In addition to its governmental relations and association management services, Howe & Company enters into special projects and manages contracts with state government and others. Currently we operate a statewide tobacco compliance inspection program under contract with the Maine Department of Human Services. Through our subsidiary, No Nicotine, Inc., we employ approximately 30 persons across the state to conduct random, unannounced inspections of tobacco retailers for compliance with the law against sales to minors. Howe & Company is managing a grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration which provides funs to county sheriffs for use in child passenger safety education and enforcement. We brought in-house the handling of claims for the self-funded, property-casualty risk pool which serves Maine's county governments. The firm's expertise in risk management and claims handling is available to other clients and groups, as well.