Profile 2010

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PRESENTS

An in-depth look at businesses throughout Central and Western Maine

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PR FILESUN JOURNAL 20102 Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 10, 2010

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The And r o s c o ggin Co u ntyChamber of Commerce com-

memorated its 2010 annual

meeting and awards presentation at the

end of January with the biggest single

event in the organizations long and dis-

tinguished history. And the sellout crowd

celebrated having achieved an all-time

record membership in 2009, as well:

1,355 members, making the Chamber

among the most powerful advocacy and

member-services business organizationsin Maine. 2010 seems on pace to con-

tinue the Chambers recent successes,

since membership renewals are well

ahead of where theyd been at this time

in other years, according to Chamber

president, Chip Morrison, the ener-

getic face and voice of the membership

and of the larger Androscoggin County

community.

The support of our members and the

growth of the organization is gratifying,

of course, Morrison said recently, but

what it really does is provide us with a

base of people committed to the well-

being of the community. They devote

thousands and thousands of hours of

volunteer time. That enables us to really

expand what we can do to help our

members grow and prosper, and to help

make our area the best possible place to

live and work. The Chamber has a long record of

advocating on behalf of its members

with local, state and federal legislators,

agencies and regulators. It supports its

members with a wide range of network-

ing opportunities, access to education,

information, and expertise that will help

them in the successful pursuit of their

own missions. And there is a constant

need to expand the list of services the

organization provides, both to its mem-bership and to the public. This is an

incredibly diverse and vibrant commu-

nity, Morrison explained. Our members

are divided into more than 300 different

categories, and no single group consti-

tutes even a plurality. That pretty much

reflects the nature of the area in which

we live, though, and we try to provide

representation from all elements of the

community as part of our leadership. The

37 members of our board of directors are

an energetic bunch of individuals who

are really committed to our community.

While the cities and towns of Andro-scoggin County were once dominated

by the manufacturing culture repre-

sented by the giant mills, the decline of

those traditional industries has actu-

ally enabled a more robust and diverse

economy, one better positioned for

the 21st Century, and the Chamber has

had to respond accordingly. Among

its long-term commitments is a deep

engagement with education, the vital

underpinning of the new economic reali-ties - from pre-K through post-secondary,

continuing education and professional

development for adults, scholarships,

and advocacy.

One of the most successful new ini-

tiatives undertaken by the Chamber in

recent years has been support for the

Young Professionals of the Lewiston

Auburn Area (YPLAA), a cadre of over 400

members who are on a path to become

the future civic and business leaders of

the region. They have been engaged

with the community with more than

20 specialized projects and initiativesof their own this past year, undertaken

by members of six committees. YPLAA

recently commemorated its own annual

meeting, their second, at which half a

dozen specific awards were conferred.

While the Chamber has contributed

directly, in many ways, to the diversifi-

cation and strengthening of the localeconomy, one which despite the strug-

gles of the past couple of years has con-

tinued to lead the state in its ability to

create and retain jobs, it has recently

expanded the work of the Regional

Image Committee to support the notion

of the greater Androscoggin communi-

ties as a tourist destination.

Many of us dont see our own forest,

for the trees, Morrison said. We have

an abundance of unique historicalattractions, educational and health-

care facilities; special events and festi-

vals that attract guests from all over the

country, even from abroad. The Dempsey

Challenge alone not only raised over

$1-million for the Dempsey Center for

Cancer Hope and Healing, but it also

attracted an unprecedented level of

major media attention. We have nearly

two dozen wonderful arts organizations

and venues music, theater, dance, gal-

leries, museums. There is world-class

dining and all sorts of lodging options.

The Chambers recently completed pre-

sentation of L/As Cultural and Tourism

Assets documented an industry that

employs nearly 5,700 people locally and

generates more than $14 million, by con-

servative estimates.

Were really grateful to our members,

Morrison said, because its their level ofsupport that lets us do so much for so

many. We really are the product of liter-

ally thousands of individuals working

together.

Visit, call or write the Chamber at:

The Business Service Center

at KeyBank Plaza

415 Lisbon Street,PO Box 59

Lewiston, Maine 04243207-783-2249

www.androscoggincounty.com

Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce

2010 Chamber board of directors

Submitted photo

YPLAA volunteers collecting donations for Volunteers of America

Submitted photo

By Rich Livingston

Freelance Writer

3PR FILESUN JOURNAL 2010Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 10, 2010

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ADVERTISER INDEX

STEPHEN M. COSTELLOVice President /

Advertising and Marketing

689-2920

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Jody Jalber t 689-2913

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES

Yvonne Allen 364-8728

Larry Baril 689-2960

Mike Blanchet 778-6772Brian Croteau 689-2909

Jeff Haggerty 689-2991

Dan McManus 689-2906

Norm Moreau 689-2904

Dionne Morneau 689-2956

Claire Small 689-2958

SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR

Denise M. Scammon 689-2997

MARKETING COORDINATOR

Sheri Verville 689-2903

COVER / DESIGN MANAGER

Christina Noonan 689-2954

AD DESIGN TEAM

Leo Baillargeon

Jennifer Gendron

Shirley Hood

Sandy Marquis

Linda Perry

Michelle Pushard

Jesse Richter

Terri-Lee Seeley

Jim VangeliSun Journal, 104 Park Street, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, Maine 04243

Lewiston 784-5411 Farmington 778-6772 Rumford 364-8728 Norway 743-9228

Dear Readers:

SUN MEDIA GROUPpresents

Profile 2010, our annual overview of

the businesses and organizations that

provide innovation and important

services to our communities. Withinthese pages you will find business

profiles that give snapshots of a

companys or organizations products

and services, key contact information,

sales levels, ownership, employment

growth, and historical background.

This dynamic special section gives

businesses and organizations a

forum to display the successes of the

past year and lay out their plans for

the future. Take the time to explore

what these companies have to offer.

We hope you will enjoy reading this

unique section. It features businesses

and organizations that help shape

your world, past, present and future.

EducationUSMs Lewiston-Auburn College ...................10

EntertainmentCole Farms .................................................................14Portland Sea Dogs ................................................14

Rolandeaus ...............................................................13

Sams Italian Foods ...............................................12

Theater At Monmouth .......................................13

Village Inn ...................................................................12

FinanceAndroscoggin Bank ..................................... 24, 25

Androscoggin Chamber of Commerce .... 3

Androscoggin Valley

Council of Government ........... ............ ........... 10

Franklin Savings Bank ........................................... 7

Gregory Strong. ........................................................ 6

Lewiston Auburn Economic

Growth Council ........................................................ 7

Maine Chamber of Commerce ........... ............ 8

Northeast Bank .........................................................9

Oxford Federal Credit Union ............................ 6

Rainbow Federal Credit Union ........................ 8

HealthAdvance Orthotic

& Prosthetic Services ...........................................39

Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice ..... 40

Androscoggin Oral

& Maxillofacial Surgeons ...................................38

Assisted Home Care............................................ 46

Casco Bay Gastroenterology ......................... 40

Center Street Dental ............................................43

Central Maine Audiology .................................37

Central Maine Medical Group ......................... 2

Central Maine Orthopaedics..........................45

Cosmetic Enhancement ...................................36

Health Club & Spa ..................................................37

Majors Mobility .......................................................41

Marshwood Center .............................................44

Montello Heights ...................................................45

Pine Tree Orthopedic Lab ............................... 44

Proactive Physical Therapy ..............................42

Schooner Estates ...................................................41

St. Marys Health Systems .................................47

The Meadows ..........................................................43

The Medicine Shoppe...........................................42

HomeAmerican Concrete ..............................................26

Aqua-Max of Maine..............................................29

Benner & Son ............................................................32

Budget Blinds ...........................................................32

Fieldings Oil ..............................................................26

Gagne & Son Concrete .......................................30

Gas Contractors of Maine .................................28

Hammond Lumber ..............................................27

Hammond Tractor ................................................30

J.L. Hayes & Co..........................................................33

Mount Blue Oil ........................................................33

Pineland Lumber ...................................................31

Redlon Johnson .....................................................31

Reggies Sales & Service .....................................28

Sherm Arnolds

Flooring & Kitchen Design ................................ 34

RetailAdvantage Gases & Tools .................................16

Affordable Eyes .......................................................22

Chapman Collision Center ...............................19

Colemans Collision Center ..............................16

Donnas Greenhouses ........................................23

Earrings & Company .......................................... .22

Emerson Chevrolet ............................................. 48

Employment Times ........... ............ ............ .......... 11

LA Auto Company ................................................19

Lee Auto Malls .........................................................20

Martindale Country Club ..................................21R.S. Osgood & Sons ..............................................17

Rollins Furniture......................................................23

ServPro of Lewiston-Auburn ..........................18

Sun Journal .................................................................. 5

Whited Motorhome & RV .................................21

Non-profitsAdvocates for Children ......................................35

American Cancer Society .................................15

Common Ties ............................................................5

United Way ............................................................... 46


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Growth Council serves as one-stop economic development agency

Overview

Loans

Marketing & Public

Relations

Site Searches & Product

Development

The Lewiston-Auburn Economic

Growth Council is the centraleconomic development and

business attraction agency forLewiston-Auburn.

