New Hampshire Has Second-Fastest Rate of Job Growth in Nation
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CONCORD – According to U.S. Department of Labor, New Hampshire outpaced nearly every other state in the nation in job growth over the last year, confirming independent economists' predictions that New Hampshire would lead the nation in economic recovery.
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Forums and Publications Highlight Worker Misclass Problem
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 The Maine Joint Enforcement Task Force on Employee Misclassification has announced a series of information and outreach initiatives aimed at educating Maine businesses and workers on laws pertaining to the hiring of independent contractors.
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Maine Unemployment Rate 8.0 Percent in June
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The number of unemployed totaled 55,600, down 2,300 from a year ago. 
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Governor Celebrates 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
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Governor John E. Baldacci marked the 20th Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Monday, July 26th at an awards ceremony in Bangor hosted by The Maine ADA Coalition.
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Details on Unemployment Extension
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President Obama has signed into law legislation that will extend both the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) and Extended Benefits (EB) programs through November 2010.
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State of Maine Finishes FY 2010 with $70.4 Million Surplus
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AUGUSTA, Maine: The State of Maine finished Fiscal Year 2010 with a surplus of $70.4 million. The fiscal year ended on June 30, 2010.
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Maine State Chamber and MDF Issue Public Policy Recommendations to Promote Stronger Economy
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Making Maine Work highlights challenges, opportunities facing Maine.
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Maine Releases 2008-2009 Graduation Rates
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AUGUSTA, Maine: The Maine Department of Education on Monday released 2008-09 graduation rates for Maine’s high schools. It represents the first year of graduation data using a newly required federal method for calculating the graduation rate.
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2010 Maine Labor Law Update
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AUGUSTA, Maine: The Second Regular Session of the 124th Maine Legislature made a few changes to Maine law concerning employment and workforce issues. The following summary includes highlights of those recent labor law changes. For more detailed information on these new laws, please call the Maine Department of Labor at (207) 623-7900.
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Gov. Baldacci Issues Executive Order Commemorating 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
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AUGUSTA, Maine: Governor John E. Baldacci has issued an Executive Order commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and reaffirming the State’s commitment to make State programs, jobs and activities fully accessible to people with disabilities.
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Gov. Lynch, Executive Council Approve Economic Development Grants
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CONCORD, NH: Governor John Lynch and the Executive today approved several economic development grants that will help businesses grow and expand operations, and create jobs right here in New Hampshire.
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Governor John Lynch Statement on Drop In Unemployment Rate
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NH Unemployment Rate dropped to 5.9 percent in June, down from 6.4 percent.
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Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Announces the Colonel Paul D. Lafond USMC (Ret) Scholarship
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 KINGFIELD, Maine: The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, which honors Marines by educatin their children, has announced the establishment of the Colonel Paul D. Lafond USMC (Ret) Scholarship.
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Riding the Social Media Wave: A user's guide to Web-based communication
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Who is using social media? What is it exactly? When and where do people tweet, post and blog? Why do people engage in social media?
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Recognized HR Consultant, Author Celebrates 15 Years in Practice
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Kennebunkport, ME - A human resources consultant who literally wrote the book on how to manage employees effectively is celebrating the 15th anniversary of his firm, Dacri & Associates, this summer.
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Blended Learning Model Sets the Stage for Seamless Project Management
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 When the curtain rises to a packed house on opening night, the actors onstage have already spent weeks, if not months, carefully rehearsing every detail. Lines are memorized; cues are identified; and seamless transitions are in place.
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State of Maine and Oppenheimer Funds Announce Settlement Regarding Maine College Savings Plan
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 AUGUSTA, Maine - The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) and the Maine Office of Securities announced Jun 21 that Maine has entered into a settlement with OppenheimerFunds, Inc. on behalf of certain NextGen College Investing Plan® (NextGen) participants.  The settlement ends an investigation by the Office of Securities in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General into the management of certain investments offered by OppenheimerFunds, Inc. within the NextGen College Investing Plan.
All OppenheimerFunds portfolios in NextGen were terminated by FAME in July 2009.
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The Chamber Links Networking Group to Meet in July
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ROCHESTER, NH:  The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce continues to offer a great networking opportunity called THE CHAMBER LINKS. 
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Waste Management to Host Tri-Chambers Business After Hours
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 ROCHESTER, NH - The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and Greater Somersworth Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce that on Tuesday, July 20, 2010, Waste Management will host a Tri-Chambers Business After Hours.  
