Maine State Credit Union top fundraiser in 2014 Campaign for Ending Hunger

Maine’s credit unions set a record for the Campaign for Ending Hunger, raising more than half a million dollars.

The 2014 campaign raised $552,257, the Maine Credit Union League announced in a press release. That’s $40,000 more than 2013’s record-setting amount.

Maine State Credit Union of Augusta finished first in total money raised, with $44,165. Finishing second was Sebasticook Valley FCU, based in Pittsfield, with $25,216.

Gardiner FCU of Gardiner finished second with highest average amount per member, with a $2.37 per member total, while Sebasticook Valley FCU placed third at $2.35 per member, and Maine State CU was fourth at $1.77 per member. Other central Maine credit unions that placed in the top 25 in one or both categories include Maine Savings FCU, which has a branch in Vassalboro; Five County CU, with branches in Augusta, Rockland, Skowhegan and Waterville; Otis FCU of Jay; New Dimensions FCU of Waterville; Connected Credit Union of Augusta; Monmouth FCU of Monmouth; Winthrop Area FCU of Winthrop; and HealthFirst FCU of Waterville.

“The generosity of the more than 651,000 credit union members in Maine is extraordinary,” said John Murphy, president of the Maine Credit Union League, in the press release. “Hunger affects communities in many ways, however credit unions use it as a chance to change lives and put forth the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people.’ As we celebrate the close of the 25th year of the Campaign, we are humbled by the remarkable efforts each credit union has made to make their communities a better place, and in making a difference in the lives of Maine people.”

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Guest at the recent event celebrating the campaign was Liz Murray, the subject of an Emmy-nominated movie and the author of the New York Times best-selling book “Breaking Night,” about her childhood being hungry and homeless in New York City.

Since 1990, the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger has now raised nearly $5.9 million to help end hunger in Maine. All contributions to the campaign are tax-deductible.

Kennebec Valley Humane Society Welcomes Erika Bush as development director

Erika Bush, who has worked for a variety of local agencies, has been named development director at the Kennebec Valley Humane Society.

Bush has a diverse background in nonprofits, public relations, event planning and marketing, according to a press release from the humane society announcing her appointment to the newly created position. Most recently, she was the membership and marketing director at the Kennebec Valley YMCA, where she was responsible for member relations, contract management and marketing for the organization, according to the release.

Bush said she’s looking forward to putting her skills to use to help animals.

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“Making a difference and being a positive part of my community is very important to me,” she said in the release. “I’ve always felt lucky to be from a community that takes pride in taking care of each other. It’s very special to me.”

Bush is a 2006 graduate of Cony High School and pursued a Bachelor of Arts in communications with a focus in advertising and public relations from City College of New York in Manhattan, graduating in 2010.

Bush has been a member of the board of the Augusta Downtown Alliance and the allocations committee for the United Way of Kennebec Valley.

At KVHS, Bush will be responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with donors, coordinating special events and projects, managing all corporate giving and assisting in researching and writing grants, according to the release.

Hillary Roberts, KVHS executive director, said the organization created the position with the intent of increasing financial support and program services.

“We’re excited to keep KVHS moving forward and creating a position that will help enhance our programs and services to the local animals we serve. Erika is a wonderful fit for our team and brings both passion and experience with her. She’ll be a trailblazer for our fundraising programs and advocate for the work we do savings lives everyday,” said Roberts.

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Journal Square developer hopes for locally owned restaurant in remaining space

Northland Enterprises said in a press release that, while development of the former site of the Kennebec Journal is almost complete, it hopes to lure a locally owned restaurant to the Western Avenue location.

“We’ve already turned down a national fast-food chain that wanted to grab the spot, because we heard folks would like to see a good dining option,” said Rex Bell, a founder and partner of Portland-based Northland, in a press release. “We’re holding out a little longer for a great restaurant concept because of feedback from the Augusta community. Maybe there’s a Maine chef out there who’s ready to make a splash.”

Northland acquired the former Kennebec Journal property at 274 Western Ave. in 2011 and leases space to Goodwill, Men’s Warehouse, Supercuts, a US Cellular retail store and the regional headquarters for Bangor Savings Bank. Construction is also underway for a standalone Starbucks, which is expected to open this summer, according to the release.

Northland said the one space remaining, at 2,425 square feet, was specifically designed for a food user. It is between Supercuts and US Cellular and has an outdoor patio facing Western Avenue.

For more information, contact Conor Beliveau at conor@northlandus.com, or Joe Porta of CBRE the Boulos Company at jporta@boulos.com.

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First responder discount offered at Ocean State Job Lot stores

Ocean State Job Lot, a leading closeout retailer with 116 stores in New England, New York and New Jersey, is offering a Savings 911 program for first responders and public safety professionals.

The chain has five stores in Maine, in Bangor, Belfast, Oxford, Rockland and Sanford.

Beginning last Friday and ending Wednesday, current and retired police, firefighters, EMTs, medical and public safety professionals get a 25 percent discount on most of their in-store purchases. All products are eligible for the discount, with the exception of phone cards, SIM cards, iTunes cards and gift cards. The program is available at all Job Lot stores. Participants are required to show a professional ID at checkout.

Ocean State Job Lot sells brand name, first quality merchandise at closeout prices.

Program to stress safety for real estate professionals

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A program next week for real estate professionals will highlight training to deal with the risk of crime on the job.

The Kennebec Valley Board of Realtors is hosting a SAFE Plan Safety System workshop from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday, April 6, at Bangor Savings Bank, 5 Senator Way, in Augusta.

“There are inherent industry risks based on the facts that ours is an industry where professional women and men are given the ‘keys’ to the lives of clients,” said John Jankins, SAFE Plan’s found “They also get into cars, go into vacant buildings, and walk wooded land with total strangers.”

Compiled from contributed releases


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