Workplace resolutions Mainers make pledges for their professional lives in 2008

As many people endeavor to make New Year’s resolutions in their personal lives, some are also considering changes in their professional lives. Here are a few things Mainers plan to do – or do differently – in the workplace in 2008:

. “I vow to take a walk outside during my lunchtime instead of working through lunch or eating at my desk.” – Patricia Counihan, director, University of Maine Career Center, Orono

. “To spend some time each week recognizing the hard work and efforts of others in meeting our mission by personally writing and sending a thank you note to a co-worker or community partner for their role in meeting our goals.” – Michael W. Aube, state director, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, Bangor

. “I’m going to find a way to make minutes more valuable, because I can’t seem to find more hours in the day.” – Sheridan Kelley, co-founder, Knife Edge Productions, Orono

. “I vow to keep working hard for an improved economy in Washington County; being prepared for the opportunities and challenges the new year will bring Down East; looking for new and better ways of doing business in, and out of, our region; and to let people everywhere know we are open and ready for business.” – Harold W. Clossey, executive director, Sunrise County Economic Council, Machias

. “My professional New Year’s resolution is to keep client service my top priority.” – Tricia Largay, Realtor, Realty of Maine, Bangor

. “I promise to take my Tupperware home from the office fridge in a timely fashion. I promise to meet and always attempt to exceed our guests’ expectations.” – Amy Kenney, director of marketing and public relations, Hollywood Slots at Bangor

. “To increase every aspect of our organization by 10 percent, from our number of members to our profits on events to the bottom line profits of our members. Basically we want to give 110 percent of 2007 to make 2008 great.” – Cory R. King, executive director, Skowhegan Area Chamber of Commerce, Skowhegan

. “We would hope for a nice wintry blanket of snow for our blueberry bushes, a healthy supply of pollinating honeybees, abundant rain and sunny days this summer and an immigration plan that makes sense. Other than that, we’ve got it covered. And I wish Maine’s other natural resource businesses much good luck.” – Edward Flanagan, president, Jasper Wyman & Son, Milbridge

. “My resolution is to finally kick off a regional project to deal with childhood obesity – just need to find a little more funding and we will be there.” – Jerry Whalen, vice president, Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems, Brewer

. “My New Year’s resolution is to live the mission of Penobscot Community Health Care, which is to provide access to a ‘medical home’ where patients are treated as persons and integrated health care is delivered with or without insurance.” – The Rev. Bob Carlson, president, Penobscot Community Health Care, Bangor

. “My resolution for the next couple of years is to prepare the Chamber [of Commerce] for all the changes going on around us at 519 Main St.” – Candy Guerette, president, Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce, Bangor

. “I’m a true believer that you can do good things, make a difference in your community, and still grow a very successful business. My resolution for 2008 is to prove that theory by being an example in our region.” – Elizabeth Sutherland, partner, Sutherland Weston Marketing Communications, Bangor

. “I’m trying to be conscious of what we do here in terms of our waste. We’re encouraging customers to be more ecologically minded by offering a lower price for using a mug instead of a paper or plastic bowl for soup.” – Seth Moody, deli clerk and college student, Crosstrax Deli and Catering, Unity

. “My resolution for 2008 is to unleash the creativity and talents of Maine Development Foundation’s staff, board and partners to deliver programs that actively engage people throughout the state and raise excitement in and hope for Maine’s future.” – Laurie Lachance, president and CEO, Maine Development Foundation, Augusta

. “My resolution for 2008 is to ensure Maine is positioned to compete for quality jobs, that our kids have access to and can afford a quality college education and to make sure we have a government structure that works the best for Maine people.” – Gov. John Baldacci, Augusta