FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2011
Contact: Caitlin E. Chamberlain
(207) 441-0501?

Secretary of State Charles E. Summers, Jr. Appoints Maine’s First Small Business Advocate

AUGUSTA, Maine – On Thursday, October 6th, Secretary of State Charlie Summers appointed Jay Martin of Stillwater as Maine’s first Small Business Advocate. This position was formed as part of LD 1, “An Act To Ensure Regulatory Fairness and Reform,” approved in a bipartisan vote then signed into law by Gov. Paul LePage on June 13, 2011. Secretary Summers will chair the Regulatory Fairness Board, to be staffed by Martin, which will hear testimony and report to the Legislature and the Governor on regulatory and statutory changes necessary to enhance the state's business climate.

Martin brings extensive business management experience to this position, including a sixteen year career in the restaurant industry. Upon achieving his BA in English at the University of Maine in 1995, he played an instrumental role in expanding the popular Bangor-based Coffee News publication franchise across the U.S. His service to Washington Hancock Community Agency significantly increased funding for and awareness of its programs. At United Cerebral Palsy of Maine, he facilitated the agency’s acquisition of the Elizabeth Levinson Center. A Bangor native and son of local commercial artist Normand Martin, he lives in Stillwater with his wife Karen.

The Small Business Advocate will reach out and respond to small businesses of 50 employees or fewer that are addressing state regulatory concerns, with a focus on resolving enforcement actions. Secretary Summers states, “Jay will serve as an independent voice to advise and inform me of regulatory issues that create significant economic hardship for Maine’s small business community. This is the first position of its kind for Maine and the nation, and we project very positive results.”