Terry Shumaker

The Ballot Law Commission decides election disputes and hears appeals from recounts. It comprises five members, two appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives, two by the senate president and one by the governor.

“I am honored by the confidence placed in me by the governor and I look forward to serving the state in this role,” said Shumaker.

Shumaker received his JD from Boston University School of Law in 1973. He is a member of the New Hampshire Bar Association and the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers. He resides in Concord, New Hampshire.

About Bernstein Shur

Widely regarded as one of New England’s most entrepreneurial law firms, Bernstein Shur is a multi-service firm with more than 100 attorneys in offices in Maine and New Hampshire. Founded in 1915, the firm provides practical and innovative counsel in the areas of business law, litigation and municipal law to clients throughout the region and around the world. Bernstein Shur is Maine’s exclusive member of Lex Mundi, the world’s leading association of independent law firms. More information is available at www.bernsteinshur.com.

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Gray, MAINE (January 9, 2012) – Patient Advocates, LLC announces the hiring of Katie Bernier as a Communications Specialist.

Katie Bernier

In this new position, Bernier will be responsible for creating and delivering communication materials to support the ability of patients to better utilize the various health programs offered by Patient Advocates. Bernier will also assist in developing presentations and maintaining a strong social media presence. Bernier is experienced in using Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Final Cut Pro, and After Effects computer programs.

“Katie is a great addition to our team,” says Jim Ward, President of Patient Advocates, LLC. “Her high energy level and strong skill sets with computers and communications will serve our company, clients, and patients well.”

Bernier holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Maine at Farmington, a Master’s of Science from the University of New England, and a Bachelor of Science in Digital Arts and Design from Full Sail University.

About Patient Advocates
Patient Advocates LLC has been helping clients navigate the health care system since 1995. Employers trust PA to help manage their costs while ensuring the highest quality of care for their employees. Built on the premise that access to the highest quality health care results in greater cost-savings over time, Patient Advocates offers innovative patient advocacy and disease management services, award-winning wellness programs and creative benefit plan designs with third-party administration. www.patientadvocatesllc.com

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Portland, Maine – (January 02, 2012) – Susan Veligor, CFP®, recently completed a five-day training program, called “Inward Bound” hosted by the Sudden Money® Institute (SMI). The workshop, held in Key Largo, Florida, included an elite group of leading experts in the area of Financial Transition Planning.

During the Inward Bound training, Veligor developed new skills involving practical solutions for working more effectively with clients who are navigating through financial and life transition events.  

“The conference gave me tremendous insight into the challenges people face when managing new “sudden” money— the stress it creates, the pressure people may receive from family members and the poor decisions that may be made as a result of this stress and pressure,” said Veligor.

“Part of my role as a financial advisor is to help people who find themselves in the high pressure situation of a financial windfall and guide them to a place of confident and informed decision making. This conference gave me additional tools for success in that role.”

Veligor was one of 25 leading financial and life-planning advisors from across the nation to attend the Sudden Money Institute’s Inward Bound training. SMI has developed specialized tools and protocols that use proven planning models to help advisors coach their clients’ through life-changing financial transitions. 

About Cornerstone Financial Planning

Cornerstone Financial Planning has been providing unbiased and client-focused financial planning services in Maine, New Hampshire, and Northern Massachusetts since 2004. As Certified Financial Planner® practitioners and NAPFA Registered Financial Advisors, Cornerstone helps its clients through financial transitions and moves them toward more confident decision making for the long-term. For information, go to www.cornerstoneplanning.com or call (603) 431-1133 in New Hampshire and
(207) 772-8133 in Maine.

About The Sudden Money® Institute:

The Sudden Money® Institute is known as the national leader in financial transitions planning, tools, strategies and practice management. While “transition” is the now one of the most frequently-used words in the financial services industry, SMI was an early pioneer in this arena. Founded by Susan K. Bradley, CFP® in 2000, SMI began developing processes and protocols that involve understanding a client’s emotions and actions during life and money-changing events. SMI has more than 70 accredited advisors are experts in the art and science of transition and the optimal way to guide clients through life-changing times. For more information visit: www.SuddenMoney.com.

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Biddeford, MAINE (December 13, 2011)—In a challenging economy, librarians are just as concerned as local politicians with assisting the unemployed and providing a boost to economic development. On Wednesday December 14th from 11 am to 2 pm, McArthur Library will be hosting a training session for a group of displaced workers from Lowe’s Biddeford store. The training will be presented by the Maine State Library, in conjunction with the Department of Labor’s Rapid Response Team and McArthur Library. Individual workers were contacted with an invitation to learn about the assistance libraries can provide. The program is a timely response to the urgent need to provide assistance to displaced workers – for those who are seeking employment or educational opportunities, the online resources provide a wide range of tutorials, classes, tips and skill-building opportunities.

Patrick Therrien, Technology & Education Training Specialist with the Maine State Library, will be providing an overview of resources available on the topics of job seeking, interviewing skills, and an introduction to preparing for job fairs, as well as how job seekers may leverage the latest technologies, including social media, during the job search. These resources are online and can be accessed through McArthur Public Library’s public access internet computers as well as from home.

