Member Weekly Update – Dec. 20, 2024

Due to popular demand from the 2024 Master Logger Best Practices workshops, the Master Logger Certification Program® is working with Avenza Systems to hold a comprehensive Avenza Maps training tailored specifically for loggers!

When: January 31st, 2025
Where: In-person or virtual. Attend in-person at the KVCC Alfond Campus in Hinckley, ME, or virtually. The in-person session will be followed by a field exercise that will put into practice what was learned in the classroom.
Time: 7:30 am – 2:30 pm
Cost: Free, lunch is provided
Details: This workshop is for logging operators, foremen, and others who implement aspects of harvest planning and implementation.

What to bring: work boots, hi-vis vests, hard hats (required), and a device with Avenza Maps downloaded (please come with a full battery and notification turned on for Avenza Maps)

MLC Credits: 6 hours
SAF Credits: pending

This workshop will feature: Avenza Maps basics; navigation; data creation, editing, and sharing; and other tools
Map sourcing. A field exercise to apply concepts learned. All attendees will receive a temporary Avenza Maps Pro subscription to use during the class or may sign up for a free two-year subscription through their Master Logger Certification prior to the workshop.

If you would like to take part in this interactive workshop, please register by January 17th, 2025 by clicking the button below. Please submit a form for every attendee.

Questions? Contact: Sydney Andersen at sydney@tcnef.org, or 207-688-8195 opt. 2

PLC Launches New Website

Have you checked out our recently redesigned website?
www.plcloggers.org

Our revamped platform is all about YOU, featuring:

✔️User-Friendly Navigation: Easily access important information and resources.
✔️Simplified Member Portal: Streamlined registration and renewal processes.
✔️Enhanced Resources: Discover better tools and information to support your needs.

Just added! Our new Events Page and calendar CLICK HERE to check it out!

We invite you to explore the new site and see all it has to offer. Your feedback means the world to us, so let us know what you think!

Check out the new site

The Logger’s Voice

Paid Medical Family Leave – Savings Opportunity with Private Insurance Plan 

Dear PLC Members,

*The email below is not an endorsement by the PLC for this program. This email is  for informational purposes only and is being sent on behalf of United Insurance.* 

As you may know, Maine’s Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) Act will take effect on January 1, 2025.

This new law requires that all employers with 15 or more employees contribute 1% of wages to the state beginning on January 1, 2025 (employers with 14 or fewer employees do not have to contribute, but their employees must contribute .05%). For employers with 15 or more employees, the 1% can be split between employer and employees by up to a 50/50 split. Below is information on a potential savings opportunity as well as some compliance information from the state of Maine. While you may be familiar with the law, I want to ensure you’re aware of how you can reduce the impact of PFML.

SAVINGS OPPORTUNITY:

The Private Plan Option: Every organization will be required to remit payroll premium to the State for the first 3 months of 2025. This is mandatory regardless of the strategy you choose. Come April 1, 2025, electing to use a Private plan, you remove your obligation of remitting payroll premium to the State until the Private plan becomes effective 5/1/2026. At that point, you will begin paying premiums to the private plan option you have selected.

Benefits of a Private Plan: 

• Cost Savings: Reduce the duration of payroll contributions significantly.
• Flexibility: Tailor benefits to align with your employees’ needs and your business goals.
• Streamlined Administration: Avoid navigating the complexities of the state’s program.

To put this in perspective, I recently worked with a client that has 38 employees (part-time and full-time). We were able to save them $24,000 in payroll and lock them into a 2-year rate guarantee below the Maine state rate. 

COMPLIANCE ITEMS:

• Contribution Timeline: Payroll contributions begin January 1, 2025.
• What Employers Need To Know 2025: Attached document provided by the State of ME
• ME PFML FAQ: FAQ Document provided by the State of ME
• ME PFML Employee Notification Notice: Required Labor notice that needs to be posted for employees.
• State Portal: Each employer will need to register within the States portal for this benefit. Below is a link for more guidance on how to register after January.
  • Educational webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAOSk0-3Wq0 

As PLC Supporting Members, United Insurance is here to help you and your team navigate this new law and understand your options. To take advantage of the savings opportunity, it’s essential to act quickly. Setting up a Private Plan requires planning and documentation.

