Social Dig #26 - Instagram from a photographer’s perspective

In episode 26 of the Social Dig we talk to Corey Templeton about Instagram from a photographer’s perspective.  We talked about channel takeovers (specifically his opportunity to take over the Downeast Magazine Instagram feed) the equipment that he uses, shooting in beautiful Portland Maine, and much more!

Search Corey Templeton on any social media site to find him, or visit his website CoreyTempletonPhotography.com 

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Minimum Wage and the future of Maine's hospitality industry

I wrote the following letter to my state senator and am posting it here because I feel like we are at a turning point when it comes to the Minimum Wage, Tipping, and Living Wages. If you don't know, there is a Minimum wage ballot measure scheduled for this November, and the Maine Restaurant Association among other groups is proposing a competing measure. What follows is my opinion as someone who has worked in the restaurant industry since high school. I feel a careful well thought out dialog is necessary to get to the point of higher wages for ALL parties. 

I am writing to encourage you to support the competing measure amendment to LD 1661 when it comes before the Senate.  First let me tell you that this is certainly not a form letter, rather a well thought out opinion that hopefully takes the well being of restaurant employees into consideration, because without those employees, the hospitality industry in Maine will be in serious jeopardy. 

I also understand the current climate of government that you are tasked to operate in, and the state of Maine cries out for some real collaborative leadership to emerge from Augusta as it is desperately needed throughout the far reaches of our great state. 

What concerns me the most about the current minimum wage proposal is the lack of education of how hospitality workers making a living.  Part of this proposal is to end the Tip Credit system and tipped employee wage.  Tipped employees traditionally are the highest earners within a restaurant’s ecosystem.  Working as a server is a lot like working in a 100% commission sales job.  I know, because I was a server for about two weeks while I was in college.  It’s a hard job.  Those who do this well should be rewarded as such.  My wife essentially does this for a living in media sales. Her company provides her the opportunity to sell, a product to sell, and benefits.  How much she makes depends on how well she sells and how good the product is.  

If we eliminate tip credit and shift the burden to the restaurant to pay for these professionals, then I see reductions in server earning potential as their wages regress closer to minimum wage. I see restaurant companies changing business models to reduce the amount of labor costs, and embracing technology to replace the human touch.  I see significant price increases to pass these labor cost increases on to consumers, who are already struggling with increasing costs of housing, energy, goods, and healthcare.

I know from talking to many of the servers that I interact with on a daily basis that they don’t want the tipped income system to change since it would limit the potential income that they could earn.  So if we want to increase wages, why is a potential wage decrease tied to this proposal? 

You’ll notice I haven’t said anything about those behind the scenes yet.  These hard working cooks, dishwashers, host staff, bakers all deserve to make more money.  In the current labor climate in the state of Maine it’s impossible to hire to fill these positions at a minimum wage salary. It’s on me and fellow restaurateurs to help these people learn, achieve, and earn more. 

I agree that the minimum wage should be increased.  As the saying goes, “A rising tide lifts all ships.” I yearn for a society in which everyone is able to work and provide for their family. I respect those who have worked hard and educated themselves to achieve a comfortable lifestyle. And I certainly respect those who have taken on the risk of owning/operating a small business to provide a place where others can make a living. But we as a people and a government have not done enough towards that end.  A vote to add a competing measure to the ballot isn’t a vote against those who have brought minimum wage to the forefront of conversation, it’s simply another option, because we need to do something. 

Brewing success on Social Media - Geaghan Bros Brewing

Lisa Sturgeon, the Communications and Resources manager from Geaghan Bros Brewing joins us for this special St Patrick’s Day episode of the Social Dig.  Lisa talks about how Geaghans Bros approaches social media as a growing family owned brewer.  She also shared some big plans for St Patrick’s Day - Live video streaming!

To learn more about Geaghan’s visit Geaghans.com, Geaghan’s Facebook Page, and Twitter page.

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