy/Parenting ProgramLewiston Adult Education received a $115,000

federal grant for the Even Start Family Literacy Project.

Twenty families that live in the EC and have students at Montello and/or Head Start will be targeted for participation. The program inte-grates the four components of family literacy: adult literacy, early childhood education, parenting education, and inter-generational ac-tivities. Androscoggin Head Start will provide early

childhood programming for ages 0-5 and LAE will provide the adult learning component.. EL provided support for the grant application and participates in its advisory council

Cultural Learning CenterThe Lewiston Public Library secured funding

to renovate an unfinished portion of the build-ing, design

additional space to create the Center, and ren-ovate and furnish the Center. When completed in late 2004, it will include a 150-seat community room, a classroom/computer lab area, and re-gional history archives. EL contributed $21,000 to the $3 million project.

Tourism Information Tourist attractions in the Lewiston EC were

posted on a website the USDA developed to highlight its EZ/EC communities. Information complying with their restrictions can be viewed at: http://www.ezec.gov/tourismguidewebsite/ruraltourism/lewiston.html

National AwardEmpower Lewiston won a national award for

its USDA annual report. The US Dept. of Agri-culture, which oversees the EZ/EC/Champion Community program for more than 100 rural communities, awarded its Dr. J. Norman Reid Award to Empower Lewiston/Lewiston Enter-prise Community for our 2001 Community An-nual Report.

WANT TO KEEP UP ON DEVELOPMENTS?

A weekly report on project and organiza-tional activity is available via email by request. Contact Empower Lewiston at (207) 777-5144 or [email protected]

“We succeed when our members succeed”

Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce

Another year of achievement in the enterprise community

E4 Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, March 8, 2003P R O F I L E 2003Community/Government

Androscoggin County is the “Heart of Maine.” Centrally

located, our communities are less than one hour to the sea-coast, the mountains, Port-land, and the State Capitol.

A community of festivals, An-droscoggin County is home to the Maine State Parade, Lib-erty Festival, Moxie Festival, Festival de Joie and the re-nowned Great Falls Balloon

Festival. — from Androscoggin

County web site

Some (but by no means all!) of the ac-complishments by partners to date can be reflected in numbers:

4 $48 million in job/economic development related investment activity

4 $20 million received for the other projects

4 $500,000 in Empower Lewiston funding distributed/reserved; 17 funded pro-grams

4 900 new jobs, 700 retained jobs

4 286 clients served, 2,000+ services/referrals, and 171 programs

4 50+ partners and donors; 50+ projects

4 Five EL scholarships/financial assis-tance to residents for training

4 Most of the eight board slots specifically designated for EC residents were filled

4 Six additional residents (beyond six on board) in 2002 and eight additional resi-dents (beyond four on board) in 2000 par-ticipated in the project ratings/funding decisions

4 Faithworks and Lewiston Adult Education projects won 2001 Business/Education Award, Androscoggin Co. Chamber of Commerce

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313 Main St., Norway, ME 1-800-895-5151 (207) 743-5151

REMEMBER WHEN LIFE WAS SIMPLEAND A GOOD VALUE WAS EASY TO FIND?..... SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE

1940’S1920’S

TODAY

SAME GREATVALUE ...

... SAME GREAT

CUSTOMER

SERVICE

WESTERN AUTO,

AN AMERICAN

TRADITION

WE GIVE YOU VALUE...

...BECAUSE

WE VALUE YOU!

E6 Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, March 8, 2003P R O F I L E 2003

Visit us on our website at www.advocatesforchildren.netUnless stated all activities are free. Transportation is available for Family Fun Days.

HEALTHY PARENTSHEALTHY KIDS!

Thursday, March 13th10:00-11:00am

Child Development Services

We will discuss children'sdevelopment, focusing onage's birth to five. Thisgroup meets on the 2ndThursday of each month,and features varyingguest speakers andsubject matters.

COOKIES’N CRAFTS

Opportunity for familiesto come together to

make crafts, eat tastysnacks, and have fun.

Fridays10:00-11:00am

CHILDCHATTER

A parent supportgroup for parentsand their childrenage 5 and under.

Come bring your childand meet other

parents and families.

Tuesdays 5:00-6:00pm

FAMILY FUN DAYTuesday, March 18th, 10:00am

Come join us at theInside-out Playground

in WatervilleRegistration Required 783-3990

PLAYGROUP

An opportunityfor moms and dads

with children 4 & underto come together,play and shareexperiences.

Mondays 10:00-11:00am

STEPPINGSTONES FORSTEP FAMILIES

This 5-part workshop will helpparents and communities increating successful stepfamilyliving. The stepping stonesfeatured in this programinclude:Building a StrongRelationshipMaintaining Strong Parent& Child RelationshipsDeveloping Stepparent andStepchild RelationshipsWorking with an AbsentParent and Other PersonOutside of the Stepfamilyand more.

WednesdaysMarch 19-April 16

6:00-7:30pm at Lisbon High SchoolRegistration Required

353-3037

SAVETHE DATE!!!The 12th AnnualParenting Matters

Conference“Building On OurPersonal Strengths

as Parents”Featuring keynote speaker

NAOMI HAINES GRIFFITH

Author of “Red Clay & Vinegar:Looking Through the Eyes

of a Southern Child”

Saturday, April 26, 2003FMI Call 783-3990

© “Safari Stan” character, copyright 1994

Topsham Fair Mall373-1245

(just off 295)

FEATURING AWIDE SELECTION OF

SPECIALTY PETSAND SUPPLIES:

More than30 years ofmatching theright pets withthe right people!

• Exotic Birds• Small Animals• Tropical Fish• Reptiles• Puppies• Expert Advice• Friendly Staff• Supplies


Retail

By BETH WEBSTERFreelance Writer

The 5,700-square-foot Petland store that opened in November at the Topsham Fair Mall is certainly a new breed of pet store. Customers are actually encouraged to touch, talk to and play with the animals.

