Community Leaders



"Senator Alfond champions green jobs. When you.re launching an innovative new venture like our composting business, it.s important to have strong support from your senator. Justin took the time to become familiar with our business and has stepped up whenever we.ve needed him."
-Brett Richardson & Greg Williams, founders of Organic Alchemy

"The entertainment industry and the creative economy go hand in hand here in Portland as does the importance of small businesses. State Senator Alfond has been hands-on and supportive in helping us get our business off the ground in a challenging economic environment. The Maine economy relies more and more on the health of small businesses and Sen. Alfond has shown himself to be willing to do whatever he can at a grassroots level to ensure our success."
-Rob Evon, owner of Port City Music Hall

"Justin has supported our business and other local businesses in Maine."
-Jonah Fertig, Worker-owner of Local Sprouts Cooperative

"As a growing technology company in Maine, an educated workforce is vital to competing for business globally. Justin has fought to improve Science, Technology, and Math (STEM) education in Maine and keep our technology industry competitive in a increasingly global marketplace. I can focus on my business knowing that Justin is in Augusta working for the present and future of Maine's tech sector."
-Josh Broder, president of Tilson Technology Management

"I founded VIA in Portland 18 years ago and today we have 75 employees. I considered moving the company out of Portland in order to support further growth. Senator Alfond fought hard to support VIA's move into Portland's historic Baxter Library Building and made it possible for us to stay in District 8. He worked diligently to keep 75 jobs in Portland and VIA will continue to grow"
-John Coleman, CEO & Founder, VIA

"Justin worked closely with GMRI during 2009 to assist us in securing desperately needed state bond funding for our new bulkhead and wharf. Thanks to his leadership, we got what we needed to proceed with the project. With the wharf under construction and due for completion this fall, we're in position to grow our marine research and education facilities and start recruiting in other complimentary marine organizations to create a hub of marine innovation in Portland, thanks to Justin's support.
"The immediate economic impact of the project has been to support 20 construction jobs with Cianbro during a year when construction company failures have been a frequent news story. Looking out into the future, the completion of the wharf sets the stage for GMRI to expand. We have the potential to build out almost 10 times as much research and education capacity as currently exists our existing lab, create over 1,000 new jobs, and serve as a catalyst for the evolution of a vibrant 21st Century working waterfront."
-Don Perkins, president of the Gulf of Maine Research Institute

"Justin listens, hears and acts from a place of kindness and concern, and that makes him a strong leader. As a wife, mother, social worker and Portland voter, I want Justin back in Augusta."
-Kirsten Cyr

"As a policy maker Justin listens to the professionals in the field. He is not afraid to change his mind when presented with new information. Teachers have a strong advocate for public education in Justin Alfond."
-Kathleen Casasa, public educator