This class represents state and local public agencies, community-based nonprofits, and community colleges that are helping prepare unemployed and under-employed individuals for jobs in a wide range of sectors.  Buckmaster will be focusing on the Green Jobs Sector in Energy, Construction, and Transportation in Maine.  For more information about the Academy, please visit www.sectorskillsacademy.org.

Marano Fellows are named in honor of Cindy Marano, a key leader in the field of sectoral workforce development and colleague of Women, Work, and Community until her death in 2005.  Carolyn May, Southern Regional Manager, completed the training in 2007/2008.

The other Ambassadors who hosted the event were Liz Grandmaison, Renee Hudgens, Alex Turallo, Terry Moore, and Kerry Sack; several spoke at the event as did Mary Cathcart member of the statewide Advisory Council.

Ambassadors briefly shared their stories about their experience with WWC and what it has provided in their lives. “No one ever told me that I was a leader until I came to WWC”,  shared Liz Grandmaison, a New Ventures graduate who was recently elected Chair of the newly formed Downtown Arts Collaborative and Chair of the Childrens Choir in Bangor

“The message was clear,” Guyton said. “Our nation is looking for small businesses to lead us into the new economy.  We’re glad to be doing our part in working with entrepreneurs.”

“As a member of the House Small Business Committee, we wanted to thank Congressman Michaud for his past support and share with him our own efforts in support of small businesses in Maine.” according to Vitelli.

Coffee By Design’s Mary Allen Lindemann says the decision to partner with WWC fits with their tradition of working with area non-profits.  “For some time we have been watching Women, Work, and Community.  Their vision for the future is impressive.” During designated months Coffee by Design partners with non-profits to support them and encourage Coffee By Design customers to join in their commitment to the non-profits.”

“We are so excited to be partnering with Coffee By Design for My Mom’s Coffee during May,” says Gilda Nardone of WWC.  “Both organizations value quality products and services, creative enterprise, and community building.”

My Mom’s Coffee is available for purchase at Coffee By Design’s Coffee Houses, retail outlets (including Bay Wrap in Augusta and Belfast) across Maine or through WWC.  To purchase My Mom’s Coffee on-line, visit the CBD website.

Maine Centers for Women, Work, and Community is a statewide economic development and training organization helping Maine women and men succeed in their workplace, business, and community. WWC offers both one-on-one assistance and classes in four program areas - Building Your Career, Starting Your Own Business, Managing Your Money, and Becoming a Leader. All programs offered at WWC centers across the state are free. Visit www.womenworkandcommunity.org for more information.

Presque Isle, April 28

Maine Centers for Women, Work, and Community recently awarded a $400 marketing mini-grant to Muskie Moose, LLC, to develop a website to market their guiding business, DVD series, and online store. Based in Eagle Lake, Muskie Moose owners Linda Engelhardt and David Kelso offer guided hunting, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and other outdoor trips. The grant from Women, Work, and Community will enable them to contract with Webxcentrics Design Group in Presque Isle to develop a website to market their services and products, as well as other products made by local craftsmen and women to be featured in their online store.

Erica Quin-Easter, Aroostook Microenterprise Coordinator for Women, Work, and Community, noted, “Our small grants give a big boost to Aroostook businesses who are aiming to reach a larger market. Especially for tourism and recreation businesses, access to the world through a strong website is a critical ingredient in your business success.”

The next deadline for applications for Women, Work, and Community’s marketing mini-grant program is June 1. Applications are welcomed from individual entrepreneurs as well as groups or partnerships among small businesses, and successful proposals will focus on marketing, branding, and access to markets for Aroostook County microenterprises. Past grant recipients have used mini-grant funds to build websites; develop logos, business cards, and brochures; promote their products and services at trade shows and events; and collaborate with other small businesses to reach new markets. The marketing mini-grants program at Women, Work, and Community is funded by the Maine Women’s Fund and the Aroostook County Fund of the Maine Community Foundation, and the quarterly application cycle is open to entrepreneurs throughout Aroostook County.

For more information or to request a mini-grant application for your business, contact Women, Work, and Community at 764-0050 or email erica.quineaster@maine.edu.

As one participant stated:  “The whole agenda was very worthwhile.  But the most valuable part for me was Introduction to Advocacy/Citizen Lobbying because the message ‘All politics is local’ is extremely right.  We need to be taught and teach others how to participate in the Legislative process and improve our community environment.”