Connors honored by national group

Maine State Chamber of Commerce President Dana Connors was honored recently with a Champion of Small Business award from the National Coalition for Capital.

Connors and 34 legislators and officials from across the nation were recognized for their leadership at the annual National Coalition for Capital Awards Ceremony on Aug. 19 in Minneapolisa, according to a press release from the coalition.

Champion of Small Business Awards recognize individuals for demonstrating leadership in supporting policies and initiatives designed to promote access to capital for small businesses and entrepreneurs, especially those in economically distressed communities, the release said.

“This award recognizes Dana’s important work to preserve and create jobs through access to capital policy that helps Maine small businesses grow and develop,” said Greg McIlvaine, president of the National Coalition for Capital. “Dana has demonstrated he is a champion of small business, and his efforts will have an enduring positive impact on Maine.”

Connors oversees the Maine State Chamber’s broad range of activities: advocacy efforts, economic development initiatives, workforce development opportunities, and a wide variety of member services on behalf of the state’s business community, the release said. Connors began his career as the city manager of Presque Isle and then as commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation.

“Now more than ever, it’s critical that elected officials do their part to advance innovative access to capital policies that allow small businesses to grow and prosper,” said Connors in the release. “I am pleased to be among those honored for supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs as they strive to preserve and grow jobs in their communities.”

Connors was joined at the ceremony by state Senators Andre Cushing, R-Hampden, and Stan Gerzofsky, D-Brunswick, as well as State Rep. Barry Hobbins, D-Saco.

Antiques shop opens in Troy

The Barn Window, an antiques shop with a few extras, has opened at 1077 Bangor Road (U.S. Route 202) in Troy.

The two-story barn houses tools, signs, art, furniture and other vintage items, according to a press release from owner Sue Kischitz.

Special features include an old school room with toys and a drivers’ education car that children can play in while shoppers browse. Old farm tools, wagon wheels, rockers, stools, cupboards, glassware and lamps are some of the items for sale, according to the release.

A museum area also has natural curiosities. Two swings hang in the center aisle.

The hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed on Wednesday. Sunday and other times may be arranged by appointment.

For directions, or for an appointment, call Kischitz at 948-5569.

MEREDA to hold annual social Sept. 16

The Maine Real Estate & Development Association annual Lewiston/Auburn fall networking social will be 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 16, at the Martindale Country Club in Auburn.

MEREDA’s networking events attract key players in Maine’s real estate industry, providing great opportunities to interact with other industry experts, according to a press release from the organization. The event is sponsored by Hebert Construction, Libby Hill.

To register visit www.mereda.org. the cost is $25 for members and $35 for non-members. Payment must be made at the time of registration.

Fayette Country Store recognized by Health Communities

Healthy Communities of the Capital Area announced that Fayette Country Store has been recognized for its efforts to curb marketing of tobacco to youth. The store has been named a “Star Store” as a responsible retailer that takes seriously its role as a community member in reducing the visibility of tobacco advertising to kids, according to a press release from Healthy Communities of the Capital Area.

The store, which opened in 1999, is at 1916 Main St. (Route 17) in Fayette and is owned by LeAnn and Archie Miller.

“Reducing the volume of advertising that kids are exposed to can make a serious difference in preventing Maine’s youth from starting tobacco,” said Joanne Joy, director of Healthy Communities of the Capital Area. “We’re extremely pleased that Fayette Country Store has become Star Store certified, and encourage other retailers in the community to do the same.”

The objective of the Star Store program is to reduce the amount of minors’ exposure to tobacco promotional messaging in retail stores, such as special price and discount signs, free branded promotional items and general tobacco company in-store posters, signs and other visible logos, the release said. One-third of underage experimentation with smoking is attributed to the tobacco industry’s marketing tactics. Studies also show that the more in-store tobacco advertising a retailer has, the more youth think that tobacco use is common and widespread, according to the release.

Healthy Communities of the Capital Area is designated as the Healthy Maine Partnership serving Augusta, Chelsea, Farmingdale, Fayette, Gardiner, Hallowell, Litchfield, Manchester, Monmouth, Mount Vernon, Pittston, Randolph, Readfield, Richmond, Vienna, Wayne, West Gardiner, Windsor and Winthrop. As the local HMP, HCCA is privileged to implement certain SAMHS strategies and certain HMP tobacco prevention strategies in those communities.

MaineHealth launches online learning center

MaineHealth, a not-for-profit system of healthcare providers serving southern, central, western Maine and the Mount Washington Valley area of New Hampshire, has launched MaineHealthLearningCenter.org, an online resource to help healthcare consumers find reliable and accurate health information. The website was designed to make it easier for Mainers to be actively involved in their own health, or to support others on the road to good health, according to a press release from the group.

The new online resource is part of the MaineHealth Learning Center, which for many years has offered classes, health education and resource libraries to help patients, health professionals and community members find the health information and support they need.

“Technology has changed, and the new website makes it easier than ever for Mainers to find the information they need to take charge of their health and healthcare,” said Anita Ruff, director of the Community Education Program at MaineHealth, in the release.

Health educators are available for live chats from 9 a.m. to noon Mnday, Wednesday and Friday and through the “Ask a Health Educator” link five days a week.