MDF’s Maine Downtown Center Program Receives AmeriCorps Service Grant for New Main Street Fellows Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

MDF’s Maine Downtown Center Program Receives AmeriCorps Service Grant for New Main Street Fellows Program

HALLOWELL, ME – August 13, 2020 –  MDF’s Maine Downtown Center is pleased to announce the launch of a new initiative, the Main Street Fellows AmeriCorps Program, which will place five Fellows in five Maine communities to help develop systems and strategies for a more resilient future. A central focus will be on increasing social capital, fostering more welcoming and equitable communities, and sharing new mindsets and models needed for communities to thrive. The program is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service through a new $77,395 Volunteer Maine subgrant.

“We are honored to receive this grant,” says MDC program director, Anne Ball. “The Main Street Fellows AmeriCorps Program is an amazing opportunity for our small downtown organizations to increase capacity and community engagement. As a keystone of their service, the Fellows will be learning and implementing the 40-year-old Main Street approach which focuses on creating an inclusive downtown through design, economic vitality, downtown events and a strong organization.”

The Main Street Fellows will be placed with a host Main Street or Downtown Affiliate organization, beginning October 30, 2020. The communities will be selected through a competitive RFP process during August 2020.

“Volunteer Maine, the state service commission, is pleased to support MDF’s efforts to tackle challenges facing Maine’s rural communities,” says Maryalice Crofton, Volunteer Maine Executive Director. “AmeriCorps members serving the Main Street Fellows AmeriCorps Program, a Maine Rural State program, will be leaders helping rural communities recover from the pandemic’s impact. At the end of their service year, communities should be better equipped to take on the next challenges. Our team is excited to collaborate with program members and staff to provide the technical training needed to effectively serve these communities,” added Crofton.

As Maine contends with the impacts of COVID-19 in addition to its existing economic and community development challenges, the Main Street Fellows will provide integral support to the selected communities by:

  • Strengthening capacity for economic and community development through asset identification and development, strategic planning and implementation, social capital building.
  • Assisting in local research, planning, education, and technology projects.

Maine Downtown Center will administer the funds and serve as program director for the Main Street Fellows AmeriCorps Program. Maine Downtown Center is a program of MDF that serves as a statewide resource for preservation-based downtown revitalization and is the state coordinator for the National Main Street’s Main Street program.

For more information and to arrange interviews, contact Adam Burk, Program Director, Maine Development Foundation aburk@mdf.org.

Avangrid Foundation Awards MDF and MaineSpark $50,000 to Enhance Resources for Adult Learners

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

June 29, 2020 – Hallowell, ME – MaineSpark is thrilled to announce a grant of $50,000 from the Avangrid Foundation in partnership with Central Maine Power to enhance and expand our ability to connect adult learners (24+ years old) with the education, information, coaching and resources they need to secure meaningful, long term employment, and boost their careers.

The Avangrid Foundation is the primary charitable arm of AVANGRID, the parent company of Central Maine Power. The funds will be used to train and raise awareness of our Navigator Network, a cadre of 375 professionals who provide coordinated support for adult learners as part of MaineSpark’s Adult Promise program. These supports are particularly important during this period of economic turmoil and job loss related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Avangrid Foundation is deeply committed to serving lifelong learning needs of people in  the communities that we serve. This seminal investment at such a critical time is one way we can support individual Mainers as well as whole communities in transition,” says Nicole Licata Grant, Director, Avangrid Foundation. “Mainers are uniquely resilient, self-reliant and innovative, and while these are uncertain times, we believe that Adult Promise offers working-age Mainers critical resources to achieve economic stability and long-term success.”

Navigators advise adult learners on going back to school, earning degrees and other credentials, changing careers, finding financial aid and connecting them with resources ranging from childcare to transportation to make these pursuits possible. Adult learners can connect with a Navigator directly from MaineSpark’s statewide online hub, and access a wide variety of information on other programs and resources.

