Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Mr. Laird Covey, who is retiring this month after more than 23 years of dedicated service to the Central Maine Medical Center and the surrounding community.

The State of Maine has long benefited from Laird's tenure in the health care field. In addition to serving as President of CMMC since July 2008, Laird has also helped direct the center as Chief Operating Officer and Vice President for Medical Affairs. Outside of CMMC, he spent 3 years serving as Chief Executive Officer at Bridgton Hospital in Bridgton, Maine and was Vice President at North Country Hospital in Newport, Vermont.

Few people can claim to embody the spirit of compassion and community engagement as completely as Laird. He is a proud and active member of the Lewiston Auburn Future Forum, which has been a driving force behind community efforts to make Lewiston and Auburn a better place to live. He has also served as Chairman of the Board at the Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice (AHCH) and as President of the Board at Camp Sunshine, an institution for families of children with life-threatening diseases in Casco, Maine.

In 2011, I was proud to join Laird in announcing CMMC's collaboration with Maine Research Associates on a new medical research expansion project. The study, which focuses on treatments for conditions such as arthritis, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, has enabled hundreds of patients in Maine to access cutting-edge medicines. It also helped draw national attention to the important work being done in Maine to help solve some of our nation's most persistent health challenges. This project would not have been able to move forward so successfully without Laird's leadership.

Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating Mr. Laird Covey on an exceptional career in the field of public health.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor The Aroostook Medical Center (TAMC) on becoming the first facility in Maine, and second in the Nation, to use compressed natural gas for both heat and cooling.

For over 100 years, TAMC has played a vital role in providing health services to Maine's northern communities. TAMC is one of the area's largest economic drivers, employing over 1000 staff members and 60 physicians. On May 13, 2013, this Maine institution will cement its role as an environmental leader as well, kicking-off National Hospital Week by officially transitioning from oil fuel to compressed natural gas (CNG).

According to TAMC's Vice President of Diagnostic and Support Services James McKenney, CNG produces about 45 percent less carbon dioxide than coal, 30 percent less than oil, and 15 percent less than wood. In addition to dramatically reducing its environmental footprint, the conversion is expected to save the hospital between $400,000 and $500,000 each year.

TAMC's ``valve turning'' ceremony on the 13th is just part of the hospital's broader efforts to improve its environmental impact. The Food Service Department has eliminated foam cups and trays, while incentivizing staff to purchase coffee with mugs rather than paper cups. The hospital is also revamping its recycling processes, expanding composting activities, and switching to environmentally friendly chemicals wherever possible. These efforts have brought TAMC closer to local producers, the University of Maine at Presque Isle, and the City of Presque Isle itself.

I am pleased to join countless families across northern Maine in helping TAMC celebrate this exciting new chapter.

Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating TAMC for taking this important next step forward.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the four outstanding individuals

being inducted into the Maine Franco-American Hall of Fame this year. Father Jacques LaPointe of Madawaska, Dr. Lisa Marrache of Waterville, Cindy Larouck of Lewiston, and Judge Michael Cantara of Biddeford are representative of the enduring strength and influence of Maine's French heritage.

This year's inductees join the ranks of Maine's finest Franco- American leaders. Each of these honorees have made enormous contributions to the preservation and advancement of our state's unique history and culture.

Father Jacques LaPointe is a key member of the greater Madawaska community and a respected author on the history of the St. John Valley.

Lisa Marrache is an accomplished physician and legislator who has long worked to preserve French culture in Maine, including as a founder of the Franco-American Heritage Society of the Kennebec Valley.

Cindy Larouck is well-known across her hometown of Lewiston and the state of Maine for her efforts to share and revive her love of traditional Franco-American dance and music.

Michael Cantara is a highly regarded public servant, having previously served as Mayor of his hometown of Biddeford, York County District Attorney, Maine Public Safety Commissioner, and now as a District Court Judge. He has long been an unyielding force for the preservation of Maine's Franco-American heritage.

