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Nominations Open for Governor's Award for Business Excellence
1/25/2012
The Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) is now accepting nominations for the 2012 Governor's Award for Business Excellence.
(read story)New Income Limits - Effective Immediately
12/6/2011
New Income Data Effective December 1, 2011
(read story)2011 CDBG Awards
10/7/2011
The Office of Community Development is pleased to release the following list of communities who received 2011 CDBG funding.
(read story)New funding available for Maine exporters
9/28/2011
The Maine International Trade Center (MITC), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Maine Senator Olympia J. Snowe announced Tuesday that MITC was awarded $146,000 under the State Trade & Export Promotion (STEP) program. STEP, which was part of the 2010 Small Business Jobs Act, was created specifically to assist small and medium sized exporters through partnerships between state trade offices and the SBA. “This is a great collaborative effort,” explains Jeanne Hulit, Regional Director of the U.S. SBA, "with the federal government and the states sharing responsibilities and resources to help small businesses succeed in the global market.”
(read story)CDBG 2012 Proposed Statement Now Available
9/13/2011
The 2012 CDBG Proposed Program Statement is now available. The rule-making notice will be published in major Maine daily newspapers on Wednesday, September 21, 2011, a public hearing will be held on Friday, October 14, 2011, at the DECD office - Burton Cross Building, Third Floor, 111 Sewall Street, Augusta, Maine, 04330 at 12:30 p.m. To solicit input on the proposed program statement. Any persons requiring special accommodations for the public hearing are encouraged to contact Susan Bolduc at 207-624-7484.
(read story)U. S. Economic Development Administration Approves Maine Economic Development Districts
8/3/2011
Governor Paul R. LePage today announced the U.S. Economic Development Administration's (EDA) approval of Maine's modified Economic Development Districts (EDD).
(read story)Two Appointments Announced at Department of Economic and Community Development
7/13/2011
Commissioner George Gervais of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) has announced two new appointments within the department.
(read story)Governor's Awards for Business Excellence Presented to Six Maine Companies
5/17/2011
The 21st Annual Governor’s Awards for Business Excellence were presented Tuesday at the Hall of Flags in the State House to six Maine companies. The awards, administered by the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) and sponsored by FairPoint Communications, were presented by Governor Paul LePage to recognize Maine companies that demonstrate a high level of commitment to their community, employees and to manufacturing or service excellence.
(read story)Communities for Maine's Future Program Materials are On-Line
4/22/2011
The Program Rules, Letter of Intent to Apply, Application Workshop Schedule, Components of a Downtown Plan and List of Communities with Comprehensive Plans and Downtown Plans are now all on the OCD website at http://www.maine.gov/decd/meocd/
(read story)New England Products Trade Show Announces 2011's Best New Product and Best New Booth Award Winners
3/25/2011
As lead sponsor of the The New England Products Trade Show(NEPTS), the Maine Department of Economic & Community Development is pleased to announce the winners of the 2011 Best New Product and Best Booth awards. The 11 honorees were recognized at the 27th Annual New England Products Trade Show in Portland, Maine.
(read story)Maine's 2011 Evaluation of R&D Investment Released
3/7/2011
The Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) has released the 2011 summary evaluation of Maine's investment in research and development prepared for DECD by PolicyOne Research (ME), EntreWorks (VA), and Scruggs & Associates (NC). This yearly evaluation of Maine's R&D programs helps DECD understand the impact that the state R&D investments have, and identify areas where the state has an opportunity to be more competitive. The consulting team also offers recommendations to help build a more robust business climate leading to job and revenue growth for Maine companies.
(read story)Portland Shellfish, Inc. Given FDA Approval to Resume Operations
3/2/2011
Portland Shellfish, Inc., a leader in providing top-quality, fresh, frozen and pasteurized Maine lobster, crab and shrimp products has recently been granted permission to resume processing by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
(read story)Maine DECD Announces New Tourism Director
2/28/2011
Commissioner of the Maine Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD), Philip Congdon today announced the selection of Carolann Ouellette as director of the Maine Office of Tourism (MOT).
(read story)Tourism Professionals Gather for Maine Governor's Conference
2/23/2011
More than 350 tourism and hospitality professionals gathered today at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland for the 2011 Maine Governor's Conference on Tourism.
(read story)Office of Community Development Announces New Timeline for Communities for Maine's Future Bond Program
2/16/2011
The Office of Community Development has received approval from the Governor's Office to resume the State Rule-making process for the Communities for Maine's Future Bond Program. OCD in Conjunction with the Review Panel has developed a Revised Program Timeline. To see the entire timeline please click on the links below which are available in both PDF and MSWord. A few highlights of the bond program include:
(read story)State of Maine Action Plan for NSP 3 is On-line!
2/11/2011
Public Notice
(read story)New England Products Trade Show to be Held in Maine
2/9/2011
Wholesale Trade Show to be Held March 12-14 at the Portland Sports Complex.