The Growth Council worksclosely with clients on a fully

confidential basis of fering servicesincluding technical assistance,commercial f inancing, s i te

searches, and marketing.The Lewiston-Auburn Economic

Growth Council serves as an on-

call business partner, assuminga variety of roles to help clientsget down to business af fordably,

efficiently, and successfully.The Growth Council also serves

as a clearinghouse of information

on a wide variety of businessresources, such as educationand training programs, incentive

programs, local statistical data, andnetworking opportunities.

LAEGC provides confidentialsite searches for clients looking

for existing office, industrial, retail,or commercial space, raw land,or build-to-spec options. LAEGC

manages an extensive databaseof properties and works withmunicipal officials, local realtors,

and developers to find the rightsolution for each client. LAEGCwas instrumental in assisting the

Wal-Mart Distribution Center,Safe Handling, and Estes Express,to name just a few clients. Often

by serving its sister corporations

(Lewiston Development Corp.,Auburn Business Development

Corp., and L-A Railroad Co.), LAEGChas helped develop or manage

LAEGC serves as the primary

marketing and business attractionresource for the cities of Lewistonand Auburn, overseeing various

print, electronic, and massmedia communications. TheGrowth Council manages the

LAEGC provides gap financingfor clients in the Twin Cities, andcurrently manages more than20 outstanding loans totaling

Lewiston-Auburn

Economic Growth Council

development of property, includingthe Auburn Industrial Park;Angostura/World Harbors; and a

future spec building on ForrestalStreet in Lewiston. LAEGC serves as

landlord and marketing agent forthe Business Service Center at 415Lisbon Street. Furthermore, LAEGCis always ready to assist the cities of

Lewiston and Auburn in evaluatingproject development proposals andexploring partnerships.

successful L-A: Its HappeningHere! community image andbranding campaign and oversees

all TV, radio, print, and electronicadvertising for the campaign.

The Growth Council also assistsits development clients with publicrelations needs, from writingand distributing press releases

to organizing ground-breakingceremonies and ribbon cuttings.LAEGC regularly pursues media

and public relations opportunitiesparticularly to related issues thataffect the local economy, economic

development, and business issues.For 15 years, LAEGC has organized

the Androscoggin Business to

Business Trade Show, which hasevolved into the largest one-daybusiness show in the state. The

show attracts nearly 200 exhibitorsand 2,500 attendees. It has sold outfor the past five years, and has an

www.economicgrowth.org

415 Lisbon Street,P.O. Box 1188

Lewiston, ME 04243-1188

Phone: 784-0161

about $4.8 million. Gap financingallows small- and medium-sized

companies the ability to operate,innovate, and maintain theirworkforce. Since 1981, LAEGC has

leveraged tens of millions of dollarsin new local investments throughits financing programs.

extensive waiting list each year. Thisyears show has as its theme Show2010: Launching a New Decade,

and will be held Thursday, June 10,at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee

in Lewiston. The show will focus onthe need for organizations to seizeopportunities to innovate, reinventthemselves, and take a fresh look at

what they do best.LAEGC also hosts an Annual

Dinner and Business Forum on

May 13 this year to celebratethe communitys economicdevelopment successes, inform

business and community leadersabout development projects,and preview upcoming projects.

The dinner provides a forumfor the cities of Lewiston andAuburn to bestow their Economic

Achievement Awards to localbusinesses and/or individualseach year.


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T

he fire at the end of April 2006, that

caused the Village Inn to close, was

considered a tragedy that impactedthe entire Lewiston-Auburn area. Long-

time patrons were dismayed, and the larger

community felt as though it had lost a vital

part of its fabric. We expected to re-open

within six months, co-owner Belinda Vallee

explained, but it took more than two years.

We kept running into people everywhere

who told us constantly that we needed to

keep pushing, to not give up. My in-laws

were called at home. The community has

been so supportive. People were so patient

when we first re-opened in July 2009. Wegot a terrific welcome back its great to

know that people didnt forget us.

How could they forget? The Village Inn has

prospered through three generations of the

Vallee family, since 1963, and remains a local

institution. Fine family dining, special family

recipes, value pricing, and dedication to the

community have characterized the Auburn

landmark since its inception.

We have always served excellent meats,

cut to order, along with chicken and pastadishes. We have a new chicken Oriental

salad, too, but of course, were best known

for seafood, said co-owner Mike Vallee.

Were the home of the original two-fer in

L-A. Weve always served generous portions,

but since we re-opened, we also feature

basket portions all the time, day or night,

smaller anchor portions of our baked dishes

and even a mates portion of our famous

seafood platter.

The menu may be diverse, and

highlighted by award-winning chowders

and soups, but the Inns reputation comesfrom its famous fried dishes, especially clams

and scallops. Well, that and the famous

slow-roasted prime rib. As always, they use

the highest-quality, cholesterol-free frying

oil. Everything is made to exacting standards

using fresh, local ingredients according to

secret family recipes for chowder, batter,

stuffing and gravies. The historic front of the dining area

escaped the fire, which consumed the

kitchen and the second-floor Captain Dons

loft/function area. When patrons returned

after the July 2009 re-opening, they found

the familiar blended with a whole new look

more spacious, yet warmly cozy. We

expect Captain Dons loft to re-open by this

summer, Mike said, and it will look as great

as the rest of the space.

The community has been good to the

family, the Vallees asserted, but they havebeen generous with the community over

the years, as well.

We do what we can to give back, said

Mike. Weve been a major sponsor of the

Lions youth hockey tournament for years

and weve also become more involved with

the Balloon Festival, After the earthquake in

Haiti, the Village Inn created a Share a Heart

for Haiti fundraiser, but at the same time,

proceeds were shared between Haitian

relief efforts and a local cancer communitycenter effort, because, said Belinda, as

much as we wanted to show our support

for the people of Haiti, it was also important

to not forget about our own community at

such a time.

There have always been a bunch of the

kids working here, said Mike, grandkids,

nieces and nephews, our kids theres a

picture of our son, Michael, out front. He was

about three years old, but he was already

wearing an apron. And the affection thefamily has had for their community has

been returned many times over by the

abundance of old and new fans settling

comfortably back in to the familiar, but all

new Village Inn.

Village Inn: Back from the fire, into the fryer

Norm, Connie, Belinda and Mike Vallee

Village Inn

165 High St., Auburn782-7796

By Rich Livingston

Freelance Writer / Photographer

Feeding the community

in body and spirit has

always been a labor of

love for the Vallee family.

S

ams Italian sandwiches earned

their status as icons of the Lewiston-

Auburn culture through three and

a half generations of courtesy, quality, andservice. When lines of hungry mill workers

first formed in front of the carry-out-only

Main Street store well before Americas

entry into World War II, there was no such

thing as fast food. It would be at least

another generation before cityscapes

were changed forever by the explosion of

national food chains.

