In short: Hires, promotions, accolades and company news

New hires

Gifford's Ice Cream in Skowhegan recently added three new employees to its sales team. Patricia Thomas is the regional sales manager for Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and southern Pennsylvania; Susan Fenocchi is the regional sales manager for New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania; and Samantha Gifford is a sales representative focusing on Maine.

Unity College in Unity recently hired Martha Nordstrom as director of development. Nordstrom, previously the director of philanthropy and public affairs for Mount Desert Island Hospital, will lead fundraising and giving programs as well as alumni relations.

Norton Financial Services in Cumberland Foreside recently hired Todd Gibson as a retirement plan administration specialist. Gibson was previously a record keeper/administrator for the retirement plan group in the private client services division of TD Wealth Management.

Briggs Advertising, an advertising agency in Bath, recently hired Jenna Howard as production manager. Previously, Howard was production manager at Mach3Media in Portland.

CES Inc., a professional engineering consulting firm in Brewer, recently hired five employees: Cassie Tenan, marketing specialist; Levi Ladd, GIS analyst; Nicholas Craig and Devin Pike, survey technicians; and Michael Pardun, office technician.

RE/MAX Alliance in Westbrook recently hired Julie Davis. Davis has more than eight years of experience with buyers and sellers in the greater Portland area.

Penobscot Community Health Care in Bangor recently hired Theresa Knowles as director of quality management. Previously, Knowles was operations director and director of quality improvement at Health Access Network in Lincoln.

The Department of Veterans Affairs recently hired Dr. Raymond Fluke as the full-time doctor for the community-based outpatient clinic in Calais.

Johnson Outdoors Watercraft Inc., in Old Town recently hired Bob McDonough as director of research and development. McDonough was previously the vice president of designer and senior designer at Confluence Watersports.

Keller Williams Realty in Portland recently announced five new hires: Marnie DuBois, associate broker; Michael Hunter, sales agent; Marnie Coleman, associate broker; Malorie Delpero, marketing specialist; and Kasie-Jo Thornton, who joined the firm's buyer division.

Patient Advocates LLC in Gray recently hired Kathleen Curley as a nurse advocate. Curley was previously at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

The Department of Economic and Community Development recently hired Brian Whitney as director of the office of business development and innovation and Drew Morris as director of communications. Whitney was previously the director of outreach and economic development for U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe. Morris, a former reporter at the Kennebec Journal, provides communications and small business experience to the department.

Avesta Housing in Portland recently hired Emily Kosnow and Abbie McEwen, administrative support specialists; Evelyne Rusagabandi, temporary administrative support specialist; Roger Redin, technology support specialist; Darlene Stuart, property manager; and Juana Morcillo Leganes, accounting specialist.

Macpage LLC, a CPA firm in South Portland and Augusta, recently hired Michael Moreau as a manager of internal audits. Prior to joining the firm, Moreau was a senior auditor, providing internal audit and consulting services to credit unions throughout New England.

Tilson, an IT and telecom company in Portland, recently hired Vicky Park as the director of wireless carrier programs. Prior to joining the firm, Ppark was a program manager for the United State Air Force at Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, Mass.

Maine Community Health Options, a not-for-profit, co-op health plan in Lewiston that will provide health insurance to individuals and small businesses beginning in January 2014, recently hired John Holland as business and IT project manager. Most recently Holland was a senior project manager at Computer Sciences Corp. at Bath Iron Works.

Resources First Foundation, a national land conservation nonprofit in Yarmouth, recently hired Breana Behrens as conservation tax center director and Christine Force as director of development. Behrens recently graduated from Vermont Law School where she focused on land use and municipal law. Force most recently managed the development, marketing and communications for a statewide nonprofit.

Promotions

KIDS Consortium, a nonprofit in Augusta that promotes learning through community involvement, recently promoted Tracy Harkins to executive director. Harkins, an education consultant with nonprofit, was the education programs manager.

Katahdin Trust Co. recently promoted Sue McCarthy to commercial services officer at Maine Financial Group. McCarthy was previously a commercial services specialist.

