Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1490315
V O L . X X I X N O. I I JA N UA R Y 2 3 , 2 0 2 3 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 announced that its Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program awarded $1.5 million to 11 projects across Maine that will restore, en- hance or protect wetlands and other important natural resources. Franklin Savings Bank in Farmington said the bank and its employees donated $28,000 to support local school district food assistance programs. Versant Power in Bangor said it invested $440,000 in Maine in 2022 through its community in- vestment program. The city of Bangor announced that two new electric vehicle charging sta- tions have been installed and are now available for the public to use, one lo- cated at the Abbot Square parking lot and the other inside of the Pickering Square Parking Garage. www.selfstorageonthelevee.com N O T E W O R T H Y N O R T H E R N & E A S T E R N N O R T H E R N & E A S T E R N A S K AC E A n s w e r e d b y P r i s c i l l a H a n s e n M a h o n e y , B l a z i n g T r a i l s C o a c h i n g L L C The Association for Consulting Expertise (ACE) is a non-profit 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. Q: What's the best way to get my employees the training they desperately need, without blowing our budget, and by using our time and resources effectively? ACE Advises: Many companies do not understand that time and resources spent on training have a significant return. A study by the Association for Talent Development found that organizations that invest in workforce training experienced a 24% higher profit margin than those that did not. Employers still said the primary reason they do not train is insufficient time and money. Luckily, there are training pro- grams that are cost-effective — even free — and provide a great return on investment on your time. Create a list of what your employees need to be safe, successful, and skilled. Check state laws regarding what training is mandatory for your industry, and for continuing education requirements necessary to uphold licensing and certifications. Here is a short list of providers you can con- tact to arrange for free or low-cost training. Your workers compensation insurer: Many insurance com- panies provide free or low-cost safety training because it's a win-win.You get low-cost or free training (and often lower premiums), and they reduce future claims. Equipment dealers often provide free training on safe use, operation and maintenance. OSHA: The Occupational Safety and Health Adminstration's mis- sion is to ensure safe working conditions for workers. It sets and enforces standards and provides training and education. Training grants: There is a Maine training grant available for frontline workers. The grant provides of up to $1,200 in matching funds per frontline worker from 2023-25. Information is available on the Maine Community College Workforce Development Compact website, at mccs.me.edu/ workforce-training/maine-workforce-development-compact. While training your workforce is vital to employee engage- ment and satisfaction, it is imperative to get your manag- ers and leaders on board. Investing resources into creating systems, processes and leadership development will help you get the most for your training dollars. Priscilla Hansen Mahoney, past president of ACE, is a business coach for con- tractors, and the founder of Blazing Trails Coaching LLC. She helps owners get out of their pickup trucks and on top of their business. Priscilla can be reached at priscilla@blazingtrailscoaching.com