Pika $30,000 LaunchPad winner

Gorham Savings Bank has announced that Pika Energy has won the first annual LaunchPad Competition and has been awarded $30,000.

The Gorham-based Pika Energy has developed a high-performance, cost-effective wind turbine for the residential market to help families cut their electric bills and reduce their environmental impact. The funds will be used to further commercialize their products and help set up a pilot manufacturing assembly line, which is expected to be located in or near Gorham.

LaunchPad was created to recognize a viable business idea that has the potential to benefit the Maine economy through added jobs, new products or services, enhanced exports, or cost-saving efficiencies. The LaunchPad contest received nearly 250 applications and included a high-energy live competition where seven semi-finalists presented their ideas in front of a panel of judges. The judges were Dr. Paul Ferguson, president of the University of Maine; Craig Denekas, president and CEO of the Libra Foundation; and Michelle Neujahr, entrepreneurial center director, Southern Maine Community College.

“Pika Energy stood out during each phase of the competition and exemplifies the entrepreneurial thinking LaunchPad celebrates,” Chris Emmons, president and CEO of Gorham Savings Bank, said in a statement. “They are a local company with a clear vision on how to stimulate Maine’s economy and make a difference in their industry. We were impressed with all of the LaunchPad applicants and look forward to more ideas in 2014.”

North Gorham Library sets open house

The North Gorham Public Library, 2 Standish Neck Road is hosting an open house and pie sale 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, in observance of National Library Week.

Everyone is invited to visit the library and enjoy a slice of pie. Whole pies will also be available for sale.

For more information, call the library at 892-2575 or email libng@north-gorham.lib.me.us

Free electronic waste recycling day

The Gorham Community Electronic Waste Recycling Day is set for 8 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, in the upper parking lot behind the Gorham Fire Department, 270 Main St.

Electronic devices accepted include TVs, computers, monitors, scanners and cell phones.

Cumberland County Volunteers in Police Services, Cumberland County Explorers Post 3, and North Coast Services are co-hosting the event. Don Sedenka of the Volunteers in Police Service said it’s a fundraiser for the service and donations will be accepted.

Baxter friends

book sale

Friends of Baxter Memorial Library is sponsoring its semi-annual book sale from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on Friday, April 26, and from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, in the Gorham Recreation Department at the municipal center, 75 South St.

Preview night for members will be 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, April 25. Those interested can join at the door or purchase a special ticket for $5. Membership dues start at $5 for students and $25 for families.

Thousands of books for all ages and interests will be available and the books are all fresh donations. New this year, credit cards for purchases will be accepted.

All proceeds benefit the activities of the Friends of Baxter Memorial Library, which is a nonprofit membership organization committed to supporting, promoting, and supplementing library resources. Members advocate the importance of library services to the community and provide financial support through membership dues and fundraising events. Everyone is welcome to join.

For more information, call Pam Turner, library director, at 222-1190.

GBE to hear Colgan

University of Southern Maine Professor Charles Colgan, an economist, will speak when Gorham Business Exchange holds its annual meeting from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 18, at Spire 29 on the Square, 29 School St.

Colgan’s topic will be “Looking Ahead: Maine’s Economic Forecast.” Colgan is a professor of public policy and management in the Edmund S. Muskie School of Public Service at the university.

For more information, call Dede Perkins, exchange executive director, at 892-5515.

Lions posting flags

Gorham Lions Club members, with some additional help, will on Sunday, May 12, install more than 90 U.S. flags on streets in Gorham for the sixth year.

Gorham SnoGoers, Moody’s Collision Centers, V &M Rental and others will join forces with the Lions club members.

U.S. taxpayer debt

The Bureau of Public Debt reported on April 11 that the U.S. public debt was $16,808,067,104,144.06.

Pictured from left, Chris Emmons, president of Gorham Savings Bank, presents LaunchPad winners Ben Polito and Joshua Kaufman, co-founders of Pika Energy, with a $30,000 check. Courtesy photo