In coordination with National Nurses Week, nursing leaders and peers recognized nine Franklin Memorial Hospital nursing and direct care professionals who demonstrate exceptional clinical practice and professionalism, through the organization’s annual Nursing and Direct Care Professionals Excellence Awards. The three award recipients from left are Katrina Gervais, ambulatory nursing; Karla D’Alessendro, direct care professional; and Melody Hill, hospital-based nursing. Submitted photo

Nursing and Direct Care Professional Awards presented

FARMINGTON — On May 11, after a week full of special activities in coordination with National Nurses Week, nursing leaders and peers recognized nine Franklin Memorial Hospital nursing and direct care professionals who demonstrate exceptional clinical practice and professionalism, through the organization’s annual Nursing and Direct Care Professionals Excellence Awards.

Those recognized support the advancement of patient care by demonstrating MaineHealth’s core values of patient-centered care, respect, integrity, excellence, ownership and innovation.

Seven nurses and two certified nursing assistants were nominated. They included Katrina Gervais, RN; Nicolle Godbout, RN; Kelli Gats, RN; Patti Chadbourne, CNA; Karla D’Alessandro, CNA; Heidi Hebert, RN; Kevin Joyce, RN; Nicole Emery, RN, and Melody Hill, RN.

“These nurses and direct care professionals have demonstrated exceptional nursing, clinical practice and professionalism while demonstrating our core values,” said Rebecca Wood, chief nursing officer. “The awards we presented recognize all of these outstanding individuals and their outstanding commitment to promoting optimal patient outcomes and a healthy work environment.”

At the conclusion of the ceremony, three were named as the award recipients: Gervais, ambulatory nursing; Hill, hospital-based nursing; and D’Alessendro, direct care professional.

Julie Crafts, RN, said in her nomination of Hill, “I have been impressed with her teamwork skills, nursing skills, and her willingness to pick up extra shifts to help out our team. Mel is a team player and will always be the first to assist her coworkers when they are feeling overwhelmed by her calm demeanor and kind words. I have watched her many times comfort patients in their times of weakness, and update family members with the information they need in a timely manner.”

Amanda Read and colleagues said in their nomination of Gervais, “Katrina is always on top of every task given to her! She is thorough and patient centered! Always being a team player and making sure her employees are always in safe hands. Katrina brings a positive attitude, exemplary care, and compassion that is uplifting to patients as well as her team.”

Crystal Marchetti, CNA, stated in her nomination of D’Alessendro, “Karla exudes pride and integrity in every aspect of her job. She is thorough, whether working on the desk, floor or precepting new staff. Karla is competent in all aspects of her care, demonstrating excellence by anticipating the needs of patients and staff alike to assist them before they ask.”

Michael Senecal, director of NorthStar EMS, was given the Partnership in Caring Award for the immeasurable support he has unselfishly given to nursing staff.

KeyBank surpasses goal, providing more than $26 billion focused on economic access and equity across the U.S.

PORTLAND — As announced in KeyCorp’s 2021 Environmental, Social and Governance Report released in April, the bank has surpassed the five-year goals of its National Community Benefits Plan, providing more than $26 billion focused on economic access and equity to communities across the country. The scope of these investments and lending included affordable housing, home lending, small business lending, and transformative philanthropy targeted toward workforce development, education and safe, vital neighborhoods for underserved communities and populations.

In its Maine market, KeyBank has invested more than $436 million in the past five years, including:

• $134 million in affordable housing and community development projects.

• $76 million in small business loans to businesses that are part of low- and-moderate income communities.

• $223 million in mortgage lending to low- and moderate-income communities throughout the market.

• $2.64 million in transformational philanthropic investments in neighborhoods that KeyBank serves.

“KeyBank has a long-standing legacy of support to Maine residents, businesses and communities,” said KeyBank Market President Chip Kelley. “We are proud of the impact we are making to address economic disparity and racial equity through our bank’s Community Benefits Plan, and the partnerships we have with local nonprofits and community organizations.”

In addition to the bank’s community investments for the last five years, the 2021 ESG Report highlights expanded commitments from Key for climate stewardship, including Key’s plan to finance or facilitate $38 billion to address climate change and support green initiatives by year-end 2026, and diversity, equity and inclusion, commitments, including increased representation of people of color in its senior leadership ranks.

Chris Hutchinson Submitted photo

Camden National Bank appoints new corporate controller

CAMDEN — Camden National Bank announced that Christopher Hutchinson has joined their finance team as senior vice president, corporate controller. In his new role, Hutchinson will oversee the finance and accounting departments at the bank.

“We’re very pleased to welcome Chris to our team,” said Mike Archer, executive vice president and chief financial officer at Camden National Bank. “His level of experience, exceptional leadership skills and strong financial background will be a tremendous asset to our team.”

