Blog Posts

A lot of important work is done in Washington, but I value my Congressional recess weeks in Maine.  They offer a great chance to meet with my constituents and hear what they are dealing with and how I can help. I was really pleased this recess to visit several small businesses in Biddeford, Portland, and Brunswick and learn about the important jobs they are creating for our state. Here are some snapshots. 

--Chellie

Biddeford

It's an exciting time for Biddeford as its former mill buildings and Main Street are being redeveloped to house many innovative small businesses. I've been proud to support federal funding programs that have allowed many of those projects to take place. 

Walking along a new pedestrian bridge between Saco and Biddeford with Heart of Biddeford Director Delilah Poupore (left) and Maine State Senator Susan Deschambault.  Heart of Biddeford is an organization that supports Main Street businesses and development.

With Roxi Suger, designer for Angelrox, a clothing retailer and manufacturer.

Ian McConnell (left) of Banded Horn Brewery in the Pepperell Mill Complex. Also pictured is Doug Sanford, the developer of the Pepperell Mill Complex.

Meeting with employees of Vingtech, which produces high-tech products for the defense industry.

Portland

Attending an event to recognize Margo Walsh, who has been recognized as the 2016 Maine Small Businessperson of the Year by the Small Business Administration. Her company, MaineWorks in Portland, provides temporary employment for veterans, people in recovery from substance abuse, and those re-entering the job force after being incarcerated. Most of the jobs are in construction.

Brunswick

The redevelopment of the former Brunswick Naval Air Station has been a great economic success story for Maine, thanks to the efforts of the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority and others.  I recently worked with my colleagues in Congress to expand the area's HUBZone designation, giving companies there preferential treatment for federal producurement opportunities. Here are just some of the growing small businesses that call the former base home.

 
With Jamie Pacheo, managing partner at New Beet Market, housed on the Brunswick Landing campus. The market is a low-profit, joint venture between Harpswell Coastal Academy, Seeds of Independence and Pacheo. Profits from the ocally sourced, homemade food go to support children and farming. 

SaviLinx owner Heather Blease.  The company provides business and marketing services.

At Composites Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) with engineering technician Drew Sfirri and TechPlace Director Kristine Schuman. TechPlace offers a space for technology startups like CERL to house their operations and get support for developing their businesses.

At TechPlace company Composites Engineering Research Laboratory with Adam Knight and Kristine Schuman.

Talking with Steve Westra, supply Chain Project Manager for Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership, which is providing support to startups at TechPlace.


Visiting Village Green Ventures at Brunswick Landing, an anaerobic digester that generates electricity from biological waste.