TY 2011 Form 990EZ

- TIN:

Form990-EZ
Click to see attachment

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Short Form
Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax

Under section 501(c), 527, or 4947(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code
(except black lung benefit trust or private foundation)

Sponsoring organizations of donor advised funds, organizations that operate one or more hospital facilities, and certain controlling organizations as defined in section 512(b)(13) must file Form 990 (see instructions).
All other organizations with gross receipts less than $200,000 and total assets less than $500,000 at the end of the year may use this form.

The organization may have to use a copy of this return to satisfy state reporting requirements.

OMB No. 1545-1150

2011

Open to Public
Inspection

For the 2011 calendar year, or tax year beginning 01-01-2011, and ending 12-31-2011

Check if applicable:

Address change

Name change

Initial return

Terminated

Amended return

Application pending

C Name of organization
MAINE ECONOMIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Number and street (or P. O. box, if mail is not delivered to street address)7 UNIVERSITY DRIVE
Room/suite

City or town, state or country, and ZIP + 4 AUGUSTA, ME043309412

D Employer identification number

01-0527800

E Telephone number

(207) 623-4568

F Group Exemption
Number. . bullet

G Accounting method: CashAccrualOther (specify) bullet

H Check bullet

required to attach Schedule B
(Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF).I Website: bullet

WWW.ME-RI.ORGJ Tax-Exempt status(check only one)501(c)(3) 501(c)( 6) bullet

(insert no.) 4947(a)(1) or 527

K Check

if the organization is not a section 509(a)(3) supporting organization or a section 527 organization and its gross receipts are normally not more than $50,000. A Form 990-EZ or Form 990 return is not required though Form 990-N (e-postcard) may be required (see instructions). But if the organization chooses to file a return, be sure to file a complete return.

L Add lines 5b, 6c, and 7b, to line 9 to determine gross receipts; If gross receipts are $200,000 or more, or if total assets (Part II, line 25, column (B) below) are $500,000 or more,file Form 990 instead of Form 990-EZ........... bullet

$ 80,250


1	Contributions, gifts, grants, and similar amounts received...............		1	80,150
2	Program service revenue including government fees and contracts ............		2	100
3	Membership dues and assessments......................		3
4	Investment income...........................		4
5a	Gross amount from sale of assets other than inventory........	5a
b	Less: cost or other basis and sales expenses...........	5b
c	Gain or (loss) from sale of assets other than inventory (Subtract line 5b from line 5a) ......		5c
6	Gaming and fundraising events
a	Gross income from gaming (attach Schedule G if greater than $15,000) .	6a
b	Gross income from fundraising events (not including $ of contributions from fundraising events reported on line 1) (attach Schedule G if the
	sum of such gross income and contributions exceeds $15,000)	6b
c	Less: direct expenses from gaming and fundraising events.......	6c
d	Net income or (loss) from gaming and fundraising events (Add lines 6a and 6b and subtract line 6c)		6d
7a	Gross sales of inventory, less returns and allowances........	7a
b	Less: cost of goods sold.................	7b
c	Gross profit or (loss) from sales of inventory (Subtract line 7b from line 7a) .........		7c
8	Other revenue (describe in Schedule O) .....................		8
9	Total revenue. Add lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5c, 6d, 7c, and 8.................		9	80,250
10	Grants and similar amounts paid (list in Schedule O) .................		10
11	Benefits paid to or for members........................		11
12	Salaries, other compensation, and employee benefits................		12
13	Professional fees and other payments to independent contractors............		13	49,070
14	Occupancy, rent, utilities, and maintenance...................		14	4,680
15	Printing, publications, postage, and shipping...................		15
16	Other expenses (describe in Schedule O) ....................		16	4,180
17	Total expenses. Add lines 10 through 16 ....................		17	57,930
18	Excess or (deficit) for the year (Subtract line 17 from line 9)............		18	22,320
19	Net assets or fund balances at beginning of year (from line 27, column (A)) (must agree with
	end-of-year figure reported on prior year’s return)................		19	49,063
20	Other changes in net assets or fund balances (explain in Schedule O) ..........		20
21	Net assets or fund balances at end of year. Combine lines 18 through 20.........		21	71,383

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the separate instructions.

