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V O L . X X I N O. V I M A R C H 2 3 , 2 0 1 5 22 An advocate for the environment Wellehan has demonstrated his commitment to the environment in many ways that have directly impacted business at Lamey-Wellehan. Some of the initiatives have had an obvious payback. One previ- ously touted achievement has been the company's ability to reduce energy costs over the years, going from $91,000 in energy costs in 2003 to $79,000 in 2013. is year, Wellehan says the company will focus on installing energy efficient LED light fix- tures at the Auburn and Scarborough stores. "We're committed to a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2020," Wellehan says, referring to a pledge the retailer made over a decade ago. Most recently, Lamey-Wellehan eliminated the use of plastic bags, instituting a "no bags policy." It's an initiative Wellehan finds so important, he has a three-page editorial handout available at the front of all stores explaining his decision and the next steps the community should take to fight pollution. With the savings from not buying plastic bags, Lamey-Wellehan applied that money to its high school scholarship program. "I learned a lot from being on the [Finance Authority of Maine] board, and one was the tremen- dous need Maine kids had then for scholarships," he says. "And it's gotten so much more severe." By paying associates above minimum wage and being proactive with various environmental mea- sures, it could be argued that Lamey-Wellehan is showing how government regulation is unnecessary and that the private sector can take care of itself. But Wellehan says he rejects that argument. "I think we need regulation if we're going to have a world that works for everybody." D y l a n M a r t i n , M a i n e b i z o n l i n e e d i t o r , c a n b e r e a c h e d a t d m a r t i n @ m a i n e b i z . b i z AMG TEAM: Brian Bernier, Brittany Robidoux, Jennifer Schumacher, Mary Leavitt, Kurt Garascia, Lisa Rideout Portland 207.482.7920 | Auburn 207.791.2110 www.norwaysavingsbank.com Financial expertise strength. is our We believe developing relationships with our clients is fundamental to achieving success. We'll get to know your short-term plans and your long-term goals to determine the best way to manage your money. Let our experienced team earn your trust, and together, we'll invest in your future. • INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT • TRUST SERVICES • FINANCIAL ADVICE • ESTATE PLANNING Personal relationships are our passion. • Not FDIC Insured • No Bank Guarantee • May Lose Value » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E My dad [the late Dan Wellehan Sr.], when he started the business, he said: 'Lamey-Wellehan, where you're always a guest before you're a customer,' and we've tried to maintain that tradition. P H O T O / R U S S D I L L I N G H A M Jim Wellehan is planning to retire and sell Lamey-Wellehan to the employees.

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