Jeff Cabral, McArthur Library Director, welcomes the opportunity to showcase the resources as well as the abilities of his staff to assist with employment questions. “People are realizing that the library plays an important role in the community, and it’s not just about ‘books on shelves’ anymore nor is it about what is in our physical ‘bricks and mortar’ building. It’s what we know, it’s what we have access to, and it’s the incredible knowledge and expertise of our staff.”

The online resources are part of the Maine Public Library Information Commons Project, and are available to all Maine residents. The project provides Mainers with access to modules on employment, accessing health and e-government information, business start-up and legal assistance, digital literacy, and LearningExpress, a vast collection of classes and study guides. LearningExpress includes modules on topics as varied as software tutorials, reading skills for elementary students, and college prep study guides for the SATs.

The Maine State Library was awarded a grant through the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program of $1.3 million – which has enabled the Maine Public Library Information Commons Project to go forward. The project enhances public computer access in 107 public libraries in Maine, establishes 11 video conferencing regional hubs, and creates a partnership between the Maine State Library and the Department of Labor to provide support for job seekers through training and access to online information on a range of relevant topics, including job searches, resume writing, interview readiness skills, and preparing for a job fair.

“Libraries are a critical access point for job seekers who may not have a career center in their community,” said Maine Labor Commissioner Robert Winglass. “In addition to providing online access to unemployment benefits and job search services on Maine’s Job Bank, the broadband grant has provided unemployed workers with practical skills to help them become reemployed.”

McArthur Library is Maine’s oldest tax-supported library and serves the residents of Biddeford, as well as visitors, with its wide ranging collections, resources, programs and technology.

The Maine State Library’s Information Commons page can be found here:

http://www.maine.gov/msl/commons/

About Tilson Fiber Technology, LLC: Tilson Fiber Technology, LLC (TFT), part of the fast-growing Tilson family of companies, is a Portland, Maine based business providing information technology and telecom project management world-wide. www.tilsontech.com

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PORTLAND, Maine (December 6, 2011) —  Mercy Hospital and the Red Claws are proud to kick off the 3^rd annual Best Shot for Youth initiative supporting active and healthy lifestyles for children and young athletes. Funds raised from this initiative through its sponsors will provide free sports physicals at Mercy Primary Care locations for students, grades 6-12 who do not have a primary care physician or who are currently patients of Mercy Primary Care.

The Best Shot for Youth initiative consists of Free Throw Tournaments that are open to all youth. The first tournament is on Dec. 17^th from 1 to 2:30pm at the Portland Expo. Youth of all ages are welcome to try out their skills, learn some new tips and have a chance to win one of 50 free tickets to the Dec. 31 Red Claws game against the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. There is no cost to participate. Qualifying students will receive a voucher to redeem for a free sports physical for the 2012–2013 school year.

“Sports physicals are as important for youth competitors as they are for elite athletes,” says Dr. Patrick Pierre of Mercy Windham, and the Red Claws Team Physician. “In the industry, we know that young athletes are more prone to injury due to a number of factors. By providing free physicals for students who wouldn’t normally be able to afford them, this program is not just ensuring healthier lives, but may be saving lives.”

For information on how to participate in the tournament, please contact redclaws@mercyme.com or (207) 879-3605. Mercy is the official healthcare provider for the Maine Red Claws.

About Mercy Health System of Maine

Mercy Health System of Maine is a growing community of healthcare providers who provide clinically-excellent, compassionate care.  A recognized leader in quality, safety, innovation and patient experience, Mercy operates campuses throughout southern Maine, offering a broad range of medical and surgical services, as well as primary and specialty care.  The story of Mercy includes Mercy Hospital, Gary’s House, McAuley Residence, Mercy Recovery Center, and VNA Home Health & Hospice. For more information, please call (207) 879-3486 or visit www.mercyhospital.org.

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Emerson has over 25 years of experience working in small businesses overseeing accounting, forecasting and budgeting, financial analyzing, human resources and employee benefits administration,  operations and overall business coaching. Emerson works with clients throughout the Greater Portland area and up to Lewiston/Auburn and Brunswick.

“Small businesses have very unique challenges. I was fortunate to work for a variety of companies throughout my career and have first-hand experience to understand and find solutions to day-to-day challenges small business owners face,” said Emerson. “I am finding that business owners today are busier than ever and need reliable financial information to make good decisions and grow. It is rewarding to be able to make sense of it all for them.”

Emerson received a BA from the University of Southern Maine in Leadership and Organizational Studies. She is a certified Intuit QuickBooks ProAdvisor and a Certified Business, Career and Life Coach.

With the end of the calendar year approaching, Emerson is especially skilled in helping accountants and their clients organize their financial information in preparation for taxes, as well as looking forward to 2012 forecasting and budgeting. Carol is accepting new clients and can be contacted at (207) 557-8080 or carol@customhousebusiness.com

About Custom House Business Services
Started in 2011, Custom House Business Services, located in Portland and Yarmouth, ME provides a full spectrum of services from high level accounting, day-to-day bookkeeping,  human resource management  and operations support. Behind the scenes, Custom House will customize services to a client’s  unique needs –with over 25 years of experience to help businesses focus on financials, work flows and people to improve efficiencies and grow. For more information go to www.customhousebusiness.com or call (207) 557-8080.

