WATERVILLE -- Hearing for the second time Gary Hammond's chilling account, Scott Bullock paused prior to taking the microphone during Tuesday morning's session on domestic violence, and its impact on business.

"That's the second time I've heard Gary's story, so just give me a minute to catch my breath," the MaineGeneral Health CEO told the Hampton Inn audience.

Bullock said domestic violence is the leading health problem that needs increased attention. Kennebec County has the largest increase in reported domestic violence incidents in the state -- from 181 in 1988 to 710 in 2007.

"It gives you a sense of how significant this problem is perceived to be," he said.

The Maine Development Foundation sponsored the conference, as part of its Leadership Unplugged Series.

Hammond, owner of Hammond Tractor, told a story that was at once horrific, and true to life. He gave the fictitious name "Nancy" to a former employee in his Fairfield business who was killed by her ex-husband, who then killed himself and set fire to their home.

As a result, Hammond Tractor, which has locations in Fairfield, Union and two in Auburn, has taken a watchdog approach to domestic violence.

"If there's abuse in your family, we're going to talk about it," Hammond said. "We have bumper stickers on all of our 40-plus vehicles. Managers meet employees in private. Our main goal is to try to raise awareness."

Hammond said "Nancy" was a cleaning lady and "jack-of-all-trades," who worked long hours.

Her husband began seeing another woman and asked her for a divorce, Hammond recalled. She saw a lawyer and got paperwork, but the husband began to stall, Hammond said.

Eventually, the man moved out but left many of his belongings.

He finally removed them, but took many of her belongings as well, Hammond said.

Later, the man said he needed to come over to get some paperwork.

"She agreed to meet him there on a Sunday morning," Hammond said. "I said I was willing to be there with her because she was upset, but she declined.

"Many, many times since then I surely wish that I would have gone."

Bullock said MaineGeneral is working to curb domestic violence with Inland Hospital, Sebasticook Valley Hospital of Pittsfield and Redington-Fairview General Hospital of Skowhegan.

But there is a "breakdown" in other rural areas, said the owner of a Farmington business.

Pam West, owner of Mountain View Chocolate Shoppe in Farmington, said she is a victim of domestic violence. West said that she, a Mount Blue High school teacher and others in town have collected enough signatures to call a special town meeting in an effort to seek funding for the Abused Women's Advocacy Project. The agency is based in Auburn but serves the Farmington area and beyond with four outreach offices.

The special town meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Farmington Community Center. The town has given $5,000 to the group in the past, she said.

"We couldn't let it stand," West said of the lack of funding this year. "It's pushing me to be more open to help in the community. (Domestic violence) is pushed to the side and not talked about."

Larry Grard - 861-9239
lgrard@centralmaine.com