Dear Alumni and Friends,

As many of you know, our dear friend and BRLI alum, Gary Creaser, died suddenly in June, leaving his wife, Emma, and daughter, Alex, with a lot to cope with. One item is a fixer-upper house that requires more work than they are equipped to handle.

The BRLI steering committee, at the suggestion of some BRLI alum and with Emma's acceptance of the help, has decided to devote two Saturdays in September, the 17th and the 24th, from 8am to 5pm to aid in the completion of several small and large projects.

This means many hands are needed with various skill levels. All are welcome to join us (BRLI alumni, Chamber members and friends and family of), even if you're like me and the most you may be able to offer is help with painting. We hope to send out a list of items needed prior to the work days in the event that some cannot attend, but still want to contribute. There is a lot to do, and we hope you will pitch in to complete these projects to support the loved ones of a man that supported BRLI and our community so greatly.

Please call the Chamber at 207-947-0307 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to let us know the dates and times you are available. While we would love to have you work all day on both Saturdays, ANY amount of time you can give will be greatly appreciated.

Again, let's show Emma and Alex how much Gary meant to BRLI and the Bangor Region by banding together to show them our support as they work through this difficult time.

Sincerely,
Trish Hansen
BRLI Steering Committee Chair

Download the BRLI Application.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 1st, 2011.

BANGOR, Maine - The Bangor Region Leadership Institute (BRLI) has given its prestigious G. Clifton Eames Award to the leader of an organization that helps women enter workforce and lead more productive lives.

Jane Searles, regional manager and micro enterprise trainer for the Maine Centers for Women Work and Community, was honored at BRLI's graduation dinner on May 11. The Eames award is given annually to a person who has been through the leadership institute's training and has made a positive impact as a leader in the community.

Searles is a 2001 graduate of BRLI. She was honored not only for her work in helping women start successful businesses and careers, but also for an extensive resume of community involvement. Among the groups Searles has volunteered with in the past are: the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce board of directors, Maine Women's fund board of directors, Noontime Kiwanis board, Penobscot Job Corp Community Relations Council, City of Bangor Economic Development Advisory Council, Spruce Run domestic violence project board, Tuesday forum, University of Maine Women's resource center board, Children's Miracle Network.

BRLI is seeking nominations for the 2011 G. Clifton Eames Leadership Award. The Award recognizes a BRLI Alumni who has made an outstanding contribution to the social, cultural, environmental and/or economic vitality the Bangor Region. Past Award recipients include: Dennis Marble, Deb Neuman, Bill Lucy, Dick Cattelle, Carol Colson, Rob Reeves, Jon Eames, Merlene Sanborn, and Karl Ward. The 2011 G. Clifton Eames Leadership Award will be presented at the BRLI Annual Dinner on May 11th, 2011.

Support the BRLI by sponsoring the 2011 Laugh-In or buying an ad in the event program. The Laugh-In is BRLI’s annual fundraising comedy dinner. Proceeds from the evening help ensure that BRLI has the resources to deliver the high standard of leadership training and education that alumni, participants and the community demand. Click here for sponsorship details.