What’s new in local business
USPS promotes Donald Mendell

PORTLAND – Donald B. Mendell III has been promoted to associate supervisor at the Postal Service. Mendell, who’s been with the Postal Service for 10 years, recently completed a four-month training program, graduating with 18 other management trainees.

He will now supervise Auburn post office city and rural letter carriers and the clerks at the customer service windows.

Mendell began his postal career at the Portland Processing & Distribution Center before moving to the Yarmouth post office as a distribution clerk. He also worked as a letter carrier in Portland before becoming an acting supervisor at the Portland South Annex and in Auburn.

He graduated from Waterville High School and attended classes at the University of Southern Maine, majoring in criminology. He lives in New Gloucester with his wife and son.

Institute funds 22 seed grants

GARDINER – The Maine Technology Institute board of directors has approved 22 seed grants to technology companies across Maine. More than $190,000 was awarded, leveraging more than $270,000 from other sources, according to the institute.

The seed grants range from $1,000 to $10,000. They are designed to support early activities for product development, commercialization or business planning and development.

The recipients included:

• Physician Engineered Products Inc. in Fryeburg, to pursue American and foreign patents for its Feel Bright Light phototherapy technology. The visor-mounted device treats winter blues and can adjust people’s circadian rhythms.

• Khameleon Nails Corp. in Carrabassett, to design and develop a self-concealing pneumatic nail system for interior trim applications. A material plug on the striking surface conceals a nailhead instantly, so it doesn’t require filling before painting and staining.