One River CPAs in Oakland has announced its merger with Gibson LeClair LLC in Augusta.

According to a news release, One River focuses on providing the best customer experience by continuing to grow the services that it offers without forgetting its commitment to the community. The merger with Gibson LeClair gives One River CPAs a larger presence in the Augusta area while also allowing it to build its staff.

Gibson LeClair has been recognized as a leader of nonprofit audits and tax services over the last 20 years. In addition to technical expertise, both Jeanne Gibson and Steve LeClair have dedicated countless hours to the Augusta community.

One River provides tax, forensic and audit services using data analytics in a fully integrated cloud-based environment. This merger increases its total staff to more than 30 employees and makes its one of the largest firms in Maine with offices now in Augusta, Bath and Oakland.

 

UMA ranks in list of nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs

U.S. News and World Reports ranked the University of Maine at Augusta in its list of the nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs, including separate rankings for Best Online Bachelor’s for Veterans and Best Online Business Bachelor’s Degree.

“We are very honored to be recognized by U.S. News and World Reports,” said UMA President Rebecca Wyke, according to a news release from the university. “UMA has a 30-year history in distance education and we continually seek to innovate our online programs. With faculty experienced in distance learning modalities and outstanding student support programs, UMA students can be confident about receiving a high quality online learning experience.”

“Achieving these rankings could not be accomplished without the extraordinary efforts of our faculty and student support professionals,” said Provost Joseph Szakas. “During the recent surge in online programming due to COVID-19, UMA was uniquely poised to provide quality instruction for students learning at a distance.”

“Online programming is critical for degree completion that will meet the state’s workforce needs,” stated Jonathan Henry, vice president of Enrollment Management and Marketing. “Many of our students finish their college education while continuing to work and meet family obligations. Delivering classes in various modalities provide students the flexibility to meet the competing demands on their time.”

UMA is a partner in the MaineSpark initiative, joining its goal that by 2025, 60% of Mainers will hold education and workforce credentials that position Maine and its families for success.

According to the release, the U.S. News & World Report bases its rankings on statistical data gathered from questionnaires about each institution’s online specific bachelor’s degree programs. The factors considered included faculty credentials and training, student services and technologies, and student engagement. More than 350 institutions across the country participated in the U.S. News and World Report survey.

 

Co-owner of Day’s Jewelers named vice president of nonprofit board of directors

Kathy Corey, co-owner of Day’s Jewelers, has been elected vice president to the Diamonds Do Good board of directors. Diamonds Do Good, a global nonprofit organization whose mission is supporting programs that develop and empower people in countries where natural diamonds are mined, according to a news release from Day’s Jewelers, based in Waterville.

Corey and her husband, Jeff, own eight stores in Maine and New Hampshire, plus a robust ecommerce website. She keeps busy by serving as the vice president of Merchandising and Human Resources within the company. She has volunteered with numerous organizations since purchasing Day’s in 1988.

“My volunteer work spans over a few decades, serving on boards such as the Chamber of Commerce, a community college, and a major health care organization in Maine,” said Corey.

She has also worked on numerous committees within the jewelry industry organization, and has served on the Diamonds Do Good board since 2016. She serves as chairwoman of the Board of Northern Light Healthcare Systems.

Founded in 2007, Diamonds Do Good was spearheaded by Nelson Mandela and highly influential leaders within the jewelry and diamond industry, as well as Dr. Ben Chavis, who is known for his decades of service as an international civil rights leader. The organization supports programs within natural diamond communities, focusing on education, opportunity, and health. Diamonds Do Good is particularly influential in empowering women around the globe, according to the release.

The team also provides school supplies to over 3,000 students and renovates school buildings.

“Ever since Jeff and I visited mining communities in Africa several years ago, giving back has become a core value of Day’s Jewelers,” said Kathy Corey. Day’s has been a member of Diamonds Do Good for more than 10 years, and will continue to support this valuable organization through collaboration, education, and donations. For the past 10 years, Day’s has partnered with DeBeers, the world’s largest diamond mining company noted for its extensive contribution to social, ethical and environmental improvements in regions of the world where diamonds are mined.

For more business news, visit CentralMaine.com.

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