Happenings

  

The Nezinscot Guild

Sponsored by River Resources, Inc

P.O. Box 121

Turner, ME 04282

www.thenezinscotguild.com

207.225.2444

 

 

May 15, 2011

 

Notice

Nominations for River Resources Inc. Board of Directors

Open Until June 15, 2011

 

River Resources Inc., a Maine non profit corporation, operating the Nezinscot Guild in Turner, Maine announces its annual open nomination period for candidates to serve on the Board of Directors.

 

The Nezinscot Guild, located just off of Route 4 in Turner, remains a place where adults with disabilities are welcome and where they can work side by side with people of all abilities to produce high quality products. The Nezinscot Guild is the business brand name for the private, non-profit organization, River Resources, Inc., which is a registered 501(C)(3) with the federal government. Our mission of “providing employment to people with developmental disabilities, autism, mental illness and traumatic brain injuries in a successful small business” remains just as strong today as when we started more than 30 years ago.

 

Candidates should have a commitment to fostering employment of Maine’s developmentally disabled adults. The board works in conjunction with the Executive Director to review corporate policy, business practices and fund raising activities.  The Board meets monthly at the Nezinscot Guild’s facility in Turner.

 

River Resources Inc. is currently accepting nominations for the following board positions

 

• Turner Community Representative – a resident of Turner – two-year term commencing September 1, 2011

 

• Client Advocate Representative – either a relative of a current or past client/employee of the Guild or a professional working in the area of employment for developmentally disabled workers- two year term commencing September 1, 2011

 

• Fund Raising Representative – if possible a candidate with experience in fund raising campaigns and/or grant applications – two year term commencing September 1, 2011

 

• Business Operations Representative – if possible a candidate with experience in either manufacturing operations or business finance – two-year term commencing September 1, 2011.

 

• Open Representative – no specified scope of expertise – general commitment to the mission of the Guild – two year term commencing September 1, 2011

 

• Open Representative – no specified scope of expertise – general commitment to the mission of the Guild – one year term commencing September 1, 2011

 

For more information on the Guild’s mission and business please see  www.thenezinscotguild.com

Please forward nominations for directors by June 15, 2011 to:

                                Chair of the Board of Directors

                                Kim Vandermeulen

                                Nezinscot Guild

                                PO Box 121

                                Turner, ME 04282

                                Or to

                                info@thenezinscotguild.com

Recipient of the 2000 Noyce Award for Nonprofit Excellence, Presented by the Maine Community Foundation

Recipient of the 2004 Turner Business Award, Presented by the Androscoggin Chamber of Commerce

 

 

Dan Beressi and Bob Cashman present a $10,000 donation to Dan O’Shea. The money is to help The Guild continue its’s mission of employing Maine people with disabilities.

March 11, 2011 – Idexx Global Purchasing Agent,  Dan Beressi and Material Procurement  Manager, Bob Cashman recently visited The Nezinscot Guild.   Both men had been to the Guild before on business calls over the last 25 years.   The Nezinscot Guild has been a product vender for Idexx for that period.  Recent product mix changes had effected the volume of business that The Guild  had come to expect from Idexx, but the relationship continues with other products.  Idexx presented a $10,000 dollar “bridge” donation to the Guild’s non profit services to employ Maine people with disabilities.   The gentlemen from Idexx were following up on a request for help from Nezinscot Guild Executive Director,  Dan O’Shea.  Idexx Corporation has a strong history of giving to worthy community projects that lift and benefit Maine people.

 

 

     

March 6th, 2011 – Several positive events have occurred, in our struggle to employ people with disabilities,  in one of the most depressed economic times in our country’s  history.   The most obvious is a change in political philosophy in the wonderful state of Maine.  Thanks to a new governor, with a work ethic and business background, that wants to tackle unemployment and decreasing the welfare mentality that the state of Maine had slipped into over the last decade. 

 

We embrace this proactive philosophy toward employing all Maine people.  We are grateful to Governor Lepage, Commissioner Mayhew and acting Director of  Cognitively Impaired services., Bill Hughes for the bridge grant to keep our social purpose enterprise growing to complete our goals of self sufficiency.

 

Also, thanks to our Maine business partners,  J.S. McCarthy Printing of Augusta and Robbins Lumber Company of  Searsmont, Maine, for believing in our reputation for work quality and timely delivery.

