Business Ownership 101

BANGOR – MaineStream Finance and Bank of America will offer Business Ownership 101 6-8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 10, at the Penquis CAP office, 262 Harlow St.

The one-night workshop will provide an overview of the pros and cons of operating a small business, what a business plan is, why it is needed and resources for business development assistance. The workshop is free, but registration is required.

MaineStream Finance is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution dedicated to promoting community development through financial education and financing activities for Maine’s low and moderate-income residents.

The workshop is sponsored by Bank of America. For information or registration, call James Macomber at 800-215-4942, Ext. 210, or e-mail jmacomber@penquiscap.org.

Changes at Sewall Co.

OLD TOWN – James W. Sewall Co. has announced that long-term employee Glenda E. Johnston has retired as director of human resources.

Terri A. Elder will replace her as human resources manager.

Hired in 1976, Johnston held several administrative positions in the engineering and forestry departments and in accounting, where she managed payroll records, accounts payable, employee benefits and insurance.

During the early 1980s, she played a key role in implementing the company’s first automated accounting system, still in use today. She also began building what is now the firm’s human resources department, establishing a range of company policies, procedures and training in employee relations, safety, recruiting, benefits and immigration. She was named assistant financial manager in 1987, HR manager in 1995 and director of HR in 2000.

Johnston said she has seen tremendous changes in 30 years.

“When I started, the company was an office of 67 people in Old Town. Now Sewall is nearly triple in size with five offices nationwide,” Johnston said. “Desktop computers did not exist, and our personnel records were one box of 3-by-5 file cards. It’s been very satisfying to see the company grow and to be a part of this growth. Most satisfying has been the opportunity to work with the diversity of talents at Sewall. The staff at Sewall are truly special.”

“Glenda has been instrumental in developing the HR system that supported our growth,” said President and CEO Dr. James H. Page. “But I believe her most lasting contribution is the professional and personal assistance she gave to literally hundreds of staff and family members over the years.”

Johnston has an associate degree from Husson College and certification in senior human resource management from the University of Maine. She has served as an officer of the Human Resource Association of Eastern Maine, member of the Society of Human Resource Management and task force team member for the State of Maine Human Resource Convention. She will now serve as a board member of the Old Town-Orono YMCA. During retirement, she plans to travel with her husband, Dave, spend time with her grandchildren and enjoy her camp on Cold Stream Pond.

Founded in 1880, Sewall provides comprehensive engineering, forestry and GIS consulting services to government and industry. Sewall’s consulting expertise is supported by 50 years’ experience in geo-spatial data development, including aerial photography and photogrammetric mapping; 30 years in geo-database and application development; and 10 years in digital orthophotography.

For information, visit schl@jws.com.

Incubator Without Walls

BANGOR – MaineStream Finance and Bank of America will offer the 10-week Incubator Without Walls course starting 6-9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 24, at Penquis CAP, 262 Harlow St.

The Incubator Without Walls Program helps individuals start and-or expand businesses with five or fewer employees. The course emphasizes that good management, effective marketing and financial controls lead to increased profits, and that business planning leads to business growth, profits and personal satisfaction.

During the 10-week course, topics discussed include: credit, business plans, business concepts, legal structures of business, marketing, record keeping, financials, cash flow, financing resources and more.

Classes frequently have guest speakers from the local business community, allowing participants to network with local bankers, accountants, insurance agents, Web and media designers and other experts.

MaineStream Finance is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution dedicated to promoting community development through financial education and financing activities for Maine’s low and moderate-income residents.

The course is sponsored by Bank of America. For information or registration, call James Macomber at 800-215-4942, Ext. 210, or e-mail jmacomber@penquiscap.org.