But first, there was Sams, a genuine, local

original. The first Sams Italian sandwiches

were salami, said a spokesman, but for

years, now, the ham Italian has been the

biggest seller. From the beginning, the

concept was simple, satisfying food made

with care using fresh, unique ingredients.

Sams signature Italian bread is baked

fresh daily, during the swing shift.

The fragrances of baking are most

prominent on Main Street in the

hours just before dawn, when

trucks begin delivering that daysfresh bread along with fresh pizza

dough to the dozen locations now

in the Sams family, from Freeport to

Waterville to Rumford. Sams proprietary

secret-recipe sauce is still made to exacting

standards and is available nowhere but

Sams. Sams recipes for spaghetti and

lasagna are also their own.

Were still providing the same training

support the company used when I first

started working here 18 years ago,

observed general manager Mike Marchus.

Sams has provided the first job to countless

Lewiston-Auburn area youths, many

deciding to make it a career. The average

manager among all 12 locations has been

with Sams for more than 15 years; in fact,

some began their careers while in high

school or college. Loyalty isnt limited

to staff: most everyone in L-A, where six

of Sams 12 stores are clustered, knows

someone who has moved away but needs

a trip home once in awhile to get a Sams

fix. There are subs and pizzas everywhere,

a Lewiston expatriate said recently, but

theres nothing like what I remember about

Sams from my childhood. I always need to

stop in when Im in town.

For more than 40 years, Sams sandwicheswere only dispensed from the counter on

Main Street in Lewiston. Pizza was added in

the 1950s, and dinners in the early 70s. By

the time the second location was opened

in 1982, on Center Street in Auburn, national

chain restaurants had appeared on the local

scene. But Sams remained entirely a part of

Maine culture, and is completely dedicated

to the well being of the communities in

which it is located. Sams works with local

food banks in each of its towns, assistingthem with yearly fundraisers.

While Sams was confined to a single

location for its first 40 years, the opening

of its 12th store, in Waterville, this past

December completed the addition of 11

stores in the second 30 years. In addition,

Sams offers full-service catering including

set-up, professional staffing, and clean-up,

while party-sized orders can be placed at

each store. Sams has expanded in the face

of enlarged national competition, but has

always remained faithful to its origins. Thats

how you grow from simply a sandwich shop

to an essential component of local culture.

Sams: Still fresh after seventy yearsBy Rich Livingston Freelance Writer

SAMSItalian Foods

268 Main St.

Lewiston, ME

782-9145www.samsitalian.com


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Itmay seem quiet through much

of the winter and spring monthsat The Theater At Monmouth, as

loyal patrons near and far eagerly await

a summers worth of great professional

theater.

Actually, theres a whole lot happening

in the off-season as Producing Director

David Greenham and members of the

artistic staff assemble the summer theater

company and plot what will be 10 weeks

of exceptional theatrical experiences inJuly and August.

The Theater At Monmouth grows from a

few staff members to a company of more

than 50 as actors, directors, managers,

designers, and technicians converge in

mid-June upon the small town from points

across Maine and from all over the United

States.

The company quickly becomes a tightknit

group as everyone comes together in

a short and intense period of planning,

design, and rehearsal to create a magical

experience for more than 28,000

theatergoers. We are looking forward to agreat year of unforgettable performances,

Greenham said.

As a lways , we wi l l of fe r f resh

interpretations of Shakespeares work,

making them accessible and entertaining

for everyone. This year we have selected

The Comedy of Errors, Shakespeares

shortest and silliest of comedies, as well as

action-packed Pericles, Prince of Tyre, an

exciting first for the Theater and for manyaudience members as well.

Also on stage this summer will be Mark

Twains hilarious lost play Is He Dead?

Its a classic Twain must-see only recently

published from his personal papers. TAM

will also present George Bernard Shaws

comically clever Misalliance, an ironic

look at marriage and courtship.

Also in the offering, a delightful, funny

tale for children, The Canterville Ghost,

in which an American family moves to a

historic home in Britain where they find

the ghostly Sir Simon as an unexpected

house guest.

In the fall, well bring Gilbert and Sullivans

much-loved The Pirates of Penzance

to the stage, and along the way you

can expect plenty of special events and

surprises. You can keep up with all of this

by regularly visiting theateratmonmouth.

org, Greenham said.

You can reserve seats for all of these shows

and more on www.theateratmonmouth.org where you can check out show

calendars and plan your summer theater

experiences. You can also call the box

office at (207) 933-9999.

Founded in 1970, the Theater was named

The Shakespearean Theater of Maine by

the Maine State Legislature in 1975. This

summer will mark TAMs 41st season.

Performances are held in beautiful

Cumston Hall, listed on the National

Register of Histor ic Buildings since 1976.

The Theater At Monmouth strives

to offer a variety of productions that

appeal to folks of all kinds and is proud

to belong to Maines tradition of quality

work and innovation. To learn more

about The Theater At Monmouth, show

schedules, tickets and more, go to www.

theateratmonmouth.org or call the box

office at (207) 933-9999.

The Theater At Monmouth: Maine tradition of qualityBy David A. Sargent

Freelance Writer

For tickets, show dates and more, go to: www.theateratmonmouth.org or call (207) 933-9999

Dennis A. Price and Bill Van Horn


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W

hen Cole Farms owner Brad

Pollard says, This place is

unique, you don't have to lookfar for verification. Pollard, who represents

a younger segment of the family-owned

business, explained that the popular

restaurant at 64 Lewiston Road, Route

202 just north of Gray, has changed a lot

through nearly 60 years, but he said it

also has been important to make subtle

changes so you don't lose the sense of

what this place is all about.

What it's all about is good, home cooking.

Many customers have their menu favoritesin mind as soon as they walk through the

door. Nevertheless, Pollard hasn't ignored

the need to accommodate newer tastes,

and the menu now offers wraps, salads,

swordfish and a number of other recent

additions.

Cole Farms is not only a large and popular

restaurant, it is also a local institution with

a solid reputation for providing a job with

flexible working conditions to many localresidents. Over the years of its existence,

hundreds of area residents have been Cole

Farms employees.

Pollard said many young people are on hisworkforce and he likes to encourage them.

Especially in hard times, the younger

people are good workers, Pollard said.

He said many employees first worked for

him when they were in high school or

college. Some left to start families, and

they often come back after five or 10 years

and work flexible part-time hours for

supplemental income.

Pollard, who is a member of the executive

board of the Maine Restaurant Association,

makes business decisions based on nearly

60 years of financial data that helps him

analyze and adjust for changing times.

When a lot a chain restaurants began

building all over Maine in 2002-2005, Cole

Farms endured the same challenges that

faced many other older establishments.People try the new spots, but they come

back, Pollard said. We have a large

customer base and it's growing all the time.

It all began when trees and junipers were

cleared from a rocky pasture in the spring

of 1952 to provide room for a 24-by-30 foot

building and a small parking lot. Steady

growth occurred in its first decade and there

were 10 additions during the next 10 years

with seating for 235. A gift shop was added

in 1994, and that space has recently beenturned back into additional dining area.

No meal is complete until you've tried one

of the Cole Farms desserts more than 40 to

chose from. The pies and puddings are baked

fresh daily on the premises, and 13 varieties of

ice cream are also made at Cole Farms.

Cole Farms caters for banquets at Spring

Meadows Golf and Country Club just across

the highway, which is also under Cole Farms

ownership. The Club includes a 1922 barn

remodeled to become a full banquet facility

with seating capacity for more than 200.

The Cole Farms business flourishes even in

the late fall and winter because of a loyal and

well-established patronage coming from

a distance of 40 to 50 miles or more. More

information is available on the Cole FarmsWeb site at www.colefarms.com.

Cole Farms: More than just desserts, updated menu keeps diners happyBy David A. Sargent


Vivien Estes, left, of Yarmouth, a frequent diner at

Cole Farms, looks on as Natalie Tombarelli, Gray,

makes some additions to the entryway menu

board.

Cole Farms

64 Lewiston Rd.

Route 202, Gray

657-5866Across from Spring Meadows

Golf & Country Club

www.colefarms.com


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At Colemans Collision

Center, located at 1524

Minot Avenue in Auburn,

the customer is priority one.

