Happy March Priscilla,  

Or should I say, "Happy Mud Season"... 

Regardless, it's getting a little bit closer to Spring, with the sun setting after 6 pm, flowers blooming, warmer weather, grass growing, birds singing, and customers calling wondering where the heck you've been... taxes are due, new rules of government filing are popping up, new mandates, legislations... Not to mention Super Tuesday... 

Sorry, didn't mean to stress you out there.  If you are anything like me and the dozens of business owners I've spoken to in the last few days, you are feeling the crunch too.  And maybe the onset of Spring has you feeling like a sleepy bear stumbling out of hibernation wondering where February and all your snacks have gone.  Don't worry... I've got you. 

For the entire month of March, I'm committed to providing valuable insights on time management, debunking the myth of work-life balance (spoiler alert: it's a fallacy), and enhancing productivity. From handy checklists to timely reminders and effective strategies, I'll be sharing it all.

If you want to follow along, be sure to follow me on the socials - Facebook and Instagram.  Additionally, in celebration of Women's History Month and in tribute to the remarkable women who have added color to the blue-collar lifestyle, I'll be spotlighting some of my favorites each Friday.  For those of you who frequent LinkedIn, stay tuned for exclusive content tailored specifically for that platform.

Here's some NEWS you can use!

Mandates, Regulations, and Legislations - OH MY!


Maine Employers - be sure to check your email inboxes regarding the MERIT program.  Here's a brief overview:

What the heck is MERIT?

Every Maine employer with 5 or more employees will need to facilitate the program if they don’t already offer their own qualified retirement savings plan.

  • Your business is registered to conduct business in the state of Maine

  • You have at least five W-2 employees

  • You have been in business for two or more years; and

  • You don’t currently offer a qualified retirement savings program to your employees

If your business already offers a qualified retirement plan to your employees, you are not eligible to participate in MERIT

https://meritsaves.org/

Maine LLC business owners - HEADS UP!  - Annual Report Filing due 06.01.24

LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, and Registered Businesses - Have you heard of the Corporate Transparency ACT?  Don't miss this one -failure to file could cost you thousands fines and penalties!!! Read more HERE

Networking: 

03.06.24 - Portland Chamber After Hours - 5-7pm - O'Reilly's Cure, Scarborough

03.08.24 - AGC Family Hockey Night

03.27.24 - March Tours & Pours w/ PROPEL – Turner Construction’s Maine Medical Center Project

03.28.24 - NOTE NEW DATE! Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Maine Meet-up - 5:30-7pm - Cowbell, 185 US Rt 1, Scarborough


Education:

Crew-U - Contact Blazing Trails Coaching to bring Crew-U to a classroom near you!

Check out the Educational Programs offered through the Associated General Contractors of Maine

Wisdom:

Letting Go of Work-Life Balance - How to Manage a Business, a home, a family and your sanity

 Should I Scale My Contracting Business - or Stay Small?

How to Establish Successful Routines for Your Small Business (FREE DOWNLOAD!)

Support:

03.21.24 - 8:30am-10:00am How-To's: Your Family Businesses' Resiliency Depends on it's Structure - Institute for Family-Owned Business

03.24.24 - 10:30am - 11:30am How to Develop a Board of Advisors