If you would like more information on how the Private Option works, please contact us. We can schedule a call to discuss the details and see how our team can help you save on payroll pre-funding.

Sincerely,
Alex Goodhile
Account Executive, Employee Benefits

Applications for Second Round of Storm Relief Funding for Small Businesses Now Open

Governor Janet Mills announced on Dec. 3 that a second round of applications is now open for Maine small businesses to help them rebuild and recover from last winter’s devastating storms.

The Department of Economic and Community Development has opened applications for approximately $2 million in remaining funding for Maine small businesses and nonprofit organizations through its Business Recovery and Resilience Fund to make storm-related repairs and strengthen infrastructure to better withstand future storms.

The Business Recovery and Resilience Fund provides grants for businesses and organizations, including nonprofit organizations, that have been affected by last winter’s severe storms. Business and non-profit applicants may initially request up to $100,000 toward design, permitting and construction costs for their project. Projects receiving grants may include a recovery component for damage sustained and must include efforts to increase business resilience to future storms and other climate conditions. Funds awarded through the program may can pay for up to 50 percent of total project costs, with applicants providing matching funds equal to the total amount requested. Applications must show that the funding will support efforts to make properties resilient to future weather events.

The application and a Frequently Asked Questions document with additional information are available here. Applications are due by no later than 11:59 pm on January 14th, 2025.

Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Report Dec. 16

Click below to read the latest weekly Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Report from the Vermont Motor Vehicle Police.

Read the Report

New Small PLC Operator/Driver First Aid Pack!

In response to demand for a smaller/”must have in an emergency” first aid pack to be stored in a machine or pickup, the PLC has created a new Operator/Driver First Aid Pack.

• Contains “must have in an emergency” bleeding control items 
• One pack is recommended per machine/truck 
• Detachable velcro panel ideal for mounting in a machine or truck
• Meets OSHA requirements for a logging first aid kit
• Supplements PLC’s larger first aid back pack but is not a replacement

More information on the pack and its contents is available HERE. 

Purchase

PLC Crew First Aid Backpack

PLC First Aid Pack: In response to widespread interest from members, we have created a PLC First Aid Pack that has everything you need for emergencies in the woods.

This Military Elite Tactical Trauma First Aid Backpack was designed for the PLC by Paul Stewart – EMT Houlton, ME. 

Purchase

Now FREE to Maine Loggers! A $300 value!

Register Here

PLC Members Only! Equipment Cost Calculators Available

Members,

With expenses rising rapidly in the industry we know you are struggling to get a handle on your costs. This is a great time to utilize the cost calculators created in 2021 for PLC Members.

These new, easy to use, logging equipment and log trucking cost calculators are available on the PLC Members Only section of our web site You may access this private section of the web site with your member login or set up a login HERE.

These calculators allow you to quickly estimate the hourly cost of operation for any piece of your equipment.

DISCLAIMER: These calculators are being made available for your business use as a member benefit. They produce equipment estimates and are not official products of the PLC nor should they be used for negotiation purposes.

PLC Online Store

Looking for great PLC items and apparel? Gifts? First Aid packs, safety items and more?

You will find them at the new PLC Online Store on our web site. Ordering is easy.

Shop Here

Member Discounts

ALC Member Discounts

PLC Members, because the PLC is a member of the American Loggers Council YOU are entitled to special discounts!

Fabian Oil Discount

Wallingford’s Discounts

Dirigo Waste Oil

10% Discount on new furnaces. Contact Justin at 207-873-0881

Maine Trailer Discounts

Maine Trailer Discounts

Treeline Discounts

Click Here Discount Pricing on Skidder Bridges and Crane Mats

PLC Members get a 5% discount on culverts purchased at Treeline and Frank Martin & Sons

Hale Trailer Discounts

Hale Trailer discounts for PLC Members on new trailer purchases! Call Neal at 207-232-7969 for details!

Preferred Supporting Members

Enhanced Supporting Members