Photo courtesy of the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council: Kimball Street Studios celebrated the grand opening of their new retail space located at 191 Lisbon Street in Lewiston on Wednesday, February 22. From left-right: Chair of the LAEGC Board of Directors Dan Thayer; Owner Fred Hatch; Owner Kevin Callahan; Owner Mary Callahan; City of Lewiston Mayor Robert Macdonald; Auburn City Councilor Joshua Shea; Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce President Chip Morrison.

Photo courtesy of the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council:

Kimball Street Studios celebrated the grand opening of their new retail space located at 191 Lisbon Street in Lewiston on Wednesday, February 22. From left-right: Chair of the LAEGC Board of Directors Dan Thayer; Owner Fred Hatch; Owner Kevin Callahan; Owner Mary Callahan; City of Lewiston Mayor Robert Macdonald; Auburn City Councilor Joshua Shea; Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce President Chip Morrison.

Downtown Lewiston Welcomes Kimball Street Studios

(Lewiston, Maine) – Lisbon Street has seen a resurgence of businesses moving into the downtown area in recent months. On Wednesday, representatives from both Lewiston and Auburn welcomed the newest addition, Kimball Street Studios, and their full time art gallery to the Twin Cities.

“We wanted to create an environment for artists and art lovers to meet, talk and share ideas,” said Mary Callahan, president and administrator for Kimball Street Studios.

In addition to framing services, Kimball Street Studios specializes in archival displays, decorative and custom archival pieces, handling of collections, gallery and museum presentation and installation, preparation, and support.

The three full time staff of fine art preparators has worked with museums, colleges, universities, galleries, and artists from Eastport, Maine to the Finnish Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Opening the business downtown and taking advantage of their available space only made sense for the business owners.

Husband and wife team Fred Hatch and Mary Callahan partnered with Mary’s brother Kevin to open their new business in an area that has not only seen a resurgence in the arts scene, but located close to their clientele.

Preparatory staff for most of the show installations for the Olin Arts Center at Bates College and the Art Gallery at the University of New England and located a few buildings over from L/A Arts, Captive Elements Art House, Lyceum Gallery and the highly popular Lewiston Auburn Art Walk, the time was right to take a chance.

“Originally we were going to renovate our home in Richmond which just so happens to be on Kimball Street,” said Callahan. “But when we decided that we wanted to be closer to where our customers were, it was an easy decision to set up shop in the downtown area. We chose to keep the name under which we incorporated. It’s a marker for our rapid evolution and a conversation starter.”

Local officials pointed to the continued efforts highlighting opportunities in Lewiston and Auburn as a business destination.

“Here we have a world class frame shop specializing in museum quality pieces opening their business in the heart of the City,” said Lewiston Mayor Robert Macdonald. “It takes all types of businesses to make a community, large and small businesses alike. This is a great example of creative entrepreneurs investing into the downtown, making a difference and bringing people back to Lisbon Street.”

Lewiston Mayor Robert Macdonald, Auburn City Councilor Joshua Shea, state representatives, the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council, Androscoggin Chamber of Commerce, city councilors and Callahan’s family and friends gathered Wednesday as Kimball Street Studios officially celebrated their grand opening and relocation from Richmond to Lewiston.

“We expect high quality local artists as well as artists from surrounding communities to showcase their pieces at the gallery,” said Callahan. “We want our gallery accessible and engaging; a place that is welcoming to all and supportive of the community.”

Kevin Callahan, an artist and metalsmith, is an alumnus of Portland School of Art (now Maine College of Art) and has over 25 years of experience in custom archival framing and museum presentation.

Chief Financial Officer and finish carpenter, Fred Hatch, has over 30 years of experience in fine woodworking and also specializes in antique maps and charts.

President and administrator, Mary Callahan, has a Master’s Degree in Social Work and a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish and Anthropology with a focus on the arts and world cultures.  Having worked with her brother Kevin for the last nine years as a framer and preparer, Callahan has recently begun to function as Kimball Street’s graphic designer.

“This business has found success by finding unique opportunities in the marketplace,” said Lucien Gosselin, president of the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council. “Targeting historical and high end art pieces by providing museum quality services is a healthy concept and one poised for growth.”

Providing services from beginning to end, the three regular staff and over five private contractors handle the most menial task to the most delicate, having been exposed to a wide range of historical preservation pieces.

“This staff has encountered a variety of experience over the years,” said Callahan. “Our preparatory work has contributed tremendously to the uniqueness of our framing services and made us determined problem solvers. We are rarely stumped by what we see.”

