Paper Pushers Plus with support staff Kim Redmun and Cascades Auburn Fiber staff

PPP owners front row (from left), Nicole Seger, David Dulac, Katie Laprise

The ABILITY of Entrepreneurship!

By: Lisa-Marie Chabot, HR Manager and Brooke Lachance, Waste Paper Coordinator

Cascades Auburn Fiber

In 2005, a strong partnership started between Cascades Auburn Fiber and a small recycling company of the area named Paper Pushers Plus, LLC (PPP). PPP is one of Cascades Auburn Fiber waste paper supplier behind which is a great story to share.

In fact, in 2000 the Life Center (a Community Support Program) was developed by a group of special education students (from Edward Little High School in Auburn, Maine), their families and staff. They had the desire to continue to learn, gain independence, work, live and have recreational opportunities like all others their age. They refused to be stigmatized by society and would instead become included in their community. The biggest barrier they encountered was the perception held by many that disability meant NO ability. The misperception made securing and maintaining employment extremely challenging.

David Dulac, Katie Laprise and Nicole Seger, now owners and operators of PPP, LLC had many jobs over the years. They did good quality work, but when there was a lay off, downsizing, or restructuring they seemed to be the first let go. The lack of consistency employment was huge frustration and needed to be addressed in a different manner. Paper Pushers Plus, LLC. Was developed as a way to match the skills David, Katie and Nicole had with a need from area businesses.

As the business slowed down due to the economy PPP began a small recycling program. Cascades Auburn Fiber was contacted and quickly became a big supporter of PPP. PPP was surprised that such a large company was open minded and willing to work with a very small business. In fact, we were invested in wanting the business to sustain and grow and with the help of Brooke Lachance, Waste Paper Coordinator ,who also graduated from Edward Little High School and went to school with the owners, quickly became PPPs main customer and with our support they have weathered the difficult economic times and they are in their 7th year of business.

David, Katie and Nicole have overcome many obstacles during their journey. It took a lot of time, commitment and effort. They never gave up! They achieve their ultimate goal of becoming productive members of society. They are hard workers who take pride in themselves and their product. There material is some of the cleanest and well sorted paper Cascades Auburn Fiber receives.

Cascades Auburn Fiber is really proud, not only to be environmentally responsible but also socially responsible toward community and community members. With this strong partnership Cascades Auburn Fiber was able to provide PPP with sustainable business and they have been able to deliver us a high quality product and service. Overall everybody win in this situation.

Brooke Lachance

Waste Paper Coordinator

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