“We are grateful to the Avangrid Foundation and Central Maine Power for their support of Maine Adult Promise and the Navigator Network,” says Rosa Redonnett, Chief Student Affairs Officer, University of Maine System. “As a rural state, the connections within and among Maine’s communities are critical to the progress of its citizens, and the Navigator network forms the backbone of those connections as we work together to enable all Maine citizens the ability to gain advanced credentials and degrees. This grant enables us to enhance that network and provide important professional development that can further help support adult learners in Maine.”

MaineSpark is a 10-year commitment by a coalition of organizations – schools and universities, nonprofits and foundations, government agencies and businesses – with a common goal: by 2025, 60% of Mainers will hold credentials of value (degrees and training) that position Maine and its families for success.

The Avangrid Foundation grant will be administered by the Maine Development Foundation, a member of the MaineSpark Coalition and Program Director for the Adult Promise program.

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Five Maine mill towns share $1M forest products innovation grant

In-depth Mainebiz article on the five communities which are receiving awards as part of the Increasing Prosperity for Maine’s Forest Economy Communities subgrant program. In total, more than $1-million in funding was allocated for mill site redevelopment projects. MDF is honored to be administering the program in conjunction with the FOR/Maine (Forest Opportunity Roadmap) coalition.

Read the full article.

FOR/Maine and Maine Development Foundation Announce Grants Totaling More Than $1-million for Mill Site Redevelopment in Five Maine Communities

AUGUSTA, ME – June 17, 2020 – The FOR/Maine (Forest Opportunity Roadmap) coalition – a broad coalition working to diversify the state’s wood products businesses, attract capital investments, and develop greater economic prosperity for rural communities – and Maine Development Foundation (MDF) are pleased to announce grants totaling more than $1-million to five Maine communities impacted by recent mill closures.

The funds will be used for redevelopment projects deemed catalytic for the next generation of forest economy products, especially during this critical transition in global markets. The grants are primarily funded by the Northern Border Regional Commission and the Maine Rural Development Authority. They will be administered by Maine Development Foundation, which staffs the FOR/Maine coalition and is a key partner in the coalition’s work.

“This is an extremely positive step forward both to provide critical funding to these communities, but also because this funding was developed by a coordinated and concerted effort that focused on regional needs rather than just one group or community,” says Charlie Spies, CEO, CEI Capital and FOR/Maine Communities Subcommittee Chair. “The need was apparent as one mill after another shut down over the last decade, leaving these century-old, forest-based economies anchorless. The recent appearance of the COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbates the need. It is a model for future work that can be replicated to continue transitioning these economies to make them more diverse and sustainable.” 

The five awardees prevailed through a process aimed at identifying new opportunities that will have a fundamental impact on economic revitalization and the next generation of forest products:

  • Ashland – $150,000 to develop a new Structural Round Timber market on the east coast based in Ashland.
  • East Millinocket – $210,000 to stabilize the former Great Northern Paper mill campus, including the repair of several structures to make them available for long-term lease for forest-products businesses.
  • Lincoln – $185,000 to redevelop the Lincoln Paper & Tissue mill site through feasibility assessment and planning related to building rehabilitation, upgrading essential infrastructure, and restoring waste water treatment.
  • Madison – $400,000 to redevelop the Madison mill site through demolition of the special chemicals building and boiler house for a new use of the site by GO Labs for the production of wood fiber-based insulation products.
  • Millinocket – $216,090 for energizing the substation on the brownfield portion of the Great Northern Paper site, where potential tenants are ready to locate contingent on the upgrades.

“These funds will provide a significant boost to the efforts underway to revitalize the industrial site formerly owned by Madison Paper Industries,” explained Tim Curtis, Town Manager of Madison. “Madison is fortunate to be in a partnership with GO Lab, an up-and-coming timber products manufacturer and new owner of the site. Thank you for your contribution to make Madison an even better place to live and work. We are deeply grateful for the tireless efforts of MDF to assist municipalities hit hardest by the closure of paper mills over the past several years.  MDF’s collaboration with the Northern Border Regional Commission and the Maine Rural Development Authority has resulted in direct funding to help former mill towns rebuild”

The awards are part of the Increasing Prosperity for Maine’s Forest Economy Communities subgrant program, which is funded by the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC), Maine Rural Development Authority (MRDA), and with additional matching funds from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, and FOR/Maine.