Kimball Street Studios will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with evenings and weekends by appointment. They will also have frame moldings, mat boards, foam cores, ready made maps and frames, framed art, maps and charts, photographs, prints, cards, and quality hand-wrought items in the store.

For more information about Kimball Street Studios, please visit www.kimballstreetstudios.com, email mary@kimballstreetstudios.com, call (207) 333-3342 or visit their new location at 191 Lisbon Street in Lewiston.

About: Kimball Street Studios:

Incorporated in March, 2011 Kimball Street Studios is committed to observing best current practices in the provision of fine art framing, consulting, and preparatory services.  We are proud to help preserve and display the collections of museums, galleries, and artists throughout New England and beyond.  Providing individualized, professional support to our clients we celebrate their vocation and their legacies to the Arts as the cornerstone of cultural enrichment. Kimball Street Studios is located at 191 Lisbon Street in Lewiston, Maine. For more information, please visit www.kimballstreetstudios.com, email mary@kimballstreetstudios.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kimballstreetstudios or call (207) 333-3342.

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 owners of Kimball Street Studios 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.

Narals Experience Arabia officially celebrated the grand opening of their restaurant located at 34 Court Street in Auburn on Tuesday, February 21. From left-right: Owner Nabin Naral, Office of Senator Olympia J. Snowe State Office Representative Diane Jackson; Chair of the LAEGC Board of Directors Dan Thayer; City of Lewiston Mayor Robert MacDonald; City of Auburn Mayor Jonathan LaBonte; Owner Pramod Shrestha; Office of Congressman Michael H. Michaud State Office Representative Andrea Quaid; Office of Senator Susan M. Collins State Office Representative Chiara Ferrante.

Photo courtesy of the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council:

Narals Experience Arabia officially celebrated the grand opening of their restaurant located at 34 Court Street in Auburn on Tuesday, February 21. From left-right: Owner Nabin Naral, Office of Senator Olympia J. Snowe State Office Representative Diane Jackson; Chair of the LAEGC Board of Directors Dan Thayer; City of Lewiston Mayor Robert MacDonald; City of Auburn Mayor Jonathan LaBonte; Owner Pramod Shrestha; Office of Congressman Michael H. Michaud State Office Representative Andrea Quaid; Office of Senator Susan M. Collins State Office Representative Chiara Ferrante.

Downtown Auburn Welcomes International Restaurant

(Auburn, Maine)- International restaurant owner, entrepreneur and founder Nabin Naral could have started a business anywhere in the world. Having already opened multiple restaurants in Singapore and seeking to expand into new markets in Indonesia and Australia, Nabin couldn’t be more pleased with his first location in the United States and corner spot in downtown Auburn, Maine.

“Opening a restaurant in America has been difficult, but will be worth it,” said Nabin. “Restaurants take time, but they succeed if done right.”

With thousands of followers on Facebook and throughout the globe, Nabin has the credibility with his client base.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held today at Narals Experience Arabia, welcoming the newest restaurant to Auburn on the corner of Main and Court Street.

Located at the former location of No Tomatoes and most recently home to O’Shea’s Irish Restaurant, Narals Experience Arabia has seating capacity for 90 and a second space that will soon be made into a gift shop and entertainment area.

“The support for this restaurant has been growing every day,” said Naral. “Between our Facebook page and our customer recommendations, the community wide support has been encouraging.”

The ribbon cutting ceremony included remarks by restaurant owner Nabin Naral, co-owner Pramod Shrestha, City of Auburn Mayor Jonathan LaBonte, LAEGC Board of Directors Chair Dan Thayer, City of Auburn Economic Development Director Roland Miller and Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce President Chip Morrison. The ceremony was also attended by City of Lewiston Mayor Robert Macdonald, representatives from Maine’s congressional delegation and Auburn City Councilors.

Peppering the walls, Nabin has added a multitude of colors to brighten up the former location. “The restaurant is a work in progress,” said Nabin. “It takes time to remove the tint on the windows, add new paint, bring in the custom fabrics, add lighting, train staff, and make sure everything works.”

“This new restaurant echoes what we’ve been saying for a long time,” said City of Auburn Mayor Jonathan LaBonte. “People see an opportunity in downtown Lewiston-Auburn and will invest. It is critical for the city to support these investors to ensure they are successful. This restaurant will be a welcomed addition to the Auburn business community.”

