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June 3, 2013 at 12:00 am · · Comments Off on MEREDA Hosts Conversation Around the Cutting-Edge Concept of Retrofitting and Creative Re-Use Planning at Annual Spring Conference

MEREDA Hosts Conversation Around the Cutting-Edge Concept of Retrofitting and Creative Re-Use Planning at Annual Spring Conference

More than 225 professionals from the commercial real estate sector attended the Maine Real Estate & Development Association’s May 22nd Annual Spring Conference featuring nationally-re­nowned architect Ellen Dunham-Jones, a leading authority on suburban redevelopment as its keynote speaker. 

The panel of local experts, coupled with Ellen Dunham-Jones’ renowned contributions, provided hope for Maine’s communities, large and small, as to how they can reach their architectural, cultural and economic potential by making best use of scarce community resources to enhance commerce, walkability and community heritage. Retrofitting is one of the important trends in play all around the country and MEREDA was pleased to be at the forefront of that conversation.

MEREDA also recognized the most noteworthy and significant Maine commercial development projects from the previous year, all of which embody MEREDA’s belief in responsible development. For 2012, four developers were recognized for projects that are fully tenanted, environmentally sustainable, energy efficient, and contribute to job creation, society and the economy.  Honorees included:  Ocean Properties, Ltd. for the West Street Hotel in Bar Harbor, Avesta Housing for Oak Street Lofts in Portland, Park Street School in Kennebunk, and Emery School in Biddeford, The Szanton Company for The Lofts at Bates Mill in Lewiston, and the University of New England for the Harold Alfond Forum in Biddeford.

Also at the event, MEREDA presented its first ever report on the current state of the real estate industry in Maine.  Over the past year, MEREDA, in conjunction with Professor Charles Colgan and his team at the Muskie Institute, has developed the MEREDA Index, a composite index derived from several data sets of three major components: residential, commercial and construction. Once the data is retrieved from available resources, weighted and compiled, it provides a current indicator specifically for determining the relative health and construction activity of the real estate industry in Maine.

The MEREDA Index was developed to increase the awareness and importance of the real estate industry in our state’s economy and to provide valuable information to our members, the general public and our political representatives in tracking historic trends and predicting future growth. Real estate is cyclical and being ahead of the curve is critical for our members’ organizations and for the overall strength of Maine’s economy. Our goal is that over time the MEREDA Index and associated report will be a trusted resource for predicting future growth trends, lead to policy initiatives that encourage growth in real estate, and highlight the intricate link between the strength of the real estate market and the vitality of Maine’s economy.

For more information on MEREDA, the MEREDA Index, or our 2012 Notable Project recipients, please contact the MEREDA office.

May 6, 2013 at 12:00 am · · Comments Off on MEREDA’s Strikes for Scholars Bowl-a-Thon a Huge Success!

MEREDA’s Strikes for Scholars Bowl-a-Thon a Huge Success!

On May 2nd, the Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA) hosted its first annual “Strikes for Scholars” Bowl-a-Thon Fundraising Event at Bayside Bowl in Portland and raised over $10,000!  All proceeds will fund scholarships for Maine students pursuing studies in architecture, construction, or engineering through the ACE Mentor Program (www.acementor.org).

Special thanks to AAA Energy for securing special guest, former Boston Celtic, NBA MVP and current radio broadcaster for the Celtics, Cedric Maxwell who brought a great energy to the event.  Check out the video and write-up in the Bangor Daily News!

Many thanks also to our sponsors Bath Savings Institution and Dead River Properties, our bowlers, and those bidding on some great sports memorabilia in the silent auction.

Congratulations to First Place Winners from Team “Split Happens”, (Verrill Dana) and Runners-up, Team “Pinheads”, (Creative Office Pavilion)!

Check out photos from the event here.

May 6, 2013 at 12:00 am · · Comments Off on The Maine Drain: Stormwater Management Strategies and Solutions

The Maine Drain: Stormwater Management Strategies and Solutions

Following on a successful and informative breakfast on the topic last year, MEREDA and the Portland Regional Chamber are teaming up with E2Tech on a stormwater forum featuring public works, engineering, regulatory and legal leaders engaged in planning for and funding stormwater plans and implementation. Experts from Maine’s 3 largest cities – Portland, Lewiston and Bangor – will join the Department of Environmental Protection, Woodard & Curran, Pierce Atwood and Perkins Thompson to discuss critical approaches, next steps and options for sound and effective stormwater management.

April 18, 2013 at 12:00 am · · Comments Off on MEREDA to Award $5000 in Scholarships to Maine Students

MEREDA to Award $5000 in Scholarships to Maine Students

On May 2nd, MEREDA will host the first annual “Strikes for Scholars” Bowl-a-Thon Fundraising Event at Bayside Bowl in Portland. Thanks to our Bowling Teams and Sponsors, all proceeds will fund scholarships through the ACE Mentor Program (www.acementor.org) for students pursuing studies in architecture, construction, or engineering.

As an organization whose mission is to promote an environment for responsible development and ownership of real estate throughout the State, MEREDA wants to help support the next generation of professionals who will ultimately continue its work of advocating for responsible development.

In addition to bowling, the event includes a silent auction including a special surprise sports celebrity guest, with all proceeds to benefit the MEREDA scholarship fund.