The Franco-American Hall of Fame will also posthumously honor five Mainers for their outstanding contributions to the State of Maine: Leon Albert Guimond, Adolphe and Napoleon Gingras, Louis Phillipe Gagne, and Camille Bolduc.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring these outstanding individuals as they are permanently and fittingly recognized for their tremendous contributions to the state of Maine and Franco-American culture.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support National Arson Awareness Week, which runs from May 5th-11th this year.

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has made tremendous strides in educating the public about the dangers of Arson during its annual Arson Awareness Week. This year's theme, ``Reducing Residential Arson,'' is focused on ways for community members to come together and develop plans to combat arson in their neighborhoods. According to USFA, over 14,700 law enforcement agencies report 43,400 arsons every year.

This is an issue that hits home for my constituents in the city of Lewiston, who have endured three large fires during the past week. The fires have destroyed over 79 apartments and left roughly 200 people homeless. Firefighters from Lewiston and the surrounding communities have performed heroically to contain the fires and protect residents from harm. These brave men and women place themselves at enormous risk every day to keep us safe, and I applaud them for their efforts.

USFA is recommending a number of strategies to help communities better protect themselves against arson. Neighborhood cleanups have enabled residents to remove flammable materials and identify possible hazards. Groups have also had success by improving internal and external security for their homes and at abandoned properties. Working together, we can all help make our communities a safer place to live.

Mr. Speaker, please join me again in recognizing National Arson Awareness Week for its role in helping our communities educate themselves about ways to combat arson.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the leadership of John Stevens, former Chief of the Passamaquoddy and Commissioner of Indian Affairs for the State of Maine.

Chief Stevens is known throughout Maine as a man of great wisdom and compassion. His distinguished career in public service has led him to serve the state's native peoples in a variety of capacities. As a Tribal Councilor, John worked to strengthen Passamaquoddy cultural values and promote economic progress. During his terms as Chief, John worked effectively to combat unemployment and crippling debt. He also played an enormous role in the legal battle that would eventually result in Congressional Legislation to grant federal recognition to the Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, and Maliseet. Chief Stevens would also go on to serve as the first Commissioner of Indian Affairs for the State of Maine.

In addition to his devotion for the native peoples of Maine, John is also a proud veteran of the Korean War. He has often cited the war- devastated villages he encountered overseas as an inspiration behind his efforts to improve conditions for his own people. Today, the Passamaquoddy Tribe owns more than 200,000 acres of land in the State.

I consider myself privileged to have had the opportunity to work with John as a fellow public servant and as a friend. On May 9, 2013, Chief Joseph Socobasin, Vice Chief Clayton Sockabasin and the Indian Township Tribal Council will dedicate the Tribal Government Office Building in Chief Stevens' honor. I can think of no one more deserving of this tremendous honor.

Mr. Speaker, please join me again in honoring Chief John Stevens for his long and remarkable career of public service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Auburn Manufacturing, Inc. as it breaks ground on a significant expansion to its Auburn, Maine Kittyhawk Industrial Park location. Founded by President and CEO Kathie Leonard more than three decades ago, Auburn Manufacturing is known across the world as a leader in extreme temperature textiles.

Kathie and her former business partner founded Auburn Manufacturing in 1979. In the intervening years, the company has grown to employ 50 employees, with its upcoming expansion set to create jobs for four new individuals. Kathie has never strayed from her core commitment to producing American-made textiles, seeking to enhance or improve Auburn Manufacturing's unique products without reinventing the wheel. It should come as no surprise that MaineBiz named Kathie one of its ``Women to Watch'' in 2009.

Auburn Manufacturing is the only manufacturer of extreme temperature fabrics to make its product line entirely in the United States. The company's commitment to producing ``Made in the USA'' products is in no small part because of Kathie's strong belief that domestic manufacturing is the key to innovation.

With another major expansion in Auburn Manufacturing's business plan, I have no doubt that Kathie and her employees will continue to turn out quality American made products for years and years to come.