“We are excited to play a role in funding this group of projects, and to see these funds go to support innovative efforts to diversify Maine’s forest economy communities,” says NBRC Executive Director Rich Grogan. “It is also crucial that these investments support new forest economy products, furthering this industry’s rich tradition in Maine, and across the NBRC region.”

Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, with the leadership of Commissioner Heather Johnson, provided crucial matching support to this federal-state partnership. The members of Maine’s congressional delegation have also been instrumental in advocating for the increased, targeted funding for the regional Forest Economy program at NBRC, as well as for the federal funding support to establish FOR/Maine in 2016 and begin implementing its recommended strategies.

“The forest products industry has been a critical economic contributor to rural Maine communities for generations, and with the right investments, it can continue to play a vital role in our state for years to come,” said Senators Susan Collins, Angus King, and Congressman Jared Golden. “The work of the industry-led FOR/ME initiative has helped position this sector for continued success, and these grants for Ashland, Millinocket, East Millinocket, Lincoln, and Madison will build on its progress. Investments in these communities will bolster the development of new sustainable forest products, help support good quality jobs in each region, and take important steps toward our shared goal of revitalizing Maine’s forest economy.”

For more information and to set up interviews contact Adam Burk, Program Director, Maine Development Foundation aburk@mdf.org.

Leadership Bicentennial Blog: Claude Rwaganje, Executive Director of ProsperityME

In celebration of Maine’s Bicentennial and 200 years of leadership that paved the way to make Maine “the way life should be,” members from MDF’s Leadership Maine Baskahegan Class interviewed leaders from around the state.  With diverse backgrounds, industries and geographies, they each share deep interest and commitment to the state of Maine and its people.  This is the story of Claude Rwaganje, Executive Director of ProsperityME, and his leadership journey. Claude was interviewed by Mark C. Wiesendanger.

How he got here from there.

When Claude Rwaganje emigrated to the United States from the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1996, he was astonished at how easily he could help his friends get loans, just by signing his name.  Of course, he learned quickly that things were not as simple as they seemed.  “I struggled myself to understand all the pieces of finance – college, housing, savings…”  He realized that a lot of Mainers, especially new immigrants, could use some help navigating through how personal finance works.  Financial stability was a key step in realizing the American Dream.

While Claude worked at manufacturing jobs, he earned his B.S. in Business from the University of Southern Maine, graduating in 2005.  At that time, he asked his employer what types of positions they were looking to fill.  They replied that they were looking for an accountant.  After a few more courses, Claude was working as an accountant trainee.  In 2008 the economic crisis struck, and Claude founded the nonprofit ProsperityME with the goal of educating and empowering refugees and immigrants to “invest in themselves” by building careers and personal wealth.

Claude lived in Westbrook for 6 years before moving to Portland for the following 14 years. In 2016, he purchased a home in Westbrook.  In 2019 he was part of a historic election in Maine, with an unprecedented number of immigrants elected to local offices, winning the at-large seat on the Westbrook City Council –which is his newest passion.

Traits of a leader.

“A vision with a clear outcome.”  Claude believes that leaders are not necessarily born; they must learn how to lead.  Anyone can tell others what to do but, without a clear and shared vision, one cannot inspire.  Inspiration is the key to motivating others and leads to successful outcomes.  He says, “new ideas are questioned – how will we do it?  do we have the capacity? You need first to understand and tell the impact.”  Through this knowledge one can delegate work and motivate others to help achieve their common goals.  Clearly Claude speaks from experience.  He came to this country as a refugee like many of the people he helps through his work at ProsperityME.  He also has lived in Westbrook for many years where he now helps his neighbors.

Claude is a member of the Maine Development Foundation’s Institute for Civic Leadership (ICL), Omega Class.  There he witnessed the power of networking and learning how to listen well.  Claude befriended a classmate who works at a large Maine company and who fell in love with ProsperityME’s mission.  That company has since become one the biggest sponsor of ProsperityME’s events, largely due to the bond forged thorough ICL.

Maine’s future leaders.

