Maine Source Homes and Maine Source Realty Celebrated Their Grand Opening in Auburn, Maine

(Auburn, Maine) – Owner and founder William (Bill) Turner’s vision is to create a business model where any one of his clients can sell their old home, buy a new one, purchase property, have the permits in hand, and start moving in their furniture all within the same day. Having already opened a reality company, purchased the land and received the building permits in advance, Turner has simply streamlined the entire process under one roof.

“We’re not in the business of making things complicated,” says Turner. “The banks have already done an excellent job of doing that. We’re in the business of making home buying easy.”

Auburn Mayor Jonathan LaBonte, Lewiston Mayor Robert Macdonald, state representatives, the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council, Androscoggin Chamber of Commerce, city councilors and Turner’s family, friends and employees gathered Wednesday as Maine Source Homes and Maine Source Realty officially celebrated their grand opening and relocation from Poland to Auburn.

“We have a lot of customers that want to buy their first home but end up leaving the bank just as confused as when they first walked in,” said Turner. “We approach our customers with an easy to reach and understand attitude. At no charge, we will educate our customers on what it takes to get a loan and be a home owner so that the first experience they have will be their best experience.”

The building serves as a one-stop-shop for customers.

“After reading our information and asking questions, a lot of our customers look us in the eye and ask why we go the extra mile having done all the work on our end so they don’t have to worry,” said Turner. “It hit me a long time ago. Why not create a business model that’s never been done before? Why not create an enjoyable experience buying or selling a home without all the headache for our client?”

Offering building packages that include green energy efficient homes with geothermal heating, on demand water heating, insulated concrete form foundations and more, Maine Source also provides opportunities for home buyers to locate their new unit onto Maine Source land at a cost lower than going at it on their own because they already have the permits in hand.

“The home you want can go on your land or ours,” says Turner. “We provide our customers with turn-key service. From septic systems to well drilling, basically anything that you need in order to start your home, we can provide you and this can all be done with any type of loan, not just a construction loan. We don’t limit you and that’s what makes us different.”

Providing new modular homes, manufactured homes, a real estate office with listing and buyer services, turn-key packages, land development and more, Maine Source handles it all in house. “Buying or building a home isn’t cheap and is stressful for a lot of people,” added Turner. “That’s why we streamline the process on our end to make owning a home easy and affordable for you. It only makes sense.”

Practicing what they preach, Maine Source invested into their new location.

Originally built in 1860, their business now sits in one of the original farm houses that has seen much of the land around it divided up among the area businesses and homes along Center Street. Long abandoned and facing foreclosure, Maine Source purchased the building over the summer and has spent the rest of that time upgrading the historic structure.

“I hate to say it, but this old home probably wouldn’t be here if we hadn’t moved from the town of Poland,” says Turner. “Thanks to financial assistance from Efficiency Maine through one of their loan programs, we were able to insulate and weatherize this property. We also added new hardwood flooring and restored some of the classic lines in this farm house that had deteriorated over time.”

Located at 314 Center Street across from NAPA Auto Parts, Maine Source has grown from just Turner to nine full time employees with another 25 sub contractors hired throughout year.

“This is an example of a business that gets it,” said Lucien Gosselin, president of the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council. “Buying or selling a home is no easy process. The Turner’s saw an opportunity to streamline the red tape and paperwork, handle it all in house, provide not only the land but the housing unit and are now growing faster than ever.”

Maine Source’s new location will be open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. with evenings and weekends by appointment.

“Back in 1986, I had to make a decision about what I wanted to do” said Turner. “Looking back, it’s been a no-brainer. The smile, thank you and handshake from our clients when they leave has absolutely been worth it. There really is no better feeling than knowing you have made a difference in that family’s life and that’s why they keep coming back.”

For more information about Maine Source Homes and Maine Source Realty, please visit www.mainesource.com, www.MaineSourceRealty.com, call (207) 333-6001 or visit their new location at 314 Center Street in Auburn.

