[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 59 (Wednesday, April 22, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S4571]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING MICRO TECHNOLOGIES

 Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, in our present economic situation, 
small businesses are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain 
their current operations, let alone expand their facilities, add new 
employees, or make significant improvements. Despite that, some firms 
are attempting to move forward on planned expansions, hoping to see a 
greater return on their investment in the future. I rise today to 
recognize Micro Technologies, a small company in my home State of Maine 
that is pushing ahead to expand its business and bring new jobs to 
Midcoast Maine.
  Founded in 1996, Micro Technologies, located in the rural town of 
Richmond, serves a very specialized niche in the world of science. 
Focusing on aquatic animal health, Micro Technologies provides critical 
research and testing, diagnostics, and veterinary services related to 
the health of various aquatic marine species to a wide range of 
clients, from government agencies to small farms. The company presently 
has 13 employees, most of whom are graduates of Maine universities and 
colleges. Approved by Department of Agriculture, USDA, for export 
testing, Micro Technologies works with companies across the United 
States, Central and South America, as well as Europe.
  The company's innovative research aids scientists in their quest to 
explain and solve a plethora of complicated health problems of aquatic 
animals, from common finfish like salmon and cod, to bivalves such as 
oysters and clams, to crustaceans like the Maine lobster. For instance, 
Micro Technologies' work has centered on studying viruses that affect 
shrimp and the causes of shell disease among lobsters. Additionally, 
the company tests various species for the presence of harmful viruses, 
ensuring that firms involved in the shipment of these species have the 
safest product possible. This, in turn, promotes expedient shipping, 
and reduces negative environmental impacts.
  While the current economic insecurity poses problems to businesses 
large and small, Micro Technologies is moving forward on a plan to 
expand its facilities, add employees, and broaden the scope of its 
work. The company recently received a $200,000 grant from the Community 
Development Block Grant Program, which is aimed at helping communities 
across the country build affordable housing and retain businesses 
seeking to grow. Richmond's full board of selectmen unanimously 
endorsed the company's proposal before submitting the application to 
the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, which 
approved the grant. Partnering with the town of Richmond, Micro 
Technologies will use this grant to make renovations to its existing 
facility, purchase a nearby building, add seven quality new positions, 
and expand its manufacturing capabilities. Micro Technologies also 
hopes to begin an apprenticeship program to introduce students 
interested in science to the unique work the company does.
  American entrepreneurs have strengthened our country and its economy 
in good times and bad. As Micro Technologies seeks to grow, it will 
provide a positive impact on the local community as well as the aquatic 
animal health industry, which is crucial in Maine. I wish everyone at 
Micro Technologies best wishes and much success in their planned 
expansion.

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