Efficiency Maine is offering $7,500 “instant rebates” to municipalities and tribal governments for the purchase or lease of new electric vehicles for government offices and fleets. Also, the organization has opened a second round of its grant program for bidders that want to host, purchase and install public Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations in areas where there is a high likelihood of significant use and longevity.

The organization GrowSmart Maine will hold its annual summit event on Thursday, Oct. 24 at the Pepperell Mill complex in Biddeford. The theme of this year’s event is, “Smart Growth Builds Wellness.” The event will emphasize each community’s role and inter-connectedness in the physical, mental and social well-being of its citizens.

MMA’s Legal Services reports that the U.S. Department of Labor has issued long-anticipated regulations revising the salary threshold required for overtime pay exemption under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.

The Maine Community Foundation will hold a summit on entrepreneurship and innovation at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor on Wednesday, Nov. 13. The conference, which starts at 3 p.m., will celebrate the visionaries creating opportunity for themselves and others, and will help attendees gain a better understanding of the networks and resources that support innovation, as well as the barriers that stand in the way.

Wells Conference Center will be the site of an afternoon symposium on Maine’s forest economy, which is organized by the University of Maine, Maine Forest Products Council and FOR/Maine, on Oct. 23, The conference will focus on sustainable forestry, product technologies and business reinvestment. Early registration is encouraged, as the event is limited to 120 attendees. There is no cost to attend but pre-registration is required.

The municipalities of Cumberland, Vassalboro, Phippsburg, Carrabassett Valley and Cranberry Isles were recognized for producing the highest-quality Annual Reports, during recent judging held at the Maine Municipal Association. MMA’s Annual Report Competition, which has been held for more than 50 years, recognizes municipalities for producing reports for their citizens that have excellent content, are well organized and visually appealing. More than 200 municipalities entered reports this year. In all, 16 communities received special distinction for the quality of their annual reports.

The Maine Suffrage Centennial Committee, in celebrating 100 years of women’s suffrage in the U.S., is coordinating the planting of daffodil gardens across the state. There will be gardens in Portland city parks, along the Maine Turnpike, at the Blaine House, and many other towns and cities. In Falmouth, a suffrage garden will be planted at Town Hall. The committee, through its Daffodil Tribute project, encourages other municipalities to get involved. Timing is important. Daffodil bulbs should be planted in the fall so they bloom this spring.

Several different organizations in southern Maine will hold a workshop during the evening of Oct. 29 at Gilsland Farm in Falmouth to explore the planning development review process, and in particular the stormwater aspects of development plans. Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission staff will lead the workshop, which begins at 5:30 p.m.

The Maine Rural Water Association will offer a number of training opportunities around the state this fall and winter. Topics include hiring employees, cyber security and various water system certifications. MRWA provides beneficial training for utility personnel, public works personnel, planning boards, select boards, CEOs and contractors.

Through Jan. 31, 2020, The Nature Conservancy, working with Efficiency Maine, will offer grant funding for municipalities with populations below 4,000 to cover up to 75% of the cost of converting to high-efficiency, LED lighting inside or outside municipal buildings. A completed, digital application must be received no later than Oct. 25, 2019. The Nature Conservancy has developed a series of selection criteria so it can administer this program.