Don't Tell Them It Can't Be Done

A while ago, UMaine engineers attended a meeting about homeland security technologies, and they wondered whether it would be possible to create a wooden structure that could withstand a bomb blast. Other scientists and military officials didn't believe it could be done.

Since then, a group of UMaine faculty, staff and students set out to prove them wrong. Today, the Advanced Engineered Wood Composites Center unveiled a blast-resistant building that has survived the Army's torture tests. Engineers made the structure stronger by applying a special coating to the building materials. UMaine has filed for a patent on the technology.

Congratulations to the students and staff at AEWC!

An Exercise in Innovation

Have you already given up on your New Year's resolution to get in better shape? Maybe you just need an innovative, new fitness class to keep you going.

There are a bunch of new programs and businesses that are picking up on the latest fitness trends, which include dance inspired programs fueled by the infatuation with television programs like Dancing with the Stars, and programs that focus just on kids.

I enjoy Zumba, which is actually about ten years old, but has been getting a lot of attention lately. It is a fun and easy fitness class set to the latin music like salsa and merengue. The founders have been very entrepreneurial, licensing the program to individual instructors and fitness centers around the world. They have created DVDs and even their own line of clothing. I hope someone licenses the program in this area soon!

Another dance inspired program is Pure Barre, started by dancer Carrie Rezabek, when she was in her mid 20s. After developing and teaching the program, which as the name implies, uses a ballet barre, she began licensing it in other geographic areas. This program is also now available on DVD.

Do you have your own idea for a fitness business? Entrepreneur Magazine has an article this month on how others got started in the fitness industry. The Foster Student Innovation Center has the current and several back issues of the magazine for you to come by and read any time!

And the Winner Is...

The Foster Student Innovation Center hosted the oral presentations for our Green Products Competition on Thursday. We had four student teams compete for the top prize of $5000 toward starting a new business.

Justin Jamison (pictured above receiving his certificate) and Brooks Einstein took top place for their plan, Local Food Solutions. They propose to set up a microprocessing facility for organic milk to supply the Greater Bangor Region. Both are MBA students. Justin has several years of experience in agricultural management and Brooks has experience in store leadership with Whole Foods Market, currently the world leading retailer of organic and local foods.

Second place went to Willis Beazley for his plan to make soaps from glycerin that is a byproduct of making biodiesel.

We look forward to working with these students as they continue to evaluate their plans!