About: Maine Source Homes and Maine Source Realty:

Started in 1986 by Bill Turner, Maine Source Homes is a full service affordable home provider offering a variety of services ranging from new modular homes and land packages to manufactured homes on land as well as real estate packages. Recently relocated from Poland to Auburn, Maine Source Homes and Maine Source Realty is located at 314 Center Street in Auburn. For more information, please visit www.mainesource.com, www.MaineSourceRealty.com, email sales@mainesource.com or call (207) 333-6001.

About: The Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council:

The Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council is the central economic development agency for Lewiston-Auburn. The Growth Council works closely with clients on a fully confidential basis offering services including technical assistance, commercial financing, site searches, public relations and marketing. The Growth Council has worked with the owner of Maine Source Homes and Maine Source Realty to provide public relations and marketing services. For more information, please visit www.economicgrowth.org, www.laitshappeninghere.com, call (207) 784-0161 or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/economicgrowth.

Situated on 3.8 acres on an EPA Brownfields Program site, the nearly $4 million, three-story 36,000-square-foot building houses Bedard Pharmacy, Bedard Medical Equipment & Supplies showroom and medical supply distribution warehouse on the ground floor. Bedard Senior Care pharmacy and Bedard’s administrative offices are located on the second and third floors. The state-of-the-art building was constructed with energy efficient and sustainable features throughout, including the building shell and mechanical and electrical systems that meet or exceed energy standards.

The ribbon cutting ceremony included remarks by Bedard CEO Michael Nadeau, Auburn Mayor Jonathan LaBonte, Auburn Economic Development Director Roland Miller, LAEGC Marketing Director Calvin Rinck, Small Business Administration District Director Maurice Dube and Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce President Chip Morrison.

“To see Bedard officially open their doors here today in Auburn is especially meaningful and rewarding for those of us dedicated to making a better Lewiston-Auburn,” said Calvin Rink, Marketing Director, Lewiston Auburn Economic Growth Council. “This new location will be an anchor and help families from Auburn-Lewiston and beyond efficiently and effectively get the proper medical products and services they require.”

Also participating in the ribbon cutting were Kathy Martin’s second grade class who presented the Nadeaus with a wall hanging created from the students’ drawings. The artwork will hang in public areas of the new building. The students also created the ribbon that was used in the ribbon cutting ceremony. Members of the Fairview School chorus performed a song welcoming Bedard to the neighborhood.

Bedard owners Michael and Annette Nadeau presented Fairview School Principal Cathy Folan with a defibrillator as a way of thanking the staff, students and their families for their patience during the construction project. Fairview School is directly adjacent to Bedard.

Attending the ribbon cutting ceremony were representatives from Maine’s United States Congressional Delegation, state legislators, City of Auburn administrators and residents of the Fairview Avenue and Minot Avenue neighborhood.

About Bedard

Bedard is a third generation-owned Pharmacy, Senior Care Pharmacy and Durable Medical Equipment and Supplies company now located at 359 Minot Avenue in Auburn. Bedard Pharmacy at 61 College Street in Lewiston remains open. Bedard is nationally accredited with The Joint Commission and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). After more than 110 years of service, Bedard Pharmacy remains an industry leader by combining old-fashioned customer service with leading-edge skills and state-of-the-art technology.

For more information, call (207) 786-0139 or 1-888-BEDARDS (toll-free), or visit www.bedardpharmacy.com.

LA Trails Program to seek input on priorities for the Androscoggin Greenway Plan

Auburn -  Building on decades of investment in parks and new trails along the Androscoggin River in Lewiston-Auburn, and boosted by the recent report from the National Park Service identifying the Androscoggin as a New England priority, the LA Trails program of the Androscoggin Land Trust will host a public workshop on Thursday January 5^th at 6 PM hosted by the Hilton Garden Inn – Auburn Riverwatch.

The Androscoggin Land Trust, through LA Trails, has secured grant funding from the Environmental Funders Network’s Quality of Place Initiative to expand on the planning for an Androscoggin Greenway, a continuous land and water based trail network through Lewiston and Auburn that would link to the Androscoggin Riverlands State Park to the north and eventually south to Lisbon and Brunswick.  With support from both cities, the National Park Service, and corporate partners like the Hilton Garden Inn, ALT has hired Wright-Pierce, an engineering consulting firm, to complete the technical components of this planning.

