People & Business: Jan. 30

Harpswell Democrats elect new officers

The Harpswell Democratic Committee voted on Jan. 14 to elect a new slate of officers: Gregory Greenleaf, chairman; Mary K. Brennan, vice-chairwoman; Nancy Egan, treasurer; and John Holland, secretary.

During the meeting, members voiced their appreciation for outgoing Chairman Jerry Klepner’s long service, as well as the service of outgoing Secretary Rebecca Waddle and former Vice Chairwoman Becky Gallery. Greenleaf said the new slate of officers are “energized to begin” and look forward to working with anyone who hopes to see change happen on important issues, such as rising sea levels and warming oceans, that directly affect Harpswell residents.

“I know there are many people in Harpswell who are passionate about a number of political issues. For a lot of them, these issues go beyond politics and are, like health care affordability, moral issues. They’re moral issues for Harpswell Dems, too,” Greenleaf said.

Acquisition

Winxnet, a Portland-based IT Managed Services Provider, has acquired the Managed Services division of Forza Technology Solutions in Connecticut. The acquisition follows the merger of Winxnet and K&R Network Solutions last year.

Giving back

L.L. Bean recently announced the recipients of its year-end charitable program, which is contributing $4 million in grants, products and sponsorships through its newly named L.L. Bean Outdoor Access Fund and L.L. Bean Community Fund.

Notable grant recipients include the National Park Foundation, which the Freeport company pledged $3 million to over the next three years, and $1 million to The Trust for Public Land.

Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association joined the Maine Association of Nonprofits at the 16th annual Maine Nonprofit Day on Jan. 17 at the Maine State House in Augusta. Nonprofit Day provides an opportunity for nonprofits and government to proclaim their commitment to creatively, efficiently and effectively serve the people of Maine.

Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association is an industry-based nonprofit that identifies and fosters ways to restore the fisheries of the Gulf of Maine and sustain Maine’s fishing communities for future generations.

Recognition

Urban Air, which has an adventure park in South Portland, was No. 1 in the Trampoline Park category and 97th overall in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Franchise 500,” the most comprehensive and widely referenced guide for all franchises.

Hires, promotions, appointments

The Maine Jewish Museum has appointed Nanci Kahn as its curator of photography. Kahn has an MFA in Photography with distinction from San Francisco Art Institute and her work is in the permanent collections of the National Museum of Ethiopia, Judy Glickman Lauder, Bruce Brown and more. Kahn has been assistant to the curator at the Maine Jewish Museum since 2015, as well as assistant preparator of the Portland Museum of Art and installer at the Maine Jewish Museum from 2013 to the present.

Sebago Technics, an employee-owned, engineering and surveying consulting firm in South Portland, announced Josh Eon has been promoted to project surveyor.

Erinn Rossignol has joined Bar Harbor Bank & Trust as branch relationship manager of the Topsham office.

Open for business

Ten mortgage professionals with more than 12 decades of combined mortgage industry experience recently joined the new Academy Mortgage New England’s branch location at 324 Cummings Road in South Portland. Branch Manager Tamika Donahue, a well-known top loan originator with 19 years of experience, and Loan Officer Steve LaChance, also an established industry veteran and top producer, lead the team, which includes David Mannette, Angela Hussey, Deb White, Bart English, Jordan Mezoian, Janessa White, and Tracy Rowe.

Raffi Der Simonian announced the launch of DerSimonian LLC, a full-service marketing firm headquartered at the historic U.S. Custom House in Portland Maine’s Old Port. DerSimonian LLC has partnered with award-winning digital design firm, Eri Design and p3 Maine, a video production firm.