“The only thing our customers can’t hold is

the fish, but Petland is definitely set up for cus-tomers to relax and have a good time playing with the pets,” stated Petland General Manager/Owner Ron Littlefield. He noted that at some pet stores “you can’t hold the animal until you buy it, but here at Petland we believe that the inter-action is good for the pets and for their potential owners.”

“We are dedicated to matching the right pets with the right people and meeting the needs of both,” Littlefield stated. He added that “we want to show our customers just how much fun pets can be and how pets can enrich their lives.”

Petland offers potential pet owners lots of choices -- registerable puppies and kittens, trop-ical fish and birds, reptiles and small animals. For instance, the store begins each week with 45 to 55 puppies in 30 or more different breeds.

“All of our puppies are registerable and veteri-narian-checked and come with health warran-ties,” Littlefield explained.

Fishkeeping hobbyists will be delighted at the variety of freshwater fish in the store’s 100 aquariums. “Ours is one of the most exciting presentations of tropical fish in the area,” he commented, adding that he’s also able to obtain marine/saltwater fish.

Amazons, cockatoos, macaws and many other

domestically raised pet birds are housed in open aviaries at Petland where they can interact with customers. A number of petting pens house small animals such as hamsters, bunnies and gerbils.

“This is the pet store that you always wished for in terms of properly cared for animals, knowledgeable pet counselors and excellence in presentation of a wide variety of pet supplies,” Littlefield said. He said Petland carries all the supplies for an animal’s “nutritional, behavior-al, environmental and maintenance needs.”

Littlefield said that his 16 full and part-time pet counselors are trained for a long time before they go on the floor. “I’m proud of our knowl-edgeable staff. They are not paid to sell or put as much in a bag as possible. The sale comes after educating the customer. Pet lovers can feel con-fident in coming to Petland for all their pets and pet needs,” he stated.

Petland also participates in programs, such as its spay-neuter program, that help ensure that Petland pets are not contributing to animal shel-ter and overpopulation problems.

“We at Petland know people adopt our pets with the best of intentions, planning to give love and proper care for a lifetime. However, we also know that circumstances occasionally arise, making it difficult for a pet owner to keep that lifetime promise. If this is the case, we at Petland will help the customer find their Petland pet a new home,” Littlefield explained.

The only thing lacking at Petland is the typical animal odors.” Customers are pleasantly sur-prised to find that it doesn’t smell like a typical pet store. This is the way it should be, CLEAN, ENJOYABLE, HEALTHY for the customer and the pets, Littlefield said.

By BARBARA LIVINGSTON / Freelance Writer

T he youthful Mike Blais wasn’t around in 1953, so whatever he knows about what life was like back then, he’s learned from the his-tory books or heard passed down through his family. But he does know that the flower business was very different when his grandfa-ther Joseph, started Blais Flowers that year. He knows that grand-

father Joseph worked in a Lewiston greenhouse from an early age because flowers were his passion.

Joseph followed that passion and in 1953 was able to open Blais Flowers at 539 Webster Street in Lewiston, the same location Blais still occupies today. Joseph began the opera-tion with one greenhouse where he lovingly planted and tended the flower seeds until they were mature enough to sell. Today, Blais Flowers and Garden Center has grown to four greenhouses with over 12,000 square feet of green space. But now seedlings are deliv-

ered from warmer climates and shipped here to Lewiston, which they then grow into the luscious green flowering plants found here in the spring.

Normand Blais, Mike’s father, followed in his father’s footsteps. As the second gen-eration at Blais Flowers, he quick-ly realized how important flowers can be with the emotional impact

they have on both the sender and receiver.“It’s always been essential to us that we provide a quality product that expresses the

emotions of one person to another,” says Mike proudly. “A lot of blood, sweat and tears of three generations resides here.”

It certainly ran in the family because at the age of 13, Mike quit his paper route to work in his father’s shop. When Normand passed away seven years ago, Mike stepped in to run the business and found that he had a real knack for it. “It was tough for a while,” said Mike, “because I really had a great reputation to uphold.”

But faithful employees like Normand Lachance, a horticulturist who was with Blais Flowers for 40 years and just retired to part time last year, helped Mike make the transition. “A lot of the success of the greenhouses is due to Norm,” adds Mike.

Mike has lots to be proud of today. He’s running a business that celebrates its 50th birthday this year. Since he took over in 1995, the business has nearly doubled. Blais Flowers’ reputa-tion for both floral design and seasonal business is known throughout the ar-ea. “Our goal is still to make somebody happy,” says Mike with a grin.

This third generation of Blais is dedi-cated to the principles that his grand-father began so many years ago – to provide good service, the best quality product, at a fair price.

Make a new furry or

scaly friend

Blais Flowers and Garden CenterSame day deliveryCompetitive prices

100% guaranteeFlowers for all occasions

Blais Flowers and Garden Center539 Webster Street,

Lewiston, Maine

783-8566 or toll free 1-800-783-8568

At 50-years-old, Blais Flowers enjoys sweet smell of success

Mike Blais, right, tends some of the greenhouse plants.

Visit Petland!

WALLINGFORD EQUIPMENT CO.527 Turner Road • Route 4 • Auburn, ME

Tel. 782-4886 or TOLL FREE 1-800-427-4886 FAX 795-0429Visit Our Website at wallingfordequipment.com

A FULL SERVICE EQUIPMENTDEALER FOR OVER 50 YEARS!

OFFERING SALES& FULL SERVICE

ALSO SEE US FOR:Sales & Service

CASE & HYUNDAIConstruction Equipment

ENGINEERED WITH YOU IN MIND

The Bombardier® ATVs are here and they’ll reallyturn you on. The QuestTM, on which the keenestoutdoorsmen can count. The DS650TM, the high-performance factory-built machine that leavesthe competition eating its dust. The powerfulTraxterTM, a worker that just doesn’t know when toquit. All from Bombardier - the first name in reli-ability and innovation.