The first phase, an inventory of all existing trails, open spaces and public lands along the river corridor from Gulf Island Pond south towards the Maine Turnpike overpass of the Androscoggin, was completed this fall.  The next step, assessing walking and biking routes, water access and water views along the Androscoggin Greenway was done by hosting several “walking audits” of a series of loops that serve to connect key neighborhoods or business centers in the heart of the community to the river corridor.

With that work complete, LA Trails and Wright Pierce have compiled the ideas and comments and have identified emerging priorities for broader community discussion.   The discussion with the Lewiston-Auburn community on January 5^th will help to further refine the Greenway Plan by setting actionable priorities for both short term and long term projects that the cities of Lewiston and Auburn, as well as non-profit partners like the Androscoggin Land Trust, can implement in a coordinated way.

“National and state funders have taken an interest in the growing  potential of the Androscoggin River to support economic growth and improve quality of life for residents,” states Androscoggin Land Trust director Jonathan LaBonte.  “With the recent release of a National Park Service report recommending targeted investment in the Androscoggin because of its potential as a recreation heritage corridor, this planning and priority setting becomes all the more important to the region.”

When and Where:

Androscoggin Greenway – Public Workshop

Thursday January 5^th

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Hilton Garden Inn – Auburn Riverwatch

Great Falls Plaza, Auburn, Maine

The Androscoggin Land Trust is a membership supported organization dedicated to protecting, through land conservation and stewardship, important natural areas, traditional landscapes and outdoor experiences in the Androscoggin River watershed.  ALT offers recreational programs in the region include LA Trails, serving Lewiston-Auburn, Chisholm Trails, serving Jay and Livermore Falls, and the Great Falls Paddling Society, offering seasonal outings on the Androscoggin River.

For more information about the Androscoggin Land Trust, please visit our website at http://www.androscogginlandtrust.org/ or our offices at 86 Main Street, Suite 201 in Auburn.

Lisbon Community FCU celebrates grand opening

Photo courtesy of Lisbon Community Federal Credit Union: Lisbon Community Federal Credit Union celebrated the grand opening of their branch located at 802 Sabattus Street in Lewiston on Wednesday, December 21. From left-right: Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce President Chip Morrison; LAEGC President Lucien Gosselin; Lewiston City Manager Ed Barrett; City of Auburn Mayor Richard Gleason; Office of Senator Susan M. Collins State Office Representative Chiara Ferrante; LCFCU Treasurer and Manager George Roy; LCFCU Board President John Silvestri; Branch Manager Tiffiny Stewart; Office of Senator Olympia J. Snowe State Office Representative Karen Staples; Office of Congressman Michael H. Michaud State Office Representative Andrea Quaid; City of Lewiston Mayor Larry Gilbert.

(Lewiston, Maine) – Lisbon Community Federal Credit Union celebrated the grand opening of their new Lewiston branch Wednesday, a major step forward in the Credit Union’s expansion into the Lewiston-Auburn area.

Established in 1959, Lisbon Community Federal Credit Union offers a variety of loan and savings programs including savings and checking accounts, money market, IRA accounts and certificates, free VISA debit cards, home banking, bill payer and eStatements. On the lending side, mortgages, construction loans and home equity lines of credit will be offered in addition to new and used vehicle loans, recreational vehicles and VISA credit cards.

“The Board welcomes the Lewiston-Auburn community to our beautiful new Sabattus Street Branch to experience how our members have been ‘building futures’ and ‘preserving dreams’ for over 50 years,” said John Silvestri, President of the Board of Directors, highlighting the Credit Union’s tagline. “We are anxious to have people in the community learn first hand how we take very seriously the Credit Union philosophy of ‘People Helping People’.”

Located at 802 Sabattus Street, on the corner of Old Greene Road, the Credit Union sits on the former site of Thorne’s Corner grange hall, most recently utilized as cold storage space for area businesses. Adjacent to Roopers Beverage and Redemption Store, the new full-service branch will feature a drive-up area, a SURF Network ATM and participate in Shared Branching.

Highlighting their member service and friendly banking atmosphere, Lisbon Community Federal Credit Union boasts long term employees and is dedicated to familiarizing Members by name.