Cat. No. 10642I Form 990-EZ (2011)

Form 990-EZ (2011)

Page 2

Part IIBalance Sheets (see the instructions for Part II.)Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part II.............

(See the instructions for Part II.)(A) Beginning of year(B) End of year

22Cash, savings, and investments................

49,063

71,383

23Land and buildings....................

24Other assets (describe in Schedule O) ..........

25Total assets......................

49,063

71,383

Total liabilities (describe in Schedule O) .............

27Net assets or fund balances (line 27 of column (B) must agree with line 21)..

49,063

71,383

Part IIIStatement of Program Service Accomplishments (see the instructions for Part III.) Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part III .	Expenses (Required for section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations and section 4947(a)(1) trusts; optional for others.)
What is the organization's primary exempt purpose? ECONOMIC RESEARCH
Describe the organization’s program service accomplishments for each of its three largest program services, as measured by expenses. In a clear and concise manner, describe the services provided, the number of persons benefited, and other relevant information for each program title.
28 STATEWIDE BRIEFINGS TO REPORT RESEARCH FINDINGS. PRESENTED AT MORE THAN 30 LOCATIONS AND ATTENDED BY APPROXIMATELY 400 PARTICIPANTS. (Grants $ ) If this amount includes foreign grants, check here ...		28a
29 (Grants $ ) If this amount includes foreign grants, check here ...		29a
30 (Grants $ ) If this amount includes foreign grants, check here ...		30a
31 Other program services (describe in Schedule O) .................. (Grants $ ) If this amount includes foreign grants, check here...	31a
32 Total program service expenses (add lines 28a through 31a)..............	32

Part IV List of Officers, Directors, Trustees, and Key Employees. List each one even if not compensated. (see the instructions for Part IV.)Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part IV..........

(a) Name and title	(b) Average hours per week devoted to position	(c)Reportable compensation (Forms W-2/1099-MISC) (if not paid, enter -0-)	(d) Health benefits, contributions to employee benefit plans, and deferred compensation	(e) Estimated amount of other compensation
DANA CONNORS 7 UNIVERSITY DRIVE AUGUSTA,ME04330	BOARD MEMBER1.00	0
JAMES CONLON 99 FRANKLIN STREET BANGOR,ME04401	BOARD MEMBER1.00	0
PARKER LAITE SR P O BOX 677 CAMDEN,ME04843	BOARD MEMBER1.00	0
PETER VIGUE 1000 HUNNEWELL SQUARE PITTSFIELD,ME04967	CHAIRMAN1.00	0
JAMES WILLEY JR 89 INDUSTRIAL PARK ROAD SACO,ME04072	BOARD MEMBER1.00	0
BENJAMIN GILMAN 125 COMMUNITY DRIVE AUGUSTA,ME04330	CLERK/ADMINI1.00	0
STEPHEN CULVER 7 UNIVERSITY DRIVE AUGUSTA,ME04330	BOARD MEMBER1.00	0
HERBERT SARGENT 7 UNIVERSITY DRIVE AUGUSTA,ME04330	BOARD MEMBER1.00	0

Form 990-EZ (2011)

Page 3

Part VOther Information(Note the Schedule A and personal benefit contract statement requirements in the instructions for Part V.) Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part V

Yes

Did the organization engage in any significant activity not previously reported to the IRS? If "Yes," provide a detailed description of each activity in Schedule O ...................

Were any significant changes made to the organizing or governing documents? If "Yes," attach a conformed copy of the amended documents if they reflect a change to the organization’s name. Otherwise, explain the changeon Schedule O (see instructions). ..........................

