Real estate group recognizes local state lawmaker

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Sen. Matt Pouliot, R-Kennebec (center), with MEREDA President Craig Young (left) and Executive Director Shelly Clark. (photo courtesy of MEREDA/Brian Peterson)

The Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA) honored Maine State Senator Matt Pouliot, R-Kennebec, during its 2023 Forecast Conference and Member Showcase. The organization’s annual event was held at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland.

In recognition of his leadership in housing creation policy and for his support of MEREDA’s efforts to advance responsible, practical and predictable policies for real estate development, Pouliot was awarded the 2022 MEREDA Public Policy Award.

“Senator Pouliot has been a steadfast supporter of MEREDA policy priorities, including his help in maintaining the Maine Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit; his support for the establishment of a Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (CPACE); his vote for the 2022 Housing Act; and his sponsorship of two MEREDA priority legislation items for the 131st Legislature,” MEREDA Executive Director Shelly Clark said in a video introducing the award at the event. “Additionally, Senator Pouliot has recently risen as a leader in bipartisan discussions about smart public policy to help curb Maine’s housing crisis.”

Citing his involvement with the Legislature’s recent Commission to Increase Housing Opportunities in Maine by Studying Land Use Regulations and Short-term Rentals, MEREDA said Pouliot was instrumental in establishing the new Joint Select Committee on Housing of which the final report of the Commission will be the starting point for the work of the new committee.

MEREDA also recognized Pouliot’s development efforts in Kennebec County, including the revival of the historic Water Street corridor in Augusta through redevelopment of downtown properties.

“His support for responsible real estate development, approach to policymaking, and service as a leader both in the Legislature and in his hometown of Augusta make Senator Pouliot a clear choice for this year’s 2022 Public Policy Award,” Clark said.

Senator Matt Pouliot is in his third term representing the communities of the newly-reapportioned District #15. He is the Senate Republican Lead for Joint Standing Committee on Labor and Housing and the new Joint Select Committee on Housing.

PHOTO: Windsor Fair president receives award

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Tom, left, is pictured with his wife Karen. Contributed photo

Windsor Fair shares that their esteemed president, Tom Foster, has been presented the Catherine L. Damren Distinguished Service Award by the Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs this past weekend at their annual conference. It means so much to see this award go to someone so deserving. Tom, a farmer himself, has been an asset to the agricultural and fair communities of Maine most of his adult life.

PHOTO: New chamber board members

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The Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce new board members. From left to right, Jordan Rowan, Kristian Suttie, Gary Poulin, Molly Woodward and Jamie Plourde. (contributed photo)

Sarah Sachs named president of KFS Mortgage Company LLC

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Sarah Sachs

KFS Mortgage Company LLC, the Waterville-based lending corporation that is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kennebec Savings Bank, has named Sarah Sachs as its new president. Ms. Sachs brings extensive experience in residential mortgage, retail banking and small business lending to her new role.

Prior to joining KFS Mortgage Company LLC, Ms. Sachs served in key roles at other banks as a vice president and mortgage lending manager. Under her leadership, her teams have won local and national awards in residential lending and retail banking.

“I’m very excited to take on this new role,” Ms. Sachs said. “My mission is to expand our product offerings here at KFS Mortgage Company, hire mortgage officers, and open additional mortgage offices in other parts of the state.”

She noted that KFS Mortgage Company LLC offers government mortgage products through Freddie Mac, Maine Housing, Rural Development, and the VA that will enhance what Kennebec Savings Bank already offers.

An active member of the Central Maine community, Ms. Sachs currently serves as commissioner and treasurer of the Augusta Housing Authority; a member of the Board of Directors of the Augusta Teen Center, and president of the Board of Directors of Howell House. She is a member of the Maine Association of Mortgage Professionals and an affiliate member of the Kennebec Valley Board of Realtors and Greater Portland Board of Realtors. Ms. Sachs lives in Augusta with her husband, Alden. They have two grown children.