Those attending the ribbon cutting included Lewiston Mayor Larry Gilbert, Auburn Mayor Richard Gleason, state representatives, the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council, Androscoggin Chamber of Commerce and members of the Credit Union.

“This is a real success story that represents the true partnership and collaboration in this community,” said George Dycio, Economic Development Specialist for the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council. “By working closely with the Credit Union’s Realtor, we were able to identify several sites along Sabattus Street that were considered to be viable sites for the new credit union.  It also took the collaboration between the property owners, the Growth Council and the realtor working together in good faith in order to make this project a reality today.”

“Lewiston-Auburn is a strategically important location for the Credit Union,” said Treasurer and Manager George Roy. “We are committed to investing into the community here, which is one of the reasons why we hired three new employees from Lewiston as well as local contractors like Landry/French Construction Company, Pine Knoll Landscaping, L.P. Poirier Excavating, Roy I. Snow Electrical, Royal Flooring, Neokraft Signs, Spillers and others to help make this building a reality.”

Lisbon Community Federal Credit Union’s Lewiston location branch hours will match the Lisbon main office with drive-up teller service and Saturday hours; Monday through Thursday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Friday from 9:00 to 6:00 PM, and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. On weekdays and Saturday, drive-up service will be available beginning at 7:30 AM, an hour-and-a-half before lobby hours.

For more information about Lisbon Community Federal Credit Union, please visit www.lisboncu.org, call (207) 353-4144, email memberservices@lisboncu.org or visit their two branches at 325 Lisbon Street in Lisbon or the new Lewiston branch at 802 Sabattus Street.

About: Lisbon Community Federal Credit Union:

Founded in 1959, The Lisbon Community Federal Credit Union (LCFCU) is a not for profit, full service financial institution owned by and operated for our members.  With $73 Million in assets and $51 Million in loans, the Credit Union serves 7,200 members in the communities of Lewiston, Auburn, Durham, Lisbon, Sabattus, Bowdoin, Topsham and Pownal. For more information about Lisbon Community Federal Credit Union, please visit www.lisboncu.org, call (207) 353-4144, email memberservices@lisboncu.org or visit their two branches at 325 Lisbon Street in Lisbon or the new Lewiston branch at 802 Sabattus Street.

About: The Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council:

The Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council is the central economic development agency for Lewiston-Auburn. The Growth Council works closely with clients on a fully confidential basis offering services including technical assistance, commercial financing, site searches, public relations and marketing. The Growth Council has worked with Lisbon Community Federal Credit Union since the spring of 2008 to provide site search assistance, technical assistance, public relations and marketing services. For more information, please visit www.economicgrowth.org, www.laitshappeninghere.com, call (207) 784-0161 or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/economicgrowth.

Ribbon cutting

For Immediate Release:

Monday, December 19, 2011

SAVING Mainer’s ONE Million Dollars

CELEBRATING with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Auburn, Maine -  On Tuesday, December 6^th Electricity Maine hosted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at their Auburn, ME facility.  All guests had the opportunity to meet the Electricity Maine customer service team and talk to the partners of this newly established cost saving program.

“By the end of 2011 Electricity Maine will have saved Maine residents and small businesses approximately ONE million dollars on their combined annual CMP and Bangor Hyrdro Electric bills. “ We plan on saving the people of Maine millions of dollars more in 2012. We are just getting started. Our rates for 2012 are 17% lower than the current rates standard offer rates. ” stated Kevin Dean, co-partner of Electricity Maine.

Electricity Maine is a locally owned electricity supply company dedicated to saving Maine residents and small businesses money on their electricity supply through CMP and BHE.  Since Maine is a deregulated state, Electricity Maine is able to purchase power from the New England Power Pool, at a lower rate than the “standard offer”, and offer these discounted prices to Mainers. All current services with CMP and BHE remain the same, they continue to service power lines, respond to outages and process billing.

Operating from their business office in Auburn, the experienced customer service staff is available to educate Mainers by answering questions relating to cost savings for homes and small businesses. Enrolling is easy, visit www.electricityme.com or simply call toll free 1-866-573-2674.