From towing a vehicle to the

shop and working with insurance

companies to completing repairs

and restoration, their certified

specialists are at the ready to deliver

service and support with honest y,

efficiency, and customer-driven

professionalism.

We are an honest company, said

owner Phil OConnor. Everything

we do is in the best interest of our

customer. Its just the way we dobusiness.

Colemans efforts toward

increased efficiency and quality are

constant according to OConnor

and are illustrated by the past years

commitment to green practices.

His shop in Saco is using the Spies

Hecker (Dupont) waterborne paint

system, a product that is jet-dried

with air better for the environment

as well as for the employees who

use it. The end result is a restoredvehicle returned to the customer

in a more timely fashion. Auburns

location will be retrofitted for this

new process in 2010.

Our offices are now paperless,

confirmed OConnor, who said

everything is stored electronically

to allow for faster retrieval and

sharing of information. We are

always reviewing our processes

to see what can be done better,

more efficiently. And the question isalways how, and what changes do

we make to benefit the customer.

The shop now offers e-estimates

from their Web site at www.

poccollison.com, a quick and easy

way for customers to get a general

idea of the cost of repairs to their

vehicle from the comfort of their

own homes.

OConnor travels throughout the

country studying best practices of

industry leaders, bringing back new

ideas and introducing them to the

Coleman team. The goal is to take

what is good and make it great.

Ot h er se rv ic es t h at se t

Colemans apart include: free

mobile estimating, free pick

up and delivery, rides to work

or home, assistance in claims

process, assistance with towing,

wr i t t en l i fe t ime war ran t y ,

paintless dent repair, electronicclaims processing and heavy-

duty and motor home repairs.

Paperwork, paint, and process

aside, OConnor confirmed that it is

the Coleman team that makes the

true difference for their customers.

All of us are accountable, not only

to the customer and the industry,

but to one another, he explained.

And when we are, everyone

benefits. We only hire the best,

people who are not only the bestat what they do, but how they do

it, and their attitude towards life in

general. I love all our employees

and its important to me that

they too, have a good experience

working on the Coleman team. I

want to give back to them through

education, top salaries, full benefit

packages, insurance, uniforms,

even a matching 401K plan.

OConnor knows a happy team

makes happy customers. What

happens here must always benefit

the customer and I stand by that.

Thats why I want to be sure my

team is in the happiest and best

place they can be, personally as well

as professionally. Its never about

getting the sale; its about getting

the customer.

Colemans Collision Center is a

division of POC Collision which also

owns R.P. Bell Collision in Saco, Maine.

Colemans Collision Center

1524 Minot Avenue

Auburn

784-6121

www.poccollision.com

By Donna Keene Rousseau

Freelance Writer


We believe

providing service

with state-o-the

art equipment

and processes thatalways beneft

the customer sets

us apart. I we

do anything that

does not beneft

our customer, we

consider it a waste.

Phil OConnor

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P

ulling into the parking lot at R.S. Osgood

& Sons can be a bit intimidating for first

time visitors. Traveling along Rt. 2, driversonly catch a glimpse of the tremendous amount

of inventory available to customers. Once you

step through the door and into the showroom,

however, there is little doubt why R.S. Osgood

& Sons will be celebrating its 80th anniversary

this year. A friendly, warm environment greets

customers with a welcoming atmosphere that

helps them feel at home. Our biggest thing

is the personal attention we are able to give

our customers, third generation owner Cindy

Osgood said. We service ever ything we sell, we

have the parts in stock and experience with theequipment.

Founded by Roland Osgood in 1930, R.S.

Osgood & Sons has been helping customers

in the surrounding area for 80 years. There is

a sense of pride that runs throughout the 12

employees, showing a concern and desire to be

of help when called upon. Osgood senses that

pride and understood the importance of dealing

with customers needs when she took over the

business from her father, Spencer, in 2003. She

also has the knowledge and understanding of

the area and what her customers are looking

for in equipment. Before Osgood became the

owner, R.S. Osgood & Sons completed an upgrade

and expansion to their sales and accounting

department that has proven extremely helpful

over the past seven years. Additionally, their parts

department has taken giant steps forward to

ensure customers have the parts they need, when

they need them and at competitive prices.Recent trends have seen large farms dwindling

and the economy declining. Keeping that in mind,

R.S. Osgood & Sons has moved forward, ready to

help those people who are looking to produce

their own food on a small amount of land and still

need reliable equipment to perform day-to-day

tasks. Homeowners are doing a lot of gardening,

people with five to 15 acres. They may have a few

horses or cattle; some have small gardens and

many have larger gardens, Osgood said. We

have the equipment to help those people be

successful, as well as those working larger farms.Nestled in a small western Maine community

has been a positive factor in the continued

growth of the company. Through their reputation

of service and reliability, R.S. Osgood & Sons has

developed a niche that customers have come to

rely on, one that has given them a broad base of

returning and new customers. I like where we are

situated, Osgood said. We dont lose touch with

the customers. For the most part we have known

most of them forever.

Helping to support that base has been an

exceptional parts and service departments.

Brad Whittemore and Debbie Wentworth

continue to excel in their expertise in the parts

department, while shop foreman David Haynes,

Jody Thompson and Kent Wagstaff boost a

knowledgeable service department.

Osgood also relies on the experience and

knowledge of John Conant in sales; Chipper

Osgood, with 16 years in the service and warranty

department; and bookkeeper Susan Richards,

who has been with the company for 20 years.

In addition to offering a full line of Kubotas,

R.S. Osgood & Sons also sells lawn and garden

equipment, including Toro, Cub Cadet, Stihl,

Honda and farm equipment by Kuhn and Woods

and Landpride.

Trends motivate their focusBy Dave McLaughlin


Parts department personnel Debbie Wentworth

and Brad Whittemore with customer Billy Mallett.

Sales Manager John Conant

Above, shop foreman David Haynes and Jody

Thompson in the service department.

Above, Kent Wagsta in the service department.


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Jim Piper of LA Auto Company in Lew-

iston opened his doors for business inFebruary 2009 and since then he has con-

centrated on doing everything right. In a

challenging economy where competition

is tight, he has dedicated himself to pro-

viding his customers service that reflects

his commitment to them and to the vehi-

cles he sells.

We specialize in inventory that is

meticulously serviced and restored to

almost new condition, explained Piper.

We want our vehicles to be dependable,long-lasting, well-maintained, and rea-

sonably priced. Thats why we offer the

three-month/3,000-mile warranty. He

continued, I have two on-site mechanics

and one full-time reconditioning profes-

sional. We want to sell our customers used

vehicles that they can feel proud to drive.

When it comes to preparing a car for the

lot, my staff knows not to skimp.

According to Piper, the business over

the past year has carved itself a niche inused foreign cars. He admits the direction

was not intentional; his lot features a wide

inventory of used vehicles ranging from

Ford Mustangs and Honda Accords to

Audis, Volvos, and Mercedes Benz.

I have a passion for cars, said Piper.Every Thursday I travel to New Hamp-

shire and Massachusetts for auctions. I

go early, before the auction starts, to view

the inventory, check for vehicle condition,

and determine what will be required to

move a car from the back of my building

to the front. He laughed when he said he

searches for cars with eyes, those that

catch the attention by their design, color

and styling. He focuses on the high-end

features including moon roofs, leatherinteriors, and heated seats, among other

details, and generally tries to stay with

2004 or newer models with mileage

under 100,000 miles.

We can also locate specific vehicles

for customers, said Piper. I can sit down

with a customer to determine budget,

features, make and model of a car of his or

her choice. If customers know what they

want, I can find it. And from the first to

the last car he has located for a customer,every one has left his lot happily satisfied.

A car with eyes is exactly what

brought Steve Roop of Auburn to LA

Auto Company. I saw Jim driving around

in a car that I liked the looks of. When I

stopped in, he had already sold it, but hesaid he knew what I was looking for and

he went to auction, Roop said. I was on

vacation at the time. He brought back a

beautiful 2003 Mercedes S Series sedan

and I went in and bought it.