 

Thanks also to our business partners throughout the United States for supporting our business model and our social purpose. 

 

January 27.  2011 – We have made great strides in difficult times but we need help.  Please read the blog I wrote today.   Optimistic good intentions get things started.  Financial support and committment keep them going.  I hope you’ll take the time to read.

 

“We are in the second year of our great social experiment to see if there is enough private support to enable free employment services to needy people.   We employ people with disabilities, who otherwise wouldn’t have options provided by the public sector. We do this without any public support.  Our mantra has been self-sufficiency for the last 33 years.  We have tried , failed and succeeded at many different small business endeavors but the mission always shined bright, ” to employ people with developmental disabilities, mental illness, autism and traumatic brain injuries in a successful small business”.  We currently manufacture nationally renowned wood products, industrial fulfillment services and a wide variety of convenience services to industry.

  

December 15,  2010 - There is still plenty of time (if your talking  in  days) to order your gifts at www.thenezinscotguild.com  .  We’re having a great holiday season selling our special quality products, especially, The Original Maine Lobster Kit, and every single sale we make promotes our mission of employing  people with disabilities .  Call us to inquire about special shipping arrangements so your gifts can “Make a memoory and make a difference” on time.  Call Loretta at 207 225 2444.  There’s still time to buy that special gift ( that gives twice)!  Merry Christmas and Happy Holy Days to all!  The Guild provides free employment services to people in need because they need help.  Help us do good.  We receive no tax payer support.  Good business and good will of benefactors allow us to operate.

 

 December 1, 2010 - See our gift crate offerings for the Holidays.  www.thenezinscotguild.com .  We  have some standard crate and boxes left in the Gift Shop and some very well priced deals  in the Bargain Barn.  Its fun because you never know what you’ll find and also the deals are great.  If you are stumped about what to give in this holiday season, go with The Original Maine Lobster Kit,  make a memory , make a difference!! You can find this great Christmas Gift at the www above.  Thanks to all who have supported the idea of working people with disabilities by buying our products and spreading the word about our Social Purpose Enterprise. Happy Holidays! May we all live in peace and fulfillment.

 

If you know us, you know we are providing free social service, employing people with disabilities.  If you like that concept, support our mission with purchases, and or donations and moral support.

   

October 28th,2010 -  Thanks to the staff at Lewiston Auburn Magazine for their November issue article on The Nezinscot Guild and highlighting the Original Maine Lobster  Kit.  The Guild is a nonprofit social purpose enterprise employing people with disabilities and The Original Maine Lobster Kits proceeds support the social mission of The Nezinscot Guild.  Special thanks to Jennifer Boenig for her writing craft and her advocacy for people who need support.  The Nezinscot Guild provides employment to local citizens of Androscoggin County with disabilities without any state or federal support. 

  

The Lewiston Auburn Magazine is a great Maine resource.  kudos to the  editor, Joshua Shea, for his entrepreneurial spirit.  If you have kids in Maine read Leaving the nest, in the November edition.

  

If you haven’t read this relatively new publication, it’s really full of important, relevant information about the Lewiston Auburn scene.  I am more impressed with each new edition.  And I really liked the first one.

 October 2, 2010 – New! Bargain Barn, clearance on unique pine boxes and crates and maybe some other items, too.  We need to make room in our warehouse and are selling items that are over runs, remnants and specialty items.  These wooden boxes are first quality and priced to regain our storage space.  Help us out by going to our website, www.thenezinscotguild.com  and click on the Bargain Barn icon.   We’re cutting prices in half to make room.  Revisit the Barn often, we have lots of variety and must sell it all.  If you live near The Nezinscot Guild in Turner, Maine, visit us and save on shipping.  Thanks, and happy bargain hunting.

  

 April 1st, 2010 - No fooling around!  There is hope for good intentions, rational thinking and ways to improve the lot of people who are struggling,  without requiring national debt drama. The Nezinscot Guild is negotiating with two major manufacturing companies about doing their repackaging and assembly services.  This is huge because these very successful industry leaders recognize the fact that they need help away from their expertise to present their products in best light.  Retail demand for services and products seems to be building…..not back to normal, but improving.  

February 17th, 2010 – New today, we’re hiring in our repackaging department if you live in our area and are motivated to work in a fast paced manufacturing setting.   The job is high volume hand work.  These are temporary (2-3 month for sure) positions doing hand repackaging.  Call 225 2444.   