Brains: IntelliPanelTM fully computerizeddigital display - gauge your speed (PPH),PTO and operating conditions.

Brawn: More metal, less plastic. 31 to 50HP, Kubota internally balanced dieselengines. Over 20% increased 3-point lift

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ThereMay be aSelection...There’sOnly OneChoiceKubota excavatorsWith over 25 years of experiencein construction equipment,Kubota is the mini excavator pioneer ... around the world.

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Try a servicingSTIHL retailer.

RacingChampion

Ray EvernhamTeam Owner ofDodge Dealer

BackedNo. 9 and No. 19

RetailE8 Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, March 8, 2003P R O F I L E 2003

For years, Spiller’s has been recognized

as a leader in the world of engineering/

architectural and consruction supplies and

equipment. Local businesses may be surprised

to learn that they also offer their customers... a full line of general office equipment, supplies and furniture;

a variety of art supplies; and,

the capability for large-format printing, in both black and white and color.

Spiller’s new retail

location in Lisbon has

allowed the business

the space it needs to

grow areas of busi-

ness, according to

company president

Ray Martel. “We see

the need in the local

market to provide ac-

cess to products and

services that we have

always earned, such

as full office suites,”

explains Martel.

“Having this large

space in Lisbon gives us a showroom to provide local business people the ability to see and try

their options.”

According to vice president of sales, Clayton Larochelle, the new showroom will help his sales

staff. “We have always believed in personalized service for our customers’,” says Larochelle, “and

this showroom adds a new dimension to that approach. It was never beyond us to deliver a chair

simply to be sampled for comfort, and this showroom will let our sales start literally walk a cus-

tomer through an entire office suite that meets their needs.”

Furthermore, the space in Lisbon has allowed Spiller’s to bring their years of reprographic ser-

vice abilities to the local market. “We have operated reprographic shops in Manchester, N.H., and

Scarborough for years now, and we have seen a growing need locally for large scale and full color

printing,” says Martel. “outfitting the retail location in Lisbon with state-of-the art reprographic

technology is more efficient for our existing local customers, and it will provide a new option to

many other local businesses.” The reprographic capabilities of Spiller’s new Lisbon location in-

clude the production of large banner size prints and trade show displays. Customers can access

the services direct from their own computer with our Direct Link FTP service.

The final piece of Spiller’s new

retail space is the art supply store.

According to retail manager Eric

Ladd, the art supply business is

continuing to grow. “We see a

diversity of people shopping for

art supplies, from students to

hobbyists to professionals,” says

Ladd. “The best part of the art sup-

ply business is the involvement

it provides Spiller’s in the local

community, as we continue to support numerous

art-related community programs.” In addition to

art show sponsorships, Spiller’s does offer all art

students a 20 percent discount on art supplies in

their retail store.

“Overall, being more involved in the communi-

ty is what it’s really all about.” adds Martel. “For

me, as a local business owner, I look to do busi-

ness with other locally owned operations. It’s im-

portant that we all support our local economy.”

By BARBARA LIVINGSTONFreelance Writer

People have different reasons for dreaming of a white Christmas. At Wallingford Equip-ment, on Route 4 in Auburn, an early snow like we’ve seen this year brings lots of customers through the door – customers who are anxious to buy that shiny new Ski-Doo snowmobile to get out and enjoy the beauty and splendor of freshly fallen snow. In addition to a great vari-ety of snowmobiles, Wallingfords has recently added an exciting line of All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) from Bombardier. These snazzy four-wheelers in bright, vibrant colors are irresistible in the showroom and great fun outdoors.

As always, walk-ing into Walling-fords customers are greeted by the famil-iar face of Mark Wall-ingford, manager of the business operations. “But this year they’ll also see a new face,” says Mark, “that of John Randolph, our new sales-person. We brought John in because the busi-ness has been growing and expanding and we wanted to be able to better serve our cus-tomers.” John isn’t new to the business, though. He’s been working with Mark for the last seven years promot-ing the Ski-Doo product line at trade shows.

This family owned busi-ness started by Ivan Wall-ingford back in 1953 has become an

Auburn land-mark. Sons Mark and Ron now run this successful business, which actually doubled in 1997 to include an expanded service area. The key to this type of business is providing qual-ity equipment backed with superb service. Wallingford does both and they have for nearly 50 years. So when the construction industry is strong, as it has been for the last few years, Wallingford’s continues to grow.

Wallingford’s has a unique customer base serving many local municipalities and contractors. Heavy equipment like bulldozers, wheel loaders, backhoes and excavators are available. A large selection of Stihl chainsaws are also available with many styles in stock.

Homeowners will be happy they found Wallingford as well. “There are more and more ‘gentleman farm-ers’ around who really appreciate a well land-scaped, beautiful yard. And for any sizeable amount of space, most people would rather ride than walk,” said Mark. To serve this

purpose, Wallingford’s carries a full line of compact tractors from Kubota, quality manufacturer of lawn and garden equip-ment. “At the end of March our showroom is transformed from the Ski-Doo snowmo-biles and accessories to a ‘sea of orange’ with a whole lot of Kubota tractors,” smiles Mark. “Just in time for everyone to start thinking about spring.” For the larger farm operations, Wallingford’s provides a great selection of large farm tractors and all the necessary attachments and accessories.

Used equipment is sometimes available for purchase. “We sell a lot of used snowmo-biles and used Kubota backhoes and other equipment when we can get them,” says Mark.

The store is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Telephone 782-4886 or toll free 1-800-427-4886. www.wallingfordequipment.com.

Wallingford Equipment

Quality equipmentfor all seasons

Spillers opens complex in LisbonSpillers opens complex in Lisbon

“When Quality Matters...”“The Leader In The Business”

• State of the ArtCoin-Op Laundry

• Wash-Dry-Fold• Suede & Leather• Bridal Gowns• Draperies

(Fan Folded)• Shirt Laundry on a

Hanger or In a Box• Plenty of Parking

“Quality Service at Reasonable Prices!”