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The Maine Center for Creativity hosts annual Creative Toolbox Series with author and
Professor David Reibstein

Portland, Maine (October 26, 2011) — The Maine Center for Creativity, in collaboration with the University of Southern Maine, will host its annual Creative Toolbox Series on November 16, 2011, bringing renowned consultant Dr. David Reibstein to speak on how professionals can identify and act on potentially successful ideas, products and services to help grow their businesses, along with how to avoid potentially unsuccessful ones.

What: Maine Center for Creativity’s Creative Toolbox Series
Where: Lee Hall in the Wishcamper Center at the University of Southern Maine
When: November 16, 2011
Time: 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Cost: $35 for Non-Members; $15 for MCC Members, USM alumni and faculty; free for USM Students with photo ID.
Registration: Space is limited. Attendees may register by calling 207-730-0694 or by emailing intern@mainecenterforcreativity.org
Highlights: Dr. David Reibstein, Professor of Marketing, University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business will share his insight and partake in a question and answer session on factors that will help attendees decide what innovative ideas, products or services are likely to succeed for their businesses.

Dr. Reibstein is a professor, author, researcher, entrepreneur and consultant for some of the world’s largest companies, including Google, General Electric, Shell Oil, Hewlett Packard, Novartis, Johnson & Johnson, Merck Pharmaceuticals, Disney and Major League Baseball. David’s work with companies has included new product strategy and ways to generate more revenue efficiently, including such projects as the one with British Airways who claim he helped them save hundreds of millions of dollars. In his spare time David co-founded the very popular websites shopzilla.com and bizrate.com.

About Maine Center for Creativity

The Maine Center for Creativity (MCC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) led by a volunteer board of directors. Founded in May 2005, MCC is committed to nurturing innovative companies and people in Maine by developing projects and programs that support the growth of creative industries and the arts. Among its educational and creative projects, MCC is organizing Art All Around™, an international design competition to paint the Sprague Energy tanks in South Portland, the Creative Toolbox Series, and Pecha Kucha events in Maine.  For more information, please visit www.mainecenterforcreativity.org

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The conference focused on a variety of topics relevant to divorce planning including: valuing pensions, advanced divorce taxation, estate planning before and after a divorce, understanding money behavior, case studies in divorce, and marketing the collaborative divorce model.

“It is essential for planners to always be educating themselves on the newest information in the financial sphere, particularly when counseling on complicated situations like divorce,” said Boynton. “One of the key points I took away from the conference was that not only technical knowledge, but creativity is needed in finding solutions to separating a marriage in a fair and equitable way, especially in today’s challenging economic environment.”

Jill is a Certified Financial Planner® practitioner and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst. She graduated from Tufts University with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Magna Cum Laude and currently resides in Newington, NH with her husband and two sons.

About Cornerstone Financial Planning

Cornerstone Financial Planning has been providing unbiased and client-focused financial planning services in Maine, New Hampshire, and Northern Massachusetts since 2004. As Certified Financial Planner® practitioners and NAPFA Registered Financial Advisors, Cornerstone helps its clients through financial transitions and moves them toward more confident decision making for the long-term. For information, go to www.cornerstoneplanning.com or call (603) 431-1133 in New Hampshire or
(207) 772-8133 in Maine.

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Jill Boynton

Five Star Professional is an organization that conducts research to help consumers with the important decision of selecting a service professional. The Five Star Professional award is determined through a survey of 65,000 high net worth households and 3,500 registered financial services professionals and is awarded to less than 3 percent of licensed wealth managers in the area.

Jill is a Certified Financial Planner® practitioner and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst. She graduated from Tufts University with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Magna Cum Laude and currently resides in Newington, NH with her husband and two sons.

About Cornerstone Financial Planning
Cornerstone Financial Planning has been providing unbiased and client-focused financial planning services in Maine, New Hampshire, and Northern Massachusetts since 2004. As Certified Financial Planner® practitioners and NAPFA Registered Financial Advisors, Cornerstone helps its clients through financial transitions and moves them toward more confident decision making for the long-term. For information, go to www.cornerstoneplanning.com or call (603) 431-1133 in New Hampshire and (207) 772-8133 in Maine.

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The Senior Management of ResMac, Inc is committed to delivering the highest quality of mortgage assets to our group of our group of investment partners and investors. As a management team with decades of experience securitizing billions of dollars of mortgage assets and developing and managing correspondent, wholesale and regional origination channels, ResMac has the skills to outperform many of its competitors.

“It is very exciting to have such a dynamic lender move into Maine”, says Dale Doughty a local Mortgage Professional who recently joined ResMac. “The mortgage lending market in Maine had become quite stale and difficult for many people to navigate due to numerous, difficult to understand guidelines and overlays