February 15, 2010 – The days are getting longer, as is the life expectancy of our social purpose enterprise, 31 years of purpose, shooting for forever.  Most of our business partners are shaking off the cobwebs of recession.  Everyone has stream-lined their operational costs just as we have.  It’s a brand new day for those who have had the stomach to weather the storm.  We are working on a new line of internet/retail  products  and they are really exciting!  Our repackaging department has seen a boost in activity and there are also many entrepeneurs calling on our wooden box and gift crate services.  Right now its more start- ups but many will grow and we’ll be there to help them and grow with them.  Every order for our products and every donation to The Nezinscot Guild betters the life of a worker with developmental disabilities.  Please help by buying our products, financially support our mission and spread the name and purpose of our non-profit organization.  It’s going to be a good year!  

January 4, 2010 – There will be an Open House at The Nezinscot Guild at 9 Conant Road in Turner on Tuesday evening at 6 P.M.,  January 12th.   The manufacturing facility that employs people with developmental disabilities and brain injuries will offer tours and displays of products that are produced at The Guild.  Staff and Board Members will be on hand to demonstrate box building and jigging and other creative aids and modifications to help people be successful at work.   There will be light refreshments and a free drawing of  The Original Maine Lobster Kit at 6:30 P.M. right after a brief welcoming address by the president of the board of directors and the executive director.  It will be a great opportunity to gain information about what a social purpose enterprise is.   

November 27th, 2009 – Two days after Thanksgiving and there are an abundance of things for us to be thankful for.        

We have manufactured and sold over 18,000 gift crates and boxes since our fiscal year began in July.  This isn’t a record, but a strong showing in a tough economy.   We have two new customers in our repackaging business that have kept us very busy in that department.  

We received our first  donation from Shaw’s Community Rewards Program.  It was a small amount because we started late and we need to grow our support network.  Thanks to Shaws Grocery Stores and all our loyal supporters who signed on for The Nezinscot Guild.  People can  sign up for this ongoing program.  A portion of your purchases made at all Shaws stores on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday will be donated to the Guild.  

Thanks to Terry Hayes and Larry Sirois, our local state representatives, for nominating The Nezinscot Guild to The Community Development Foundation, for an annual award.  Though we were not selected, it was an honor to be nominated.  

Thanks to The Maine Small Business Economic Development, especially Rose Creps for the hours of consultation and referrals to others that might help us grow our businesses.  

Thanks most of all for great and gifted staff and our workers with special needs who make all our days and efforts so worthwhile and satisfying.  There are  many others to thank and we will in other bulletins.  

November 22, 2009 – A new free drawing is up at www.thenezinscotguild.com.  We are proud to be giving a lucky winner three “Country Lines Wine Boxes”.  These are perfect for holiday gift giving.   The drawing will be in early December, so sign up soon.  Once your name is in your in for all our freebies.  Is this fun? or what!  Have a great Thanksgiving.    

November 6th, 2009 – There are temporary job openings in The Nezinscot Guild Repack Department and the Gift Crates and Box Division.  The Guild is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications for temporary employment from people with disabilities and without disabilities.  There is an abundance of purchase orders through November and into December.  It’s a dynamic integrated work setting that requires alot of energy and teamwork.  Call Loretta at 225-2444.  If the recession is over, we are in a growth mode and jobs could last beyond December.  We are very busy.  Modified shift hours availible.  

September 10, 2009 – We have a winner!  The free drawing for The Original Maine Lobster Kit was won by Kim Hurley from Fortville, Indiana.  Congratulations to Kim.  There will be another free drawing soon.  

August 20, 2009 -  There’s a new free drawing item up at The Nezincot Guild website, www.thenezinscotguild.com   .  We’re giving away our hottest gift item this summer, The Original Maine Lobster Kit.  It’s easy to enter, just visit our web site.  The winner will be picked in early September!  

August 5, 2009 – The Nezinscot Guild was awarded a $2,500.00 grant by The Maine Community Foundation.  The grant is to support web  marketing and web site devlopment at The Guild.  The Nezinscot Guild recently launched a internet retail store to promote it’s sales of custom wooden boxes and other items.  The grant will also support ongoing web marketing efforts to grow  the existing  wholesale wooden gift crate and box business and it’s industrial repackaging business.    The Nezinscot Guild is a social purpose enterprise that strives for total self sufficiency in its mission to employ people with developmental disabilities and brain injuries.  For 25 years,  the Maine Community Foundation has been partnering with donors and community groups to strengthen Maine through grants and scholarships.  For more information, visit the foundation’s website www.mainecf.org or call toll free 1-877-700-6800.  