35a

Did the organization have unrelated business gross income of $1,000 or more during the year from business activities (such as those reported on lines 2, 6a, and 7a, among others)? ............

35a

If ‘Yes’ to line 35a, has the organization filed a Form 990-T for the year? If ‘No,’ provide an explanation in Schedule O.

35b

Was the organization a section 501(c)(4), 501(c)(5), or 501(c)(6) organization subject to section 6033(e) notice, reporting, and proxy tax requirements during the year? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part III.

35c

Did the organization undergo a liquidation, dissolution, termination, or significant disposition of net assets during the year? If “Yes,” complete applicable parts of Schedule N ................

37a

Enter amount of political expenditures, direct or indirect, as described in the instructions. bullet

37a

Did the organization file Form 1120-POL for this year?...................

37b

38a

Did the organization borrow from, or make any loans to, any officer, director, trustee, or key employee or were

any such loans made in a prior year and still outstanding at the end of the tax year covered by this return?..

38a

If “Yes,” complete Schedule L, Part II and enter the total amount involved .

38b

Section 501(c)(7) organizations. Enter:

Initiation fees and capital contributions included on line 9.......

39a

Gross receipts, included on line 9, for public use of club facilities.....

39b

40a

Section 501(c)(3) organizations. Enter amount of tax imposed on the organization during the year under:

section 4911 bullet

; section 4912 bullet

; section 4955 bullet

Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations. Did the organization engage in any section 4958 excess benefittransaction during the year or did it engage in an excess benefit transaction in a prior year that has not been reported on any of its prior Forms 990 or 990-EZ? If “Yes,” complete Schedule L, Part I. ......

40b

Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations. Enter amount of tax imposed on organization managers or disqualified persons during the year under sections 4912, 4955, and 4958... bullet

Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations. Enter amount of tax on line 40c reimbursed by the organization.................... bullet

All organizations. At any time during the tax year, was the organization a party to a prohibited tax shelter transaction? If "Yes," complete Form 8886-T. ......................

40e

41List the states with which a copy of this return is filed. bullet

42aThe organization's books are in care of bullet

SCOTT SAMSON Telephone no. bullet

(207) 623-4568

Located at bullet

125 COMMUNITY DRIVE
AUGUSTA,ME ZIP + 4 bullet

043308010

At any time during the calendar year, did the organization have an interest in or a signature or other authority over a financial account in a foreign country (such as a bank account, securities account, or other financial account)?

Yes

42b

If “Yes,” enter the name of the foreign country: bullet

See the instructions for exceptions and filing requirements for Form TD F 90-22.1, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts.

At any time during the calendar year, did the organization maintain an office outside the U.S.?

42c

If “Yes,” enter the name of the foreign country: bullet

43 Section 4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trusts filing Form 990-EZ in lieu of Form 1041Check here ....... bullet

and enter the amount of tax-exempt interest received or accrued during the tax year.... bullet

Yes

44a

Did the organization maintain any donor advised funds during the year? If "Yes," Form 990 must be completed instead of

Form 990-EZ.................................

44a

Did the organization operate one or more hospital facilities during the year? If ‘Yes,’ Form 990 must be completedinstead of Form990-EZ.............................

44b

Did the organization receive any payments for indoor tanning services during the year?.........

44c

If 'Yes' to line 44c, has the organization filed a Form 720 to report these payments? If ‘No,’ provide an explanationin Schedule O................................

44d

45a

Did the organization have a controlled entity within the meaning of
section 512(b)(13)?............................

45a

45b

Did the organization receive any payment from or engage in any transaction with a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)? If "Yes," Form 990 and Schedule R may need to be completed instead of Form990-EZ (see instructions).....................

45b

Form 990-EZ (2011)

Page 4

Yes

Did the organization engage, directly or indirectly, in political campaign activities on behalf of or in opposition tocandidates for public office? If “Yes,” complete Schedule C, Part I. ..............

