Attendees: Darla Hamlin, Michael Babin, Thaddeus and Holly Day, Alan Morrison, Scott Kerr, Patrick Gilligan, Kelly Scott, Margie Hansel, Linc Merrill, Marilyn Matthews, Guests Theron Hamilton and speaker Kim Hamilton.
Darla P Hamlin called meeting to order at 5:45 pm with introductions around the table. Also asked Theron to give a brief history, he grew up on Chebeague Island and in North Yarmouth, he is a Navy Veteran and a well known fixture at Stone’s Café. Theron is the father of our guest speaker, Kim Hamilton.
Thaddeus Day introduced Kim Hamilton ( Theron’s Daughter ) President of Focus Maine, a think tank and cooperative organization with a goal of creating 20,000 quality jobs in Maine over a ten year period, by investing in the three of Maine’s high growth sectors, Agriculture, Aquaculture, and BioPharmaceuticals. Kim is a Greely Grad and was previously chief impact officer of Feeding America, parent of the Good Shepherd Food Bank organization. Focus Maine is affiliated with the State Chamber of Commerce. Their goal is to support Maine businesses that want to export their goods / products / services outside the state, to grow market presence and demand. It is estimated for every one new BioPharma job created here, six supporting jobs in the State would be created. Developing local skills to support such research businesses is a benefit. It is thought Maine offers a more affordable environment to grow businesses that are now domiciled in more costly, major business hubs like Boston or New York. They work with many established resource firms like the Maine Center for entrepreneurs, Coastal Enterprises, Gulf of Maine Research Inst., Maine & Co., Maine Aquaculture Assn., and connect with MANY resources outside the state to attract interest through LinkedIn.
Acceptance of the minutes of the Sept 20th and Oct 18th meetings were approved
Treasurer report: Cash on hand $4184.47 (up $20 from the previous month)
We approved the Santa’s Helper effort again for 2018 and Darla has obtained names, likely will do six stockings, Holly and Marilyn will resurrect the list and do similar shopping. Darla will send the letter out again asking for items, and donations, to fill the stockings. Scott Kerr donated $50 at the meeting toward this. Stockings will be completed and all wrapping done at the gathering at Thad and Holly’s house on Dec 20th, 6 pm. There will be a 12/7 deadline for contributions.
Darla reported that Jesse Robinson who ran a Consulting firm resigned as she is closing her business. Best wishes for success in her new venture.
Kelly Scott agreed to redesign the membership application, in and around giving birth soon !!! Darla was to locate an editable copy that can serve as a template.
Mike Babin is looking for talented help, he has a major renovation project underway in Cousins Island.
Thaddeus Day will be renovating his office space at Walnut Hill Road to meet the need for more space, also has an apartment open for rent at that location.
Scott Kerr said Ben Grover now has all approvals to build 14 homes on the upper Smith property that he purchased.
Margie Hansel had an EXCELLENT season at the Orchard, made many donations to local efforts, such as Lions Club apple pie project.
Alan Morrison reported their Engineering firm is having an excellent year as well.
Darla reported that she attended a business convention in Austin TX, representing Soft Trac LLC.
Patrick Gilligan reported 75% growth in his business, including property grounds maintenance and caretaking.
Meeting adjourned 7:45 pm.
Respectfully submitted
Marilyn Matthews