With an attention to detail, Nabin knows that it’s the small pieces that add up to create not just an atmosphere but an experience. “When you step into our establishment, one of the first things you will notice are the colors,” said Nabin. “In Arabic culture, colors have significance. It’s not just the food that is sold here, but the memory you take home.”

“The restaurant business is certainly tough,” said Lucien Gosselin president of the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council. “Nothing is given to you in this business, you have to earn it. But you don’t get the type of following Narals Experience Arabia has received internationally if you aren’t doing something right.”

From 11:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., Narals Experience Arabia will showcase their daily sizable lunch portion specials priced at $7.90 which include an entrée, daily soup, dessert, tea or coffee. Open Monday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m., Naral hopes to capitalize on those looking for a taste of foreign culture and cuisine.

“We are a family friendly restaurant and at the same time I understand that belly dancers are not for everyone. But our customers must realize this is an art form that has existed for hundreds of years overseas. That is why our artists perform Friday and Saturday from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.”

With 17 new employees and a significant investment into the 4,800 square-foot location, Naral wants his downtown location to serve as a message. “Restaurants take time to develop. This is an investment into the community because I see the opportunity and the momentum. Good things are happening downtown and this restaurant is proof.”

About: Narals Experience Arabia:

Owned and operated by Nabin Naral, Narals Experience Arabia specializes in fine dining at a reasonable price. Bringing to you the quintessence of Arabic delights by immersing their customers with the taste, smell, sights, and  sounds of foreign lands, their goal is to have you will walk away at the end of the night feeling the diverse aspects of Arabic life and culture from ancient Arabia. Narals Experience Arabia sits up to 90 and can be reserved for special events. Located at 34 Court Street in downtown Auburn, Maine for more information please visit www.narals.com, call (207) 344-3201 or email info@narals.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 Narals Experience Arabia 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.

This year’s show will be held Thursday, June 9th, at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston. Considered by many businesses to be the year’s most significant networking event for its ability to draw an estimated 2,500 business attendees, this year’s show will focus on the need for organizations to seize opportunities to innovate, reinvent themselves, and take a fresh look at what they do best.

The show is the largest one-day business event in the state, and includes nearly 200 exhibitors and almost 2,500 attendees. It is believed to be the state’s longest-running consecutive business show.

“Companies have survived this difficult economy not simply by cutting costs and staff, but by reengineering the way they do things,” says Rinck. “Any successful organization must continually innovate. They must find new markets, discover new ways of doing things, look at new revenue streams and seek new relationships.”

Organizers will use modern communications tools such as text messaging and social media to connect with exhibitors, attendees, and sponsors.

Organizers will also host some of the mainstays that have made the show great, including a giant Chamber Breakfast at the beautiful Bates College Commons in Lewiston hosted by keynote speaker Michael Austermeier of Lufthansa Technik.

Later in the evening, a special Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council and Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours will also take place at the Trade Show from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. As always, the After Hours will include a cash bar hosted by the Colisee, a Chamber 50/50 Raffle, networking opportunities and announcements of the grand prize winners.

Showcasing a sampling of their signature dishes, four local Lewiston-Auburn eateries will cater their signature dishes including The Great American Grill at Hilton Garden Inn Auburn Riverwatch, Schooner Estates, Taste of Three One Cafe, and KFC/Taco Bell.

The Shipyard Lounge will be transformed into the CyberCafe and Business Oasis. The free wi-fi “café” will allow attendees an area to unwind, check e-mail and surf the net while local business owner, Marvin Langley of Maine IT, will help answer questions or troubleshoot electronic devices.

The Business Oasis section of the Shipyard Lounge will feature Greater Brunswick Physical Therapy, Kripalu Therapeutic Massage and Beauti Basics Skincare and Makeup Studio. Offering a variety of therapeutic massages and skin care pleasures for those attending, the CyberCafe and Business Oasis will be a welcome sanctuary for those in need.

“The Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council will continue to promote local businesses and services, showcase new products, launch new initiatives, and advertise to the world why the community of Lewiston-Auburn is determined to succeed, thrive and innovate into a new decade, “ added Rinck. “In Lewiston-Auburn, it really is “happening here””

As has been the case for the past several years, the show is expected to sell out. For information on exhibiting, contact Calvin Rinck at 784-0161 or e-mail crinck@economicgrowth.org. Visit the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council at www.economicgrowth.org for more info.