Previously, Hutchinson served as the director of corporate accounting at Wex Inc., where he oversaw the global monthly close process and created annual budgets and quarterly forecasts for Wex’s balance sheets. Prior to his time at Wex, Hutchinson spent more than 11 years as a CPA for Macpage LLC, a local accounting firm located in South Portland. At the firm, he managed many different external audit engagements, primarily working in the financial institution and automotive industries.

Hutchinson, a certified public accountant, holds a Bachelor’s of Science in corporate finance and accounting from Bentley College in Waltham, Massachusetts. He currently resides in Scarborough with his family.

Gabe Gauvin Submitted photo

Central Maine Growth Council appoints Gabe Gauvin as economic development specialist

WATERVILLE — The Central Maine Growth Council, a public-private collaborative regional economic development partnership, is pleased to announce the appointment of Gabe Gauvin as economic development specialist. Gabe joined CMGC in April and is responsible for supporting, planning and advancing strategic economic development initiatives for CMGC and Waterville.

Gauvin’s work directly supports the expansion of the central Maine job market through strategic partnerships with developers and businesses, attracting and retaining skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and startups to the greater Waterville area. These initiatives will support growth of the regional tax base while facilitating the implementation of both public and private investment.

“After working alongside municipalities all over the state, I am excited to finally focus my attention on the Waterville area and bolster the record investment we’ve seen in the community,” said Gauvin. “It’s an exciting time for growth in central Maine, and there is an abundance of development potential here. I am eager to get to work and capitalize on that potential with the (Central Maine) Growth Council and the city.”

Gauvin brings previous experience from his work as an environmental and community planner at the Kennebec Valley Council of Governments, where he served over 60 Maine communities by providing technical assistance on environmental management, development programs and grant programs. His work mitigating negative environmental impact through brownfield revitalization projects in and around central Maine demonstrates a familiarity with the community and culture in Waterville.

“Waterville is a growing, innovative and creative city with a thriving future, and we are excited to attract a candidate of Gabe’s caliber to the city and growth council teams,” said Central Maine Growth Council Director of Planning, Innovation and Economic Development Garvan Donegan. “He has a great skill set and work-related experience with various levels of economic development ranging from rural to suburban, local to state, which will all support bolstering the city’s economic development activities, including business outreach, retention, expansion and recruitment priorities.”

Gauvin holds a dual bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine at Farmington in outdoor recreation and business administration as well as a a minor in geography. His academic background focused on sustainable development and the intersection of tourism, recreation and environmental impacts in New England.

Kirkpatrick Sales & Rentals in Union expands business, joins the Bobcat Co. dealer network

WEST FARGO, N.D. — Kirkpatrick Sales & Rentals in Union, Maine, has been named an authorized dealer for Bobcat Co., a global leader in compact equipment. Founded in 2018, Kirkpatrick Sales & Rentals serves customers primarily in Knox, Lincoln and Waldo counties.

“I originally spent 23 years in sales selling tractors and other equipment for a well-known brand at another dealership, but always wanted to own my own business,” explained Wayne Kirkpatrick, the owner and president of Kirkpatrick Sales & Rentals. “My wife, Corrie, and I started the rental business four years ago with just two Bobcat machines. When Bobcat asked us if we’d be interested in selling tractors, we jumped at the opportunity and the rest is history.”

Kirkpatrick Sales & Rentals is a full-service grounds maintenance dealer that primarily serves large property owners, commercial customers and small hobby farms. As a new, authorized turf and grounds maintenance dealer, they will offer compact tractors, small articulated loaders, mini-track loaders, utility vehicles, commercial mowers, Toolcat utility work machines, and a wide variety of supporting attachments and implements. They offer both new and pre-owned options, as well as full parts and service departments for customers.

“We decided to carry the Bobcat line because of the quality, name recognition and support they give customers — it’s second to none,” said Kirkpatrick. “With a great location on Route 17, we are centrally located to most other dealerships, so it’s easy for customers to come see what we have and how we stack-up compared to the competition.”

Kirkpatrick Sales & Rentals is located at 2179 Heald Highway in Union, Maine. They can be reached by phone at 207-718-8787, or online at www.kirkpatricksalesandrentals.com.

“We look forward to working with Kirkpatrick Sales & Rentals and offering their customers access to high-quality products and services,” said Steve Ross, director of channel development at Bobcat. “We are firmly committed to working closely with dealerships, like Kirkpatrick Sales & Rentals, to ensure that every customer has a long-lasting, positive experience.”

For more information on Bobcat and their nationwide dealer network, visit www.bobcat.com.

For more business news, visit CentralMaine.com.