Claude has a message to the future leaders of Maine: “Welcome Home”.  He admits he may be echoing the Governor’s sentiments but, this is a particularly important message when looking towards our immigrant communities.  While Claude is well-aware that he is still “from away” after 24 years of living in Maine, he also knows that our future is being shaped increasingly by folks like himself.  What are we doing to attract and retain these new workers?  Maine is the oldest state in the nation by median age.  The folks who are from here are not having as many children.  There are fewer and fewer young people taking over jobs as the boomers retire.  However, the larger immigrant families, mostly coming into cities like Portland and Lewiston, are starting to fill the void left by aging or emigrating Mainers.  Among Portland’s nearly 7,000 students, 67 different languages are spoken, and almost half are non-white.  Maine is quickly diversifying but this is not the first time Maine has relied on new immigrants to build a workforce.  In the past people came from places such as England, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Germany, China, Armenia, Albania and other nations.  Now they may hail from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, or Somalia.  Although the clothing, religions, and languages have changed over time, the one thing that hasn’t is change itself.  Our immigrant history is a history of people mostly looking for better lives.  It is what makes us who we are today.  These new Mainers have always faced resistance, and we need to learn to embrace them with a welcoming message.  They are our future.  As Claude says, “let’s share the future”.

Strategies for Economic Stability: MDF’s President and CEO Yellow Light Breen Featured in Govwebworks.com Blog

MDF’s President and CEO, Yellow Light Breen, spoke with Govwebworks.com’s Melissa Coleman about strategies for economic stability amidst the turmoil of COVID-19 and the recovery. “Breen believes the following investments can help smaller states stay the course to economic stability: support for leaders, dislocated workers, and Main Street.”

Read the article: https://www.govwebworks.com/2020/05/19/strategies-for-economic-stability/

Leadership Bicentennial Blog: Maulian Dana, Penobscot Nation Tribal Ambassador

In celebration of Maine’s Bicentennial and 200 years of leadership that paved the way to make Maine “the way life should be,” members from MDF’s Leadership Maine Baskahegan Class interviewed leaders from around the state.  With diverse backgrounds, industries and geographies, they each share deep interest and commitment to the state of Maine and its people.  This is the story of Maulian Dana, Penobscot Nation Tribal Ambassador, and her leadership journey. Maulian was interviewed by Bev Uhlenhake.

How she got here from there.

Maulian Dana’s family has been involved with tribal politics for many generations, and she’s been watching the action from the front row since she was a child. Her first strong involvement occurred as the State of Maine was considering the removal of the term “squaw” from all public nomenclature when Maulian was just 15. It was her first experience testifying to the legislature, and it gave her faith in the process and showed her that the process could work. The experience led her to take on Indian mascots next, and her advocacy hasn’t stopped since. Maulian felt a radical need to change things and a desire to understand the process; she merged the two into a degree in political science. 

Maulian assisted her father in running for tribal chief, and then she ran for tribal council herself. Even though she didn’t win her first two attempts, she didn’t give up and won in 2016. In 2017, the Penobscot Tribe developed a position of Tribal Ambassador to fill the gap left when the tribes pulled themselves out of the Maine State Legislature in 2015. She was appointed to the position shortly thereafter.

Her advice for young leaders in Maine and outlook for the future. 

“You can’t lead the people if you don’t love the people. You can’t save the people if you don’t serve the people.” ― Cornel West

Maulian’s aunt Rebecca Sockbesin told Maulian once that she is so effective because her love for her people shows in every step, and Maulian believes that love for those around her is the most important aspect of leadership. For her, it’s easy to love the people she serves. “They are part of the fabric that has allowed us to survive for so long. Indigenous people aren’t even supposed to be here. It’s like a big family,” she noted.

Balance is also key to leadership. “[It] is equal parts energy and commitment… If you are going to sit at home and wish it would happen, it’s not going to do any good,” she said, explaining that leadership is doing things, even when they are hard. 

Leadership must also be future-focused, noting that she knows her own children are an impetus for her passion to make the world a better place. 

Her inspiration from the past.