Mark your calendar, clear your schedule and save the date! Back by popular demand, the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council is pleased to announce the return of the exceedingly popular “L-A Tonight Show!” Led by internationally renowned artist and owner of the Oddfellow Theater, Michael Miclon will host the event with co-hosts Jason and Matt Tardy also of the Oddfellow Theater. The show expects to be even more popular than last year featuring special guests, musical entertainment and commercial breaks including sponsor messages. The Annual Dinner will be held on Thursday, May 12^th at the Ramada Conference Center with a networking social beginning at 4:30 p.m. proceeded by the program at 5:30 p.m.

The Tonight Show-styled theme will feature a number of special guests in attendance including Greg Nadeau, former Deputy Commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation and current Deputy Administrator for the Federal Highway Administration, Luke Livingston, founder of Baxter Brewing Company, Chelsea Fournier, winner of the LAEGC “Launch L-A!” contest, and musical guest and youngest inductee in the history of the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame, Denny Breau will return to perform a set of his more popular songs.

As is an annual tradition, the Cities of Lewiston and Auburn will recognize their annual Economic Achievement Award recipients at the event. These awards are presented each year to Lewiston and Auburn organizations or individuals that stand out in their commitment to invest in the community and/or create jobs.

Registration is due by Friday, May 6^th and tickets are selling fast! Reserve your table of 8 for $315.00 or purchase individually for $45.00. Vegetarian and vegan options are still available at no extra cost, but please specify your selection.

Check back soon for more information. To register for the event click here for the registration form in PDF or click here for the registration form in Word. For a copy of the brochure click here.

And don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, call us at 784-0161 and look for the brochure in the mail. See you there!

Be sure to register early for this year’s Androscoggin Business to Business Trade Show, and get the best available space! This year’s 16th annual show will be held on Thursday, June 9, at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee.

Maine’s largest one-day show, organized by the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council, is an event no business can afford to miss. It is largely considered the “gold standard” by which other Maine business shows are measured. The show has sold out for the past five years, and is anticipated to do so again.

The event, the largest and most successful one-day show in the state, attracts an estimated 2,500 people, about 200 exhibitors, and plenty of qualified business leads. A business card is required to enter.

Click here for registration form and floor plan.

Click here for the 2011 Business to Business Exhibitor Guide

Click here for the 2011 Business to Business booth assignments

The show includes a giant Chamber Breakfast, a Business After Hours featuring local restaurants, and thousands of dollars worth of door prizes. As always, our media partners ensure that the B to B is marketed broadly statewide, using print, broadcast, radio, and electronic media for a prolonged publicity blitz.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more details, call Calvin at (207) 784-0161 or e-mail crinck@economicgrowth.org.
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Two local business organizations, the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council (LAEGC) and the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce, have teamed up to send a message loud and clear:  the cities of Lewiston and Auburn, Maine welcome young, creative entrepreneurs – particularly youth who have roots in the community but who have moved away. To back up that sentiment, a number of local companies have stepped forward to contribute what is expected to be over $100,000 in cash and in-kind services to the most promising start-up company willing to come back home and set up business.

On September 1,  the LAEGC and the Chamber of Commerce launched an entrepreneurial contest that has an ambitious goal of connecting with youth who have roots in the local community, and encouraging them to consider starting a business in Lewiston-Auburn, Maine. The program, called “Launch L-A!,” features a contest inviting young entrepreneurs to submit a proposal to start a business in L-A. Entries will be screened by a committee of business and banking professionals who will judge the ideas on a number of criteria including creativity, viability, and community need. Adding a page from the “American Idol” script, finalists will be voted upon electronically by community members of Lewiston and Auburn in January 2011.

The winning entrepreneur will receive an equity infusion of $10,000 – $20,000 seed money, along with a number of in-kind services for a year, including business consulting, accounting services, legal fees, advertising agency services, rent, and more — all provided by Chamber members. Runners-up may also receive in-kind services.

Three local Maine banks, Bangor Savings Bank, Northeast Bank and Auburn Savings Bank, have already committed $11,500 to seeding the prize package. In addition, dozens of local businesses are offering in-kind services including:

• Rinck Advertising: Branding, creative and public relations package – $15,000
• Curry Printing: Printing package – $1,200
• Next Level Business Coaching: Business consulting – $3,600
• LAEGC: Start-up office space, conference room space & receptionist – $4,000
• Robustelli, Soucy & Hussey, PA: Accounting services  –  $10,000
• Brann & Isaacson: Legal fees for a year –  $2,500
• Core Zero Creative: Search Engine Optimization, web and social media marketing strategy – $1,500
• Oxford Networks: Internet/Phone lines – $1,900
• WGME-13: Advertising package, including cost of production – $2,000
• Leighton Images: Video production — $4,500
• Mainely Portrait Photography: Photo session – $500
• Strategic Talent Management: Personality aptitude testing –  $2,500
• Chamber of Commerce: Membership, advertising, and support package – $500
• RE-Group! Business Solutions: Risk mitigation and business infrastructure – $1,000
• Sun Journal: One year’s worth of advertising and consulting – $5,000
• Marriott Residence Inn: One-week stay – $1,000

