WCEA Meeting Minutes April 5, 2025
WCEA Committee Meeting
April 5, 2025
Committee Members Present: Nick MacDonald, Inez Lombardo, Cathy Lookabaugh, Robin Pinto (part time). Staff: Tara Wood, Gabby Brodek, Jason Palomo, with Guests: Amanda Smith, Peter Piconi, and Jessica Crowley; Missing: Lisa Hanscom, Ed Latham and Rachel White
MaineStreet Business Building
Presenters
- Amanda Smith, Coastal Advisor; Peter Piconi, Business Resilience Advisor; Jessica Crowley, APEX government contracting and youth entrepreneurship
- https://mainestreetbusiness.org/memberships/ for renting spaces.
- To contact, use info@mainestreetbusiness.org or call 207.255.0983 MaineStreet Business Building foci include food systems, youth development, food safety, community resilience, and sustainable initiatives.
- Members discussed the biggest challenges faced by their communities, including fear of starting businesses due to financial risks and lack of resources.
- The need for incubator spaces for new businesses was highlighted, with suggestions for affordable rental options.
Secretary’s Report
Motioned and seconded. Inez and Cathy. Accepted
Treasurer’s Report
Tara explained that other funds became available for the EM ROOTS Conference catering from an account in Orono by Jess Leahy, UMaine Forestry Professor. So we didn’t use the entire amount allocated to the conference ($1,000). Rachel will be able to use the funds for other programming in Washington County.
Tara purchased 12 pen sets to set aside for future use.
Inez, Robin motioned and seconded for acceptance
Updates on Events and Programs
Gabby shared details about the upcoming STEM showcase on May 2nd, inviting participants to showcase STEM activities.
Jason highlighted the annual ice skating trip and a community service hike planned for next month .
Rachel provided an update on the Eastern Maine Roots Conference, noting its success and positive feedback.
Norman W. Duzen Community Service Award
Please send forms to Tara by Friday, April 4. She will tally them and notify the Executive Committee if there is an overwhelming majority. If it’s close the Executive Committee will have to reconvene to discuss.
2026 Budget
Staying with $32,500, the same amount requested last year.
- Program Support: $2,000.00
- Secretarial Salaries: $28,000.00
- Supplies/Equipment: $2,500.00 (increased due to potential photocopier
invoices)
Two new commissioners- David Burns and Billy Howard join John Crowley Sr.
Lisa Hanscom is concerned about funding for 2025 due to deficits at the county so we should take a proactive approach and attend a County
Commissioner meeting this summer. Meeting dates are
April 10
May 8
June 12
July 10
August 14
September 11
October 9
November 13
December 11
2025 Slate of Officers for President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary need to be determined. Lisa Hanscom has expressed a wish to step down from this role. We can discuss it at the May meeting.
• Recruitment- We need to work on getting new members! Please reach out to those who may be interested.
Update on annual meeting from subcommittee-
Tara has been working on the webpage and the online registration form.
Eric Jones and Kyle Winslow selected as UMaine Volunteer Pen Award recipients.
Tara will send a poll to set the next meeting for the planning committee.
Annual Meeting Planning
The need to discuss officer roles and recruit new members for the Washington County Extension Association was addressed .
Tara mentioned the importance of submitting nominations for the Norm Duzen Community Service Award.
Action Items
1. Members to send their score sheets for the Norm Duzen Award to Tara by Friday.
2. Tara to compile the scores and determine if a tie exists, scheduling a meeting if necessary.
3. Nick and Tara to reach out to Carla for scheduling a time on the county commissioners’ agenda to discuss the budget.
4. Tara to send a poll to the annual meeting subcommittee to reschedule their next meeting.
Next meeting set for May 7 at 6PM