LePage Administration Celebrates Small Business Week

May 14, 2014

For more information contact: John Bott at: 207-287-3156

DACF Commissioner to visit Penobscot and Hancock County small businesses - Thursday, May 15

AUGUSTA - Small businesses are the backbone of Maine's economy. As part of National Small Business Week, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) Commissioner Walt Whitcomb will join other members of the LePage Administration this week in celebrating Maine small businesses.

"We appreciate our small businesses and recognize the important role they play in driving the success of our economy," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "My Administration remains committed to creating and maintaining an environment where private investment is welcome and where more Mainers have the ability to earn a good paycheck."

On Thursday, May 15 DACF Commissioner Walt Whitcomb will visit Penobscot and Hancock County small businesses.

"Our strong relationship with Maine?s small business community is supported by visits like these and others throughout the year. This is our opportunity to thank them for the jobs and economic opportunities they are creating and for helping to shape the LePage administration?s pro-growth policies," said Whitcomb. "Earlier this month, the USDA?s 2012 Census of Agriculture revealed that Maine?s natural resource economy is on the rise. More importantly, it highlights the potential for continued job growth and productivity."

According to the latest figures provided by the Small Business Administration (SBA), 97 percent of businesses in Maine have fewer than 500 employees, which classify them as a small business.

Visits scheduled for Commissioner Whitcomb on Thursday, May 15:

1:30 p.m. - G & M Variety Market 104 Main Road # 3, Holden, ME 04429

G&M officially opened for business in the fall of 2012. Their state of the art facilities utilize the latest in energy saving technology for refrigeration, heat, and storage and exceed the industry standard in terms of green energy.

3:00 PM - Pleasant River Lumber Co. 17 Wyman Road, Hancock, ME 04640

Pleasant River Lumber is a 100% U.S., family-owned Maine business with four generations of experience in the forest products industry. They recently revived the only mill in Sanford. Collectively, their mills annually produce over 100 million board feet of spruce dimensional lumber and eastern white pine for customers throughout the East Coast region.

4:30 PM ? Simons Hancock Farm & Greenhouses 39 US Hwy 1, Hancock ME, 04640

Simons is an example of a Maine farm maximizing every minute of a short growing season. Their season starts with flowering plants from their greenhouses, then potted herbs and vegetables for gardeners, followed by their own vegetables as the season moves on. Their store also supports many small Maine food processors.