A Family Owned and Operated Business

786 CENTER ST.Across from Lee Auto Mall

782-9389Mon.-Sat. 7 AM to 9 PM,

Sunday 8 AM to 6 PM

PLENTY OFPARKING!

MINOT AVE.In The Taylor Brook Mall Behind Sams

783-1280Mon.-Sat. 7:30AM to 7:30PM,

Sunday 8AM to 5PM, Closed Sunday

2 Locations to Serve You Better!

VOTED BEST DRY CLEANER

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RetailE9P R O F I L E 2003Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, March 8, 2003

By DENISE SCAMMON / Staff Writer

Monica Riordan and her husband Anthony, better known as ‘Andy’, have owned and operated the Ath-

letic Barn in Lisbon Falls since 1999. The grand opening officially kicked off in March 2000 with Monica at the helm. Monica wasted no time in building an excellent reputation for their busi-ness. Just as importantly, they have built a repu-tation as people who care about local youth and their community. “Andy is an ‘idea’ man and a ‘do-er’,” began Monica, “and it is our hope that his health improves so we can combine our ef-forts to bring the most benefit to the business, lo-cal youth, and community.” (Andy is undergoing treatments for a rare form of spinal cancer.)

“Andy is dedicated to and has a genuine desire to improve everything he touches. Our family knows that our working relation-ship as a team is perfect for the coaches, referees, um-pires, athletic directors, as well as younger and older athletes looking for more than just quality sports equipment at competitive prices,” said Monica.

Andy has come up with great fundraising ideas for cities, towns, schools and programs that exist today, or will exist tomorrow. “Every team is like a proj-ect, and if we can sit down with that league, team, or even a single athlete, we can take their goals and find a way to reach them,” said Andy.

Small projects have been run to test different methods of getting more money into the schools and improve morale, spirit, and assure kids look sharp in the process. School displays with qual-ity products, emblazoned with embroidery or screen printing, are priced below retail for the kids or faculty and are purchased by the school or fundraising teams for pennies over Athletic Barn’s cost, allowing schools to maximize funds.

“Andy’s design of an in-school store, run in conjunction with fundraising groups, teachers, and student council, could provide sincere busi-ness experience, from inventory to purchasing,

as well as provide thousands of dollars for school programs,” noted Monica.

Another idea of Andy’s is a local non-profit redemption center or school store which could help fund the programs that have the least mon-etary support from their community dollars. “Hockey, gymnastics, tennis, golf, band, drama, and everything else our kids dream about are worth supporting. We need to keep their dreams alive,” said Andy, “and keep them actively in-volved in teams and clubs that build character and leadership.”

Real leadership skills can surface in the very young. “Every child undergoes the process of searching for what they are best at. The greatest disservice to our youth is not giving them every

tool they need to compete in the world today,” stated Andy. Why compete? “Be-cause the reality is that if you do not know how to compete in the work place, know how to lose and pick yourself up, know that hard work brings rewards... the easy way out for most youth today is to simply find something else to do.”

The Riordans have contributed to building their community for many reasons. Andy said, “If our children have tools and in-terests in school, we can get them through some tough times. If they continue to have a vision of succeeding in a sport and they contin-ue to educate themselves, they may not only make it

through high school but carry on through col-lege, tech school or be a self-motivated business owner. A community that celebrates its youth, will retain youth and build around the youth of tomorrow.” Tools for athletes include Skate Sharpening, glove repairs, Safety and rehabilita-tion exercise products, and motivating products like Reebok NFL equipment, Zephyr hats, bags for every sport and custom school jackets.

In creating the Athletic Barn, the Riordans looked for a direction to follow, a clear cut iden-tity for the store that would identify their be-liefs. After years of dealing with Andy’s illness, Monica has put together a successful operation with its focus on the youth of the community and

character-building activi-ties. “While we know that moving to a larger town would increase our profits, we have committed to our effort in Lisbon.” Andy add-ed, “We hope that our Lis-bon location becomes our flagship store, to be modeled in other small towns that do not have local access to sports equipment and attire under one roof.”

The Athletic Barn’s Discount Program has proven successful for teams, leagues, and other groups. “A league buys equip-ment from us at negotiated rates. Every member of its league receives 15 percent off all major equipment for that sport during that season,” explained Andy. “In 2001-02, Lisbon Junior Ath-letic League players saved an estimated $1,500. The savings were felt by the parents and players directly. So, not only did the league get quality products at competitive pricing, but every mem-ber player saved a minimum of 15 percent off a glove, bat, pants or cleats.”

Noting that in many instances expensive bats were discounted up to $50, Andy added, “A lesson on bat swinging was thrown in at no cost.” Also, parents and players requesting a specific bat and/or catcher’s gear, can place special orders, often at greater than 15% savings.

“We can deliver the product, too. Coaches usually have day jobs and their ‘free’ time is tight. We’ve delivered team products to coaches at their homes as late as 11 p.m. At other times, we’ve delivered equipment to fields and schools.” Take advantage of the Athletic Barn’s customer service, such as express shipping on special orders. Andy stated that most special or-ders arrive in 3 days or less.

No one is left out at the Athletic Barn, includ-ing referees, umpires, coaches, women’s sports, frisbee players, golfers, and lefty golfers. What will referees and umpires find at the Athletic Barn? “More every day!” said Monica. She ex-plained that many referees and umpires were buying required gear either online, through a catalog, or through an ump/ref at an association meeting. “We spent hours researching methods to best access ump/ref gear and came up with special programs, discounts, and a growing line of merchandise that can be tried on for size right in the store. Many umps are pleased with

our staff and order or buy something right off the floor. Invite us to an ump/ref meeting so we can get our products to you, and you’ll find that returns, sizing, and support are tailored to the whole group to ensure uniformity.”

If you are a company manager and you want your management team to look top-notch, check out the Athletic Barn’s great corporate apparel line, safety equipment, exercise clothing, shorts, and more.

