I hope everyone is enjoying the summer weather. I am hopeful that all this sunshine will help the summer tourism business in Maine. Below are a couple of events coming up in our towns.

Have a wonderful day!

Sabattus Family Fun Festival is this Thursday!

The Sabattus Family Fun Festival will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 pm this Thursday, July 22nd, at the Sabattus Town Hall on Middle Road in Sabattus.

All Sabattus residents are welcome. Come and meet your neighbors. Bring the kids to play games and enjoy a barbecue of hamburgers, hot dogs, and many other goodies.

Visit the Sabattus Town website to keep informed on other events happening in Sabattus. www.sabattus.org

I hope to see you there!

Greene Village Day

Greene Village Day begins on Friday, September 10th. Friday nights events will start off with a bonfire, music, dancing, and lots of good food. You can also try your hand at the money machine. Festivities start at 6pm until 10pm. Dont miss this evening of fun! Free admission. Dance to the band “Skosh”. Great for ALL ages!

Saturday, September 11th, starts with a Blueberry Pancake breakfast at the Fire Station, parade down Main Street and lots of food, fun and games. All activities will be located at the fields on Recreation Drive, just off Main Street. Visit www.greenevillageday.com for more information.

I will have a booth at Greene Village Day. I look forward to seeing you there!

Visit the Greene town website to keep informed on other events happening in Greene. www.townofgreene.net

Are you a business owner? Do you know a business owner? Below is important information on health insurance tax credits that businesses in Maine can apply for now. This is really important information. If you know a business owner please forward this information to them.

Have a Happy and Save 4th of July!

Thousands of Maine businesses may qualify for tax credits and assistance with costs to cover early retiree health benefits - right now…

The new health care law will affect businesses small and large, although many provisions, such as the health insurance exchanges, won’t go into effect until 2014.  In the meantime, there are a number of transitional provisions of the law that could benefit many Maine businesses, including tax credits and a reinsurance program to cover the costs of early retirees’ insurance claims.

When the Patient Care and Affordable Care Act of 2010 is fully implemented, small businesses will be able to participate in a state insurance exchange, which will give them leverage to negotiate with insurers for the best price and greater accountability.

While the exchange won’t be operational until 2014, the Affordable Care Act has several provisions of interest to businesses that are already in effect. Tax credits are available for the current tax year and through 2014.

• Some restrictions apply, for example sole proprietors are not included in the program, but in general, tax credits are available for up to 35% of the premiums a small business pays for its workers.
• Businesses with 10 or fewer employees and average wages under $25,000 who cover at least 50% of the cost of coverage will qualify for the maximum credit.
• Firms with up to 25 employees and average wages of up to $50,000 are eligible for smaller credits.
• Credits are available from 2010 to 2013 and increase to 50% in 2014.
• Non-profits are also eligible for a tax benefit, with slightly different criteria.

Employers interested in applying for the credit can contact the Maine Bureau of Insurance for more information.