Photo from left to right:

Jane Clavet, Office of Congressman Michael Michaud State Office Representative Andrea Quaid, Owner Emile Clavet, Office of Senator Olympia Snow State Office Representative Diane Jackson, City of Auburn Mayor Dick Gleason, President of the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce Chip Morrison, Owner Kevin Dean, Cookie Dean, Marketing Director for the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council Calvin Rinck, and Peter Whitney co-partner of Electricity Maine. Missing from photo, Office of Senator Susan Collins State Office Representative Chiara Ferrante, City of Lewiston Mayor Larry Gilbert.

S&J Tuxedo and Limo Rentals celebrates grand opening

(Lewiston, Maine) – Owner and entrepreneur Jane Kyllonen’s goal is to create a one-stop-shop for her clients, a place where all their anxieties and problems can be solved by her talented and dedicated staff.  Having already opened a hair, nail, tanning and catering business, adding a tuxedo and limo operation to her growing organization across the street only makes perfect sense.

“Naturally, a wedding or prom can be a very stressful time,” says Kyllonen. “Our goal is to get our customers to relax, indulge, enjoy their event and celebrate life’s finer pleasures.”

So far she’s on the right track.

Lewiston Mayor Larry Gilbert, Auburn Mayor Richard Gleason, state representatives, the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council, Androscoggin Chamber of Commerce and Kyllonen’s family, friends and employees gathered Saturday as the Sarah Jeanne’s organization officially celebrated their newest addition, S&J Tuxedo and Limo Rentals.

“Our community has voted us Lewiston and Auburn’s top salon for nine years” says Kyllonen. “We saw an opportunity that our clients needed when they were planning their events. They needed limos and tuxedos for their weddings, proms, and special celebrations. After a quick discussion with my husband, we decided to purchase three 10-passenger limousines and the feedback has been great. It makes their lives that much easier.”

Partnering with Tuxedo Junction, a national store with over 325 locations and name brand clothing options such as Calvin Klein, Cassini, Riviera and more, S&J Tuxedos will have one of the largest selections of wedding and prom tuxedos as well as formal wear to rent in Central Maine.

“We have the clothing styles you want and can afford,” says Kyllonen. “We provide our customers a solution to the problem they didn’t even know they had. They don’t have to drive to Portland to rent a tuxedo, get their hair done, rent a limo, go to a spa or hire catering. We do it all in house and that’s why our customers keep coming back.”

Providing tuxedos, wedding suits, vests, shirts, pants, ties and prom accessories, S&J Tuxedo also offers packages for the budget minded. “These events can really add up,” added Kyllonen. “That’s why we provide various packages depending on our clients needs. It only makes sense.”

Located at 76 Sabattus Street across from the Sarah Jeanne’s Family Hair Care, Tanning and Day Spa in Lewiston, Kyllonen’s ventures have grown to include 13 employees with four recently hired to staff the tuxedo store.

“This is a success story,” said Lucien Gosselin, president of the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council. “The Kyllonen’s and the Sarah Jeanne’s business family represent the true entrepreneurial spirit here in the Twin Cities. They saw an opportunity to grow their business, took the risk, invested, and now have the reputation as your classic one-stop-shop.”

S&J Tuxedos new retail location will be open Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m.

“It just goes to say it’s not where you are from, how much education or how much money you have,” says Kyllonen. “It’s about attitude and it’s about caring. When you come to Sarah Jeanne’s, you leave knowing you’ve been cared for.”

For more information about S&J Tuxedos, please visit www.sjtuxedos.com, call (207) 333-3737 or visit their new retail location at 76 Sabattus Street in Lewiston.

About: S&J Tuxedos and Limo Rentals:

Part of the Sarah Jeanne’s Family Hair & Spa family, S&J Tuxedos and Limo Rentals is the latest addition to the one-stop-shop operation provided by local business owners Jane and Ron Kyllonen. Since their 1993 opening of Sarah Jeanne’s Hair and Spa, Jane and Ron have expanded to include Moose’s Mobile Kitchen, limo rentals, bridal packages and a full day spa. S&J Tuxedos and Limo Rentals is located at 76 Sabattus Street in Lewiston. For more information, please visit www.sjtuxedos.com, email sarahjeannes@aol.com or call (207) 333-3737.