Roop, who has always driven used vehi-

cles and trucks said that while he likes the

higher end inventory LA Auto Company

offers, he especially likes the convenience

of local servicing for his new car. A lot of

what can make owning cars like Volvo,Mercedes, and Audi expensive is servicing

them out-of-town, added Roop.

Pete Nadeau, of Greene, Maine, is another

satisfied customer of LA Auto Company.

We purchased two cars from Jim, one

for my son, and another for my wife, said

Nadeau. Jim bent over backwards to make

sure we were happy. He called me from the

auction when he was searching for a car

for my son. Even after the sale, if we had an

issue, Jim took care of us. I was impressed.Hes been very good to us.

A year ago, Piper set out on a business

venture to build a better car buying expe-

rience for his customers, one less painful

than a visit to the dentist. A year later, he

has happy buyers, including Roop and

Nadeau, confirming his success. It was a

fantastic experience.

733 Sabattus St.

Lewiston, Maine777-0047

LA Auto: Convenience of local servicing makes for satisfied buyersBy Donna Keene Rousseau


Green from Day One is the firstthing youll notice, on the sign at

the driveway entrance to the new

Chapman Collision Center, at 2085

Lisbon Rd., in Lewiston. Because

we opened this shop from

scratch, just this past December,

said Bob Chapman, we were

able to do everything right. We

were able to help protect the

environment, provide a healthier

workplace for our own people,

and do the best possible job ofmatching f actory-original paint

jobs, all at the same time.

Using a waterborne basecoat

from PPG Industries instead of the

more conventional solvent-based

systems can reduce the amount of

smog and ozone-damaging VOC

chemical compounds released

into the air by as much as 80%.

This is the latest technology in

use in as much as 90% of auto

man ufac t ur in g , C h ap man

explained, but its a relatively

new capability in collision repair

facilities. Not only is it good for the

environment, but because its the

same process as the factories use,

it enables us to precisely match

factory colors. Chapman knows

what hes talking about. Before

opening his own shop, he had

spent 19 years running body shops

in Augusta and Lewiston-Auburn.

The new technology lets us do

a better job for our customers,

he said. Controlled, consistent

pressure from new stainless steel

paint guns provides a consistent

coating that is virtually the same

as the original. Youd be surprised,

he added, by how many subtle

variations there are to each color

produced by each manufacturer;

but we can match them all. The

shop is equipped with a Devilibiss

direct gas-fired baking booth along

with a Drive on 360 degree frame

machine.

Chapmans 8,000 square foot

shop, with 15 working bays, is

three miles from Turnpike exit 80.

It can accommodate everything

from custom-paint jobs on

motorcycle tanks to huge tour

buses and dump trucks. It is the

only heavy-duty repair facility in

the area, with a 14x14 door and

an 80-foot-long bay.

If it rides on the road, it can fit inour shop, Chapman laughed. They

have personnel licensed to operate

big rigs, and they can provide

on-site estimates wherever the

equipment might be.

Chapman Collision handles all

insurance paperwork for their

customers, including rental cars

(drop-off and pick-up as well). Our

goal, Chapman explained, is to get

our customers vehicles repaired in

the right amount of time, the first

time. He tells the story of a driver

from Massachusetts who was rear-

ended in a collision in Portland

recently. That customer was

referred to Chapman by a friend,

and was happy with the repair job.

Unfortunately, the same driver

was involved in a second accident

two days later, and was back at

Chapmans.

Eventually, the whole industry will

move to the kind of technology

were using now, Chapman said,

but we are well ahead of the curve.Its expensive to convert existing

equipment to what is needed for

these new coatings, but weve

been able to get it right to go

green right from the start.

Chapman Collision Center went green from day oneBy Rich Livingston


Bob Chapman keeps a close eye on technology that allows for better job results.

Chapman Collision Center 2085 Lisbon Rd., Lewiston 782-2022


L A t M ll R lli f d d l ki h d

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Ittakes a solid foundation of quality

product and excellent customer serviceto maintain and even increase growth

in the face of the current recessionary economy,

but thats what Lee Auto Malls is achieving.

John Isaacson, CEO of The Lee Auto Malls, said,

We are successful because we have built a

diverse line of franchises. The list of autos sold by

Lee now includes Dodge, Chrysler, Cadillac, Jeep,

Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Scion, and GMC trucks.

In the face of recession, the past year has seen

the addition of 70 new employees statewideand eight additional locations. We have a lot

of long-term employees who work hard to take

care of our customers, Isaacson continued. He

noted that Lee Auto Malls is often making sales

to fourth generation customers.

Shopping for a new or used car at Lee Auto Malls

is easy and pleasant. The huge lots are filled

with selections and there are multiple bright

and shiny showrooms. Repair service is quick

and easy, with a comfortable new lounge area

with snacks and high-definition TV available in

Auburn.

Isaacson outlined the company history that goes

back to a 1936 DeSoto-Plymouth dealership

named Advance Auto Sales on Franklin Street

in Auburn. Neither the original building nor the

street are now in existence. In 1969 Shep Lee, son

of the founder, moved the business to what was

then a two-lane outer Center Street.

It was a huge risk, Isaacson said. It was like theedge of the earth. The Auburn Mall did not exist,

the Veterans Bridge was not yet built and there

were no other car dealers in the area, just farms.

Today, every new car sold in this county is sold on

outer Center Street.

Nevertheless, the company grew steadily. Shep

Lee was the first in Maine to own more than one

auto dealership. Lee Auto Malls now comprises

six auto dealerships in Lewiston-Auburn and

20 across Maine Presque Isle to Saco and

Topsham to Norway making it the largest auto

sales organization in the state.

Bill Menke, Lee Auto Malls general manager, said

people are keeping their cars longer and they

are paying attention to proper maintenance.

When they shop for a new car, they are focusing

on gas mileage and safety. In addition to Hybrid

vehicles, he said there will be a lot of progress in

the near future in clean-running diesel vehicles

and full-size, fully electric cars.

Energy efficiency in the cars they sell is also

reflected in the companys attention to goodenergy practices in their buildings. New lot

lighting that uses less electricity and causes less

upward light loss was installed at the Center

Street location recently. More efficient lighting

and other green measures have been taken

inside the buildings. Menke also explained

that Lee Auto Malls has become the first local

business to utilize Zero-Sort for 100 percent

waste paper recycling.

Support for many community organizations and

events has always been an important part of

the Lee business philosophy. Isaacson said, We

take very seriously the obligation to give back to

our communities. More than 1,000 requests for

donations are received by the company every

year. Isaacson said funds are given to as many as

possible, and every request, whether funded ornot, receives a written response.

With its 75th anniversary celebration coming up

in 2011, Isaacson sees emphasis on continued

growth for the locally-owned and managed

firm. The Web site at www.leeauto.com offers

a wealth of up-to-date information about the

availability and price of hundreds of vehicles,

and the inventory can be searched by new, used,

year, make, style and price criteria. Theres also

plenty of information about financing.

By David A. Sargent

Freelance Writer

Lee Auto Malls: Rolling forward and looking ahead

At Lee Auto, We never forget whos driving.

AUBURN

777 Center Street

Toll free (888) 343-5695Local (207) 784-5441

www.leeauto.com

John Isaacson (above left), CEO, and Bill Menke (above right), general manager of Lee Auto Malls, stand in the Center St. showroom.

Photo: Jose Leiva


hi d h f h d

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Atow-behind camper delivered to

your avorite campsite can provide

your amily with an afordable,dependable vacation home or much less

than you might expect. A big, Class-A diesel

pusher motorhome, ully equipped with

such amenities as 40 plasma TVs, convec-

tion ovens, Corian counters, washers and

dryers, lets you roam the countryside at

will, to ollow the concert or racing circuits,

or to ollow the weather, wherever you like.

Whited Motorhome and RV Center, on Hotel

Road in Auburn, celebrates its ninth year

with millions o dollars o new inventory,and an open house with rereshments and

specials on parts and service. This is already

shaping up as the recovery year or the RV

industry, said Whited General Manager Gary

Mynahan. Theres pent-up demand rom

people who have postponed their purchase,

and theyre ready, now. There are great

new nancing options in place, both rom

local Maine nancial institutions and rom

national sources. Whited is in terric shape,

with lots o RVs arriving every week.

