Biddeford-Saco Water Company merges with Maine Water

It has been announced that Biddeford-Saco Water Company will merge with Maine Water. Naturally, a significant announcement like this has raised some questions in the community. Biddeford-Saco Water Co. is a privately owned company that has been around for 100 plus years. They have provided excellent service and maintain a very critical water infrastructure in our cities. Growing needs for operating capital to maintain and upgrade our water system led to the decision to partner with Maine Water. With this area poised to benefit from increased economic development, the merger appears to be prudent, and the result of careful planning.

Representatives of Maine Water stopped by the Chamber to introduce themselves. Jerry Mansfield of Biddeford-Saco Water Company also joined us in a conversation.

It was interesting to find out that Maine Water has operated in several municipalities in Maine for over 100 years. We discussed some core issues I would like to share with you.

1. Maine Water operates with focus on customers, communities, employees and the environment.      
2. There will be no loss of local existing jobs as this merger takes place. The local office will remain open, and it will be business as usual.
3.  Biddeford-Saco Water Co. had planned to file for a rate increase in 2012, but thanks to this agreement that request will be delayed until 2013, and maybe even 2014.
4. As always and unfortunately, some feel compelled to spread misinformation. The rumor mill has incorrectly suggested that Connecticut Water, which owns Maine Water, is somehow connected to Nestle’s Corporation, and that they will deplete our water resources and leave town. Simply not true. In fact: the Charter for the Biddeford-Saco Water Company states that the use of the Saco River is specifically for public water usage to the communities it serves. It specifically does not allow for water bottling or non-public usage. 

The Chamber will continue to be engaged with Maine Water and Biddeford-Saco Water Company and will keep our communities’ interests front and center. I am grateful to both companies for proactively reaching out and emphasizing that they consider the Chamber to be a working partner, particularly as we pursue a common goal, robust economic expansion in Biddeford-Saco.

Generosity ...

As I was driving home from the Chamber’s 8th Annual Business and Employment Expo,

I was feeling very happy and rewarded.  As I sometimes do, I wondered what was behind this good feeling and it came to me- generosity.  Biddeford-Saco has a wealth of generosity.  I am exposed to it every day at the Chamber. Our members have donated goods and services; they volunteer their time, skills and knowledge; and they do it in good times and when things are a bit grey and cloudy.

Generosity is a core value that I hope will prevail as we begin the branding project scheduled for October 2, 3 and 4.  Generosity is something that doesn’t need to be politically correct, Democrat or Republican, poor or affluent, English, French, Irish Greek or any other category we could list.  Generosity comes from the heart. It stems from a belief that giving, so that others can enjoy and benefit, brings more goodness than any amount of money ever could.

At the Expo, we saw generosity at its best.  Over 80 businesses participated in making this year’s event a success.  Everyone welcomed job seekers with smiles and optimism-even if they weren’t hiring.  Businesses displayed their wares, networked with one another and friendships were made that will lead to future commerce-one way or another.  I think I walked 20 miles as I stopped in to talk with many of the businesses and participants.  I know I had a permanent smile all day as I took in the sights.  I enjoyed watching the conversations-some very animated, some very serious.  Business is not all about money-business is the making of friendships and relationships that lead to prosperity.

And with that being said, Thank you seems pretty meager.  Thank you is what the English language has given us to express feelings and to recognize your generosity.  Please accept my Thank-you Biddeford-Saco for your surplus of generosity. And keep focusing on the qualities that bond us together rather than the negatives that try and drive us apart.

Best,
Craig A. Pendleton

Maine Voices: Manufacturing in Maine poised to grow – but where are the workers?

For years now, we have listened to elected officials and so-called experts declare that manufacturing and innovation are dead in Maine.  I would like to make the case that both are, in fact, alive and poised to grow substantially, especially in Southern Maine.

But in order for growth to happen, we must set a new course.  As a result of the upswing in college enrollment over the past few decades, individuals now often perceive vocational training to be set-aside for under-achievers, troublemakers or non-college types.  We perpetuate outdated manufacturing work place stories of long hours, low pay and unsafe working conditions.

These false perceptions discourage potential workers from pursuing vocational training. All too often, we hear that the lack of a skilled workforce hinders the potential of local companies. Collectively, we must honor our manufacturing tradition and the innovative spirit of Maine workers by refocusing our education system to better address today’s workplace needs.

Take a moment and consider looking under the hood of your hybrid car and having to fix its gas-electric engine. Think about the last time you called a plumber, electrician, or electronics technician and winced at the hourly rate.  We should be encouraging our youth to pursue careers in these highly skilled vocations. Maine can position itself to have a world class “fix it and build it” workforce.  Did you know that…

·         The outer-protective coating on the rover that landed on Mars was developed and created right here at Fiber Materials in Biddeford?

·         Based on findings from the aftermath of 9-11, Sterling Rope in Biddeford developed a non-flammable rope and hook mechanism that may have saved First Responders lives, and also supplies rock-climbing rope to professionals worldwide?

·         Yale Cordage of Saco has significantly aided deep-sea research with its development of super strong, neutrally buoyant rope, and also outfits America’s Cup sailboats?

·         Xuron Corporation in Saco makes over 100 products from high tech cutters to tools that aid fly tying and jewelry makers, which are sold internationally and proudly display a Made in America label?

The Biddeford-Saco region is home to a vibrant manufacturing community that contains 73 manufacturing facilities and employs 2,942 workers.  The total wages of these companies exceeds $124 million with an average salary of $49,287. Biddeford-Saco’s manufacturing sector maintains eighteen percent of the area’s total employment, exceeding statewide numbers by five percent. These numbers clearly prove that manufacturing is alive and well.

One way the Chamber of Commerce promotes local business is by serving as a resource to candidates for public office.  Recently, former Governor Angus King and current Independent candidate for the U.S. Senate scheduled a visit to North-Dam Mill in Biddeford specifically to discuss manufacturing and workforce development. At the meeting, we focused on how innovation, vision, collaboration and determination are revitalizing the mill district. We highlighted how light manufacturing could be a great neighbor to an arts district.  Our discussion centered on what we we’re seeing on the ground, where government can play a role to help business and where government should get out of the way. Consistently, we found the need for a higher level of certainty and smart decision-making as it relates to government regulation. Finally, we were able to successfully connect Governor King with this region’s business owners to hear their concerns and share their optimism. The Chamber offers this service to all candidates and we believe it greatly benefits our members.

The time has come for us to rewrite the story of manufacturing. Manufacturing is sexy and rewarding.  It requires highly skilled workers, offers good pay and benefits as well as the opportunity for career advancement. Many manufacturing jobs are available in the Biddeford-Saco Region, as are affordable homes where workers can raise their families. Furthermore, this region has excellent access to higher education such as University of New England and the University College System, which can develop the technical workforce required in today’s global economy. Local financial institutions have money to lend at historically low interest rates and Generation Y is the largest population bubble since World War II. 

Elected officials must take note that manufacturing is alive, ensure that we protect good jobs in our state and prepare the next generation with the skills they need to compete and prosper. Good governing comes from good listening and connection to the business community. We thank Governor King for reaching out to us and encourage other candidates to do the same so that together we can create a prosperous future.

Craig Pendleton