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V O L . X X I V N O. X X I V O C T O B E R 1 5 , 2 0 1 8 12 B U S I N E S S M A I N E B U S I N E S S M A I N E B U S I N E S S N E W S F RO M A RO U N D T H E S TAT E TAO Greenhouse — Brunswick Trend-setting PM Construction has been working with the owner and architect to create a visually-interesting and multi- functional facility. This project aspires to be a trend-setting development within an urban environment. It is a unique facility which encompasses all aspects of farm-to-table, from agricultural production to consumption. When you need help bringing your next project to fruition contact Laura Blanchette 207.282.7697 Access the lists today! Download the 2018 Book of Lists! Order now at mainebiz.biz/lists S P O N S O R E D B Y 0U[LNYP[`0UKLWLUKLUJL0U[LSSPNLU[0U]LZ[PUN P H O T O / J O H N K . P U T N A M , W W W. J K P U T N A M P H O T O G R A P H Y. C O M $19.95 December 25, 2017 VO L . X X I I I N O. X X X www.mainebiz.biz SP ONSORED BY 0U[LNYP[`0UKLWLUKLUJL0U[LSSPNLU[0U]LZ[PUN ¡ New lists for 2018 ¡ Exclusive access to extended lists ¡ Excel format lets you easily sort, merge and import data Waterville Creates announces merger with two cultural organizations B y M a i n e b i z S t a f f Waterville — Waterville Creates said it will join forces with two of central Maine's leading arts institutions, the Maine Film Center and the Waterville Opera House, through a formal merger effective Nov. 1. The merger is a natural evolution of years of collaboration between the orga- nizations and will help to ensure the long-term sustainability of these vibrant arts institutions, the nonprofit said in a news release. The consolidation is also an important step as the three organizations plan for shared operations in the future downtown arts center that Waterville Creates is partnering with Colby College to develop. The three groups already collaborate, share resources and work together to host special events and provide arts education and programming. They also share certain administrative and marketing resources to increase efficiencies and reduce costs. The Maine Film Center and the Waterville Opera House will be distinct divisions of Waterville Creates and will continue to maintain programming autonomy and their existing staff. They'll benefit from administrative, marketing and operational support from Waterville Creates. The merger will create operational efficiencies, provide shared staffing in the key areas of development, marketing and adminis- trative support and allow more resources to be dedicated to programming and mission delivery, which will result in expanded programming for arts patrons. "This is an incredibly exciting moment for our organizations and represents years of collaboration and strategic planning," said Shannon Haines, president and CEO of Waterville Creates. "The merger will allow us maximize precious resources as we continue to deliver outstanding arts programming that is both high quality and accessible." Less than half of the merged organization's revenue will come from earned income — ticket sales, memberships, workshop fees and the like — with remain- ing funds contributed by individuals, foundations and corporations. For now, the Maine Film Center and the Waterville Opera House will continue to manage independent annual appeals and membership programs. Longer term, Waterville Creates will examine opportunities for shared donor and member- ship platforms that will offer patrons the opportunity to continue to designate contributions to an individual program as well as new opportunities to support the arts in Waterville. "It feels like such a positive, logical, natural move for our beloved community institutions, the Waterville Opera House, the Maine Film Center, and Waterville Creates, to come together organizationally," said Tamsen Brooke Warner, execu- tive director of the Waterville Opera House. "We all believe that providing access to art and opportunities for creative expression is important for everyone and our collaboration will increase those opportunities for our region." Mike Perreault, executive director of the Maine Film Center, said his nonprofit has been collaborating with the other two organizations for many years. "Our impact, reach, and programmatic strength will only continue to grow through our collaboration and sharing of resources and talent," he said. B R I E F R E N D E R I N G / C O U R T E S Y C O L B Y C O L L E G E Rendering of the proposed art hub being developed by Colby College and Waterville Creates.

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