There are golf sets for beginners to the serious golfer. “Check out our glove tightening service, skate sharpening, dart specialty items, Saucony footwear, Riddell football equipment, shoes, and cleats...and so much more. We can’t carry every single item in the store, but as we update our on-line store this spring, we will have the op-portunity to better serve customers...even after regular business hours,” said Monica.

“It is so important to motivate our young athletes to focus on goals that will help make their dreams a reality. By assuring the avail-ability of athletic equipment, improved training programs, and athletic facilities, as well as the exposure to higher education for our athletes of tomorrow,” said Monica, “we open up avenues for success that will build stronger communities and relationships that will last a lifetime.”

In the future, the Athletic Barn and its team of professionals hope to grow its quality individual and group training programs in golf, baseball, soccer, football, and ice hockey.

“We will continue to work to bring in profes-sionals, speakers, and trainers from other orga-nizations and colleges. We feel we can make a difference by creating partnerships with schools and the community.” The Riordans want to hear from you.

“Send us your thoughts so together we can build a better tomorrow for the youth.”

Athletic Barn, 689A Lisbon Street, Lisbon Falls, Maine

By BARBARA LIVINGSTONSpecial to Profiles

The experts now say that office attire has shifted away from the more casual look of re-cent years and gone back to the traditional suits and jackets for both men and women. Many people in the greater Lewiston/Auburn area know that Au-burndale Clean-ers is the best place to take those “dry clean only” clothes to retain the good looks and per-fect fit they had when they were new. Many also know that even the “wet cleaned at-home” cot-tons and linens maintain their crisp “like-new” looks when a profes-sional cleans them.

Yes, customers have been praising their work for years and now, for the third year in a row, Auburndale Cleaners was voted the Best of the Best, Greater Lewiston/Auburn’s best dry cleaner by Market Surveys of America.

“We work very hard to give our customers the most careful, expert care available for their fine clothes and also to make sure they have the best service to go with it,” says owner Leo Guay. “People realize that when a garment says dry clean only that’s what it means.”

In addition to the high-quality standard dry cleaning work Auburndale is known for, they also provide an in-store service unique in the world of dry cleaners. “We have worked hard for years to perfect our method of cleaning wedding gowns right here in our plant,” says Leo. “It is difficult work that averages 4-6 hours to pre-treat and clean one dress, with much of the work done as pre-spotting and all done by hand.” And pressing is equally challenging with most gowns having several layers, all of which need to be pressed individually. Custom-ers usually have to take their cherished wed-ding dresses to a specialty shop for the cleaning where they are sent out of town. But here in

Lewiston-Auburn, folks have a choice – their dresses never leave the area because all gowns are done on-site at the Center Street location. After the garments are cleaned they are stored in an acid-free box with acid-free paper de-signed to last for years and years. “But we also caution our customers,” said Leo, “to be careful where they store the box. It needs to be kept in

a cool, dry place preferably at room temperature. The boxes are designed actually to fit right under the bed and that’s a perfect place for them.”

He also says that many envi-ronmental issues such as moisture and heat can affect these gowns and that they should be checked every few years to be sure they will last for generations.

In addition to their regular dry

cleaning services, Auburndale also offers home and business service through which cleaning can be picked up, cleaned and returned to the owner. This service is particularly helpful for senior citizens or anyone who is unable to leave their home or office.

And for the busiest customers, the conve-nience of “wash and fold” can be invaluable. Drop off the laundry – come back and it’s clean, folded and ready to put away. It doesn’t get much easier than that!

In addition to high-quality work and good service, the location of the business right on Center Street makes it convenient to customers coming from many different directions.

Open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., customers can use Auburndale’s services at their own convenience.

Auburndale Cleaners has two convenient locations to serve the customer – 786 Center Street and Minot Avenue in the Taylor Brook Mall, both in Auburn. Taylor Brook mall loca-tion is open from 7:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Mon-day through Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Voted best in L/A for three years

AUBURNDALE CLEANERSNot just your ordinary dry cleaners

Make sure the most precious dress you’ll ever wear is safe for future generations by taking it to

Auburndale Cleaners.

Athletic Barn — Buildling a Community


RETAIL


When Steve Roop opened Roopers on Sabattus Street in Lew-iston back in 1992, he started out with a big dream crammed into 1000 sq. ft. of space, limited inventory, one part-time employee, and a lot of bottles to count. Today, he and his wife Elaine have a brand new location on Sabattus Street built over the original Roopers, providing 4000 sq. ft., inventory that includes a wide variety of beverages... from juice, soda, beer, wines, a ‘serve yourself’ Green Mountain coffee counter, as well as a designated State Agency liquor store that retails to individuals and whole-sales to licensed clubs and organizations. Newly added to the Sabattus Street location was the opening of Subway Sandwich shop in the fall of 2002.

As progress spread to the opening of a Roopers on Main Street in Lewiston in 1994, and Village Street in Lisbon in 1995, “Two things became very apparent to us,” stated Steve, “CUSTOMER SATISFACTION and EMPLOYEE SATISFACTION!”

With that in mind, “renovations and reinvesting in Roopers has been a constant work in progress for Steve,” said Elaine.

All three Roopers locations offer convenience in beverage shopping and State Agency Retail and wholesale liquor stores. Sabattus Street and Main Street are well established redemption centers as well. The new and improved Village Street Roopers in Lisbon began in Breton’s Market, but outgrew that space after 7 years. In October 2002, Steve moved Roopers next door into the former Yankee Grocers. During renovations of the new location, Steve said they removed 12 to 15 tons of debris. “We stripped this place down to the bare walls and then built it all over again, giv-ing it a major face lift.”

According to Steve, the deli counter, and especially the Ches-

ter Fried Chicken combos, are big hits. “No doubt about it, we were busting at the seams next door, this move was way over due. We did away with the redemption center in Lis-bon, and concentrated on what our customers were requesting.....groceries and a bigger deli. Lisbon Roopers offers groceries, beverages, a good selection of wines, beers, liquor, as well as pizza, sandwiches and Chester Fried Chicken. So you see, we do listen to our customers,” said Steve,flashing a smile.