Part VI

Section 501(c)(3) organizations and section 4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trusts only. All section 501(c)(3) organizations and section 4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trusts must answer questions 47-49b and 52. Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part VI ...........

Yes

Did the organization engage in lobbying activities or have a section 501(h) election in effect during the tax year? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part II .......................

Is the organization a school described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii)? If "Yes," complete Schedule E ....

49a

Did the organization make any transfers to an exempt non-charitable related organization?......

49a

If "Yes," was the related organization a section 527 organization?................

49b

Complete this table for the organization's five highest compensated employees (other than officers, directors, trustees and key employees) who each received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization. If there is none, enter "None."

(a) Name and title of each employee paid more than $100,000	(b) Average hours per week devoted to position	(c) Reportable compensation (Forms W-2/1099-MISC)	(d) Health benefits, contributions to employee benefit plans, and deferred compensation	(e) Estimated amount of other compensation

Total number of other employees paid over $100,000 ................. bullet

Complete this table for the organization's five highest compensated independent contractors who each received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization. If there is none, enter "None."

(a) Name and address of each independent contractor paid more than $100,000	(b) Type of service	(c) Compensation

Total number of other independent contractors each receiving over $100,000.......... bullet

Did the organization complete Schedule A? NOTE:All Section 501(c)(3) organizations and 4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trusts must attach a completed Schedule A ..................... Yes No

Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this return, including accompanying schedules and statements, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, it is true, correct, and complete. Declaration of preparer (other than officer) is based on all information of which preparer has any knowledge.

Sign Here

	Signature of officer	Date

	Type or print name and title

Paid preparer use only

Print/type preparer's name

Preparer's signature

Date

Check if
self-employed

PTIN

Firm's name Right pointing arrowhead image

Firm's EIN Right pointing arrowhead image

Firm's address Right pointing arrowhead image

Phone no.

May the IRS discuss this return with the preparer shown above? See instructions ......... bullet

YesNo

Form 990-EZ (2011)

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

Form 990-EZ, Special Condition Description:

Special Condition Description

- TIN:

Schedule B
(Form 990, 990-EZ,
or 990-PF)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Schedule of Contributors

Attach to Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2011

Name of organization

MAINE ECONOMIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Employer identification number

01-0527800

Organization type (check one):

Filers of:

Section:

Form 990 or 990-EZ

501(c)( ) (enter number) organization

4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust not treated as a private foundation

527 political organization

Form 990-PF

501(c)(3) exempt private foundation

4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust treated as a private foundation

501(c)(3) taxable private foundation

Check if your organization is covered by the General Rule or a Special Rule.
Note. Only a section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) organization can check boxes for both the General Rule and a Special Rule. See instructions.

General Rule

For an organization filing Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF that received, during the year, $5,000 or more (in money or
property) from any one contributor. Complete Parts I and II.

Special Rules

For a section 501(c)(3) organization filing Form 990 or 990-EZ that met the 33¹/3% support test of the regulations
under sections 509(a)(1) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi), and received from any one contributor, during the year, a contribution of the
greater of (1) $5,000 or (2) 2% of the amount on (i) Form 990, Part VIII, line 1h, or (ii) Form 990-EZ, line 1. Complete Parts I and II.

For a section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) organization filing Form 990, or 990-EZ that received from any one contributor,
during the year, total contributions of more than $1,000 for use exclusively for religious, charitable,
scientific, literary, or educational purposes, or the prevention of cruelty to children or animals. Complete Parts I, II, and
III.

For a section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) organization filing Form 990, or 990-EZ that received from any one contributor,
during the year, contributions for use exclusively for religious, charitable, etc., purposes, but these contributions did
not total to more than $1,000. If this box is checked, enter here the total contributions that were received during
the year for an exclusively religious, charitable, etc., purpose. Do not complete any of the parts unless the General Rule
applies to this organization because it received nonexclusively religious, charitable, etc., contributions of $5,000 or more
during the year. ......................... Arrow Bullet

Caution. An Organization that is not covered by the General Rule and/or the Special Rules does not file Schedule B (Form 990,
990-EZ, or 990-PF), but it must answer “No” on Part IV, line 2, of its Form 990; or check the box on line H of its
Form 990-EZ or on Part I, line 2, of its Form 990-PF, to certify that it does not meet the filing requirements of Schedule B (Form 990,
990-EZ, or 990-PF).