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Demistifying 'Temp'
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Staffing Firms are More Than Just Temp Agencies
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Why Must I Embrace Change?
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  Layoffs, downsizing, right-sizing, digitizing, outsourcing, off-shoring, increased competition from places like China and India...we hear these phrases and concepts daily in the media.  And, what does it mean to us workers? It means that change has become a constant in our careers—a constant that might translate into job insecurity.
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Maine Bureau of Insurance to Conduct Outreach Initiative
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 AUGUSTA, Maine – Maine Superintendent of Insurance Mila Kofman announced on June 22 that the Bureau of Insurance will conduct a Summer Consumer Outreach Program to help Maine people with insurance cases and to raise awareness about the Bureau’s resources.
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(AUGUSTA ) Governor John E. Baldacci and the Executive Director of Maine Workers’ Compensation Board, Paul R. Dionne, announced that the Workers’ Compensation Board recently approved the largest reduction in the assessment to employers since 1993.
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Governor John Lynch Statement on Drop In Unemployment Rate
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NH Unemployment Rate Dropped to 6.4 Percent in May, Down From 6.7 Percent
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Simple Steps To Make Your Office Green
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 (NAPSI) When thinking about ways to reduce your environmental footprint, a great place to start being "green" may be the office, whether at home or at work. From paper and printers to lights and furniture, there are many ways to make a difference. Going green can be easy and it can become part of your daily routine. There is a wide selection of products that incorporate environmental features, such as recycled content, environmental certifications and environmentally friendly designs to help you go green. 
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What Workers Can Learn From Athletes
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(NAPSI) To get injured workers back into the workforce and prevent future accidents and injuries, some occupational medicine clinics are taking their cue from the techniques used to rehabilitate injured athletes.
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Harnessing the Power of Language
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  (NewsUSA) Whether mingling socially with others in a crowded room or talking intimately one-on-one, being someone who communicates effectively is a major factor in creating and enhancing both personal and professional relationships.
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U.S. Energy Secretary Visits Maine
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(ORONO, Maine) On June 14, Governor John E. Baldacci welcomed U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu to the University of Maine's Advanced Structures and Composites Center. Secretary Chu had been invited to the facility by U.S. Senator Susan Collins. The federal agency has provided key funding to the Center and partners to aid Maine’s efforts to aggressively pursue wind power development and green jobs.
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Business Roundtable Scheduled in Oxford Hills
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South Paris, Maine -- A second Business Roundtable is scheduled to provide small business owners and managers in the Oxford Hills area an opportunity to exchange ideas and concerns about a relevant business topic of their choice.
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Maine Joins Offshore Wind Consortium
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Augusta, Maine -- Governor John E. Baldacci has joined with the Governors of nine other States and the U.S. Department of Interior to Establish an Atlantic Offshore Wind Energy Consortium.
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Input Sought on Services for Blind and Visually Impaired
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Augusta, Maine -- The Maine Department of Labor Division for Blind and Visually Impaired is hosting a public hearing to receive comments on the State Plan for Vocational Rehabilitation and Supported Employment services.
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Sports and the Workplace
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CHICAGO: Employers around the globe may be preparing for a month of lower-than-normal productivity, as the world’s most popular sport prepares to kick off the 2010 World Cup. The impact on workplaces in United States is expected to be less dramatic, even as soccer continues to grow in popularity here, according to global outplacement consultancy Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc.
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Tips on Balancing Work and Home Life
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If you're feeling stretched thin from your job, ask yourself: Do I live to work or work to live?
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Labor Commissioner Reminds Teens and Employers about Labor Laws
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With the school year drawing to a close for thousands of Maine high school students, many are starting to think about summer job opportunities. Maine Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman today reminded teens, parents and employers about labor laws protecting young workers and the process for obtaining a work permit.
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NH and Microsoft Make an Investment in Technology Training
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Governor John Lynch has announced that New Hampshire has joined forces with Microsoft in an innovative public-private partnership to provide free technology training to unemployed residents across the state.
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State Responds to CenterPoint Closure
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Following news of the abrupt closure of CenterPoint, a call center in York County, the Maine Department of Labor has announced plans to assist affected workforce this week.
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Legislation Removes Vacation Pay Penalty on Maine Unemployment Eligibility
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(AUGUSTA, Maine) Starting this summer, Maine workers will no longer have earned vacation pay interfere with their eligibility for unemployment benefits after the loss of a job. At a ceremonial bill signing at the State House today, Governor Baldacci praised the reform which removes an offset on unemployment benefits for laid-off workers owed vacation pay from their former employer.