People's United Bank recently promoted Amy Maheux to assistant vice president, customer service manager at the Westbrook office where she was previously the customer service manager. Stephen Thompson was promoted to senior customer service associate at the bank's Falmouth branch.

Macpage LLC, a CPA firm in South Portland and Augusta, recently promoted Durward Ferland Jr. and Erik Nadeau to client service directors.

Camden National Corp. recently promoted 16 employees. Promoted to vice president were: Suzanne Cifaldo, branch operations manager; Michelle Love, human resources manager; Jared Merritt, senior financial analyst; Josh Nash, senior database administrator; and Sharon Sesling-LaBonte, equity and fixed income trader and CCO, Acadia Trust. Promoted to assistant vice president were: Libby Arrico, commercial portfolio manager in Bangor; Jim Carignan, commercial portfolio manager in Portland; Stacy Giansiracusa, customer assistance center manager; Britt Hatch, senior retail loan officer in Damariscotta; and Brian McLeod, network administrator. Promoted to the officer level were: Lisa Darling, senior client specialist, Acadia Trust; Lisa Gallant, branch manager in Orono; Sara Gilmore, fiduciary administration specialist, Acadia Trust; Kim Gwarjanski, senior client specialist, Acadia Trust; Erin Merrill, deposit services manager; and Julie Sells, senior credit risk specialist.

Appointments

The Institute of Management Accountants Southern Maine Chapter recently announced its 2013 board of directors: President: Jim Walker, CFO, Walch Education; Past President: Mike Richard, controller, R.J. Grondin; Secretary: Genevieve Straight, director/manger of Robert Half International; Treasurer: Chris Cloutier, controller, Shaw Brothers Construction; Membership Vice President: Kim Bustamante, manager of administration and finance, HealthInfoNet; Communication Vice President: Tim Madigan, accountant, TD Bank; and Director: Jennifer Doten, accountant, TD Bank.

Jaimey Caron, an at-large representative on the Portland Board of Public Education, was recently elected to a one-year term as board chair. Caron, a project manager at Burns & McDonnell in New Gloucester, has served on the board and its finance committee since 2007.

Ann Robinson was recently appointed by Gov. Paul LePage to represent Maine as a member of the Uniform Laws Commission, a national non-profit association. Robinson is a partner at Preti Flaherty, a law firm in Portland, and the chair of the firm's government affairs practice group.

Company News

Katahdin Bankshares Corp., parent company of Katahdin Trust Co. in Houlton, recently declared a cash dividend of $.0975 per share for the fourth quarter of 2012. The dividend represented an 8.3% increase over last year's fourth quarter dividend.

Chef David Turin recently opened his third Portland area restaurant, David's Opus Ten. The 18-seat venue is located within David's in Monument Square, making it the first restaurant within a restaurant in Maine.

Kennebunk Savings recently provided a $25,000 grant to North Berwick's D.A. Hurd Library to fund its first significant renovation in 80 years. The project includes a 1,500-square-foot addition and updates to the library's electrical, plumbing and air circulation systems.

Skowhegan Savings recently broke ground on a new branch in Augusta. Once complete, the bank will relocate its Belgrade operation to Augusta and open a new drive-up ATM machine in Belgrade.

TD Bank Maine recently presented a $10,000 grant award to the Parent Assistance Fund at the St. Louis Child Development Center in Biddeford. A program of Catholic Charities, the fund provides child care services to the neediest children in the York community.

Albert Waitt and Jason Leighton recently created Downeast Restaurant and Bar Consultants in Kennebunk. The firm will serve hospitality establishments throughout the Northeast.

U.S. Cellular recently added new cell sites in Bangor and Gardiner. The sites will increase coverage in Bangor and in downtown Gardiner and Randolph.

Barry Costa-Pierce, director of the University of New England Marine Science Center, recently edited and co-authored a pioneering work on sustainability. Costa-Pierce served as an editor of 18 papers and as author of four chapters in Springer Science's Encyclopedia of Sustainability Science and Technology.

Blue Marble Geographics, a mapping software company in Hallowell, recently exhibited at the European Lidar Mapping Forum conference in Salzburg, Austria.