Mr. Speaker, please join me on congratulating Kathie Leonard and her employees as they begin this tremendous next chapter for Auburn Manufacturing.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the recipients of the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce's Annual Awards Dinner.

Each year, the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce recognizes local businesses, business leaders, community service projects and individuals who promote and advance a vital and healthy business environment. These individuals and businesses are committed to strengthening opportunity and increasing prosperity in Maine.

This year's award recipients include: Megan Williams, recipient of the Rising Star Award; Bert Languet, recipient of the Outstanding Professional Award; Michelle LePage, recipient of the Customer Service Stardom Award; the Waterville Opera House, recipient of the Community Service Project of the Year Award; Peter Schutte, recipient of the Business Person of the Year Award; Delta Ambulance, recipient of the Business of the Year Award; Shawn Michaud, recipient of the Elias A. Joseph Award; and Scott Bullock, recipient of the Distinguished Community Service Award.

These recipients are among the best that Maine has to offer. Through their leadership and incredible commitment to their communities and the region, Maine is a better place in which to live and do business.

Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce and these individuals and businesses on their outstanding service and achievement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join Maine's maple syrup producers in celebrating Maine Maple Sunday on March 24, 2013.

The history of maple syrup in Maine dates back to before the colonists first landed on our shores. Native American tribes from throughout the Northeast first developed the practice of drawing sugar and syrup from the sap of maple trees. Hundreds of years later, maple syrup remains a staple of Maine's economy and cultural heritage.

Maine Maple Sunday is always held on the fourth Sunday in March. Sugarhouses open their doors on this day to offer free samples and demonstrations to enthusiastic customers from all over the Northeast. Nurtured by Maine's unique soils and climate, the maple syrup on display during Maple Sunday is among the finest in the world.

I would like to extend a special thank you to Arnold and Elaine Luce of Anson, T.A. Greene of Sebago, the family of the late Linwood Foster of Skowhegan, John Hodgkins of Yarmouth, Robert Smith of Skowhegan, the family of the late Chester Basford of Fairfield, John and Eva Steeves of Skowhegan, and Pete Tracy of Farmington for their hard work in making Maine Maple Sunday possible. Their efforts are responsible for the successful continuation of one of Maine's oldest and proudest traditions.

Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating Maine's maple syrup producers on putting together another Maine Maple Sunday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Harold O. Bouchard of Hermon, Maine, who passed away on February 22, at the age of 77. Harold will be long remembered as an astute businessman who was well known for his philanthropy and community service.

From a single dump truck he purchased in 1958, Harold grew a business that today employs 175 people and stands at 100 trucks strong. He became an innovator and fierce advocate for the trucking industry. Harold worked tirelessly to develop safer and more efficient trucks. As an advocate, he sought to ensure lawmakers understood that heavier six axle trucks were safe and important for businesses to compete. Because of Harold's efforts, Maine's roads are safer and Maine's businesses are stronger.

Harold also maintained a strong presence in the community, helping to found the American Loggers Council and the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine. Harold was also involved with the Maine Forest Products Council, the Forest Resource Association, Maine Motor Transportation Association, the Maine Better Transportation Association, and the Associated General Contractors of Maine. The Northeast Loggers Association, of which he was also a member, named him Outstanding Logger of the Year in 1991.

Few people can claim to embody the spirit of charity and community engagement as completely as Harold. He was instrumental in helping to raise $13 million to improve cancer treatment services at Eastern Maine Medical Center. In 2003, Harold received the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce's Norbert X. Dowd Award for his contributions to his industry and for his community service.

I was fortunate to have Harold as a supporter and ally in my ongoing efforts to allow states to increase the weight of trucks allowed on their highways. The work he did on this cause was instrumental in helping to make this goal a reality in Maine today.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the life of Mr. Harold O. Bouchard.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the recipients of the 2013 Annual Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce Awards. Representing over 400 area businesses and organizations, the Oxford Hills Chamber has been instrumental in advocating for economic growth throughout the greater Oxford County region.