Maine’s bicentennial is complicated for Maine’s tribal people. Maulian noted the desire to “commemorate, not necessarily celebrate” the anniversary. To that end, she is attempting to inject into each of the events the many layers of Maine’s history. In particular, there is recognition that her tribe is still on its land of Indian Island, a fate that is dissimilar to many tribes across the United States, but that does not mean the history of tribes in Maine and the relationship between them and the rest of the state has not been contentious. 

Maulian draws inspiration from her aunt, Donna Loring, and says she provides inspiration a positive example in how to live and work in this realm. An unassuming physical presence, Loring started from humble beginnings, and then served in the Vietnam War and as a chief of police on Indian Island. Loring served as the tribal representative to the Maine State Legislature for twelve years. During that time, she successfully proposed and got passed a law that requires education about Maine’s tribes in the public schools, even though the tribal representatives didn’t have a vote in the legislature. Loring is also a proud lesbian, so she has fought discrimination on many levels. “To think about all the rooms she’s been in, with all of the decks stacked against her,” says Maulian, noting that makes her aunt’s accomplishments even more impressive. Loring currently serves as Tribal Liaison for Governor Mills, continuing to work through the sometimes combative relationships between the State and the tribes well into what would be retirement age for others. 

Leadership Bicentennial Blog: Travis Mills, President, Travis Mills Foundation

In celebration of Maine’s Bicentennial and 200 years of leadership that paved the way to make Maine “the way life should be,” members from MDF’s Leadership Maine Baskahegan Class interviewed leaders from around the state.  With diverse backgrounds, industries and geographies, they each share deep interest and commitment to the state of Maine and its people. This is the story of Travis Mills, President, Travis Mills Foundation, and his leadership journey. Travis was interviewed by Anna Dugal.

How he got here from there.

It is hard to find a Mainer who doesn’t recognize the name Travis Mills. Building a nonprofit in central Maine, Travis has garnered a lot of attention from across the country. Sheer grit, will and determination have gotten Travis to where he is today and will continue to drive him forward as he pursues his goals.

In 2012, United States Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills was critically injured on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan by an IED (improvised explosive device). Thanks to his amazing strength, the heroic actions of the men in his unit, the prayers of thousands, and many skilled healthcare providers, Travis remains on the road to recovery and is a loving husband and father.

Travis lives by his motto: Never give up. Never quit. And decided he wanted to make a difference by giving back. Travis started giving back modestly, by creating and sending care packages to veterans. Together, with his wife Kelsey and the mentality of never giving up, Travis developed and grew the Travis Mills Foundation to the nationally recognized organization it is today.  

Travis is quick to say that a lot of this success is thanks to Kelsey, as she provided enormous amounts of support and encouragement along the way. Travis and Kelsey have two children and live in Manchester, close to the Gardiner/Hallowell area where Kelsey grew up.

His advice for young leaders in Maine and outlook for the future.

To be confident in setting expectations and executing, Travis believes a successful leader needs to be willing to do any job themselves. A leader needs to understand all aspects of an organization and be willing to step into any role but also be prepared to be the one to go without. Recalling his Army days – eat last, go to sleep last, take care of your team. Travis believes that a leader needs to encourage others, bring the team together and not be afraid of conflict. “It’s not easy, “says Travis “there is no proven pathway, but it is how you deal with the issues that come up. You will have struggles and need to find a way to keep the ship floating and fix it whenever you can. Be able to come up on the other side.”

Travis also believes that empowering others and delegating are extremely important characteristics of a successful leader. “If your colleagues need you, have their back but also help them develop their skills and grow.” says Travis

Travis knows that when you are trying to build something that lasts, it takes many hands, hearts, ideas and passionate people. He believes in embracing working together with others and as a team. This is what builds strong individuals, organizations and communities.

His inspiration from the past.

Travis is moved by those who look to make a difference in the lives of others. He is specifically inspired by Harold Alfond, who at a young age was part of an incredibly successful company but also saw the importance of giving back. Following in Harold’s footsteps of filling a need when you see it is something that Travis aspires too.

Harold’s philanthropy emphasized collaboration, teamwork and community involvement. All common threads that clearly drive Travis’ work as well. As a leader, Travis talks about the importance of these key areas of focus and of being a steward of the community.

Says Travis, “You can always get up and keep up. Inspire the next generation.”