Elaine finds that there is a low rate of em-ployee turnover, and Steve agrees. “We have many experienced employees with great work ethics. This seems to set a good example for our new employees.” During the summer months, the number of employees grows from 32 to 52, as Roopers hires semi-retirees, former shoe workers, and in most instances, provides the first job experience for young students. Accord-ing to Elaine, “We’ve had people start working for us in high school, go away to college, work for us part-time during breaks, graduate, get married, have children, move away, and drop in just to say Hi and Thank You... for an oppor-tunity that was given to them a long time ago. That always makes Steve and I feel good.”

The Roops are very involved in giving back to their communities. Whether it’s sponsoring lit-tle leagues, providing extra accommodations to ensure successful bottle drives for the local high schools, hosting benefit fundraisers or much

needed support to the special needs children in the community, the Roops can be counted on.

Steve adds, “It helps when you have a good relationship with your bank, and we are lucky to have Androscoggin Bank share in our growth and vision. They want to see us succeed and continue to do well, and that is a big plus!”

Customer satisfaction... Employee satisfaction...

Community involvement... Business reinvestment.

What is the next expansion for Roopers? Steve won’t

say! So stay tuned......

By JODY GOODWINProfile Editor

TURNER - Venture into a world filled with unique glassware and furniture. Find

the gourmet items you need for that special dinner and dessert. Thank your customers with

a custom-made, truly unusual Maine-made product or decorate your own home with items

that reflect your taste for something different. All of these things and many more, can be

found at Murdock Country Creations located on Route 4.

Have you ever tried to find

a special gift for a bride and

groom? How about a set of

handpainted wine glasses with

a matching pitcher or a slate

welcome sign for their front

door? Need a small but unique

something for a good friend and

been stymied by the ordinary

offerings? How about a regional

cookbook and the music to

match or a vase covered with

your friend’s favorite sunflowers.

Owner Kellie Murdock has filled her Route 4 store with such a wide variety of offerings

that finding the perfect present will not be a problem. Following her first year in business,

during which Murdock test-marketed dozens of products, lines such as gourmet cooking

ingredients and Maine-themed glassware are being expanded. Catering to companies that

want to recognize their valued customers, Murdock has also begun a new line of gift bas-

kets designed to reflect New England products and ingenuity. But those same gift baskets

can be made up individually for Mother’s and Father’s Day as well as Valentine’s Day or

a family celebration such as the birth of a baby or a house warming.

Based on the likes and dislikes of her customers, Murdock is bringing in a new line

of retro housewares including tinware and expanding her line of unique baby gifts and

products. To introduce everyone to her new gourmet food products, there will be a Gourmet

Night held this spring for those who like to sample. Have you tried apple syrup on your

pork chops or maybe raspberry curd for those special tarts. The store features culinary

delights from a wide range of producers including Stonewall Kitchen’s jams and relishes,

Rowena’s southern favorites such as carrot jam and praline sauce as well as finishing sauces

and flavored oils from Bittersweet Farm.

A new dimension is being added to the store later this spring with the introduction of a

custom-made furniture department. The store now features furniture reproductions of pieces

handcrafted in New England in the early 1800s with raised panels and distressed finishes.

For the bride that wants more than bath towels and sheets, the store provides a bridal

registry and will customize champagne or wine glasses for the event as well as favors for the

bridal party and guests.

The store is laid out with areas done by themes including Victorian, lodge, Shabby Chic

and country so several items for a room can be purchased together such as furniture, pillows,

pictures, vases and collectibles. Items throughout the store are done by local artists includ-

ing painted furniture, photography, greeting cards, painted slates, custom-made signs and

pressed flower glass items like picture frames.

Murdock good-naturedly relates that everyone’s first response when they come into the

store is “I can’t believe how big it is!” The store does look small from the outside, she says,

but really isn’t.

So the next time you need a gift for yourself or someone else, come and explore the wide

variety and unique offerings at Murdock Country Creations. It’s only 15 minutes from

Lewiston and Auburn but its like walking into a very creative world that could be much

farther away.

Murdock Country CreationsRoute 4 in Turner

about one mile north of Route 117Telephone 207-225-2477Mon-Sat - 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.Sunday - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Planning afund raiser?

Murdock Country Creations has

been helping local schools and non-profit

organizations with several very successful

fund raising activities. The custom made

glass ornaments featured at the store can

be the center of a fundraising initiative.

Owner Kellie Murdock will help orga-

nize the activity, provide brochures and,

depending upon items chosen, provide a

40 percent return to the organization.

For more information on planning

a fund raising activity, call Murdock

Country Creations at 225-2477.

Looking for unique and unusual?Look no further

Murdock Country Creations

Rooper‛s continues to be a ‘work in progress‛

Owner Steve Roop with employees Robin Garland, Ashley Miner and Manager Denise Perry pose behind the counter at Roopers on Village

Street in Lisbon.

The new deli at the Lisbon Roopers offers Chester Fried chicken, sandwiches and pizza.

Employees Scott Akerley and Diane Theriault work behind the counter as customers find what they need at Roopers on Sabattus Street in

Lewiston.

Real EstateE11P R O F I L E 2003Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, March 8, 2003


Flexibility makes real estate a great career choice - you can be successful at your job as

a parent/spouse and have a career outside of the home. Working parents in real es-

tate learn to be very efficient with their time and can usually accomplish an amazing

number of different tasks in the course of a single day. “A career in real estate offers independence

in creating your own schedule and the income you want to earn,” said Angie White, independent

owner/operator of Century 21 Advantage in Lewiston.

A career in real estate offers flexible scheduling and an alternative to the traditional 9-to-5 office

setting. Working parents in real estate find that in addition to the importance of independence, it

is a good thing to be part of a team. “We hope that each agent feels like a valuable team member. If

newer agents need help, or the vested agents need coverage, team members offer support.” White

noted, “In the last few years we have added a couple dozen new agents to our team.”