Diversication helps, or sure, Mynahan

explained. And, were diversiying the RV

line this year, too: were now an ocially

authorized Winnebago dealer rom small,

Class-C gasoline models, vans, and up to

Class-A gasoline models, too. Thats in addi-

tion to the big diesel Tin, Fleetwood and

Forest River motorhomes and the tow-able

travel trailers were known or. Adding Win-

nebago to the Ford and Peterbilt trucks

the company also represents means that

Whited now ofers three o the most iconic

American brands on the road.

Shopping or an RV is like buying a home,

Mynahan said, and so it helps that we have

people like Scott Lewis and Bill Strauss

who have been part o this industry or more

than 15 years. Its an educational process, and

people like to take their time. And we make

it un, too. Its a kid-riendly place, because

kids need to be a big part o the decision

process, and they really enjoy exploring all

the nooks and crannies, he added. The Web

site www.whitedrv.com provides direct

access to the entire Whited inventory, lets you

browse options, pricing, parts, and learn how

to take advantage o the RV experience.

Because Whiteds RVbusiness is affiliated

with the larger, heavy-truck business next door,the company didntexperience the full extent

of the recent downturn.

Whited Motorhome & RV: Icons of the open roadBy Rich Livingston

Freelance Writer/Photographer

Whited Motorhome & RV2160 Hotel Road, Auburn, Maine

1-800-235-3613

A

ter nearly 90 years as, arguably,

the preeminent social and goling

club in the Lewiston-Auburn area,

Martindale Country Club opens its doors and its links to the general public in a

semi-private nature. Co-owners Jim Day

and Nick Glicos (who also serves as director

o gol) have committed to making every

aspect o the Martindale experience as

rewarding as possible, or both members

and guests alike.

The main dining hall, reurbished along

with the rest o the clubhouse, remains

available or weddings, business meetings,

and all sorts o private unctions, with

exceptional menu options. The public is also

invited to dine in the popular Grille Room,

where there is also an ambitious new menu.

General manager Mike Williams said, We

expect the new Martindale to be one o

the great dining experiences in Lewiston-

Auburn. Fresh ingredients, innovative

dishes, and moderate prices are evident on

the new menus. This will be a destination

or everyone, not just golers. We really

want everyone to treat Martindales Grill

Nineteen like they would any other inerestaurant in town.

Martindale remains, oremost, a gol

acility. We want everyone members,

guests, and the general public to simply

have un here and enjoy the exceptionally

conditioned gol course, superb

ood and beverage acility, and

proessional atmosphere, said

Glicos, who has a distinguished

20-year career in Maine gol and

is president o the Maine chapter

o the New England PGA.

Jim and I are really committed

to Martindale long-term, Glicos said.

Jim is an exceptional businessman and has

extensive experience in ood and beverage,

real estate development, and brings a

wealth o knowledge to the operation. Jim

has been a member o Martindale or many

years and is very active in the community.

For he and I to operate Martindale together

is very exciting. I think our skills complement

each other and we have worked closely onimproving the clubs acilities and operations.

The keys to success at Martindale will be

close proessional management, both in the

restaurant and on the gol course, Glicos

asserted. Day and Glicos have brought in

certiied CGSA, Scott Cybulski, as their new

gol course superintendent, one o only

three certiied gol course superintendents

in the state o Maine. Cybulski had servedthe past 15 seasons at the Falmouth

Country Club. Scott is one o the states

top superintendents without question.

His work over the years at Falmouth

demonstrates this. Maine gol has been

given a nice head start by Mother

Nature this spring, Glicos said. The

course came through the winter

in amazingly good condition,

and players should have a great

experience right rom the start.

All 18 greens are in super shape to

start the year. We have a number o

on-course upgrades, that will take place

throughout the season, that will be evident

to everyone playing here this year. Players

will also ind an entirely new leet o gol

carts in place, another sign o how things

are changing.

There are leagues or men, women, and

couples. Women who are not members o

the club are invited to play in leagues and

it is not necessary to commit to the entireseason. They can play once, once in awhile,

or as oten as they like. Tee times or the nine-

hole league will be between 4 to 5 p.m. on

Mondays, starting on May 17. Those playing

will also be able to enjoy gol lessons, weekly

games, wine tastings: Its all about having

un, said Glicos.

Membership has its privileges, too,

including a ull tournament schedule,

preerred tee times, billing privileges,

discounts on lessons and club services,

as well as a number o social unctions

throughout the year. The membership is

enthusiastic about the outcome o the sale

o the club, Glicos said. Were really excited

about bringing them a great product and

service. The public is welcome at select

times each day. The cost o membership

has gone down considerably and we expect

that 75% o our play will be derived rom our

members. But it is a whole new experience,

and we really want everyone to be able to

enjoy this wonderul acility.

Martindale Country Club527 Beech Hill Rd., Auburn

782-9074

www.martindalecc.com

By Rich Livingston Freelance Writer

Martindale Country Club opens its doors and links


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Stepping into Aordable Eyes on Center

Street in Auburn is like going on a shop-

ping trip with an old friend. Proprietor

Bill Nadeau believes that it is very important

that his customers feel comfortable with

the process of purchasing eyeglasses and at

Aordable Eyes the customers do.

Nadeau began his career in eye care more

than 30 years ago as an optical technician. In

1995, Nadeau became a certied optician and

became passionate about providing excellent

customer service.

Approximately four years ago he put his many

talents to use at Aordable Eyes. Nadeau con-

siders the purchase of eyeglasses to be similar

to the purchase of a piece of jewelry. This

should be a fun experience, he exclaimed

with a smile, referring to his product as face

jewelry.

The simple coziness of the Aordable Eyes

showroom allows Nadeau to give friendly,

honest and professional individual attention

to each visitor. With more than 240 frame styles

to choose from, he takes his time helping yound a style and t that ts your style.

From wire frames to plastic, black, brown, silver

and gold to bursting with color and light, men,

women, boys and girls will nd something

that looks great. Aordable Eyes has some-

thing for the entire family.

Born and raised in Maine, Nadeau understands

that Mainers want both friendly customer

service and quality products that will stand

the test of time and wear. Although frames are

purchased from various distributors, all lenses

are crafted on-site in accordance with each

customers prescription.

Single vision, lined and no-line bifocals are

all available, as are sunglasses. Lenses can be

tinted to any color you like, and new lenses

can be cut to t in a frame that you have pur-

chased elsewhere, or even an old frame that

you just dont want to give up.

Perhaps the most striking dierence between

Aordable Eyes and other eyewear retailers is

the price. Depending on the brand of frame

that you choose, and your prescription, your

new eyeglasses will cost anywhere from $59

to $159, with a second pair starting at just $40.

Aordable Eyes is open every weekday from

9:30 until 6:00 and Saturday from 9:30 until

1:00, although they do close the third Saturday

of every month. For more information, they

can be reached by telephone at 333-6927.

Aordable Eyes stands behind its products

and Nadeaus goal is to make sure you will be

completely satised with the way you look

and the way you see.

Your comfort, both after you receive your

eyeglasses, as well as while you are choosing

and tting your face jewelry, is what makes

Aordable Eyes a clearly good choice when

the time comes to purchase eyewear.

Joanne Hillwig, of Lewiston, sits with Bill Nadeau and

tries on a pair of eyeglasses.

Affordable Eyes: Style and fit that fits your style

229 Center StreetAuburn, Maine 333-6927

By Deborah Conway



SpringblossomsatDonnasGreenhouses

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W

hat began as a small vegetable

stand in 1986, has grown and

blossomed into a colorful and

expansive array of products and services to

suit the fancy of any gardener. From soil and

compost materials, to annual and perennial

flowers, vegetable plants and herbs, as

well as fruit trees and bushes, Donnas can

get you started. With a variety of fertilizers

and mulches, all available for pick-up or

for delivery in bulk, Donnas will help you

keep your garden healthy and beautifully

maintained.