About: The Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council:

The Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council is the central economic development agency for Lewiston-Auburn. The Growth Council works closely with clients on a fully confidential basis offering services including technical assistance, commercial financing, site searches, public relations and marketing. The Growth Council has worked with the owner of Sarah Jeanne’s to provide loan financing, technical assistance, public relations and marketing services. For more information, please visit www.economicgrowth.org, www.laitshappeninghere.com, call (207) 784-0161 or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/economicgrowth.
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Goldworks celebrates ribbon cutting

(Auburn, Maine) – Master Jeweler Tom Cunliffe knows an opportunity when he sees one. Owner and operator of Goldworks for the last 14 years, Cunliffe understands that it’s not just the product that sells, but also the placement. “Pardon the cliché, but it really is location, location, location,” says Cunliffe.

The new home of Goldworks couldn’t be better anchored.

Situated at the former Big Apple Gas & Food Store sandwiched between KFC and Irving Circle K at 33 Center Street in Auburn, Cunliffe is hoping the high visibility store will allow his jewelry business to take advantage of the high traffic flow. “Having the mall location was ideal at the former plaza because it allowed the company to grow into what we are today,” said Cunliffe. “But with this visibility and traffic flow, I’m looking at this building as an investment not only into the company, but for future success.”

Auburn Mayor Richard Gleason, Lewiston Mayor Larry Gilbert, state representatives, the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council, Androscoggin Chamber of Commerce and Cunliffe’s family, friends and employees gathered at the retail location Friday for the ribbon cutting.

A family owned business committed to serving the community, providing excellent customer service and expertise in the selection of quality fine jewelry and jewelry repairs, Goldworks showcases a friendly atmosphere and prides itself in making every customer feel valued and cared for.

“Friends tell friends about us,” says Cunliffe. “It’s been our model for 14 years and it’s what we pride ourselves on.”

Originally located at the 120 Center Street plaza in Auburn across from Axis Foods, the company has grown to hire five employees and grosses nearly a million dollars in sales annually. Cunliffe is hoping the new location will allow him to do more, especially in time for the holidays.

The company’s business is built on volume, quality and customer service allowing Goldworks to pay high prices for merchandise and yet remain competitive. “Everyone’s buying and selling gold right now,” says Cunliffe. “It’s on the television, radio and a dozen storefront signs throughout Lewiston and Auburn. Of course we do gold, but we are actually a full service jewelry store, something that the “we buy gold” signs have sort of diluted.”

In addition to in house jewelry repairs, jewelry sizing, free cleaning, appraisals, watch battery replacement and custom jewelry design, Goldworks also carries items from local artisans including beautifully crafted stoneware, platters, serving bowls, vases and mugs from Annie’s Pottery.

“Lewiston-Auburn has the reputation as the community for business opportunities,” said Lucien Gosselin, president of the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council. “Goldworks represents another member of the community seizing an opportunity in the marketplace. They saw the location, made the investment and now they have a business on one of the most traveled roads in the Twin Cities.”

Goldworks new retail location will be open Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 9 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Tapping into social media, Cunliffe hopes to get the word out on deals in time for the holiday season.

“Our difference is we pay you more and provide excellent customer service to make you happy. That’s what separates us and that’s why our customers keep coming back. We’re in this for the long haul, not the quick sale.”
For more information about Goldworks, please visit www.goldworksme.com, call (207) 782-7575, email goldwrks@aol.com, or visit their new retail location at 33 Center Street in Auburn.

About: Goldworks:

Owned and operated by Master Jeweler Tom Cunliffe since 1996, Goldworks specializes in fine jewelry sales and service. With an attention to detail, all products must pass his inspection before being displayed. Goldworks is located at 33 Center Street in Auburn. For more information, please visit www.goldworksme.com, call (207) 782-7575 or email goldwrks@aol.com.

