Public Events for the Week of April 1, 2012
Monday, April 2, 2012
The Monday Media News Briefing has been cancelled this week.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
IDEXX Groundbreaking Ceremony
Location: 1 IDEXX Drive, Westbrook
Background
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. will break ground Tuesday on a $35 million expansion to the Company’s corporate headquarters in Westbrook. Governor Paul LePage, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, Congressman Michael Michaud and other officials will join IDEXX CEO Jonathan Ayers to announce the project and remark on its future impact on the Maine economy as well as employee life at IDEXX.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
2:00 p.m.
Turkish Cultural Day
Location: Hall of Flags, State House
Background
Governor Paul LePage will join Speaker of the House, Bob Nutting, Council of Turkic American Association President, Furkan Kosar, President of MABIAD (Marmara Spring Businessmen Associations) and the President of Turkish Cultural Center of Maine to mark the first State House celebration of Turkish Cultural Day.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
9 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Family Business Forum
Location: Husson University, The Gracie Theatre, 1 College Circle, Bangor
Background
Governor Paul LePage is reaching out to learn more from Maine’s family-owned businesses through a forum created to help family businesses succeed in today’s economy. The forum begins at 9:00 am on Thursday, April 5 at Husson University’s Gracie Theater in Bangor. The forum is a 2012 community initiative by the Institute for Family-Owned Business, a non-profit organization which has served Maine’s family-owned businesses for 17 years. The public is invited to attend.
The Governor will open the forum, speaking about his commitment to growing businesses and jobs in Maine. “I am very supportive of Maine’s family-owned businesses, which have a significant effect on Maine’s economy,” said Governor Paul LePage. “Family businesses are the backbone of the Maine economy, and I am excited to speak to this community about ways we can help their businesses grow and create jobs for Mainers,” added the Governor.
Family-owned businesses account for a reported 60% of employment, 78% of all new jobs, and 65% of wages. In addition, in any 5 year period, nearly 40% of family businesses will be passed onto the second generation. The Institute and Husson University will prepare a report that will be presented to the Governor on the outcomes of the forum.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
University of Maine Pulp and Paper Foundation’s 62nd Annual Paper Days 2012 Conference
Location: University of Maine Orono, Wells Conference Center
Background
Governor Paul LePage has been invited to attend the University of Maine Pulp and Paper Foundation’s 61st annual Paper Days 2012 conference being held at the University of Maine in Orono. This year's theme is "The Paper Industry - A Global Perspective" What Does the Future Hold?
The conference is Sponsored by:
University of Mains Pulp & Paper Foundation
Northeast PIMA/TAPPI
UMaine Student PIMA/TAPPI
Maine Pulp & Paper Association
The Governor is not expected to deliver formal remarks.
Friday, April 6, 2012
9:00 a.m.
State Workforce Investment Board Meeting
Location: Central Maine Commerce Center, Frances Perkins Room, Augusta
Background
Governor Paul LePage will deliver introductory remarks, which will reflect a plan to restructure the workforce development system, and utilize the Chambers of Commerce as conveners of the local business community.
The Maine Jobs Council leads, advises, and manages the effort to create a world-class workforce development system in Maine. The Council leads by focusing on the big picture, by setting a tone of collaboration, and by educating policy-makers and the public. The Council advises by making recommendations to the Governor and Legislature. As the Statewide Workforce Investment Board, the Council manages by overseeing the implementation of workforce development programs.