For those who enjoy decorating, Donnas

carries a large assortment of Massarellistone garden accent pieces and bubbling

fountains. Owners Donna and Chuck McNally

travel extensively, visiting art auctions and

other out-of-the-way places, and delight in

bringing unique and affordable decorative

pieces to offer their clientele.

In addition to their five greenhouses and

multiple meandering outdoor garden paths

with well-stocked tables and trays, bountiful

hanging floral baskets, and landscaped areas

teaming with colorful flowers and delightful

statuary, Donnas has a lovely gift shop

stocked with locally made Blackcat Pottery,

pottery by Wayne Messer of Cumberland,

bird feeders, sundials, candles and gifts for

the nature enthusiast, as well as all of the

essential garden tools and seeds.

Donna and Chuck have mastered the

art of gardening and enjoy sharing their

knowledge as much as they enjoy sharing

their flowers. For the gardener who wants toenhance his or her ability to get a plant from

seed to garden, Donnas offers weekend

classes in Growing Seedlings. Chuck will

provide all of the supplies and assistance

needed to start and grow 72 plants for your

garden. Donna will be leading Container

Gardening classes on how to create awindow box or other container garden

with plants of your choosing, whether you

prefer flowering, vegetable or herb. These

classes are offered through a local Adult &

Community Education program and require

preregistration by calling 345-3217.

In addition, every Saturday in May, Chuck

will teach a Raised Bed Gardening class

on techniques and resource development

for creating raised bed gardens. Call or visit

Donnas Greenhouses for more information

regarding classes. Although the raisedbed gardening class is free, the fee for the

Adult Education classes is minimal. In mid-

June, Donnas will participate in the annual

Country Garden Tea & Tour over four days

of plants, tea and snacks. FMI, visit www.

countrygardenteaandtour.com.

Donnas Greenhouses, 216 Ricker Road,New Gloucester, is open every day until 6 p.m.

Visit their greenhouses and gift shop and take

a stroll through their gardens, or call Donna

and Chuck at 926-3776 to see how they can

help you make the most of your green thumb

by gettin dirty at Donnas.

April showers bring Mayflowers, and so muchmore this time of year atDonnas Greenhouses inNew Gloucester.

By Deborah Conway

Freelance Writer

Spring blossoms at Donna s Greenhouses

Donnas

Greenhouses

216 Ricker Rd., New Gloucester926-3776


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PR FILESUN JOURNAL 201024 Sun Journal,Lewiston,Maine,Saturday,April 10,2010 25PR FILESUN JOURNAL 2010Sun Journal,Lewiston,Maine,Saturday,April 10,2010

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PR FILESUN JOURNAL 20106 Lewiston, Maine, April 10, 2010

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Reggies Sales & Service: Time to grow and mow

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Its name - Reggies Sales and Service may,

technically describe the business, but itdoesnt begin to explain what they do or

how they do it. Specialists in a wide range

of outdoor power equipment, for lawn,

garden, commercial landscaping and for-

estry, along with a broad array of protection

and safety gear, Reggies is as much about

service (and parts) as it is about sales.

Our goal, said Reggie Emery Jr., a 20-year

veteran of the business, is to make sure our

customers can get their work done, whetherwere talking about homeowners or woods-

men. We want to be sure they have the

right equipment for their jobs, and that the

equipment works the way its supposed to.

With an extensive assortment of power

equipment from such dependable names

as Stihl, Husqvarna, Echo, Jonsered Chain

Saws, and a new line of commercial-grade

blowers and weed wackers from Shindaiwa,

Reggies tools are built to last, to handle

tough jobs in the field. We know that timeis money, Emery explained. Well keep you

in the field.

Reggies may be among the biggest inde-

pendent purveyors of snow blowers and

home-oriented winter gear in the Lewiston-

Auburn area, but their biggest focus is on

what comes out of the ground rather than

what falls on to it.

Reggie Emery Sr., a supplier to the most

rugged outdoors industries for more

than three decades, built the companys

reputation by servicing woodcutters. The

company always has at least 250 chain saws

in stock, including more than 40 different

models, suitable for any size lot, variety of

tree or harvesting operation. And Reggies

will gladly fulfill any special orders that may

be beyond their inventory, as well.

The company is a family-friendly enterprise

that also meets homeowners needs, any

time of year. We have a great reputation

for snow blowers and generators, Emery

said, but our busy season really starts in

the spring, when mowers and landscap-

ing equipment displace snow blowers in

the big lot on the hill overlooking Minot

Avenue, in Auburn.

Exmark, for example, is among the biggestnames in mowing and landscaping, and

they are constantly bringing the latest tech-

nological innovations to the industry, Emery

added. But, while Reggies has always been

about managing things that grow, new

this year will be a focus on actually growing

things. Beginning this spring, Reggies will

add a new commercial greenhouse capac-ity to the Minot Avenue location, providing

unusual varieties of vegetables, savories,

flowers and seedlings.

Specialized peppers, for example,

Emery said, or Oriental eggplants.

People might be surprised by the

variety of produce that can be grown

in Maine. Reggies greenhouse opera-

tion will offer grow-to-order plantings for

landscapers, and also have a direct retail

element.

Ive been growing for years, Emery said.

Weve had commercial greenhouses in

the past. But moving to this location will be

much more convenient for customers lots

of parking, more display space.

For several years, Reggies has given away

tomato plants through local foodbanks, and

to school and veteran organizations. How

great is it for people to be able to grow their

own food?

gg gBy Rich Livingston


Reggies

Sales & Service

1334 Minot Avenue,Auburn, Maine 04210

207-783-0558


Aqua-Max of Maine:

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Aqua Max of Maine:Free your home and water supply of pollutants and poisons

Aqua-Max of Maine 914 Sabattus Street Lewiston, ME 04240 207-782-1005www.aquamaxofmaine.com

Side-by-side tap

water comparison:

Polluted (left)versus

Clean (right)Over the last 16 years Dan and Brenda

Cote have expanded their busi-

ness at Aqua-Max of Maine, locatedat 914 Sabattus Street, Lewiston, with the

addition of four sta members. Today, they

continue to educate the public about water

quality and its eects along with the impor-

tance of buying products and services from

people who are certied in their trade by the

Water Quality Association.

CERTIFICATION

Cote said it is a great honor to be a member

of WQA, an international trade association

representing the residential, commercial,

industrial and small community water treat-

ment industry. Cote also sits as a Board

Member for the Eastern Water Quality Asso-

ciation which serves the eastern part to the

United States.

When making proper equipment com-

parisons, who would you depend on for

the answers a store employee/ trades-

man with generic knowledge or a certied

knowledgeable educator/salesperson whohas passed WQA exams and has also been

factory trained? In a typical big box store or

hardware supply house you may not be able

to nd an employee with knowledge about

water chemistry, or for that matter, proper

sizing experience.

Cote noted that theres a move for national

certication to be required of all vendors of

water quality products and he is hoping that

certication does in fact catch on; this way,

consumers will feel safer and will have more

knowledge about their water chemistry and

how the system actually works.

At Aqua-Max of Maine, being certied

means we have the knowledge and experi-

ence to explain to the consumer the whys

and hows of a system and why quality of a

product is important. Quality and proper

sizing will give you more buy for the buck,

Cote said, dont short change your op tions.

At Aqua-Max of Maine, we are proud of

Wayne Bates, our top educator/salesperson

of the year for Hague Quality Water Prod-

ucts in the North East region which incor-

porates New Jersey, New York and the six

New England States, said Cote. Bates follows

the WQA industry code of ethics along with

participating in the annual certication pro-

grams. Bates is proud to be a member of

WQA; it makes his job easier to explain to

the customer the importance of eld testingand customizing options along with infor-

mation on new innovative techniques.

QUALITYCheaper is not necessarily good or bad, but

before, during, and after your water treat-

ment purchase, ask yourself, Who can and

will answer your questions professionally?

Dont be fooled; always get an independent

lab test done and always, always ask for a full

explanation of the results, what they actually

mean in regards to health and the eects on

your home plumbing and heating. I promise

it will save you dollars, said Cote.

