With 130,000 policyholders in five states and a growth rate of 7-9 percent per year, MMG Insurance is a local success story. The major reason for that success, according to MMG President Larry Shaw, is the employees.
Shaw, addressing the Aroostook Partnership for Progress (APP) board of directors at the Sept. 12 meeting held at MMG Insurance in Presque Isle, said his company employs 145 people in Presque Isle and another 35 outside the area. Shaw added the company has adopted a “high tech – high touch” philosophy to enhance customer service and improve operations.
The board of directors meeting was also the first since Shaw was appointed chairperson of the board. APP President Bob Dorsey said it is customary when a meeting is held at an investor’s location to hear an update on the business.
“It’s a good way for CEOs and others to hear what is happening with other businesses in the region,” he said. “Plus it reinforces the fact you can have a successful business in The County.”
University of Maine at Presque Isle President Linda Schott presented on the launching of Employer-U at the Presque Isle campus. She said the hope is the university’s resources can assist businesses with customized trainings. She indicated this effort is still in the early stages and a business survey will be forthcoming to assist in the planning and development of the program.
The board also received an update on “Opportunities Aroostook,” which is a collaborative effort between APP and LEADers Encouraging Aroostook Development, businesses and educators to grow the 18-to-44-year-old workforce in Aroostook County. The new job/resume posting website, www.opportunitiesaroostook is now live, in testing, to allow people to explore career opportunities in Aroostook County.
“We hope every business in Aroostook County will post all their job openings,” said Dorsey. “This effort will only work if we have the cooperation of the Aroostook business community.”
Job and resume postings are free and the site has some unique tools to market your business to potential employees.
Also on the agenda was a review of APP activity over the summer. Dorsey said the staging of an Export Conference during the World Acadian Congress and the second Education to Industry Summit made for a very busy July and August.
The next APP board of directors meeting will be Friday, Nov. 14, at Acadia Federal Credit Union in Fort Kent.