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5th Annual Best Places to Work in Maine - DEADLINE ALERT!
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Deadline to register to participate in the 5th Annual Best Places to Work in Maine is TOMORROW, MAY 28, 2010!
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Springborn Staffing Acquires Accomplished Professionals
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Portland, ME - Springborn Staffing has completed the acquisition of Accomplished Professionals, a staffing firm located in Portland, Maine.
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Governor's Statement on Upcoming Visit from U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu
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AUGUSTA, Maine - Governor John E. Baldacci today learned during a phone call from Senator Susan Collins that United States Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu will be visiting the University of Maine’s Advanced Engineered Wood Composites Center on June 14.
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Free Business Recruitment Session to be Held in NH
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DISTRICT 10, NH — Business incentives, job training and financing will be the main focus of a free State of New Hampshire presentation to be held for companies in southern Cheshire County on Tuesday, June 1st at 5:30 p.m. at the Winchester Town Hall.
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Oxford Chamber After Hours Event at Celebration Barn
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 PARIS, Maine — The Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours for the month of June will be held from 5:30 – 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 3, at the Celebration Barn Theater in South Paris.
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New Overdraft Protection Rules Give You A Choice
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  (NAPSI) — New federal rules recently changed the way your bank handles overdrafts.
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FISC Solutions SVP of HR Honored with State Award
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  LEWISTON, Maine – FISC Solutions Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Kristine Avery, SPHR, was recently awarded the 2010 Maine Human Resources Leader of the Year Award by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) Maine State Council.
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Career Management Associates Hires Nancy Brook
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Portland, ME - Career Management Associates (CMA), a leading Portland-based Human Resource and Management consulting firm is pleased to announce the hiring of Nancy Brook as Senior Consultant. Nancy will be working with clients throughout the New England region served by CMA.
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Maine Unemployment Rate 8.1 Percent
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 Seasonally-Adjusted Statewide Data
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FISC Solutions SVP Honored with State Award
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FISC Solutions' Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Kristine Avery, SPHR, was recently awarded the 2010 Maine Human Resources Leader of the Year Award by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) Maine State Council.
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EJ Prescott Recognized for Commitment to Workplace Safety
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The SafetyWorks! program of the Maine Department of Labor today recognized EJ Prescott for its efforts in providing a safe and healthy work environment.
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College Grads Enter Tough Job Market
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CHALLANGER, GRAY & CHRISTMAS — A job-market recovery finally may be underway by the time this year's crop of college graduates collect their diplomas in May and June. However, a new survey by global outplacement consultancy Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. indicates that the job prospects for these grads are about the same or only slightly better than last year's dismal outlook.
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Accomplish More by Doing Less
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(NewsUSA) -- You work hard. You arrive early at the office and leave late. At home, you continue to work by BlackBerry or laptop. And yet, you watch others rise around you while your career stays stagnant. What's the problem?
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New Grads Play to Their Strengths on Job Hunt
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(ARA) -- Fresh from school with diploma in hand, new graduates face a daunting reality on the job hunt. It's a rough transition to make, especially in a tough job market, so they need to use every advantage to gain a foothold.
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Electrical Safety in the Office Often Overlooked
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The modern office environment has changed dramatically in recent years as a result of an increased reliance on office technoligies and electrical equipment. Employees are surrounded by these items--computers, printers, projectors and copiers--both at work and home. It is easy to forget the danger these everyday devices can cause.
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Nominations Sought for Senior Friendly Employers
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AUGUSTA, Maine – The Maine Jobs Council is seeking nominations for the 2010 Silver Collar Employer award. The award honors employers in Maine whose policies and practices match the needs of mature employers, capturing their skills and experience, strong work ethic, flexibility and enthusiasm.
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Work Healthy Award Presented to FISC Solutions, Third Year Running
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Lewiston, May 5, 2010 -- FISC Solutions, a third party back office solutions provider, was recently presented with the Healthy Androscoggin Work Healthy Award for a third year in a row. The Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce presented the award.
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Governor Lynch, UNH President Huddleston Announce Companies Chosen for Green Launching Pad
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CONCORD, NH – Governor John Lynch and University of New Hampshire President Mark W. Huddleston today announced the first five businesses selected to participate in the Green Launching Pad, which will help innovative companies bring new products to market and create jobs.
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Fort Kent Logger Forum Scheduled for May 7
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The Maine Department of Labor is hosting an informational forum on logging issues at 9:00 AM, Friday May 7, 2010 at the Fox Auditorium at the University of Maine at Fort Kent.