(read story)Office of Community Development Receives 29 Application for 2011 CDBG Public Facilities and Public Infrastructure Grant Programs
1/31/2011
OCD has received a total of 29 applications for the 2011 CDBG Public Facilities and Public Infrastructure Grant programs. Requests for funding total $7,657,167. The total projected funding for these programs in the 2011 CDBG Program Statement is $4,100,000. With no final FY 2011 Federal budget yet passed the total for grants which will be awarded is still in question due to the possibility of a decrease in budgeted funds as determined by the U.S. Congress.
(read story)State Rule-making On Hold
1/10/2011
Governor Paul R. LePage has signed an Executive Order effective January 10, 2011 which requires a review of all state agency rule-making. This includes the Community For Maine's Future Bond Program (CFMF). The CFMF Rule-making Notice was scheduled to be published on January 12, 2011 but will be postponed pending the rule-making review. Please click on the link below to view the Executive Order.
(read story)Secure Records Management Systems Receives Block Grant
1/5/2011
SANFORD: Secure Records Management Systems (SecureRMS), a social enterprise of Waban, has been awarded a $40,000.00 Public Service Community Block Grant from the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development that will be used to deliver job training for people with disabilities. In a ceremony on December 16, Mike Baran, Director of Community Development, presented Neal Meltzer, Executive Director of Waban Projects, Inc. with a check, saying, “This is exactly the type of business the Block Grant is meant to support.” The check presentation was followed by a tour of the facility, located at 27 Hancock Lane in Sanford, as well as an opportunity to meet the individuals who will benefit from this grant. As a social enterprise, the primary goal of SecureRMS is to provide employment opportunities for people with disabilities and channel all proceeds to support Waban’s mission of providing essential services and programs for children and adults with developmental or other disabilities. As a business, SecureRMS provides fully secure paper shredding and confidential information destruction services, meeting certification standards from the National Association for Information Destruction (NAID), the national, independent, third party verification, and accreditation agency for the information destruction industry. SecureRMS partners with businesses and organizations that want high quality services at competitive prices with the value-added of providing jobs for people with disabilities. The funds from the Block Grant will be instrumental in helping SecureRMS accomplish these goals. For more information about SecureRMS and secure document destruction please contact Jeff Wildey at (207) 636-5700 or visit the website at www.securerms.com.
(read story)Nominations Open for Governor's Award for Business Excellence
11/29/2010
AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) is now accepting nominations for the 2011 Governor's Award for Business Excellence.
(read story)DECD Deputy Commissioner to Offer Presentation on State Resources Available for Economic and Community Development
10/29/2010
Wed., Dec. 1, 4:30-5:30 p.m., River Valley Technology Center
(read story)OCD Announces 2011 CDBG Application Workshop Schedule
10/11/2010
The Office of Community Development will be conducting a series of 4 CDBG application workshops during the week of October 18, 2010. These workshops will cover the submission requirements including eligibility to apply. due dates and tips for submitting a successful proposal.
(read story)DECD and Maine International Trade Center Showcase Maine Made Products Abroad
10/5/2010
Products Exhibited at International Gardening and Outdoor Living Trade Show in United Kingdom
(read story)Department of Economic and Community Development Launches Mobilize Maine Website and E-mail Newsletter
10/4/2010
Department of Economic and Community Development Launches Mobilize Maine Website and E-mail Newsletter
(read story)Maine Made Program Welcomes Several New Members
9/30/2010
Maine Made Program Welcomes Several New Members
(read story)2011 CDBG Letters of Intent and Applications are now on line!
9/28/2010
Letters of Intent (if applicable) and applications for all 2011 CDBG programs except for Economic Development are now on line. To view and download these materials click on CDBG Program in the left menu and then Application Process.
(read story)2011 CDBG Program Statement is now in-line.
9/27/2010
Click on the link below to open the 2011 CDBG Program Statement.
(read story)Maine Made Member's Product Heading to The News & Documentary Emmy® Awards
9/27/2010
Maine Buck Nuts to be Included in Swag Bags
(read story)DECD Deputy Commissioner to Offer Presentation on State Resources Available for Economic and Community Development
9/8/2010
AUGUSTA, Maine - Brian Hodges, deputy commissioner of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), will offer a presentation on Wednesday, Sept. 29, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the Bass Conference Room at Franklin Memorial Hospital about the services and programs offered by the state to help businesses and communities grow and thrive in Maine.
(read story)Governor, Maine State Chamber and DECD Collaborate to Offer Regional Networking and Development Events
8/30/2010
AUGUSTA – As a result of the 2010 Governor's Jobs Summit held in February, the Governor, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce and the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) are offering a series of regional networking forums for business leaders throughout the state.
(read story)Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Appreciation Day Held
8/20/2010
AUGUSTA, Maine - Maine's Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) held their annual Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Appreciation Day today to celebrate the busiest year in the history of the Maine CDBG program and recognize over 80 community development professionals from across the state who participated in the program in some way.
(read story)DECD Brownfields RLF materials are now on-line!