Baker Newman Noyes, a CPA and consulting firm in Portland, announced that Janet Hodgdon, director of health care development, and Dianne Rodrigue, senior in health care consulting, recently earned the designation of American Health Information Association approved instructors in the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision code set.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine recently celebrated the reopening of its Riverton Park Clubhouse in partnership with the Portland Housing Authority. The clubhouse was expanded to nearly 3,000 square feet to accommodate more than 60 members a day.

Dragana Marketing Works, a Westbrook-based digital media and advertising agency, recently opened. The firm employs web developers, graphic artists, copywriters and marketing experts with a combined 40 years of experience.

Maine Technology Institute recently launched a campaign working with community banks across the state to help identify, fund and grow promising local technology and innovation-based businesses. The campaign will begin with workshops on funding options available to small businesses to be held in January at three Maine community banks.

Bank of America recently presented a check for $40,000 to sponsor the construction of a Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland home on Hummingbird Lane in Freeport. A total of eight units are scheduled to be constructed at the location.

Green Tree Event Consultants, providers of event services in New England, recently relocated to Storer Street in Saco. Formerly located in Portland, the company purchased a historic Victorian house in the center of the city with expanded space for its operations.

The Purple Orchid, Event Planning recently announced the launch of its event planning company. The company, owned and operated by Kristina Slocum, focuses on weddings, social, corporate and nonprofit event planning throughout Maine.

Karen Talbot, an award-winning conservation artist and scientific illustrator, recently relocated to Rockland. Talbot was previously in Laguna Beach, Calif.

United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development recently announced funding in the amount of $1.47 million to New Gloucester Water District and $1 million to Bingham Water District. The New Gloucester funding consists of a Water and Waste Disposal direct loan of $800,000 and grant of $675,000 for the design and construction of a new water system in the Upper Village area of New Gloucester, to improve the quality of the drinking water. The Bingham funding consists of a Water and Waste Disposal direct loan of $600,000 and grant of $400,000 to upgrade the Bingham Water District's distribution system by replacing old antiquated water mains to improve operating efficiencies, flow and reliability of the system.

Heart At Work Associates, a career counseling and outplacement company, recently announcing its new location at 22 Free St., Suite 201 in Portland.

Pri-Med, the U.S. medical education division of Diversified Business Communications in Portland, recently purchased Amazing Charts, a leading provider of electronic health records to independent medical practices.

Avesta Housing was recently awarded a $100,000 affordable housing grant through the TD Charitable Foundation's Housing for Everyone grant competition. The grant will be used to fund accessibility retrofits at Logan Place in Portland, allowing residents with physical disabilities to live as independently as possible.

ReVision Energy, a solar power company headquartered in Liberty, recently completed the installation of a 12,600-square-foot solar array on the roof of the Alfond Athletic Center at Thomas College in Waterville. The solar panel system, the largest in the state, is expected to provide the college with 11% of its energy, saving more than $500,000 in energy costs during the system's lifetime.

Yarmouth Boat Yard recently announced new affiliations with Rosborough Boats and Pacific Boats.

Patriot Subaru in Saco recently made a donation in the amount of $10,256 to the Red Cross/Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief Fund. More than $5,000 was received from store associates, customers and vendors and the total was matched by the dealership.

Lighthouse Imaging LLC, a provider of endoscope image quality test equipment in Portland, recently announced it has become a Novation-awarded supplier. The agreement offers the 2,500 hospitals within the network of member organizations and affiliates served by Novation market-leading pricing for the company's EndoBench tester.

Misty Acres Alpaca Store and Farm in Sidney recently announced the launch of an online store www.MistyAcresAlpaca.com. The site features alpaca clothing for men and women.

Pine Tree Society, an organization in Bath that assists people with disabilities, recently announced that Anne Marsh will be stepping down as executive director in mid-February. Marsh has worked at the nonprofit for 20 years, including eight as executive director.

The Small Business Administration recently announced that Bangor Savings Bank was the top lender in Maine in 2012, providing $4,712,100 in loans to 43 new or existing businesses. The bank was also awarded an outstanding rating in its three most recent community reinvestment act examinations and public performance evaluations conducted by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

Norway Savings Bank recently announced it will open a new branch in Auburn, located on the ground floor of 31 Court St., in The Norway Savings Bank Plaza (formerly the Dunlap Building). The branch is scheduled to open in spring 2013.

Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor recently opened the Raish Peavey Haskell Children's Cancer and Treatment Center. The center is one of just two pediatric oncology centers in Maine.

Tarbell & Brodich P.A., a law firm based in New Hampshire, recently relocated its Maine office from Augusta to 86 Main St., Auburn. Attorney Jim Pross will continue to serve as manager at the new location.

Accolades

Sabre Yachts in Raymond recently won the Active Interest Media's Best Downeast Boat: 45-55 FT. The Sabre 48 Salon Express first launched in 2010 and follows the 42 and 54 Salon Express models in company’s motor yacht line.

Hall Internet Marketing, an Internet marketing agency in Portland, recently announced updated staff Google certifications. Google Analytics Manager Mike Johnston, Digital Marketing Analyst Jessica Wallace and SEO Analyst Katie Conroy all earned Google Analytics Individual Qualifications.

The Aroostook Medical Center and Parkview Adventist Medical Center recently received an A Hospital Safety Score by The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit run by employers and other large purchasers of health benefits. The Hospital Safety Score was compiled under the guidance of the national experts on patient safety and is designed to give the public information they can use to protect themselves and their families.

The Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter recognized volunteers and supporters during a recent reception at the Governor Hill Mansion in Augusta. Honorees included: Marilyn Paige Award for Volunteerism, Cathy Walters, Hollis Center; Collaborative Spirit Award, Gwen Basinger, Portland; Young Advocate Award, Joshua Sawyer, Springvale; Corporate Champion Award, Woodlands Senior Living; Marion Bennett Award for Top Individual Fundraiser, Dr. Laurel Coleman, Manchester; Top Family Fundraising Team Award, Richardson Family and Friends, Bar Harbor; and Top Business Fundraising Team Award, Home Instead Senior Care, Gorham.

The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons recently granted Mid Coast Hospital’s Comprehensive Cancer Care program a three-year accreditation with commendation. With this new accreditation, the hospital  joins 30% of hospitals in the United States and 10 other Maine cancer programs that have achieved this status.

Chief Justice Leigh I. Saufley of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court recently announced the recipients of the Maine Judicial Branch performance awards for 2012. Tamara Rueda, a field operations specialist, was named the Outstanding Judicial Employee of the Year for displaying the qualities of competence in providing court services, commitment to public service, respect, courtesy to fellow employees and members of the public. Deputy Marshal Louise Brilliant and Deputy Marshal Bruce Britting were the Roy Rice Award winners. The award is given to a person, group or organization that has made an outstanding contribution to the safety and well-being of the employees of the judicial branch and people who participate in court activities.

Bernstein Shur, a law firm in Portland, recently announced that nine of its attorneys were selected for the Katahdin Counsel Recognition Program. The counsel was created by the Maine Supreme Judicial Court to recognize the pro bono work done by Maine lawyers and to encourage lawyers to provide legal services for Maine’s low-income and elderly residents.

United Way of York County, in partnership with Kennebunk Savings, announced that Geoff Titherington was recently awarded the 2012 York County Spirit of Service Award for commitment to service and impact in the community. Titherington, owner of Bonanza Restaurant in Sanford, serves as the board president of Literacy Volunteers of Greater Sanford and donates his time to a number of other local organizations.

The U.S. Green Building Council's Maine Chapter recently awarded its 2012 Advocate of the Year Award to the Natural Resources Council of Maine. The award recognizes efforts to improve the energy efficiency of buildings in Maine as well as other efforts to protect Maine’s environment by reducing toxic chemicals, promoting sustainable forestry and protecting open space.

Maine Department of Labor Commissioner Jeanne Paquette recently announced four Maine employers who earned the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program Award: Lyman-Morse Fabrication, Thomaston; Johanson Boatworks, Rockland; French & Webb, Belfast; and Marden's in Sanford. The certification recognizes businesses that voluntary undertake a rigorous safety achievement program.