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The Daily Edition for Thursday, May 7, 2020

To view this Daily Impact online, click here.

 

 

Welcome to your Daily Impact newsletter!

As a valued member of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, we plan to stay in touch with you every afternoon, through emails like this one and on Facebook and Twitter, until the pandemic passes. We intend to provide you with the latest state and federal information, as well as highlighting the creativity and innovation that is occuring here in Maine during this unpredictable and rapidly changing time. To assist you in navigating the uncertainties ahead, we have created a diverse and comprehensive collection of web-based resources to help you take care of yourself and your family, your employees, your business, and your community.

Do you have a question? ASK THE EXPERTS.

We are here to help in any way we can!

 

 

Mills Administration Secures Major COVID-19 Testing Expansion For Maine

 

State Of Maine Partners With IDEXX To More Than Triple Its Testing Capacity

Thank you, IDEXX, for your contributions to the health and well-being of Maine people during this unprecedented pandemic. We know how important the health of Maine people is to all of us, and to the health of Maine's economy. We sincerely hope testing helps reopen economies in Maine as soon as possible so we can all get back to business.

Governor Janet Mills announced today that her Administration has secured a major expansion of COVID-19 testingo for the State of Maine. The Administration has partnered with Maine-based IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. to purchase enough of the company's recently authorized COVID-19 testing kits to more than triple the State's testing capacity. The breakthrough will soon allow anyone in Maine suspected of having COVID-19 to receive a test.

 

IDEXX, a worldwide leader in animal diagnostics, also has deep expertise in human diagnostics through its human health business, OPTI Medical Systems. Earlier today, IDEXX announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted OPTI Medical Systems an Emergency Use Authorization for IDEXX's OPTI SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR laboratory test kit for the detection of the 2019 novel coronavirus. The Mills Administration is purchasing enough of these test kits to run at least 5,000 tests per week for the foreseeable future.

 

"I am grateful to the frontline workers in Maine and around the world who have been working tirelessly to help treat and contain the spread of Covid-19," said Jay Mazelsky, President and CEO of IDEXX. "Assisting governments with infectious disease management is core to what we do and all of us at IDEXX are proud to be able to leverage our capabilities in support of these efforts in our home state of Maine."

Taken in combination with Maine CDC's current capacity of 2,000 tests per week, the partnership with IDEXX more than triples the State of Maine's testing capacity. These tests are in addition to those conducted for Maine residents by nongovernmental labs in and outside of the state. Additionally, IDEXX is loaning a testing instrument to the Maine CDC's laboratory to help accommodate the higher testing volume and is generously donating enough test kits to conduct 3,500 tests.

 

The expansion of testing is also crucial to gradually restarting the economy and is one of the four guiding principles in the Governor's vision for reopening Maine. With this additional capacity, Maine CDC will be able to better gauge the prevalence of the virus throughout the State. These data will help inform the appropriateness of lifting restrictions and moving through reopening stages.

 

Maine Chamber Hosts Webinar On International Trade And Energy

Yesterday, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce hosted a fourth webinar in its Wednesday Webinar series, this time focusing on international trade and energy. The webinar featured three speakers: John Murphy, Senior Vice President for International Policy with the U.S. Chamber; Christopher Guith, Senior Vice President at the U.S. Chamber's Global Energy Institute; and, Anthony Buxton, Esq., a partner with PretiFlaherty.

International policy discussions centered around the pandemic and its effects on the supply chain with U.S. trading partners, specifically Mexico and China. Due to the way in which countries have dealt with "stay at home" orders - whether in the form of decrees or just guidance - has had extensive impacts on cross-border supply chains impacting many companies' ability to continue operations. Discussion also focused on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

 

At the federal level, the discussion of energy issues focused on the drop in oil prices and how that has affected mechanics of excess supply, the current demand, impacts of recent production, and how all of that impacts the future of oil and job losses and continued lower prices.

 

On a state level perspective, energy issues discussions focused on the need to have "reason and science" play a dominant role in the development of policy. There was some recognition that fear tends to drive decisions on climate change, and the challenge is to ensure policymakers have the expert advice they need to make the appropriate decisions.

 

The Maine State Chamber would again like to thank the webinar's sponsors:

Premier Sponsor: PretiFlaherty

Series Sponsors: Central Maine Power Company, Bangor Savings Bank,

and the Maine Department of Economic & Community Development

 

To reserve your banner ad in the Daily Impact, please contact Melody Rousseau
by emailing
melodyr@mainechamber.org, or by calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 102.

 

The Bottom Line Podcast With Special Guest, Maine Governor Janet Mills

Maine Governor Janet Mills was this week's special guest on The Bottom Line podcast. Governor Mills joined The Bottom Line co-hosts Dana Connors of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce and John Williams of Williams Broadcasting to discuss her gradual four-phase plan to Restart Maine's Economy and the ways Maine businesses can prepare to open their doors. To listen to today's podcast and archived shows, please visit The Bottom Line page on our website.

 

Maine Delegation Announces More Than $20 Million for Maine Fishing Industry

U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden announced today that Maine lobstermen, fishermen, and other Mainers working in the seafood supply chain will receive a total of $20,166,476. The funding represents the fifth-highest amount being awarded among 31 recipients.

 

"The hardworking men and women in Maine's lobster and fishing industries are facing severe financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has closed restaurants and reduced exports," said the Maine Delegation. "This targeted relief will provide crucial support for workers, help our seafood supply chains survive, and assist the families and communities that depend on this important economic sector."