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Governor Ceremonially Signs Brunswick Redevelopment Legislation
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AUGUSTA, ME -- Governor John E. Baldacci held a State House ceremony today to celebrate the signing of LD 1669, "An Act to Enhance the Redevelopment of Brunswick Naval Air Station," sponsored by Senator Stan Gerzofsky (D-Cumberland).
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Governor Baldacci Forms Committee to Work on Implementation of Federal Health Care Reform
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AUGUSTA, Maine – Governor John E. Baldacci Apr 22 formalized the public process by which the State will plan how to implement the comprehensive federal health care reform law signed by President Obama in March.
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Governor Lynch Lauds House's Initial Passage of NH Working Jobs Initiative
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Governor's initiative aims to help companies avert layoffs, help unemployed find new jobs. NH Businesses and workers already utilizing parts of the initiative. 
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Twenty-two Greater Kennebec Valley Area Organizations Honored for Supporting Employee Higher Education
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The Maine Development Foundation recognizes outstanding Maine Employers at Waterville event.
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Human Resources Association of Southern Maine Receives Distinguished Award
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The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) in Alexandria, VA has awarded the Superior Merit Chapter designation to the Human Resources Association of Southern Maine for its scope of work in perpetuating and supporting the mission of the organization in 2009.
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Federal Unemployment Extension
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April 15, 2010 — President Obama has signed legislation to temporarily continue two Federally-funded unemployment programs, Emergency Unemployment Compensation and Extended Benefits, through June 2, 2010.
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Director of First Impressions
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Creating the Networking Edge
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New Hampshire Employment Security Partners for Career Fair and Transfer Day
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CLAREMONT: NH Employment Security (NHES), River Valley Community College, NH Department of Education, River Valley HR Association, and the Greater Claremont Chamber of Commerce are hosting the fifth Annual River Valley Career and Transfer Day on April 14, 2010. 
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Advancing Disability Employment
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(NAPSI) -- Every day, people with disabilities make important contributions to America's workplaces.
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Manage Costs and Invest in Talent
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How to do both and succeed in the recovery.
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Maine Human Resources Group Partners with the State to Kick Off 5th Annual
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Project Offers Resources for Employers to Retain and Attract Top Talent during Challenging Economic Times.
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Registration Open for June 10th, B to B Show
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The Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council has announced the date of this year's Andriscoggin Business to Business Trade Show with the theme, "Show 2010: Launching a New Decade."
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State of NH Extends Filing Period Deadline Once Again for EUC
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 CONCORD, NH – On Friday, November 6, 2009, President Obama signed the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 into law. On Tuesday, March 2, 2010, the President signed a second amendment to the Act that extends the filing period for eligibility once again. 
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Gov. Lynch Lauds Senate's Initial Passage of NH Working Jobs Initiative
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Governor's Initiative Aims to Help Companies Avert Layoffs, Help Unemployed Find New Jobs
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Gov. Lynch Announces Business Outreach Series
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CONCORD – Gov. John Lynch today announced a series of regional business outreach sessions designed to directly connect New Hampshire businesses with state leaders and state services. The sessions will give businesses an opportunity to hear from and question state agency heads about state services.
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Five Reasons to Keep Pay Equity on Your Radar Screen in 2010
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The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, signed into law in January 2009, put renewed focus on rewards fairness. Now, as the world's economic turmoil subsides and employers consider their rewards programs for 2010, it is critically important that pay equity countinues to be emphasized.
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Are You Making This Employee Motivation Mistake?
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When it comes to employee motivation, do you sell your people short—i.e. do you try to motivate them using the wrong things?
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Maine Receives Critical Funding to Expand Health Workforce and Technology
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AUGUSTA - Governor John E. Baldacci today (February 12, 2010) learned that the State of Maine will receive $11.5 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) funds to promote quality of health care through technology and to develop the State's health care workforce.
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Maine Receives Health Care Workforce Grant
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The Maine Department of Labor has received a $4,892,213 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor for a new initiative aimed at getting health care workers credentialed for jobs in high demand.
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Goodwill to Help Mentor Teens
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Justice Department Grant to Fight Juvenile Delinquency
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HRASM Elects Board of Directors for 2010
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On January 1st the new slate of elected directors officially began their terms to lead the Human Resources Association of Southern Maine for 2010.
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Career Management Associates (CMA) Promoting, Hiring & Expanding
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Career Management Associates (CMA), a Portland-based human resources and management consulting firm is pleased to announce the promotion of Audra Becker to Director - HR Consulting.