Every new and experienced agent at Century 21 Advantage keeps up-to-date in the real estate

business by attending Century 21 training sessions utilizing Top Producer 7I Lead Management

Programs, Century 21 seminars, and Century 21 conventions. As homebuyers have become more

adept at using the latest technology, such as the internet and hand-held computers, the real estate

agent has had to stay just as sophisticated as, and even one step ahead of, the buying public.

Of course, technology is only good if you use it and that includes email, cell phone, land phone,

fax, and a website. White continued, “Every agent in this office has computer access and some use

laptops or hand-held computers away from the office. These are great tools for connectivity to the

internet and email.” The newest technology allows real estate agents to carry around their entire

database in a laptop or hand-held computer.

“They can have instant access to their appoint-

ments, contact list, and email.”

With the amount of information accessible

on the internet, agents need to be aware of the

diverse needs of their buyers, and be able to

answer questions ranging in topic from the

amenities in a particular property and resale

value to intangibles about the quality of life.

“Our website at www.century21-advantage.com

is extremely important to our business and is

updated on a regular basis,” said Kevin Gagnon,

executive administrator at C-21 Advantage.

“We show ALL listings for the state of Maine on

our website and become the contact person for

any of those listings, whether or not we were the

originating realtor, and that helps our clients

work with their favorite agent in our office.”

Increased competition among Realtors also means agents must be easily accessible. Being avail-

able at all hours of the day and night and weekends too can make the difference between a sale or a

no-sale.

Century 21 Advantage is open 7 days a week to accommodate different schedules. “Technology is

changing so fast that today’s realtor must learn to use more than one type of communication. It’s

no longer just the phone or fax. Now our clients use the internet and e-mail,” said White. “Being

part of the world’s largest real estate franchise has its benefits, from the listings on our website

that can be viewed from the comfort of your own home to the latest technology used by our agents

to the extra services we offer.”

CENTURY 21 Advantage577 Main Street

Lewiston, Maine 04240Local: 207-782-2121

Toll Free: 1800-78-House (1-800-784-6873)

CENTURY 21 Advantage stays one step ahead

By DONNA KEENE ROUSSEAUFreelance Writer

hen Mindy and John Davis of Auburn

contacted the Brenda Fontaine Family

Team of ERA Worden Realty, they were

looking for more than someone to help

them sell their home; they were shop-

ping for exceptional customer service.

“I work in the service industry so

when I shop for a service, I want to

know what I’m going to get. Service is what Brenda and her

whole team are about,” says Mindy Davis. Like many people,

she questioned whether a team could provide personalized

service as effectively as a single agent. She admits, “I was pleas-

antly surprised. Every time I called Brenda’s office, everyone

on her team knew the status of my home and the feedback was

quick and proactive. I never really had to call for feedback on

showings or open houses; I always got a call.”

Davis also liked the fact that the Fontaine team was always

open to her ideas. “It didn’t have to be Brenda’s idea. If things

were not progressing with activity, she wasn’t afraid to call and

propose changes, share why she thought changes were neces-

sary and present her ideas. All in all, my experience was very

good and I would recommend Brenda’s team to anyone with a

busy life like mine and who is searching for someone who will be

responsive throughout the whole process.”

Davis is one of 311 clients whose homes were sold by the Bren-

da Fontaine Family Team in 2002. With close to $35 million in

sales this past year, Fontaine acknowledges the loyalty of all her

customers as the secret to her team’s success.

“Word of mouth is the best form of advertising – friends recom-

mending us to friends and family – and we so appreciate them

for giving us the opportunity to serve them. We are truly grate-

ful.” She adds, “Success can go as quickly as it comes. We don’t

take it for granted. It’s important to stay humble.”

Fontaine’s team consists of her husband, Claude, three

daughters, Melissa, Crystal, and Angela, two sons-in-law, Bill

Bergeron and Clayton Larochelle, and the newest team member,

Marilyn Larochelle, Angela’s mother-in-law, all of whom are

licensed real estate agents.

According to Fontaine, the family team approach works well

thanks to a shared value system and a work ethic firmly ground-

ed in the philosophy of never promising what you can’t deliver

and always delivering more than you promise.

By surrounding herself with a professional, service-driven

team, Fontaine is always available to all her clients and contin-

ues to commit herself daily to delivering the personalized ser-

vice for which she is known.

“Each member of the team has his or her own responsibilities

from placing signs and completing paperwork to assisting cli-

ents from out of town. With great support, I’m easily accessible

and free to do what I do best, counsel clients, explore new ways

for marketing our listings, and troubleshoot. Our entire family

team strives to go above and beyond. After all, we want to be our

clients’ family realtor for life, not just for the sale.”

Endeavoring to be yourfamily realtor for life

The Brenda Fontaine Family Team in their new office.

Diane Reynolds, Administrative Assistant Angela White, Broker/Owner

Kevin Gagnon, Executive Administrator

Front row left to right: Karri Greenleaf,

Norm LaPlante, Natalie Raye. Second row: John Franck and

John White.Not picture are: Ricke Burke, Dan

Copp, Craig Gagnon, Roger Gagnon, Caleb

Guiggey, Donald Kilbreth, Kay Kotsifas,

Rob Lababera, Patricia Long and

Donald White

Front row left to right: Rachel Levesque, Laurie Ann Randall and Debora Fleury.

Second row: George Grant, Phil Ellis, Derek Labbe, Steve Garrant

and Roger Begin.

Front row left to right: Betty Jordan,

Ann Parker and Betty Grant.

Second row: Denise Dufour, Dominic

Ranucci, Lisa Cote, Paul Levesque and

Marcel Poulin.

