Small Business Week Recognized by Governor and Commissioners: DPFR Commissioner Presents Certificate to Falmouth Salon

Commissioner Anne Head of Maine's Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (DPFR) joined Governor Paul R. LePage and other state officials in recognizing the outstanding efforts and contributions of small business owners, operators and employees during Small Business Week, May 12-16, 2014.

"Small businesses throughout Maine are deserving of recognition and appreciation," Governor LePage said. "They provide jobs, needed goods and services, and a strong foundation for Maine's communities and economy. Those we visit and recognize during Small Business Week are representative of outstanding companies in each Maine town and city."

As part of the week's initiatives, Governor LePage and Commissioner Head issued and signed a Certificate of Appreciation to The Studio Upstairs for its contributions to the people and economy of Falmouth and surrounding communities. Commissioner Head presented the certificate today to Linda Lord, owner of the Cumberland County cosmetology salon.

"Maine's Department of Professional and Financial Regulation is pleased to join the Governor and other officials in celebrating our State's vibrant, creative and indispensable small businesses," Commissioner Head said. "My recognition of The Studio Upstairs is meant to honor all those businesses and individuals licensed by my Department who benefit Maine families and communities by offering exceptional services."

Commissioner Head noted that DPFR licenses and regulates thousands of businesses and individuals in the insurance, banking & credit union, securities and other financial services industries. The Department also licenses an additional 100,000 individuals in nearly 40 other professions and occupations. She used today's Small Business Week announcement to encourage individuals who wish to become licensed to contact DPFR or her office directly for information and assistance.

"The Department stands ready to help any individual or business to become licensed and meet all necessary requirements for providing services to the public, in order to realize their professional and business goals," Commissioner Head added.

More information and assistance is available at www.maine.gov/pfr or by calling 207-624-8525.

Governor Congratulates Gorham Company for Creating New Jobs, Touts Small Business Week

AUGUSTA, Maine - In the spirit of Small Business Week, Governor Paul R. LePage visited Shaw Brothers Construction Wednesday to help celebrate the expansion of the Southern Maine company. After five years of manufacturing asphalt in Scarborough, Shaw Brothers has purchased and installed a new Astec Asphalt Plant at its headquarters in Gorham. As a result, the company is expected to create nearly two dozen new jobs.

Governor LePage congratulated owners Dan and Jon Shaw on Wednesday during a ceremony at their Gorham headquarters. "This is exciting news for your company, your employees and the community," said Governor LePage. "Your multi-million dollar expansion is appreciated, and we want you to not only stay here in Gorham, we want you to be successful for generations to come."

It took 18 months of research, design, purchase and installation to launch the new 400-ton asphalt plant. The Astec 400-ton-per-hour plant will be one of the largest in New England. It will also be the most environmentally friendly, running on natural gas to minimize emissions and reduce cost.

"Using the newest technology, an upsized bag house and burning natural gas, this new plant will be the greenest plant in Maine," said Jon Shaw. "By burning natural gas and by locating it at Shaw Brothers' headquarters, which includes a rock quarry, an enormous amount of trucking emissions will also be saved. With a 400-ton-per-hour production rate and four insulated storage silos, this plant will have the capacity to service all customers in Southern Maine with their choice of hot mix."

By using the latest technology, the Shaws have diminished the noise and smell often associated with asphalt plants. "This new asphalt plant is one of the most environmentally friendly plants in New England. Our goal is for the neighbors and town to forget we are here," said Dan Shaw.

The state-of-the-art plant includes three above-ground 30,000-gallon liquid asphalt tanks, eight cold feed bins, three additional recycle feed bins and four 200-ton asphalt storage silos. This setup increases Shaw's flexibility to produce more varieties of mix, use excess aggregate material and to sell or store different mixes for four days.

In addition to celebrating the launch of Shaw's new plant, Governor LePage also touted Small Business Week, which is May 12 - 16. "Small businesses just like yours are the backbone of our economy," said the Governor. "Our Administration is honoring many small businesses across Maine, and in recognition of your outstanding service to your employees and community, I would like to present you this Certificate of Appreciation. We thank you for your business, and we know that investment capital goes where it is welcome and stays where it is appreciated."

About Shaw Construction: Shaw Brothers began in 1977 with two brothers, two employees, one backhoe and a handshake-and it began with the same principles that it lives by today: work hard, satisfy the customer and respect the people you work with. Since then Shaw Brothers Construction has grown into one of Southern Maine's largest earthwork contractors with more than 150 employees and hundreds of pieces of equipment. Having completed over 800 commercial projects ranging from $5,000 to $15 million and spanning a roughly 100-mile radius around Portland, Jon and Dan continue to schedule and direct day-to-day operations.