The competition is open to entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 to 30 who have roots in Androscoggin County but have not lived here in at least nine months. Applicants will be encouraged to support their idea using digital applications such as video presentations, web sites, podcasts, and digital photos.

“The value of this program is not merely that a few entrepreneurs will get assistance to launch a business in Lewiston-Auburn,” says Paul Badeau, Marketing Director, Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council. “What’s perhaps more important is the message this sends to the world outside of L-A’s borders: namely, that Lewiston-Auburn welcomes young, creative entrepreneurs and is committed to helping them succeed.”

“The contest is part of a broader initiative to connect and keep in touch with young people, particularly college grad “expatriates” who have graduated from local high schools,” says Wendy Tardif, a member of the event planning committee and Executive Director for The Dempsey Challenge. “Using e-mail and social media like Facebook and Twitter, young people will get regular updates about the community’s ongoing renaissance.”

“Native sons and daughters often leave for college and don’t return, sometimes because they don’t perceive that gainful employment or opportunities can be found in Maine,” explains Laura Davis, a partner at Rinck Advertising who is also a member of the committee. “We hope people follow this story chapter by chapter.”

Rinck Advertising, an Auburn-based advertising and public relations agency, has contributed its services in-kind to developing the logo and PR strategies for the effort. In addition, the agency will donate over $15,000 in services to the winning business.

“We have what young people are looking for right here in L-A: urban life, arts and culture, affordable housing, a riverfront, plenty of good restaurants, and talented people,” says Davis. “What we don’t have is enough recognition for our assets, and enough help for struggling entrepreneurs.”

“Even if young people don’t return to the community for whatever reason, it is still important that they feel proud of their community in order to serve as ambassadors, stay connected to local institutions, and serve as future benefactors for local institutions,” says Chip Morrison, president of the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce.

“Will our youth return in droves because of this? Probably not,” adds Morrison. “But if we can help a few entrepreneurs get off the ground, and get young people with roots in the L-A area to feel proud of their home community, we will have been wildly successful.”

T.H. Creations, a Lewiston-based web site development company, created a web site to promote the contest. Entrepreneurs can enter the contest with their business idea right online at: http://www.launchlamaine.com. Contestants and interested parties can also follow the contest on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/LaunchLAMaine or Twitter at https://twitter.com/LaunchLAMaine.

Companies interested in finding out more about the contest and how they can be a part of it should contact the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council at 207-784-0161 or the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce at 207-783-2249.

To back up that sentiment, a number of local companies are willing to contribute what is expected to be about $100,000 or more in cash and in-kind services to the most promising start-up company.

As part of the “L-A: It’s Happening Here!” campaign, the Growth Council and Chamber are launching a new initiative that has an ambitious goal of connecting with youth who have roots in the community, and encouraging them to consider starting a business in Lewiston-Auburn.

The program, called “Launch L-A!,” features a contest inviting young entrepreneurs to submit a proposal to start a business in L-A. Entries will be screened by a committee of business and banking professionals who will judge the ideas on a number of criteria including creativity, viability, and community need. The winning entrepreneur will receive an equity infusion of $10,000 – $20,000 seed money, along with a number of in-kind services for a year, including business consulting, accounting services, legal fees, ad agency services, rent, and more — all provided by Chamber members. Runners-up may also receive in-kind services.

Bangor Savings Bank has already committed $5,000 to seeding the prize package.

The application will encourage ideas to be supported using digital applications such as video presentations, web sites, podcasts, and digital photos. Adding a page from the “American Idol” script, finalists will be voted upon electronically by members of the L-A community.

“The value of this program is not merely that a few innovators will get assistance to launch a business in Lewiston-Auburn,” says Paul Badeau, Marketing Director, Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council. “What’s perhaps more important is the message this sends to the world outside of L-A’s borders: namely, that Lewiston-Auburn welcomes young, creative entrepreneurs and is committed to helping them succeed.”