 

Help the Maine State Chamber of Commerce Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week

Maine Public, the Maine Department of Education, and Educate Maine have joined forces to create original, educational programming for grade school students in Grades 3 to 5. Dedicated teachers from across Maine have developed original video lessons, pulling content from their own lesson plans and sources to provide exceptional learning opportunities for Maine students.

The Learning Space airs every weekday on Maine Public Television through mid-June. Completed episodes will be available online.

To recognize the efforts and talents of the participating teachers and educators, a stipend is being offered for lessons that are broadcasted. At this point, this element of the project remains unfunded. If you or business would like to sponsor a teacher please reach out to Megan Diver at the Maine State Chamber or Cory Morrissey at Maine Public.

 

More about The Learning Space: This series features teachers from across Maine sharing original video lessons specifically designed for this project. With over 183,000 Maine students currently at home and 30,000 or more students without access to online learning opportunities due to broadband access issues, The Learning Space is designed to help fill the void by providing exceptional educational programming via television. Maine Public Television is available for free over-the-air across Maine and can also be accessed via cable, the internet, and over satellite systems.

 

The Learning Space is broadcast on Maine Public Television at 12:30 p.m. each weekday starting on Monday, April 27. As more episodes of The Learning Space are developed, the broadcast schedule will expand to run from Noon to 1:00 p.m. Episodes of The Learning Space will be archived for later viewing on numerous platforms online including on mainepublic.org. The Learning Space will air through the spring to mid-June. Go to mainepublic.org for more information on The Learning Space.

 

Use the Maine State Chamber's blog and Daily Impact to tell your story!

Numerous Maine companies stepping up or pivoting nimbly, as Maine people resourcefully address the challenges of this pandemic. Share your perspective and experience with us and with the rest of the business community. How are you facing and overcoming the challenges posed by this pandemic? What are you and your employees doing in this dramatically different economy? Tell us about the innovations your company or employees are making or ways you have adapted your company to meet your customers' needs.

 

Each blog entry should be 300 to 500 words. Join us in creating a written history of the business community's resilience and innovation during this extraordinary time. Please submit your entries to blog@mainechamber.org. For more information or questions, please contact Mark Ellis by emailing mellis@mainechamber.org or by calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 109.

 

Maine State Chamber Presents Free Wednesday Webinar Series

 

SERIES SPONSORS: Bangor Savings Bank, Central Maine Power Company,
and Maine Department of Economic and Community Development

 

Additional webinars will be forthcoming, and sponsorship opportunities are available. Registration or general questions can be directed to Angela Arno, director of programs and events for the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, by emailing aarno@mainechamber.org or calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 104.

 

Wednesday, May 13 | Starting at 11:00 a.m.

RECENT STATE AND FEDERAL TAX CHANGES
AND HOW THEY AFFECT YOUR BUSINESS

 

This webinar will focus on federal tax changes contained in the CARES Act and changes made at the state level that provide support for businesses during this pandemic. Additional topics also include a look at the ever-changing landscape at the federal level for additional stimulus funds and what those changes might look like.

 

Register here | Sponsored by Pierce Atwood and WIPFLi, LLP

 

Please Join Us For The Maine State Chamber's Regional Breakfast Series,

A Virtual Update

 

The Maine State Chamber of Commerce, together with local and regional chambers of commerce, invites you to our Regional Breakfast Meetings, held virtually on Zoom. As a local business leader, your valuable insight is instrumental to this open dialogue about issues that affect your business, your community and your state. We need your expertise and input to make recommendations and to identify opportunities for moving Maine's economic future in a positive direction.

Normally, attending one of our annual statewide breakfast series meetings is an ideal way for you, the Maine business leader, to interact with business associates, new and prospective Maine State Chamber members, and state representatives in a relaxed setting. This year, due to the COVID-19 situation, we will be hosting this event online as a coffee hour from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. - so grab a cup of coffee and join the conversation from the relaxation of your own home.

Portland Area

Monday, May 18

Register here

Lewiston Area

Tuesday, May 19

Register here

Bangor Area

Thursday, May 21

with the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce

Register here

Presque Isle Area

Thursday, May 28

Register here

 

 

To join these advertisers in the Daily Impact, please contact Melody Rousseau
by emailing
melodyr@mainechamber.org, or by calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 102.

 

TO UNSUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE.

NOTICE: In an ongoing effort to thwart the activities of online hackers, the Maine State Chamber
has researched and tested the links in this document and determined that they are safe.

 

Copyright Maine State Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.
 128 State Street | Suite 101 | Augusta, ME 04330-5630
 Phone: (207) 623-4568
For media inquiries, please contact Jen Webber, (207) 939-0213
For membership inquiries, please contact Mark Ellis. (207) 623-4568
  • About Us
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    • President's Message
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  • Membership
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    • Public Hearings of Interest
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    • Find Your Legislator >
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  • Events
    • Calendar of Events
    • 2022 Annual Meeting
    • Sponsorship Opportunities
    • Business Day at the Statehouse
    • Board Meetings & Board Events
    • DC Fly-In
    • Legislative Social
    • Policy Issues Workshops
    • Regional Breakfasts
    • Scramble for Scholars
    • Webinars by The Maine State Chamber of Commerce
  • Initiatives
    • Campus Career Connect
    • Dream It. Do It.
    • Education Foundation
    • Keep Maine Competitive
    • Maine Economic Research Institute (MERI)
    • This is ME Counting on You
    • Senior Leaders of Tomorrow Development Program
  • Newsroom
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Impact Newsletter
    • MSCC Blog
    • The Bottom Line
    • The Maine Take
    • Making Maine Work
    • MERI Roll Call
    • OneVoice Maine Magazine
    • Policy Brief Series with Educate Maine
    • Press Kit
  • Member Login