Each year, the Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce honors local businesses, business leaders, and individuals who promote and advance a vital and healthy economic environment. These honorees embody the kind of entrepreneurism and resourcefulness which has helped the state to weather one of the harshest economic climates in American history.

This year's award recipients include Business of the Year, Oxford Casino; Employee of the Year, Steve Holbrook, teacher at Oxford Hills Christian Academy; Rising Star of the Year, ServiceMaster Fire and Water Restoration of Oxford. Additionally, the staff at Responsible Pet Care will receive the Community Service Award.

These recipients are among the best that Maine has to offer. Through their leadership and incredible commitment to their communities and to the region, Maine is a better place to live and to do business.

Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating the Oxford Hills Region Chamber of Commerce and these individuals on their outstanding service and achievement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Cyndi Robbins and the ``Gems of 26'' for their outstanding efforts to honor our nation's veterans. Over the last three years, Cyndi Robbins and the staff of the Poland Spring Inn welcomed more than 600 members of military and veteran families for short getaways in scenic Western Maine.

Thanks to a unique partnership formed between a group of unique sites along Route 26 called the ``Gems of 26,'' military and veteran families have been treated to lodging, meals, boat rentals, and free access to a variety of activities and historic sites in Maine's western mountains.

In addition to the Poland Spring Resort, the generous ``Gems of 26,'' include the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray, the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in New Gloucester, the Poland Spring Preservation Society in Poland Spring, and the grounds of the McLaughlin Garden in South Paris. The Maine Military and Community network has also played an important role in helping eligible families participate in the program.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Cyndi Robbins, the Poland Spring Resort, and these historic Maine attractions for their commitment to serving our veteran and military families.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Honorees of the 2013 Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet Dinner. The Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce serves the people and business community of the greater Lewiston/Auburn area, working hard to strengthen economic opportunity throughout the region and the State.

Each year, the Androscoggin Chamber of Commerce recognizes local businesses, business leaders, and individuals who promote and advance a vital and healthy business environment. These individuals and businesses are committed to strengthening opportunity and prosperity in Maine.

This year's award recipients include Barbara Dagley of Carbonite Inc, recipient of Business Leadership Award for a Larger Company; Kurk Lalemand of Next Level Business Coaching and John Stass of Katahdin Furniture, recipients of the Business Leadership Awards for Smaller Companies; Larry Raymond of Issacson and Raymond, recipient of the Ray Geiger Award; Rita Dube, Julia Sleeper and Kim Pelletier, recipients of the Community Service Leadership Awards; Rick Jones of Jones Associates, recipient of the Poland Business Award; Nick Benoit of Benoit's Bakery and Wine Cellar, recipient of the Lisbon Business Award; Nancy Ricker of Ricker Hill Orchards, recipient of the Turner Business Award; Russ Barlow, Principal of the Franklin Alternative School in Auburn is the recipient of the Education Award; Sherry Spencer of Proctor and Gamble-Tambrands, recipient of the ``Cool Chamber Award;'' Dick Roy of Mechanics Savings Bank, recipient of the Ken Addition Small Business Advocate Award; Kim Jacques of Revelation Massage, recipient of the 2013 New Member of the Year Award; and Susan Hall of The Vault and Kevin Dean and Emil Clavet of Electricity Maine, recipients of the President's Award.

These recipients are among the best that Maine has to offer. Through their leadership and incredible commitment to their communities and the region, Maine is a better place to live and do business.

Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating the Androscoggin Chamber of Commerce and these individuals on their outstanding service and achievement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Honorees of the 2013 Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet Dinner. The Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce serves the people and business community of the greater Lewiston/Auburn area, working hard to strengthen economic opportunity throughout the region and the State.

