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Eric Hitchcock - Manager of the Year
Eric manages the seed certification program, and manages his crew of field inspectors to ensure that Maine seed potatoes meet rigorous certification standards to enable shipment around the world. This year he lead a major and necessary modification effort by implementing innovative lab testing and a self-sufficient fee structure. Eric’s attention to detail and constant assessment of the world market place is a steady force in an everchanging industry and he is a true supporter of Maine agriculture.
 Ron Dyer (left), Eric Hitchcock (center) with Governor Paul R. LePage
Melissa Macaluso - Manager of the Year
Melissa is a vital contributor to the Commissioner’s Office Team. She has used her vision to innovate new and exciting opportunities for state park and Agri-tourism business. Melissa exemplifies hard work, dedication, and persistence in overcoming the status quo as she finds ways of achieving the goals of expanding the appeal of state parks in the large picture of Maine as a rural destination. Melissa is continually working on creative ideas to bring more memorable experiences to farm and park visitors. Her most successful project has been developing and implementing a new commercial license agreement that provides visitor amenities such as food trucks, kayak rentals, and custom tours to entice new and repeat visitation. This business-friendly agreement is a win for the state. Plus revenue generated goes directly back to the parks infrastructure and creates new business opportunities for private enterprise partners.
 Mari Wells (left), Melissa Macaluso (center) with Governor Paul R. LePage
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