The Chamber will solicit members to contribute by providing in-kind services to the winner for a year. Sponsor companies will be recognized in various media and on-line promotion. Chamber President Chip Morrison explains that sponsors may also benefit by earning the entrepreneurs’ business after the contest is over.

Morrison says when it comes to sweetening the pot for the lucky winner, the committee working on planning the contest is open to any ideas for prizes: a hotel account for business clients, a business meal account at a local restaurant, car rental, office space, even housing for the entrepreneur. “The sky’s the limit,” says Morrison. “The more in-kind support we provide, the more we become a national model about providing entrepreneurs with community support, and ultimately, the more publicity the community — and our businesses — will get.”

“The contest is part of a broader initiative to connect and keep in touch with young people, particularly college grad “expatriates” who have graduated from local high schools,” says Wendy Tardif, a member of the event planning committee. “Using e-mail and social media like Facebook and Twitter, young people will get regular updates about the community’s ongoing renaissance.”

Although the “L-A: It’s Happening Here!” image and awareness campaign has made efforts to reach out to young adults over the years — namely, by hosting downtown walking tours with Bates College freshmen and launching a scholarship contest encouraging students to write essays about what they value in L-A – Badeau says the community, like many others, struggles to retain/attract young people.

“That’s often true of native sons and daughters who leave for college and don’t return, sometimes because they don’t perceive that gainful employment or opportunities can be found in Maine,” explains Laura Davis, a partner at Rinck Advertising who is also a member of the committee. “We hope people follow this story chapter by chapter.”

Rinck Advertising, an Auburn-based advertising and public relations agency, has contributed its services in-kind to developing the logo for the effort.

“We have what most young people want here in L-A: urban life, arts and culture, affordable housing, a riverfront, plenty of good restaurants, and talented people,” says Davis. “What we don’t have is enough recognition for our assets, and enough help for struggling entrepreneurs.”

Even if young people don’t return to the community for whatever reason, it is still important that they feel proud of their community in order to serve as ambassadors, stay connected to local institutions, and serve as future benefactors for local institutions, says Morrison.

“Will our youth return in droves because of this? Probably not,” answers Morrison. “But if we can help a few entrepreneurs get off the ground, and get young people with roots in the L/A area to feel proud of their home community, we will have been wildly successful.”

T.H. Creations, a Lewiston-based web site development company, will create a web site to promote the contest. Companies interested in finding out more about the contest and how they can be a part of it should contact the Growth Council at 784-0161 or the Chamber at 783-2249.

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The cover of the Nov. 16 Mainebiz.

(LEWISTON) — In its November 16 issue, Mainebiz featured a cover story on the Foreign Trade Zone and its importance in establishing the area as a distribution and logistics hub. The article ran as part of the publication’s annual focus on Lewiston-Auburn.

The story described the success that the Growth Council recently experienced in activating the zone with two dedicated users, Safe Handling and LynxUS. Both companies are located in Auburn and provide warehousing as well as tranportation and distribution services.

To read the complete story, click FTZ Mainebiz scan.

Citizens Commission on Lewiston-Auburn Cooperation Website

The Citizens Commission on Lewiston-Auburn Cooperation approved and released its final report summarizing its work at a meeting on August 27, 2009. The Commission has been working since November of 2006 on finding ways for both cities of Lewiston and Auburn to “implement combining municipal services to save taxpayers money and to improve services.”

Areas ranging from fire and police to assessing and public works were examined during the multi-year project, funded in part with about $163,000 in state grants.

The Commission, which served as an advisory board to the city councils, is the successor to the Lewiston-Auburn Commission on Joint Services, which issued its final report to the mayors and city councils of Lewiston and Auburn in February of 2006.

The Citizens Commission identified savings of about $2.7 million per year within five years of consolidating various municipal services, excluding school system services.

To access the report, click on FINAL CITIZENS COMMISSION REPORT 8 – 09

Maine Democratic Party Chair John Knutson

The Maine Democratic Party has selected the City of Lewiston’s Androscoggin Bank Colisee as the site of the 2009 Maine Democratic Convention, slated for May 21-22, 2010.

The Colisee, formerly the Central Maine Civic Center, has undergone substantial renovations over the past several years, and now attracts a number of special events in addition to serving as the home of the Lewiston MAINEiacs hockey team.

According to the Lewiston Sun Journal, the last time the convention was held in Lewiston was in 1984. Conventions typically attract between 1,500 and 2,000 attendees, and offer a chance for gubernatorial candidates to speak to party members about their issues prior to the June primary.

Gov. John Baldacci will be barred from seeking a third term as Maine governor due to term limits.