About: The Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council:

The Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council is the central economic development agency for Lewiston-Auburn. The Growth Council works closely with clients on a fully confidential basis offering services including technical assistance, commercial financing, site searches, public relations and marketing. The Growth Council has worked with the owner of Goldworks to provide public relations and marketing services. For more information, please visit www.economicgrowth.org, www.laitshappeninghere.com, call (207) 784-0161 or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/economicgrowth.
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Festival of Arts and Lights

(Lewiston, Maine) – On Saturday, December 10, from noon to 5 pm downtown Lisbon Street will be filled with holiday cheer! The first Festival of Art  & Lights will feature fourteen locations and 38 high-quality artisans selling wonderful gifts such as jewelry, scarves pottery, wood working, fine art, lamps, photography, wreaths, poinsettias and more! There will be activities for children, such as snow painting (weather permitting) and snowflake making. Santa will be on hand for photos. Mellow jazz, an afternoon wine tasting and chair massages will be offered for the adult shoppers.

A raffle with a twist has been designed to encourage shopping at the Festival of Art and Lights. Two large gifts boxes containing artwork and gift certificates will be given away at the end of the day. Shoppers may enter the raffles based on their receipts from the day’s shopping. One gift basket will be for those spending between $50 and $200 and the other gift basket will be for those spending over $200.

The Festival of Art and Lights is sponsored by L/A Arts, Lewiston Auburn Magazine, Captive Elements Art House and Lewiston Public Library. It is a reminder of the booming retail center that Lisbon Street once was and is gradually returning to. During this summer’s Art Walks, hundreds of people enjoyed a sense of community, seeing old friends and neighbors, while viewing the creativity of local artists. The Festival is building on that community and joy of art.

1. Participating vendors and locations:
2. Maine Gourmet Chocolates (Park Street)
3. Dostie Jewelers
4. Gallery 5
5. Precious Things Exhibit
6. Len Bartel, photography
7. Kathryn Beausang, jewelry
8. Roland Martin, wood turnings
9. Auburn Public Library, gifts
10. Festival Raffle
11. The Vault Wine Tasting 2-4pm
12. Tom Reichart, photography
13. Jeweler Three Point Trio
14. Lamey Wellehan
15. Community Little Theater,  photos with Santa
16. Center Wisdom’s Women, wisdom boxes
17. Jim Walker, photography
18. Natalie Cox, jewelry
19. Suzan Katzir, fabric arts
20. Centre Ville Plaza Lewiston
21. Rotary, poinsettias
22. Beth’s Pottery Tighe
23. James Smalle, woodcrafts
24. Lorraine Giasson, jewelry
25. Lisa Fields, knits
26. Mainly Soaps
27. Gypsy Wind Jams
28. Chill Yoga
29. Glass Mosaics
30. Lewiston Auburn Magazine Captive Elements Art House Exhibit
31. Erik Flanagan, woodcrafts
32. Wicked Illustrations, art gifts
33. Dube’s Flowers & Gifts
34. L/A Arts Creative Trails Exhibit
35. Craft Activities at:
36. L/A Arts Captive Elements
37. Dufresne Plaza, Art Van
38. Lewiston Public Library Queens Land Alpaca Farm
39. Dan Marquis, photography
40. Debra Trafton, fine art
41. Stix and Stones Lamps Samantha Armstrong, jewelry
42. Museum LA, gift items
43. Revelation Massage, chair massage
44. Sun Tan City
45. Jennifer Gammon, fine art
46. The Bread Shack
47. Mary LaFontaine, handmade gifts
48. Diana Tozier, hand made gifts
49. Jaqueline Nielsen, jewelry
50. Robert & Kathryn Gibson, fine art
51. Kate Casparius Art Group, fine art gifts
52. Georgette Kanuche, Nature Art
53. Marilyn Lucey, knit hats

Lunch:

Mother India

Nicky’s Greek Restaurant

Photos: Winged Ambrosia, a wooden bowl by Roland Martin will be featured at Gallery 5 during the Festival of Art and Lights. Carved Ostrich egg by Georgette Kanach will be featured at Lewiston Public Library during the Festival of Art and Lights. Jewelry by Samantha Armstrong will be featured at Lewiston Public Library during the Festival of Art and Lights.

