Corson “Corky” Ellis is our speaker this Friday, and will share with us his experiences in building an internationally-known software firm in Portland that almost no one in Maine knows about, but whose products are sought out by major global manufacturers. Corky’s firm writes the software drivers that provide instructions to robots at Harley-Davidson, General Electric, Rockwell, and virtually every auto manufacturer.

Corky Ellis is Chairman and Founder of Kepware Technologies. Corky founded the company in Maine in 1995, after moving from New Jersey to Maine in search of a new home to raise his family. He found that Maine perfectly suites its state slogan, "The Way Life Should Be." Today, Kepware is located in historic downtown Portland, employs almost 100 people, and is the world leader in developing communications solutions for the Automation industry.

Corky's main focus is on Kepware's long-term success through strategic acquisitions and organic growth. Outside of Kepware, Corky is deeply involved in statewide efforts to encourage economic growth through a focus on secondary and high school education, and in environmental issues throughout the state. He is Vice Chair of the Maine Small Enterprise Growth Fund, and a board member of the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, an organization that combines scientific research on the health of the Gulf of Maine and middle school education on marine science. He has also recently helped start the Robotics Institute of Maine, an organization that encourages and funds high school and middle school robotics teams at schools in Maine. Corky believes that education is critical to the health of Maine's economy—and the nation's—and works hard to spread this message. He also invests heavily in the University of Maine, providing scholarships and aid to engineering students, many of whom he hires upon graduation.

Corky graduated from Amherst College and received an M.D.B.P. degree from Columbia University.

Exports are an important and vibrant sector of the Maine economy. Maine companies exported $2.7 billion in 2014. Maine’s top four export partners are Canada , China, Malaysia, and Japan.

The Maine International Trade Center (MITC) in Portland plays an important role in this sector, helping companies develop export markets throughout the world.

Janine Bisaillon-Cary, President of MITC and State Director of International Trade, gave Portland Rotary an overview of Maine’s export economy and the services that MITC provides.

(PHOTO: Bob Martin and Janine Bisaillon-Cary)

Established by Governor Angus King, MITC is a 501c3 non-profit receiving support from both private and public sources. Maine’s Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) provides state support, while private support comes from over 300 members. MITC provides research on foreign markets, support on trade logistics, and organizes trade missions as well as participation in foreign trade shows. Trade missions enable companies to investigate potential markets through individual meetings with potential partners and customers. MITC arranges most of the details including market briefings, business meetings, translators, and special events. Trade missions in recent years include Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Iceland, Kazakhstan, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. This October, MITC will be conducting a trade mission to Tokyo, Japan, and Shanghai, China.

By working with MITC, small and medium sized companies can exhibit in world class trade shows through shared booth space and reimbursement grants to offset eligible expenses. MITC also works with companies on how to make the most of their participation before, during, and after the show. Shows include MEDICA, European Seafood Global, and the Winter Fancy Food Show.

MITC also manages Invest in Maine and Study in Maine, two programs designed to bring companies and students into the Maine economy. International students bring $70m to Maine and over 100 foreign-owned companies are doing business in Maine.

There has been a lot of focus in the last three years on the North Atlantic, as temperature change has opened up new shipping routes and access to natural resources. MITC has forged strategic partnerships with Iceland and Eimskip, who has made Portland their US port. Making sure that Maine has a voice in North Atlantic trade negotiations, MITC founded the Maine North Atlantic Development Office (MENADO) in 2013, with Dana Eidness serving as Director. Until the establishment of MENADO, Alaska has been the only U.S. state to have a voice in current Arctic affairs. MENADO and its Advisory Committee will participate in Arctic geopolitical and economic conversations as they relate to Maine interests.

President Kris convened our meeting by welcoming with 52 members and 5 guests in attendance. He welcomed back our snow birds, including Alan Levenson. Peggy Westcott gave our invocation, recognizing those military veterans who served our country and giving homage to our fallen comrades after Memorial Day last weekend. Dave Putnam led us in the pledge and Russ Burleigh played 'God Bless America' in a baritone key.

President Kris called Emily McEntee to conduct our weekly raffle, which was up to $1173. Our speaker drew Nan Heald’s name to try and find the Queen of Hearts from the remaining cards. But alas, Pine Tree Legal could not benefit, as Nan drew the Ace of Hearts. 

