Other Business Services

Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership

KVCOG, in partnership with the Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Maine MEP), provides assistance to small and medium-sized manufacturing firms in the tri-county area. Started in 1989, and sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Maine MEP offers a national network of programs and services that provide assistance to manufacturers interested in becoming globally competitive. The first MEP center opened in Maine in April of 1995. Maine MEP has served more than 300 Maine companies since that time.

A Field Representative from the Maine MEP is located at KVCOG and can provide technical assistance to companies to help improve their competitiveness. The assistance may be furnished directly by Maine MEP or through a qualified consultant with the project managed by Maine MEP. Assistance is provided in the following areas:

• Strategic and Technology Assessments
• Time Wise ® Solutions for Lean Manufacturing
• Quality Management Systems/ Time Wise ® ISO 9000
• Supply Chain Management
• Innovation and Commercialization Programs
• Workforce Development Planning

For more information please contact: Jayne Riley 207-453-4258 Ext. 31 at KVCOG or visit the Maine MEP website at http://www.mainemep.org.

Department of Economic and Community Development

DECD partners with KVCOG by providing two Business Development Specialists serving the region. The two specialists maintain offices at KVCOG in Fairfield and at EMDC in Bangor. The two specialists work directly with businesses by providing information on available resources.

DECD programs include State and Federal Financing Programs, Training Programs, Tax Credit Programs, and Tax Exemption Programs. One of the most popular programs is the Governor’s Training Initiative. This program provides partial reimbursement for non-routine training costs.

For more information please contact: George Gervais, Kennebec and Somerset Counties or Bill Osborne, Waldo County.