Each year, the Androscoggin Chamber of Commerce recognizes local businesses, business leaders, and individuals who promote and advance a vital and healthy business environment. These individuals and businesses are committed to strengthening opportunity and prosperity in Maine.

This year's award recipients include Barbara Dagley of Carbonite Inc., recipient of Business Leadership Award for a Larger Company; Kurk Lalemand of Next Level Business Coaching and John Stass of Katandin Furniture, recipients of the Business Leadership Awards for Smaller Companies; Larry Raymond of Issacson and Raymond, recipient of the Ray Geiger Award; Rita Dube, Julia Sleeper and Kim Pelletier, recipients of the Community Service Leadership Awards; Rick Jones of Jones Associates, recipient of the Poland Business Award; Nick Benoit of Benoit's Bakery and Wine Cellar, recipient of the Lisbon Business Award; Nancy Ricker of Ricker Hill Orchards, recipient of the Turner Business Award; Russ Barlow, Principal of the Franklin Alternative School in Auburn is the recipient of the Education Award; Sherry Spencer of Proctor and Gamble--Tambrands, recipient of the ``Cool Chamber Award;'' Dick Roy of Mechanics Savings Bank, recipient of the Ken Addition Small Business Advocate Award; Kim Jacques of Revelation Massage, recipient of the 2013 New Member of the Year Award; and Susan Hall of The Vault and Kevin Dean and Emil Clavet of Electricity Maine, recipients of the President's Award.

These recipients are among the best that Maine has to offer. Through their leadership and incredible commitment to their communities and the region, Maine is a better place to live and do business.

Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating the Androscoggin Chamber of Commerce and these individuals on their outstanding service and achievement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pantheon- Bourgeois Guitars, LLC on winning the first annual Achievement Award from the Small Enterprise Growth Fund (SEGO.

Pantheon-Bourgeois Guitars was formed in 2000 after Dana Bourgeois, a well known luthier, and a group of new business investors collaborated over a shared vision. In just over 12 years, the company has built a reputation among professional musicians for being among the finest crafted acoustic guitars in the world. Today, Dana and his craftsmen build about thirty guitars every month in the historic Roy Continental Mill in Lewiston, Maine.

Pantheon-Bourgeois Guitars was recently honored by SEGF with its first annual Achievement Award, which recognizes the company's tremendous revenue growth and exceptional productivity in the past year. This award follows a fruitful collaboration with Maine's Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), which provides business and technical assistance to help our state's small businesses thrive. With the help of Maine MEP, Pantheon-Bourgeois Guitars expanded its weekly production by 50 percent. The company has additional plans to implement improvements that will boost future productivity and efficiency.

A professionally-managed venture capital fund, the SEGF has been investing only in Maine companies who exhibit the potential for growth and public benefit since 1997. This well deserved award solidifies Pantheon-Bourgeois Guitars as valued member of Maine's business community.

Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating Pantheon- Bourgeois Guitars on earning SEGF's Achievement Award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Honorees of the 2013 Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet Dinner. The Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce serves the people and business community of the Augusta area, working hard to strengthen economic opportunity throughout the region and the state.

Each year, the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce recognizes local businesses, business leaders, and individuals who promote and advance a vital and healthy business environment. These individuals and businesses are committed to strengthening opportunity and prosperity in Maine.

This year's award recipients include J.S. McCarthy Printers, recipient of Business of the Year; Peter E. Prescott, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award; Scott Bolduc, recipient of Business Person of the Year; Andy and Sheree Wess, recipients of the President's Award; Deborah Shepherd of the Family Violence Project, recipient of the Community Service Award; Mike Seitzinger, Esq., recipient of the Community Service Award; Randy and Teresa Hutchins of O'Connor Auto Group, recipient of the President's Award; and Laura Benedict of The Red Barn, recipient of the President's Award.

These recipients are among the best that Maine has to offer. Through their leadership and incredible commitment to their communities and the region, Maine is a better place to live and do business.

Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce and these individuals on their outstanding service and achievement.