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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 8 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 and employers make more optimal health plan choices, announced that it will partner with behavioral economists from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business to study these de- cisions and their long-term impact on health care expenses. U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree an- nounced that the University of Southern Maine's Veterans Upward Bound pro- gram was awarded $275,155 from the U.S. Department of Education. The National Institute of General Medical Sciences at the National Institutes of Health awarded a $100,000 grant to RockStep Solutions, a Portland software com- pany, for its flagship product called Climb, a cloud-based collaboration platform, delivered as software as a service (SaaS) product for pre- clinical biomedical research. South Portland-based Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine said it now offers employer-spon- sored voluntary accident, critical ill- ness and hospital indemnity insur- ance products, for effective dates beginning Jan. 1, 2019. These new lines of coverage are designed to provide lump sum cash benefits to consumers recovering from an accident or illness to help pay for daily living expenses that are not covered by major medical. Bhavana Spa opened at 147 Main St. in Freeport. The TD Charitable Foundation, the charitable giving arm of TD Bank, donated $30,000 to the Avesta Housing NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center. Portside Real Estate Group an- nounced plans to open a fourth office, on Scott Dyer Road in Cape Elizabeth. It has other offices in Falmouth, Portland and Yarmouth. LEAD THE SEA CHANGE IN FOOD PRODUCTION INTRODUCING THE PROFESSIONAL SCIENCE MASTER'S IN OCEAN FOOD SYSTEMS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND We're looking to nurture the next generation of leaders in sustainable ocean development with a one-of-a-kind program that positions you at the nexus of science, business, and policy in the North Atlantic. Pursue meaningful solutions to real-world, industry-identified challenges across ocean food systems — in fisheries and aquaculture, seafood trade and production, and marine governance and policy. • 12-month program • Two-week team residencies in Iceland and Maine • Students complete a customized master's project • Collaborate closely with industry partners You'll emerge with an entrepreneurial mindset, ready to make a professional impact. It's a unique opportunity to explore your love of the oceans while gaining up-to-the-minute skills and knowledge to advance your career. Now accepting applications for summer 2019. Learn more and apply at www.une.edu/oceanfoodsystems LIMITED FELLOWSHIPS AVAILABLE Competitive applicants may become Henry L. & Grace Doherty Foundation Fellows in Ocean Food Systems, which includes generous tuition support. A n s w e r e d b y C h r i s t o p h e r P a g l i , S t r a t e g i c M a r k e t i n g C o a c h Q: I want to create marketing videos for my business. Do you have any suggestions for a beginner? ACE advises: Video is the essential tool for marketing a business online. It is the best way to deliver a compelling message and connect with your audience. One well-executed video may be all a potential customer needs to determine whether your product or service is right for him/her. There are mics and apps available to turn your phone into a professional HD video camera. 1. Focus on educating your viewer and not how you look or sound. You are an expert in your field. Be that expert in the video. All people want is useful information. 2. Practice in private not on the public. Get comfortable with the process and being in front of a recording camera. If you choose live video on Facebook, set your privacy set- tings to "only you." 3. Write a script, but when you hit "record," don't sound scripted. You know what you are talking about. The script is simply your collected thoughts. 4. Focus on a single message. 5. Start with brand recognition and a call to action. It gives viewers another reason to watch until the end. If they don't get there, they can't take action. 6. Don't preach, demonstrate. Highlight benefits and fea- tures of your product or service. 7. Create loyal viewership. Set a schedule so your audience can tune in again. 8. Respond to all comments and questions. Engaging with your audience builds credibility, loyalty and relationships. A S K AC E The Association for Consulting Expertise (ACE) is a nonprofit association of independent consultants who value "success through collaboration." The public is welcome to attend its regular meetings to share best practices and engage with industry experts. For more information go to www.consultexpertise.com. Christopher Pagli can be contacted at aandbms@gmail.com

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