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions
for Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF.

Cat. No. 30613XSchedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2011)

Page 2

Name of organization MAINE ECONOMIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2011)
Part I	Contributors (see Instructions). Use duplicate copies of Part I if additional space is needed.
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
RESTRICTED	RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED, RESTRICTED RESTRICTED	$RESTRICTED	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II if there is a noncash contribution.)
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
		$	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II if there is a noncash contribution.)
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
		$	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II if there is a noncash contribution.)
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
		$	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II if there is a noncash contribution.)
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
		$	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II if there is a noncash contribution.)
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
		$	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II if there is a noncash contribution.)
Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2011)

Page 3

Name of organization MAINE ECONOMIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2011)
Part II	Noncash Property (see Instructions). Use duplicate copies of Part II if additional space is needed.
(a) No. from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (see instructions).	(d) Date received
		$
(a) No. from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (see instructions).	(d) Date received
		$
(a) No. from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (see instructions).	(d) Date received
		$
(a) No. from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (see instructions).	(d) Date received
		$
(a) No. from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (see instructions).	(d) Date received
		$
(a) No. from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (see instructions).	(d) Date received
		$
Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2011)

Page 4

Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2011)

Name of organization
MAINE ECONOMIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Employer identification number

01-0527800

Part III

Exclusively religious, charitable, etc., individual contributions to section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) organizations
that total more than $1,000 for the year. Complete columns (a) through (e) and the following line entry.
For organizations completing Part III, enter the total of exclusively religious, charitable, etc.,
contributions of $1,000 or less for the year. (Enter this information once. See instructions.) Arrow Bullet

$
Use duplicate copies of Part III if additional space is needed

(a) No.
from
Part I

(b)
Purpose of gift

(d)
Description of how gift is held

(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4	Relationship of transferor to transferee

(a) No.
from
Part I

(b)
Purpose of gift

(d)
Description of how gift is held

(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4	Relationship of transferor to transferee

(a) No.
from
Part I

(b)
Purpose of gift

(d)
Description of how gift is held

(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4	Relationship of transferor to transferee

(a) No.
from
Part I

(b)
Purpose of gift

(d)
Description of how gift is held

(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4	Relationship of transferor to transferee

Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2011)

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

- TIN:

SCHEDULE O
(Form 990 or 990-EZ)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Supplemental Information to Form 990 or 990-EZ

Complete to provide information for responses to specific questions on
Form 990 or to provide any additional information.
MediumBullet

Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2011

Open to Public
Inspection

Name of the organization

MAINE ECONOMIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Employer identification number

01-0527800

Identifier	Return Reference	Explanation
OTHER EXPENSES	FORM 990-EZ, PART I, LINE 16	EXPENSES SUPPLIES:OFFICE 766 INTERNET ACCESS 600 TELEPHONE 1,428 MEETING EXPENSE 467 WEBSITE 919 TOTAL 4,180
OTHER ASSETS	FORM 990-EZ, PART II, LINE 24	EQUIPMENT 4,708 4,708 LESS ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION 4,708 4,708 TOTAL 0 0

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.

Cat. No. 51056K

Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2011

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

- TIN:

TY 2011 CompensationExplanation

Name:

MAINE ECONOMIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE

EIN: 01-0527800

Person Name	Explanation
DANA CONNORS
JAMES CONLON
PARKER LAITE SR
PETER VIGUE
JAMES WILLEY JR
BENJAMIN GILMAN
STEPHEN CULVER
HERBERT SARGENT