PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: “Hello, I am from state government, and I am returning your call for assistance. I have the answer to your question … is there anything else I can do to help you today?”

How many of you said,

“Yea, right” when you read that last sentence?

Jokingly or not, the idea of someone from the government, either federal or state, helping somebody out on the phone is usually not one of the more customer friendly experiences that come to mind.

If Commissioner George Gervias and his team have anything to say about it, that line of humor will no longer be applicable for those seeking answers to business questions in Maine.

Often times finding answers for questions surrounding rules, regulations, permits and licenses necessary to start a business in Maine are challenging. Who and where can people turn to and get the right answer the first time?

Thanks to a new program, the “who” is the team at the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, and the “where” is the Business Answers Program using your phone: 1-800-872-3838.

The Business Answers Program at DECD is designed to give businesses the help they need to succeed. Whether it is determining the legal requirements needed to start a business, or finding available state resources to help your business grow, the Business Answers Program is the first place any business should call.

As some of you know, I tend to be a bit of a skeptic; I wondered who was on the end of the phone answering all of these questions. After all, just because somebody answers a question does not guarantee a qualified answer will be given.

I am happy to report the governor’s newly formed team of account executives is manning the lines.

The day-to-day mission of the account executives is to serve as a one-stop resource for job creators to guide them through the maze of state government and help them through the process of opening a business, expanding or relocating. If they don’t know the answer, they definitely have access to someone who can provide it.

I recently spoke to one of the governor’s account executives to find out what types of questions businesses are asking. As you would expect, folks have questions about licensing, regulation, registering their business and business taxes.

Questions also come in concerning environmental regulations, labor laws, and how to connect with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and Small Business Development Centers (SBDC). Excitingly, there are also many calls about starting new businesses, too; everything from microbreweries to Maine-made canoes.

I would encourage any business owners or managers that have a question concerning rules, regulations, new employee reporting requirements, etc. to call the Business Answers hotline. If you don’t get the assistance you’re looking for, please let me know and I will convey that to the appropriate folks.

I can tell you that Gov. Paul LePage wants to make sure Maine businesses get all the assistance they need from his administration. Let’s use this new resource to make the Mid-coast region a better place to live, work and play.

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