Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1143964
V O L . X X V N O. X V J U LY 2 2 , 2 0 1 9 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 locations. In addition, the authority provided $89,275 in grants to Argyle, Swans Island, Franklin County and the Western Lakes region of Kennebec County for community planning to iden- tify needs and engage potential broad- band service providers to expand the availability of broadband to their area. New contract for Sappi workers Workers in three unions at Sappi North America Inc.'s Westbrook paper mill voted to ratify three-year contracts that include pay raises and better ben- efits. e new contracts were approved by members of IBEW Local 2233, Machinists' Union (IAM) Local 2287, and Firemen and Oilers (IBFO) Local 3, according to a news release from the unions. Each local represents about two dozen Sappi employees. e contracts run through June 2022 and include wage increases of 3% in the first year, 2.25% in the second year and 2.5% in the third year; an additional contribution to the pension; new provisions that recognize years of service for benefits and vacation for employees who severed employ- ment and have returned to work; and improvements to disability insurance. N O T E W O R T H Y S O U T H E R N NBT Bank in Portland donated $10,000 to Avesta Housing to support both the Avesta NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center and other organizational initia- tives to increase and improve affordable housing for individuals and families. Cape Air in Hyannis, Mass., said it will begin offering four daily round-trips ser- vice between Boston Logan International Airport and Portland International Jetport, effective Sept. 18. University of New England in Biddeford was awarded $749,999 for its Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program from the Department of Health and Human Services' Health Resources and Services Administration. The university, in collabo- ration with the University of Maine, aims to improve the health and well-being of Maine's older adults through enhanced practitioner training and the formation of a statewide council, AgingME. Monte's Fine Foods opened at 788 Washington Ave. in Portland. Portland Development Corp. provided a $100,000 commercial loan to assist the new business. Lewiston firm opens Dutch office Geiger, a promotional products dis- tributor based in Lewiston, has opened a logistics office in the Netherlands to sup- port its global business. e Rotterdam branch, operated by a Geiger subsidiary near London, will serve as a fulfillment and distribution hub for deliveries in Europe and the Middle East, the com- pany said in a news release. e office will also serve as a central point for cus- toms clearance. e location inside the European Union simplifies compliance with value-added tax requirements for EU customers outside the U.K, accord- ing to Geiger. With 300 employees and Plans for Whole Oceans, Nordic Aquafarms sites advance — Salmon farms are part of Maine's economic future Feds award $20.8M in affordable housing grants — Much needed help Aroostook County's message to New Mainers? We want you — It's a message that should resonate in a state that needs people New law gives small Maine craft breweries, distilleries a boost — The industry is vastly different from 1979, when the previous law was passed Sexual harassment common in Maine workplaces, survey shows — Even with all the attention, it's still an issue Seller's market continues for single-family homes — Great for sellers, not so ideal for buyers Bangor's Hollywood Casino extends weekend hours, tries to fill job openings — The hard part is filling the jobs Maine lawmakers in Washington urge federal relief for blueberry growers — Maine blueberry exports to China fell from 2 million pounds a year to 75,000 pounds, thanks to tariffs C R E D I T S & D E B I T S At Jensen Baird, our commitment is to you. Maine lawyers. Maine clients. Maine values. Portland / Kennebunk 207-775-7271 • 1-800-756-1166 • jbgh.com We know what our clients need, because we know Maine. Our lawyers understand the unique challenges of living and doing business here. We aren't part of a huge national firm, we're part of the community. And we've been that way for over 60 years. www.GawronTurgeon.com S O U T H E R N C E N T R A L & W E S T E R N