W


Martin’s Country Homes

By MIKE BOURGOINFreelance Writer

Martin’s Country Homes, located on Route 26 in Mechanic Falls, has been pro-viding quality stick built and

modular homes for seven years. Founded in 1996 by Bob and Cindy Martin, Mar-tin’s Country Homes has experienced record growth with their business. In fact, this seventh year marks the largest growth year in Martin’s’ history. This record growth has led to several exciting things happening for Martin’s Country Homes.

First however, it might be useful to know what Martin’s Country Homes does. They provide customers with qual-ity modular and stick built homes. Stick built refers to traditional construction. Once the foundation is poured and has cured, the house is built completely on site. The frame is constructed, the house sheathed and the walls are fleshed out. This is the type of construction most of us are familiar with.

Modular construction uses many of the same techniques as stick built but with a twist. As the name modular implies, the house is built in sections. The greatest difference between stick built and modu-lar is that the modular is built inside the manufacturers facility. The modules are then trucked to the job site where they are assembled into a finished house. Building a modular home is a great time saver, overall a modular home can be finished and ready to oc-cupy in about 45 days versus 90 to 100 days for stick built. By building inside, the manufactur-ers are not at the mercy of the weather. Modular con-struction can occur 24 hours a day even if there’s a bliz-zard raging outside. While modular construction is quicker than stick built, it is by no means an “instant house”. Once the modules are attached, the electricians, plumbers, and finish carpenters put the final touches on the home. To do this requires the same skill and expertise that it takes to construct a stick built house.

Skill and expertise describes the work force at Martin’s Country Homes. In starting the business, Bob brought con-siderable building experience to the com-pany. In their hiring, Bob and Cindy look for the same thing. The people that work for Martin’s Country Homes are experi-enced craftsman dedicated to producing the best possible results. If they aren’t dedicated, they don’t work for Martin’s

Country Homes – it’s that simple.Modular homes have come a long

way over the years. No longer are they boxy, awkward looking affairs. The advances in modular construction technology have allowed designers to convert almost any design to modular construction. Today’s modular home looks as stylish and elegant as any stick built home. For designs that do not lend themselves well to modular construction Martin’s Country Homes offers stick building.

Building a new house, regardless of construction, is a big step for people. For most people it is the largest investment they will make in their lives. Bob and Cindy realize this and go out of their way to help their customers. They possess a wealth of information for the new home-builder. They use this knowledge to help guide the customer through the maze of building. Bob and Cindy’s knowledge is combined with their remarkable honesty. They will take the customer through the entire building process, ex-plaining it thoroughly to the customer. Bob and Cindy can answer any questions a customer can think of. In fact, they can even answer questions a customer hasn’t thought of asking yet.

So what exciting things are happening at Martin’s Country Homes this year? Martin’s Country Homes’ seventh year has been their largest growth year ever. Sales have increased with a 50/50 split between modular and traditional (stick built) homes. Growth has been so good in fact that they now utilize over 100 people

as subcontractors. This growth has also led to the expansion of the Mechanic Falls office. Bob and Cindy recently added sev-eral people to the office: Leanne Tupper as Administrative Assis-tant, Patrick Bolduc as Construc-tion Coordinator, Randy Lowe as Finish Carpenter, and Heather Major as Administrative Assis-tant. February was a particularly busy time for Martin’s Country Homes. They opened a new branch office. This is office is located at 5 Oxford Homes Lane, this is off of Route 26 in front of the Oxford Homes manufacturing facility. Com-bined with their Wells, Maine location, Martin’s Country Homes now has three locations to better serve their customers.

This location marks am exclusive asso-ciation between Martin’s Country Homes and Oxford Homes. All is not equal in the world of modular home manufacturing, Bob and Cindy know this and as a result they only dealt with the best manufactur-ers. One of these was Oxford Homes in Oxford, Maine. With over 26 years in the business, Oxford Homes is one of the best. This exclusive partnership combines the skill and quality of Martin’s Country Homes and one of the industry’s leading manufacturer of modular housing.

Bob and Cindy have long been con-cerned with giving back to the commu-nity. The hundred or so sub-contractors they utilize as well as the newly hired staff pumps money back into the local economy. In addition to Oxford Homes’ quality, it was a concern for the local economy that led Martin’s Country Homes to this partnership with Oxford Homes. Whenever possible, Oxford Homes uses locally produced materials and fixtures. The equation of Martin’s Country Homes plus Oxford Homes

yields a winning combination. The cus-tomer gets a high quality home and the local economy gets a boost.

The excitement of this year isn’t limited to just sales, there are new designs be-ing offered by Martin’s Country Homes. Always striving for innovative designs, Martin’s Country Homes now offers something new in the industry.

In January they erected a two-story co-lonial with an attached modular garage. Like the house, the garage is built off-site and trucked in. Before this, customers had two choices: either build a stand-alone garage or build a stick built garage and attach it to the house. Both of these options can add a significant amount to the final cost. By incorporating the ga-rage into the design of the house, the cost of the garage can be more easily absorbed into the final price.

The advantages to the customer go beyond price. As memories of this past winter and its bitterly cold days slowly fade into the past, an attached garage lets a customer go from their warm house into a warm garage. No more trudging through snow to get into your car. By in-corporating the garage into the original design, the design is executed flawlessly. The garage doesn’t look like an after-thought, the lines of the house flow seam-lessly into the lines of the garage. Along with this model, there are two other models designed by Cindy on display at

the Oxford Homes Lo-cation.

Building a home re-quires a tremendous commitment for the buyer. The buyer will invest a considerable amount of time, effort, and money into this project. Buyers owe it to themselves to find the best possible builders to entrust the project to. Fortunate-ly for buyers, they need look no further than Bob and Cindy at Martin’s Country Homes. Bob and Cindy have the expe-rience to guide the

buyer through the building process and the access to the best quality material and contractors to get the job done right. With Bob and Cindy, you are buying more than a dream home – you are buying peace of mind and that is priceless. Stop by one of the three locations and talk to Cindy or Bob, your dream home awaits.

Owners Cindy and Bob Martin

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