The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) announced a number of awards for excellence in education and business at their first annual “Showcase Maine” event on November 9, 2006 in Portland.
The event, which featured former L.L. Bean president Leon Gorman and comedian Bob Marley, was an opportunity to showcase the positive growth and activity among Maine’s businesses and schools, and FAME acknowledged some of the leaders of education and business as part of the event’s program.
“The FAME Annual Meeting is a great opportunity to bring together Maine’s business and education leaders and celebrate the critical partnership they’ve forged to strengthen and grow Maine’s economy,” noted FAME CEO John Witherspoon.
Awards were given in the following categories:
Education at Work for Maine: This award is given to an organization that has contributed to FAME’s mission of providing access to higher education to Maine citizens.
Recipient: Maine Educational Opportunity Center
The Maine Educational Opportunity Center (MEOC) is a federal initiative established to promote access to post-secondary education for traditionally under-represented adult populations within the State of Maine. MEOC Advisors coordinate efforts with area schools, colleges, and other service agencies to provide information and assistance to adults in completing college admission and financial aid forms. MEOC advisors can assess academic readiness, provide career counseling, and refer individuals to community resources. MEOC sends 500+ people to college every year.
Business at Work for Maine: This award is given to a business that has utilized FAME services to access capital to contribute to the State’s economic well-being.
Recipient: National Wood Products of Maine, Inc.
National Wood Products of Maine, Inc. began operations in Oxford, Maine in 1977 as a division of Saunders Brothers. Its current owner acquired it in August 2005. With over 30 employees, the company manufactures children’s furniture for L.L. Bean, as well as skateboards, balance boards, portable baby cribs, wooden handles, wood flooring, and other wooden components in a 46,000 square foot mill. Approximately 75% of the wood used in its products comes from trees harvested in Maine.
Dirigo Award/Education: The education Dirigo Award is presented to an individual who has exhibited a strong commitment to furthering the higher education aspirations and attainment of Maine Citizens.
Recipient: Roland Bechard, Career Aspirations Coordinator for Calais High School
Roland Bechard is an educator who is doing exemplary work as coordinator of Calais High School’s innovative Career Aspirations Program (CAP). The goal of the CAP program is to graduate students as more informed individuals, career and college-ready, by raising their academic and career aspirations through individualized career planning. Mr. Bechard currently works with all 361 middle and high school students developing clearly defined career pathways unique to their individual talent, interest, skill and aptitude. The successful implementation of the CAP program at Calais High School is due to Roland’s unique approach, talent, insight, and commitment, as well as the effective methods he has applied.
Dirigo Award/Business: This award is given to an individual who has dedicated himself toward improving the economic well-being of their community.
Recipient: William Armitage, III of Biddeford Saco area Economic Development Corp.
William Armitage joined the Development Corporation in February of 1996 and is responsible for the overall management/administration and operation of the Corporation and its staff, including loan program administration, portfolio management, marketing, business development, strategic planning and implementation, financial and budget management and grant administration, as well as development of new finance programs. Under his guidance, the Development Corporation has tripled its lending asset base, extended loans approximating $7 million, stimulated over $48 million in investment, and helped create 400 new jobs in the Biddeford-Saco and York County community.