8/5/2010
The DECD Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund Program Description which includes the Eligibility Application and Funding Application documents can now be downloaded as a PDF by clicking on the link below.
(read story)Aggressive Grant Award Process Announced For Maine’s Northern Border Counties
8/4/2010
Augusta - Maine’s Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) Commissioner Thaxter Trafton today announced the grant award process for Maine’s most economically distressed northern border counties. Grant funds are being made available through the recently created Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) with each of four states accepting responsibility for the application process for projects within their borders. It is expected that $1.3 million in grants, made possible by funds from a federally created commission, will be awarded by September 30, 2010 throughout the NBRC region. The deadline for applications is August 30, 2010.
(read story)Disaster Recovery Quarterly Reports are now available on-line!
7/30/2010
Click on the link below to view the State of Maine Disaster Recovery Quarterly Reports for the period covering July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010. The next QPR will be posted shortly after the September 30, 2010 reporting deadline.
(read story)Maine to Host World's Leading Ocean Energy Conference in 2011
6/17/2010
Augusta - Maine will once again host the EnergyOcean International Conference, the world's premier event focused on renewable and sustainable energy from the oceans.
(read story)Governor's Awards for Business and Nonprofit Excellence Presented to Maine Companies
4/1/2010
Waterville - Five Maine companies were presented with a 2010 Governor’s Award for Business Excellence today at the Annual Colby Institute for Leadership luncheon at Colby College. The awards, administered by the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) and sponsored by FairPoint Communications, were presented on behalf of Governor John E. Baldacci to recognize Maine companies that demonstrate a high level of commitment to their community, employees and to manufacturing or service excellence. The Governor's Awards for Nonprofit Excellence, sponsored by Healey & Associates, Inc., are presented by the Maine Association of Nonprofits to the six Maine nonprofit organizations that have achieved significant results by utilizing ingenuity combined with sound management practices.
(read story)Maine Sports Hall of Fame Elects Three New Officers
3/9/2010
PORTLAND - Richard A. Davis, Cape Elizabeth, has been elected to succeed the late Robert A. Pickett as president of the Maine Sports Hall of Fame. The Maine Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1972 for the purpose of honoring and memorializing outstanding Maine athletes and distinctive figures of Maine sports.
(read story)Maine Designer, Jill McGowan, Featured on the Martha Stewart Show
3/3/2010
AUGUSTA - Fashion designer, Jill McGowan, will appear on ABC's The Martha Stewart Show on Thursday, March 4, 2010 at 10:00 AM. McGowan, best known for her reinvention of the white shirt, is originally from Pittsfield, Maine. McGowan's Portland studio was visited by Martha Stewart and her TV crew in the summer of 2009. McGowan and her company, with sales nationwide, are a great example of Maine’s entrepreneurial talent and successful businesses. For more information, watch The Martha Stewart Show preview here: www.marthastewart.com or visit Jill McGowan's web site: www.jillmcgowan.com
(read story)Brian Hodges Named Deputy Commissioner of DECD
2/12/2010
AUGUSTA - Thaxter Trafton, commissioner of the state Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) has appointed Brian Hodges as Deputy Commissioner of DECD.
(read story)Thaxter Trafton Sworn in as Commissioner of Economic Development
2/10/2010
AUGUSTA: Governor John E. Baldacci today swore in Thaxter Trafton as Commissioner of Maine’s Department of Economic and Community Development. Trafton was confirmed by the Maine Senate on Jan. 28, 2010, and had been serving as Acting Commissioner since Nov. 16, 2009.
(read story)Portland 5th Best Place to Start Small Business in USA
1/22/2010
AUGUSTA - Portland earned the fifth highest ranking in the country for best places to launch a small business according to a new Portfolio.com/bizjournals study on small business vitality. One hundred metro areas were part of the Portfolio.com/bizjournals study group and the highest scores went to cities that 'have prosperous economies, are expanding rapidly and are densely packed with small businesses' according to Portfolio.com (the survey defines a small business as having fewer than 100 employees). Portland previously ranked 10th in the 2009 report.
(read story)2010 CDBG Economic Development Program Letter of Intent and Application are now On-line!
10/30/2009
The 2010 CDBG Economic Development Program (EDP) Letter of Intent and Application are now on-line. Click on Forms and Materials - Application Forms - Economic Development to view and download the Letter of Intent and Application.
(read story)Maine Companies May Benefit By Offering Health Insurance to Employees
6/18/2009
AUGUSTA - We want to remind small business owners about one of the first provisions of the recently passed federal health care reform legislation. This provision is the small business health care tax credit.
(read story)Connections Newsletter
- December 2010
- November 2010
- October 2010
- September 2010
- August 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010 (PDF, 188KB)
- February 2010 (PDF, 305KB)
- January 2010 (PDF, 188KB)
- December 2009 (PDF, 396KB)
- November 2009 (PDF, 994KB)
- October 2009 (PDF, 426KB)
- August 2009 (PDF, 346KB)