Guests that were introduced included Past President John Tewhey, previous members Rich Cantz and Claire Owens, along with guests Andee Payne and Megan Devlin.

Janelle LoSciuto took the podium to promote the "Book Box." The Boys and Girls Club will be the beneficiaries of new or gently-used book donations age-appropriate for their primary and secondary school age children. You may bring in books to our meetings and the Club will ensure they arrive at the "Book Box."

Justin LaMontagne was seeking volunteers for quarterly chairs for the Program Committee.   While you are considering that also consider contacting Justin if you have suggestions for a good program for our centennial year 2015-2016. 

Peter Ingram promoted our Jewell Island cruise on Casco Bay for Thursday evening, July 9, 2015. (There will be no regular club meeting on July 10th.) Bring a friend or three for a fun cruise with light refreshments. A balmy evening and beautiful sunset is guaranteed. See club secretary, Loretta Rowe for your ticket reservations: lrowe@maine.rr.com

Mike Fortunato is seeking needed volunteers for June 1-3, our largest Club fundraiser, the Maine Outdoor Challenge. And don't forget the Lobster Bake on Wednesday, June 3rd, if you have pre-registered....5:00 p.m. at the Am Vets Hall, 148 North Road in Yarmouth.

Ellen Niewoehner announced a new initiative with our long-term involvement at the Long Creek Youth Development Center. We have adopted the Cedar Unit, which constitutes thirteen boys whom we plan to visit for one evening on a monthly basis. Consider participating with us in making a difference in the lives of  these young men. You both will benefit from the investment of a few hours of your time.

President Kris asked the irrepressible Jim Willey to come forth and accept the club's donation check to the center of $1000. Jim announced that the contribution would be used to assist repairing musical instruments donated to the Youth Center. Several other musically-gifted altruists donate their talent teaching music to the youths. Jim also told us about the Salvation Army’s "Champion for Kids" event he recently attended where the keynote speaker spoke about the search for extra-terrestrial life. Jim must have said the word "billion" as many times as Carl Sagan did during an episode of his Cosmos show. We love your enthusiasm, Jim!!

Happy Dollars - two members Peter Goffin and Bill Ross were happy for their sons’ graduation from their colleges; John Tewhey was happy to be with us; Jim Willey said, to no one’s surprise, that he is just happy to be here; and Mike Fortunato is happy that this time next week, the Maine Outdoor Challenge will be over.

Dave Putnam introduced principal, Kevin Stilphen , of Portland Arts and Technology High School (PATHS), who introduced our newest recipient of a Youth Service Award, Katie Joseph. 

President Kris announced that our Rotary International grant for the 3-H Project (Hearing, Hearts and Hands) in the Dominican Republic has been approved and we are working on another District grant. Your foundation dollars at work.

Amy Chipman, Foundation Chair, came to the podium to announce another Circle of Five ($200/yr Foundation donations), formed by Erik Greven, Erik Jorgensen, Janelle LoSciutto, Rusty Atwood and President-elect Bowen Depke. A drawing was held and Erik Jorgensen’s name was selected to be our newest Paul Harris Fellow from this circle. For more information on how you can become part of a "Circle of Five," contact Amy at: amy.chipman@rbc.com

Invocator: Carl Spang
​Program Reporter: Alan Nye
Bits & Pieces Reporter: Ben Lowry
​Registration/Greeter: Leonard Scott
Sell Meal Tickets: Loretta Rowe
​Raffle: Anne Fisher
​Badge Box: Alex St. Hilaire
Collect Meal Tickets: Russell Voss
​Song Leader: Happy Dollars
​Pianist: Kathy Grammer​
Sgt-at-Arms - Early: Charlie Frair
​Sgt-at-Arms - Late: Matt Tassey

Portland Rotary meeting locations for 2015 

If you would like to mark your calendars for where our meetings will be held,
we are at the following locations through June 2015:

You can watch our recent Portland Rotary Club speakers on the Community Television Network website:

http://ctn5.org/shows/rotary-club-speakers-series

You can always find the link on the Portland Rotary Home Page!