 July 30, 2009 – We have a winner to the Free Drawing of The Country Lines Series of boxes and carriers.  Thanks to everyone who signed up.  Your entry into this drawing made you elligible for future free drawings without signing up again.  Stay tuned to www.thenezinscotguild.com  for the next give away of our quality products.  

July 29th, 2009 – The Original Maine Lobster Kit can now be found at several socially responsible gift shops in Maine.  The response continues to be very positive for our quality product.  The wisdom and good will of these entrepenuers  is demonstrated by their ability to link the quality of the product to the double value of the social purpose.  Many  thanks to Linda at Touch of Class, in Farmington; Vicki at The Niblic on Chebeague Island; Cathe at The State of Maine Cheese Company and Sharon at Main Gold in Rockport and Jessica at The Daytrip Society in Kennebunkport.  If you are lucky enough to find yourself  in one of these elegant establishments, please tip your hat to the owners who are deliberately giving back to our Maine community  

July 25,2009 – We’re published!  Well , not in literary terms, but our Original Maine  Lobster Kit,the summer’s hottest new gift idea and durable classey household item is in  Downeast Magazine, the August edition under the Good Things from Mainesection.   The promotion is working well and the product is selling.  Thanks much to the socially responsible people at Downeast Magazine and all those who are buying our product for it’s double value….it’s quality and it’s purpose.  

July 22,  2009 – Two new voices of The Nezinscot Guild can be found at our Other Blogs pages.  The Inside  Veiw will reflect the activities and views of our social  enterprise’s motivation and purpose.  It will be authored by Loretta Blancato.  Loretta has many years of experience as our liason to the community and social service sector.    The other voice will be that of Kevin Ellingwood, a Jack of all Trades, and a master of a lot of stuff.  He will cover many aspects of our marketing attempts and initiatives to bring more focus to our brand of work and purpose.  Look for his blog under Nezinscot Net-Works.  

July 1,  2009 – New Frontier for The Nezinscot Guild starts in July as we move forward without any state or federal tax payers support.    Our fate  lies in our abilities to increase our business income significantly with the sale of our products and services.  Private donations from supporters of our social purpose are also welcome .  We believe we can be self supporting and socially responsible and provide meaningful jobs to workers with developmental disabiltities without burdening the American/Maine taxpayer.  Here we go!  Join our “bridge to self sufficiency Campaign”  today by purchasing our high quality products.  

  So what’s the problem?  Well, we have great customers and some great corporate business partners that we provide quality products and services to.  We also have a work force that is eager, dedicated and grateful.  Frankly speaking, to tap into this unique work force pool of people with disabilities, sometime requires extra effort, team work and cost beyond that required for running a traditional small business.  There are extra costs and obstacles to profitable productivity when employing people with disabilities.  We don’t shun people with lower capabilities, we embrace their effort.  We do what we do for this group of citizens because they deserve our efforts and the social rewards are great.

This fiscal year (July 2010-June 2011), after two quarters of business, our social purpose is 4% in the red from an accountant’s point of view.  From our point of view we, as a social purpose enterprise, and 501 ( c) (3) non-profit corporation, that receives no tax payer support, are 96% self-sufficient through our commercial enterprises.

To the point,  we are doing great work, manufacturing great products and providing great industrial services.  Most importantly we are providing real meaningful work to people with disabilities that the public sector simply can’t duplicate because of  its sheltered bureaucratic reference point.

We have great business partners that appreciate our efforts to employ hard-to-employ people. We are always seeking other long-term business relationships.  We have a dedicated workforce of all abilities that treat our customers’ interests as if they were their own.

We seek silent or vocal financial backers to help us with the social purpose etched into our business enterprise.  We need help with our successful 96% self-sufficiency.  Please help us continue with this very worthy endeavor in these difficult times.  Donations can be sent from our website, www.thenezinscotguild.com or sent vis U.S. Postal Service to The Nezinscot Guild, P.O. Box 121 , Turner , Maine 04282.  Make a difference, please, if you support our mission,  act now,  before these employment options for people with disabilities are lost.”