Find out about upcoming events, project and initiatives in which L/A Arts is currently involved, online at www.laarts.org. There you can sign up to be on L/A Arts’ email list and receive a monthly newsletter which will put you in “the know” of what’s happening in Lewiston Auburn’s art scene. L/A Arts can be contacted directly at (207) 782-7228 or mail@laarts.org

About: The Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council:

The Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council is the central economic development agency for Lewiston-Auburn. The Growth Council works closely with clients on a fully confidential basis offering services including technical assistance, commercial financing, site searches, public relations and marketing. For more information, please visit www.economicgrowth.org, www.laitshappeninghere.com, call (207) 784-0161 or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/economicgrowth.

SUMMARY:

Organizers of the second annual Lewiston Auburn Film Festival will be holding a press conference on Monday, December 12, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. the Hilton Garden Inn Riverwatch in Auburn to announce their plans for the next festival, including unveiling the name of a major international headliner who will perform a concert.

WHERE: Hilton Garden Inn Riverwatch Atrium, 14 Great Falls Plaza, Auburn

WHEN: Monday, December 12, 2011 at 1:30 p.m.

SPEAKING: On behalf of Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council, Calvin Rinck

On behalf of Lewiston Auburn Film Festival: Molly F. McGill, Nick Knowlton, Joshua Shea

A brief performance courtesy of AudioBody

CONTACT: Danielle Eaton, Media Relations, Lewiston Auburn Film Festival

Telephone: 207-713-4672  Email: Danielle@lafilmfestival.org

FURTHER DETAILS:

Based on the success of last year’s event, where more than 1,000 festival goers attended screenings of 100+ films from all over the world, the second annual Lewiston Auburn Film Festival will be expanded to three days, running April 13-15, 2012.

Friday, April 13, will feature a concert that is sure to sell out in a hurry at the Franco American Heritage Center. We’re not going to tell you the artists here, but they have sold tens of millions of albums worldwide and routinely rank near the top of most lists for greatest rock song ever for their signature hit. Who will it be? Attend the press conference and find out. Along with the concert, there will also be an opening reception and a selection of films from LAFF 2012 shown on April 13.

Saturday, April 14, will feature seven downtown Lewiston-Auburn venues including She Doesn’t Like Guthries, Gallery 5, Community Little Theater and both public libraries transformed yet again into movie theaters for a day. In the evening, LAFF 2012 is pulling out all the stops for our awards ceremony and gala dinner at the Hilton Garden Inn Auburn Riverwatch Hotel in Auburn, Maine. Entertainment will come courtesy of AudioBody and The Maine Music Society.

Sunday, April 15, VIP ticket holders only will be invited to attend an elaborate brunch at Fish Bones American Grill where they will be welcome to participate in discussions with others about the films they saw over the weekend. Afterward, VIP and Sunday ticket holders will join at The Public Theatre for an exclusive viewing of the award winning films from the previous night and a panel discussion with invited filmmakers.

Tickets will go on sale Thursday, December 15. For prices and more information, visit www.lafilmfestival.org

About: The Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council:

The Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council is the central economic development agency for Lewiston-Auburn and has signed on as a sponsor of the 2012 Lewiston Auburn Film Festival. The Growth Council works closely with clients on a fully confidential basis offering services including technical assistance, commercial financing, site searches, public relations and marketing for the cities of Lewiston and Auburn. For more information, please visit www.economicgrowth.org, www.laitshappeninghere.com, call (207) 784-0161 or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/economicgrowth.

Two Maine organizations have been selected to receive a total of $1.2 million to support rural business development.

Community Concepts Finance Corp. and the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council are two of 35 microdevelopment organizations in the country to receive money from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, according to a press release. Community Concepts will receive a loan of $500,000 and a grant of $150,000 to fund a revolving rural microloan fund accessible to microentrepreneurs in Androscoggin, Franklin, Oxford, Piscataquis and Somerset counties. LAEGC will receive the same amount of funding for a microloan program for entrepreneurs in Lewiston and Auburn.

The Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program aims to create jobs in rural areas and support local communities. The organizations also provide business training and technical assistance to entrepreneurs.

Contact our Loan Portfolio Specialist Paul Lacombe today at 784-0161 or email Paul at placombe@economicgrowth.org

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