Business news

‘Intro to Self-Employment’

BANGOR – Women, Work and Community will offer the workshop “Intro to Self-Employment” 10 a.m.-noon Thursday, Jan. 25, at the University College of Bangor, Acadia Hall, 216 Texas Ave.

The introductory workshop will walk participants through the pros and cons of owning a business, how to get started, the major elements of a business plan and the many resources available, and give help with deciding whether self-employment is the right choice.

To register, or to obtain more information, call Jane Searles, at 262-7843 or (800) 442-2092, or e-mail searles@maine.edu.

‘From Art to Business’

BANGOR – Women, Work and Community will offer From Art to Business 9 a.m.-noon Thursday, Feb. 1, 8 and 15, at the University College of Bangor, Acadia Hall, 216 Texas Ave.

Are you a creative artist who wants to create a business from your art? How to do that is the goal of this three-session workshop. Participants will learn to set goals for their art and their business; assess their entrepreneurship skills; learn the elements of business planning, marketing, cash management and the value of networking.

The workshop is geared toward start-up and existing businesses. Seating is limited. To preregister, call Jane Searles, 262-7843, e-mail searles@maine.edu, or call toll free (800) 442-2092.

Assertiveness training

BANGOR – A free eight-session Assertiveness Training will be held 9 a.m.-noon Thursdays at Women, Work, and Community starting on Feb. 1.

Participants will learn to meet challenges at work and in personal life by developing effective skills. They will put into practice techniques that will allow them to be direct, open and honest while respecting the rights of others. They will find out how to handle the barriers of fear and anger that block appropriate communication.

Registration is required. Call 262-7842; or (800) 442-2092 for information. Space is limited.

New child care facility

BANGOR – A history of educating Maine’s young people continues as the former University of Maine System chancellor’s office is transformed into Parkside Children’s Learning Center.

The new, state-of-the art center is the area’s largest child care facility. It offers a security key code access to the center at 107 Maine Ave.

The center will open officially on Thursday, Jan. 18, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. The facility will be open to guests 10 a.m.-noon. Mayor Richard Greene and other local officials will assist with the opening ceremonies.

Liz Leonard has partnered with California-based Children’s Creative Learning Centers, a nationally known company that provides child care for several Fortune 500 companies.

Parkside offers full- and part-time care for children ages 6 weeks through pre-kindergarten, as well as after-school care. In addition to its size and low teacher-child ratios, the center features a 10,000-square-foot park-like playground.

Parkside utilizes CCLC’s Guided Discovery Curriculum, incorporating physical, social, language, cognitive and emotional development. The developmental-based, thematic approach incorporates Montessori, High Scope, Reggio Emilia and Rye philosophies.

The program is reflective of the criteria set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children Accreditation process.

The center is owned and operated by Leonard and her husband, Paul, of Brewer. A full-time team includes a program director, lead teachers, teachers and assistants.

To attend the grand opening event or obtain more information, call 941-2122 or visit www.parksideclc.com.

Bookkeeping service

BANGOR – Kate Stein has opened The Bottom Line, a bookkeeping service, at 13 Sixth St.

The business features payroll, accounts payable and receivable, and grants fund management services, night and weekend appointments, and what Stein calls “shoeboxes at tax time” – she will sort and organize receipts and other tax-related papers piled up in boxes for taxpayers to take to their accountants.

To learn more about The Bottom Line, call Stein at 478-8309 or e-mail thebottomline@verizon.net.