Attendees: Darla Hamlin, Marilyn Matthews, Rob & Leslie Taisey, Liz Langham, Karen Morrison, Margie & Turner Hansel, Thaddeus Day, Michael Babin.
Guest Speaker: Paul Chace, State Representative District 46
Meeting was called to order by President Darla Hamlin at 7:10 AM
Foregoing introductions, Darla introduced speaker Paul Chace, whose major concern right now is Conformity of the Business Tax laws in Maine. Thirty five states or more in this country “couple” with Federal Government on business taxation, Maine is one of the few that does not. We have to vote each year to conform, so the climate for businesses is they never know what they will be able to depreciate on business investment. Predictability is essential for businesses to plan their investments. It causes many businesses to delay investing in equipment, which slows down the business climate overall by a ripple effect. Businesses must be needed and niche to this state to succeed. The Senate approved the bill to conform, but since it has to go back to the House it may die there, leaving Maine in non conformity again. This uncertain atmosphere according to Chace puts Maine in the lowest ten business friendly states in the nation. Darla thanked Paul for his insights.
Darla mentioned some unfavorable comments regarding the Town Government and it’s services. We all agreed that it has been a long road to bring our public services to their current excellent level of responsiveness and the Town has done a favorable and commendable job.
The tradeshow now has 4 – 5 sponsors and seven exhibitors, please be sure to get your exhibitor registration and payment in quickly !!! Trade show to be held March 11, 2016 from 5 – 7 PM at North Yarmouth Memorial School.
Darla is working on two or three versions of our updated logo letterhead. they will be available at next meeting for final decision.
Kudos to both NYBA and North Yarmouth Fire Dept. for conducting two successful CPR/AED classes in January. Several more local people are now CPR/AED certified. Additional first aid training classes will be held in the Spring. Thank you Chief Payson and staff. Also congrats to NYFD for getting many new trainees certified in Firefighter I & II classes, which boosted recruitment. Another CPR class will be scheduled for April, notice will be available on NYBA site, Town Hall reminder site, Facebook page and Cumberland North Yarmouth Family Network.
The cribbage tournament on 2/13 now has 55 registrants and proceeds will benefit the Memorial Park Fund.
Member News:
Mary Conroy is now with Portside Real Estate Group, along with new Member Randy Plummer.
New Member Ted Danforth joined NYBA.
Darla Hamlin of Softtrac will attend a International Fundraising Tradeshow in Boston.
Rob Taisey of Assured Solar Energy is spending time in Augusta following progress of solar energy commitment in the State.
Averill Insurance Agency hired Brenda Spurling as Commercial Insurance Account Manager. Brenda brings a strong insurance & technical background to our local office.
Please remember minutes are available for viewing on website after each meeting, as are upcoming agendas.
Our speaker at next months business meeting will be Elaine L. Corrow of the Maine Revenue Service.
Our annual meeting to elect officers, review by-laws has been moved to May 19, 2016.
Treasurer Leslie Taisey reported account balance of $1,791.12.
Respectfully submitted, Marilyn Matthews, secretary