CMGC Intelligence: Central Maine Enthusiast, here's your 10 min read on innovation, investment, and quality of life

June 2022 Edition

Innovation

Sponsored by People's United Bank

June Speaker Series:

STARC Systems: Manufacturing Innovative Temporary Containment Systems to Improve Occupied Renovations

June 9 | 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. | Bricks Coworking Space, Hathaway Creative Center, Waterville

Listen in to hear how STARC Systems is transforming traditional commercial and healthcare construction projects with containment systems that are durable, reusable, and reconfigurable to suit each company’s unique needs.

About STARC Systems: STARC Systems is a manufacturing company located in Brunswick, Maine that designs temporary containment systems for contractors and healthcare facilities.

5 Qs with Chris MacKenzie

VP of Business Development, STARC Systems

STARC Systems has worked with healthcare clients in all 50 states, including Canada and Australia. How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected STARC’s growth strategy?

The versatility and efficiency of STARC Systems ‘quick deployment’ for physical separation had a profound impact on the Healthcare industry, and in turn, on us as well. Infection prevention professionals quickly determined STARC Systems was an exceptional and efficient way to create negative pressure isolation ‘rooms’ without the necessity of any permanent construction – and permanently altering a room, lobby, or any public area. Entire wings of a facility were able to be quickly cordoned off for Covid-specific purposes – while protecting other employees and patients. Within 30 days, we relocated our entire manufacturing facility from a 25,000 SF facility to a 50,000 SF former airplane hangar while starting a second shift to keep up production with demand.

To Read Chris' Full Interview, Click Here!

Upcoming Dirigo Speaker Series

July Speaker Series | July 14

SledTRX: Digitizing Snowmobile Trails to Increase Connectivity Across Maine

By Jake Warn, Founder

Virtual Speaker Series Recordings

Dirigo Speaker Series conversations have been made available for viewing anytime. You can watch recordings of past conversations on our YouTube Channel.

Use storytelling to attract and retain talent

Wingspans helps a new generation of workers find careers that uplift them while solving critical labor challenges. We are currently looking for enterprise partners to help us launch our next phase, which is to create connections between the new generation of workers and companies. This paid pilot would entail telling enterprise success stories to attract and retain talent.

Please reach out to lindsay@wingspans.com to lift up your success stories and be a part of an innovative solution in Maine.

How to Avoid a Cash Flow Crisis: Know Your Business

Article by People's United Bank

All businesses, regardless of their size, are susceptible to cash flow problems but none more so than small businesses. Whether it is underestimating a sales cycle, falling behind on collections, an unexpected downturn in the economy, or a disruption like bad weather, small businesses are much more prone to a cash flow crisis. Fast-growing businesses are especially vulnerable to cash crunches when increasing expenses begin to outrun their cash flow or they let their receivables get out of control.

For more insight into understanding the needs of your business, click here.

Business Investment

Sponsored by Coldwell Banker Plourde Real Estate

Sponsored by MaineGeneral Health

Brown Tail Moth Rash Prevention and Treatment

Brown Tail Moth caterpillars are in our community. Their hairs can cause red, itchy skin rashes similar to poison ivy. Find tips for rash prevention and treatment, including a home remedy spray.

Learn about Prevention, General Treatment, & Rash Spray Here!

Workforce Investment

Sponsored by Kennebec Valley Community College

Workforce Training & Professional Development:

Maine Community College System Announces Historic Investment in Workforce Training

By Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC)

Looking to train your workforce? The Harold Alfond Foundation is funding training that will offer Maine businesses the opportunity to train their frontline workers and will cover the cost of up to $1,200 per employee. You can partner with KVCC for training or another training center of your choice. KVCC provides training in trades, healthcare, hospitality, information technology, and more. Trainings include welding, precision machining, carpentry, solar installation, high-pressure boiler, and heavy equipment operator training, emergency medical services, phlebotomy, 3D printing, Comp TIAA, and so much more. Employees can participate in existing training programs or KVCC can create customized training to meet your business needs. For more information on our training programs visit us at www.kvcc.me.edu/workforce.

If you would like to train your employees or future employees, contact Elizabeth Fortin at 207.453.5858 or by email at workforce@kvcc.me.edu to take advantage of this incredible opportunity for free or low-cost training.

Learn how to train your team with KVCC

Coworking & Collaboration

Where Great Work Meets Innovation

Location can be a game-changer when it comes to running your business. Bricks Coworking and Innovation Space is located in the historic Hathaway Creative Center, directly across from Waterville Brewing Co., and in the heart of Waterville's growing downtown. Featuring spacious interiors and an ergonomic design, its floating desks and conference room are fully equipped to meet your needs.