INNOVATIONProducts constantly evolve and, said Cote,

We need to stay up-to-date with the current

changes to our environment. You can rest

assure that when you buy from Aqua-Max of

Maine, youre dealing with educated instruc-

tors/salespeople who will let you know what

your options are even before you make apurchase.

Aqua-Max of Maine can help you deter-

mine your living and working water needs.

Cote said, Not sure what the dierence

is between living and working water? Ask

us at Aqua-Max of Maine. Want to know if

your existing water treatment products are

ecient or wasteful or part of the go green

movement? Call us at Aqua-Max of Maine at

782-1005.

In addition to certied water treatment

products, Aqua-Max of Maine provides

quality Water and Air Radon Mitigation

Services. Reducing radon from your well or

the air in your home is a job for a certied

expert.

Cote explained, Most people are not aware

that a home in the city can also have radon

issues in the air. Call A & L Laboratory for a

radon test kit at 784-5354 or pick up a kit atHotel Road, Auburn, Maine.

Aqua-Max sta are certied radon mitiga-

tors and are registered with the state of

Maine radon department. The Aqua-Max

team has been initially certied by the

Rutgers University in New Jersey following

the Maine state standards.

CASH-AND-CARRYSHOWROOMFor those who like to do

their own home repairs,

Aqua-Max of Maine

now oers a cash-

and-carry showroom

located at 914 Sab-

attus Street, Lew-

iston. The team is

qualied to explain

what equipment and

installation proce-

dures are needed to

properly x issues the

right way. We encour-

age people to bring intheir water report for

a full explanation of the

results. The showroom has

an area where we can test for some con-

taminants. Cote added, Bring in a water

sample or obtain an A & L Laboratory kit at

our showroom.

TECHNOLOGY The white mailboxes in front of the show-

room have A & L Laboratory kits available for

pick-up and drop o during business hours

or after hours, which ever is more conve-

nient for the customer. If a person wants an

appointment for in-home testing, Aqua-Max

of Maine will dispatch a person to the home

for a free water analysis without any pres-

sure to buy anything.

Aqua-Max of Maine sta carry an exten-

sive portable lab when they are on the

road so we can bring the lab to your

home to test and treat your water onsite, said Cote. The benet of having your

water tested on site, right in front of you,

is that the visibility of the test procedure

should alleviate any skepticism you may

have about the integrity of the water test

and actually see how well the recommended

system would work by utilizing a miniature

water treatment device at your own kitchen

sink. Cote said, As we

used to say, the proof

is in the pudding.

An overview, whether

you are treating

water stains, odors

or carcinogens such

as arsenic, or water

and air radon in your

home, Aqua-Max

of Maine can makeresolving such issues

less complicated with a

visit to the showroom or call

for an appointment and we will visit you.

SAVINGS FOR YOU

The team at Aqua-Max of Maine can show

you examples of untreated water along with

its eects. Cote said, As an example, most

people dont realize that simple water treat-

ment can cut energy costs by 29% that

is huge. Water treatment can lower main-

tenance on heating elements and treated

water will heat faster producing immediate

hot water savings.

Treated water means septic systems are not

exposed to harmful detergents, and even

results in huge savings on cleaning supplies.

Aqua-Max carries all natural biodegradable

cleaning and personal soap products that

can save up to a $1,000 dollars per year, for

an average family of four, said Cote, and allof these products are manufactured with

plant-based materials totally hypo-aller-

genic concentrated soaps that dont have

any chemical preservatives and are ideal for

new front loading washing machines. Visit

the showroom to see these products for

yourself and get a full explanation of their

benets to you.


Hammond Tractor wants to know: Is it spring yet?

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Although Hammond Tractor, on

Minot Avenue in Auburn, providesa wide range of winter equipment, it

is spring and summer when the company is

busiest. The largest farm, garden, commer-

cial, golf and turf, and commercial chipper

dealer in New England, Hammond Tractor

helps you take care of the work that needs

to be done outdoors: dairy and vegetable

farms, construction job sites, golf courses,

and your own backyard.

Nothing runs like a Deere, is, of course, the

famous signature of the company with its

modest beginnings in the prairies of the

1830s, and that philosophy is fulfilled every

day by the folks at Hammond Tractor.

Although Hammond provides the most

diverse inventory of John Deere equipment

of any retailer anywhere near its territory, it

also offers a wide range of equipment from

more than two dozen other dependable

manufacturers, enabling a perfect match

between the work that must be done andthe means to do it. Such familiar brands as

Mahindra Tractors, DR, Walker Mowers, and

Kuhn, are well represented.

The company sells and services a large line

of Honda power equipment such as gen-

erators, lawn mowers, pumps and more,

and has recently added Stihl chain saws

and trimmers. Theres a wide range of used

equipment and even an array of kid-sized

John Deere gear.

Family-owned for more than a genera-

tion, Hammond is dedicated to Auburn.

Gary Hammond, an Edward Little gradu-

ate, believes in investing in the city, and the

company is well-positioned to be here for a

long time. Stan Spilecki, general manager of

the Auburn dealership, explained that, We

do a lot of long-term, strategic planning,

thats constantly updated. It helps keep us

innovative and efficient. Thats especially

important in tough economic times, he

added, because customers know they can

count on you.

The business is built on the combination of

superior service with a staff of thoroughly

experienced certified technicians, com-

bined with a huge inventory. Hammond

continues to service equipment that hasbeen in the field for decades and has com-

puter access to the lifetime history of every

John Deere tractor brought to its service

department.

With additional locations in Union and Fair-

field, Maine, Hammond Tractor has a staff

of 90, and a massive inventory of all sizes of

tractors suited to every size job and site, suit-

able for homeowners and small farmers.

The company also stocks, sells and services

workhorse tractors and commercial site-

work equipment including mini-excavators

and specialized agricultural tractors and

commercial mowing equipment, with the

latest technology and most ergonomically-

correct operator features.

That diversity ensures that all customers,

regardless of how modest their needs might

be, have access to a level of professional

knowledge and skills that is unchallenged

in the industry. Hammond Tractors motto is

Committed People, Exceptional Value.

The Web site, www.hammondtractor.com,

provides convenient links to all the brands

carried at all the Hammond locations,

making it easy to find the right equipmentfor the job. Back yard or back-40, Hammond

Tractor has what it takes to cut the work

down to size.

g y

Hammond Tractor1110 Minot Avenue,Auburn, Maine 04210

207-782-8921www.hammondtractor.com

By Rich Livingston



Pineland Lumber: Nearly 100 years of commonality

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Doing business locally is more

important today than ever before.For nearly 100 years, Pineland

Lumber has remained committed to its

community and responsive to their needs.

According to Neal Ouellette, who co-owns

Pineland Lumber along with Ruth Gallagher,

the business has been a proud contributor to

the economic growth in Lewiston-Auburn

and, throughout its history, has looked for

opportunities to give back to the community

that has supported its business success.

Ouellette expressed an increased need forsupporting local community organizations

and businesses in economic times like

these. As with many businesses, Pineland

Lumber receives solicitations weekly for

supplies and materials for various group

and organizational projects throughout

Androscoggin County.

Alongside its community support is

Pineland Lumbers effort to help individual

building contractors control the costs to

their customers in a tough, competitive

market. With this in mind, Pineland Lumber

is a member of Lumbermens Merchandising

Corporation, the largest buying co-opavailable for independent lumber dealers.

Pinelands membership allows them to level

the playing field, keeping them competitive

pricewise with the larger big box stores.

Perhaps one of Pineland Lumbers greatest

secrets to success in a slow economy,

however, is its ability to deliver customer

service with a veteran team of professionals

ranging from the company owners to

yardmen, from inside and outside sales staff

to project designers. Together they boastmore than 250 years experience in the

building industry. As Ouellette put it, Here,

the owners are in the store. We dont need

to call a board meeting to make a decision

about whether we can provide a product for

a particular project. We can decide right here,

right now with a customer.

Ouellette continued, There is something

that no amount of

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