Business news

New fitness staff

BANGOR – Back in Balance Fitness has expanded by adding personal trainer Michael Dube and yoga instructor Hannah Richards to its staff. Facility manager Janet Klisiewicz is newly certified as a lifestyle educator.

Michael Dube is a YMCA of the USA-certified strength and conditioning coach and licensed massage therapist. He graduated from the Downeast School of Massage in 2004, where he majored in sports massage. He also has special experience teaching clients with COPD and other cardio-pulmonary conditions. He plans to pursue education in the health and fitness field. He is currently accepting new personal training clients.

Hannah Richards graduated from the University of Maine at Farmington, where she led yoga classes for both students and community members. She offers a weekly yoga class at Back in Balance Fitness.

Klisiewicz uses her new skills to help clients with type II diabetes, elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure or weight issues.

Call 433-7247 for information.

Store for stuffed animals

BANGOR – Build-A-Bear Workshop: Where Best Friends Are Made will open a new location at Bangor Mall on Friday, Aug. 31.

Build-A-Bear Workshop is based on the premise that regardless of age, people have a special fondness for stuffed animals.

Each workshop store offers eight bear-making stations. Guests choose from more 30 stuffed animals to make. Patrons stuff their new friend, add a heart – a Build-A-Bear Workshop trademark – filled with wishes, and add personality with hundreds of outfits and accessories.

In 2007, a major focus of the company is its continued commitment to causes that support children and animals. A number of stuffed animals available at Build-A-Bear Workshop provide guests the opportunity to support these causes by having a portion of the proceeds of their purchase donated.

In 2004, Build-A-Bear Workshop launched the Huggable Heroes program as a way to recognize and honor young people who have made a difference in their own neighborhoods, schools and communities by giving of themselves to others. It is a program that empowers and inspires children to get involved.

For information, visit www.buildabear.com.

Telecommunications network

BANGOR – U.S. Cellular is expanding its presence in the Bangor area by boosting its telecommunications network and adding retail stores. The expansion of the company’s network includes five new towers in the area, providing better coverage along the roadways and in buildings.

“We have a very loyal customer base in Bangor, and our expansion is a direct result of their feedback for more retail stores and more capacity on our network,” said Jim Holmes, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in New England.

The new cell sites include Hogan Road in Bangor, Orland and Stillwater, with a planned cell site for Brewer in early fall.

The sites were designed to add capacity along Interstate 95, Interstate 395, Route 1, Route 1A, Route 2, Route 202, Route 9, Route 15 and Route 178. The sites also increase capacity and call quality at the Bangor Mall and improve in-building coverage in the towns of Bangor, Brewer, Stillwater, Penobscot, East Orland and Hancock.

U.S. Cellular has expanded its company-owned retail store at 33 Mid-Mall Blvd., added a new store in Brewer at 403 Wilson St., and has added agent locations including Central Maine Wireless at 627 Broadway in Bangor, Community Cellular at 26 Main St. in Newport, and Go Wireless at the Bangor Mall.

The expanded retail store in Bangor will offer a more interactive experience for customers. It is designed to guide customers through each step of the buying process, from selecting the most appropriate rate plan to choosing the best phone and wireless accessories.

Bill Dunn of Brewer was the winner of an Apple MacBook in the recent U.S. Cellular Laptop Give-away.

U.S. Cellular currently employs more than 160 retail sales associates in Maine and operates 59 retail stores, kiosks and authorized agent locations.

U.S. Cellular has established a strong community presence in Maine and across the nation. Since 2005, the company has donated more than $112,000 to local nonprofits serving economically disadvantaged youth, family and seniors. In addition, U.S. Cellular associates conduct free wireless phone call programs for seniors, veterans and those less fortunate at organizations such as the Hammond Street Senior Center, Bangor Area Homeless Shelter and the Togus VA Medical Center.

U.S. Cellular is the nation’s sixth-largest wireless service carrier, providing wireless service to 6 million customers in 26 states.