Thank you to our generous sponsors:

AAA Energy
Bath Savings Institution
Dead River Properties

March 28, 2013 at 12:00 am · · Comments Off on “Strikes for Scholars” Bowl-a-Thon Fundraising Event

“Strikes for Scholars” Bowl-a-Thon Fundraising Event

Join MEREDA at Bayside Bowl in Portland on May 2, 2013 by organizing a team of bowlers, and/or participating as a sponsor.  Your registration and sponsorship dollars are used to help defray the costs of organizing the event and will fund scholarships for Maine students seeking higher education in the architecture, construction, or engineering fields.  This is a great opportunity for your company to receive exposure, while at the same time helping to support a worthy cause.

We hope you will consider participating in MEREDA’s “Strikes for Scholars” Bowl-a-Thon on May 2nd.

March 28, 2013 at 12:00 am · · Comments Off on MEREDA Welcomes Director John Gallagher of Maine State Housing Authority

MEREDA Welcomes Director John Gallagher of Maine State Housing Authority

As director of Maine State Housing Authority, John Gallagher has not wasted any time in ensuring that the agency’s statewide leadership role as a provider of decent, safe, and affordable housing to Maine’s low-income households is a priority. Join MEREDA on April 25th as Director Gallagher shares his vision for MaineHousing and the state’s affordable housing sector, and outlines a couple of the initiatives already under way to change the housing and construction landscapes.

December 14, 2012 at 12:00 am · · Comments Off on Bangor-Area Breakfast Seminar – The Future of the Unorganized Territories

Bangor-Area Breakfast Seminar – The Future of the Unorganized Territories

Join us on February 6th in Bangor as MEREDA hosts a forum focusing on the reformed Land Use Planning Commission which was adopted by the Legislature earlier this year. It will cover the legislative history, implementation of the reforms by LUPC, and other state agency changes as a result of the legislation.

December 14, 2012 at 12:00 am · · Comments Off on Leveraging Public Dollars for Real Estate Deals

Leveraging Public Dollars for Real Estate Deals

Join us for breakfast on February 12th in South Portland to learn about federal, state, and local government incentive programs designed to stimulate job growth and development.

Our panel of experts will discuss federal EDA programs along with State of Maine New Market Tax Credits, Maine Seed Capital Tax Credits, Historic Tax Credits, Tax Increment Financing, among other important development programs.

October 29, 2012 at 12:00 am · · Comments Off on Maine Regulatory Fairness Board Public Hearing

Maine Regulatory Fairness Board Public Hearing

If you have a specific regulatory issue that you would like the Governor and Legislature to be aware of, this is a great opportunity to have your voice heard.  We would encourage MEREDA members to take advantage of this opportunity. 
  
If you intend to testify at this hearing, they ask that you bring six copies of any written testimony you prepare. It is helpful, but not required, for them to know in advance whether you intend to testify, so please contact Small Business Advocate Jay Martin at the address below.  

________________________________________________________________________________

Maine Regulatory Fairness Board to Hold Public Hearing
in Portland on November 16th

The Maine Regulatory Fairness Board (RFB) invites public testimony on regulatory and statutory issues that impact Maine businesses at its next meeting on Friday, November 16th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Rines Auditorium, located at the Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, Portland.

To effectively report to the Legislature and the Governor on regulatory conflicts, the Board elicits public comment from Maine business owners/managers and the public concerning specific state rules and regulations that may unreasonably impede business sustainability and growth, and recommendations for regulatory and statutory change that may enhance Maine’s business climate.

The Board holds hearings across the state to invite testimony that highlights and details regulations in need of scrutiny and amendment. It also weighs public comments and addresses administrative matters to advance operational goals and objectives. These public comments directly set the Board’s agendas and greatly inform its recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature. Public participation is an essential element to achieving its goals and objectives. The Board encourages businesses to please consider attending hearings whenever possible to share their valuable insights.

The Board is chaired by Secretary of State, Charles E. Summers, Jr. and is comprised of four members, who are or have been owners or operators of Maine businesses. It is staffed by Maine’s Small Business Advocate, Jay Martin. Private sector members of the Board volunteer their time and their unique expertise to serve as liaisons between the State’s business community, regulatory authorities, and lawmakers.

Members:

  • Secretary of State Charles E. Summers, Jr., Scarborough – Chairman
  • Mr. Mark A. Tyler, Oakland – Vice Chairman
  • Ms. Patricia Kuhl, Brunswick
  • Mr. Michael R. Cote, Whiting
  • Hon. Douglas Smith, Dover-Foxcroft

For more information, please contact:

Jay Martin, Small Business Advocate
Office of the Secretary of State
148 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0148
Office: (207) 626-8410   |  Cell: (207) 215-5871
Fax: (207) 287-8598    
E-mail: jay.martin@maine.gov
Websites:     www.maine.gov/sos/sba  |   www.maine.gov/sos/sba/rfb.html

October 29, 2012 at 12:00 am · · Comments Off on Master Planning for Success

Master Planning for Success

Join MEREDA on November 7th in Lewiston for an update on the City’s master plan for Riverfront Island. We’ll learn about the plan, the opportunities, and the tools utilized, both past and present, to redevelop this area that once functioned as the birth place of the city.