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"Dream Job" Might be as Close as Your Home Office
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(NAPSI) - When it comes to places to work, an increasing number of people now say "there's no place like home."
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Mental Health and Substance Abuse Parity Regulations Released
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Just-released regulations implementing the mental Health Parity and Equity Addition Act of 2008 apply for group health plan years beginning on or after July 1, 2010.
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Career Management Associates (CMA) Press Release
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Portland, ME - Career Management Associates (CMA), a Portland-based human resources and management consulting firm is pleased to announce the promotion of Audra Becker to Directer - HR Consulting.
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2010 Martin Luther King Jr. Day a Success
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More than 1,300 hours of service donated
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SafetyWorks! Annnounces 2010 Safety and Health Class Schedule
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AUGUSTA -- The Maine Department of Labor SafetyWorks program has announced its 2010 schedule of free safety and health classes for Maine workers and businesses.
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Twenty-Seven Maine Organizations Honored for Supporting Employee Higher Education
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The Maine Development Foundation recognizes outstanding Maine employers at Portland event.
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The Bully-Free Workplace
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American businesses spend $5–$6 million per year on workplace bullying according to the Bureau of National Affairs. Bottom lines all across America suffer as a result of high absenteeism and turnover, declined mental and physical health, reduced productivity, internal communication breakdown, and a resulting bad reputation in the community.
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Want High Morale?
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What Managers can Learn From Superstar Sales Professionals
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MyJobWave.com Introduces WaveLink
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MyJobWave.com, a Maine-owned Internet job board local to Maine and New Hampshire job seekers and employers, founded by the Employment Times and Sun Media Group, has launched WaveLink, a new feature on their site to help recruiters cut budgets and reduce workload.
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Best Practices: An Interactive Approach to Progressive Discipline
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Consider the typical counseling form:
Reason for discipline (You messed up!)
Specifics (LOOK AT WHAT YOU DID!!!)
Expectations and consequences (Here's what you need to do... OR ELSE!)
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Attracting and Maintaining Millennials
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Despite belts tightening the world over, there are ways to make work more enjoyable and productive.
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Smart Manager Blows it...Are You?
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I just had an experience that reminded me of how often even really brilliant managers neglect to use the "secret weapon" of the best managers and best employers. It's the practice that perhaps more than anything spurs employees on to work harder.
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Gov. Lynch Applauds Passage of Unemployment Extension
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CONCORD, NH – Gov. John Lynch Nov 5 applauded Congress approval of an extension of unemployment benefits for thousands of New Hampshire citizens.
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Domestic Violence in the Workplace
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October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. 
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Think Pink on the Job and Raise Awareness of Breast Cancer
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One out of every eight will receive a breast cancer diagnosis during her lifetime, according to the National Cancer Institute. Every woman diagnosed is someone's mother, aunt, best friend, neighbor or coworker. Every day is a great day to step up and fight this deadly, yet treatable, disease, but an especially good time is during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.
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Veterans Receive Priority Service for Training and Employment Services
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Veterans and eligible spouses are given priority of service for the recipt of employment, training and placement services provided under all Maine Department of Labor-funded programs
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Unprecedented Times: Managing Workplace Absence and Disability
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The impact of workplace absence and disability


Today's turbulent economy and the associated stress it has generated have a direct and indirect impact on both benefit expense and workforce productivity.
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Aligning with Operational Leaders for Organizational Success - NE HR Healthcare Conference
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The American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration (ASHHRA) Region 1 held its 2009 bi-annual conference in Portland, Maine June 28-30.
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Tips on Balancing Work and Home Life
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If you're feeling stretched thin from your job, as yourself, Do I live to work or work to live?
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The Hidden Gift Your Gen Y Employees Are Offering You
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Recently, I read one of those "10 Tips for..." type of articles on how to manage the Millennial or Gen Y employee.
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Collaboration is Key In Today's Workplace
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For years, the corner office was a status symbol, representing the top of the corporate ladder. However, just like typewriters and rotary telephones, the corner office is a rare site in most workplaces today.
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Questions New Workers may Have About Social Security
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There are at least a couple of million teenagers out there who will be starting their first real jobs this summer. If you know one of these teenagers, a question that you may be asked is "what are my Social Security taxes all about?" Some may even ask "what is FICA?"
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Worksite Clinics
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An old concept gets a new lease in the battle to control health care cost and improve workforce prodcutivity.
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Are Your Workers Whiners or Winners?
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When working with managers, the most common frustrations I hear include:
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HR Advisor