http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/-t1.htm Keeping up with the "business" of business in Maine. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 01:54:52 GMT 10 http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/11/65/21/31/banner10.jpg http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/-t1.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/farmers-market-in-new-territory-with-online-sales-venture-t18876.htm Outspoken Farmers market in new territory with online sales venture BY BETTY JESPERSEN Staff Writer Morning Sentinel FARMINGTON -- Behind the scenes at farmers' markets, producers are up early getting their products picked, cleaned, weighed and packed. Then they load their vehicles, drive to market and sit for hours in a parking lot to sell the fruits of their labor, knowing there are chores to be done back at the farm. What if those same products could be sold online? "In ... Maine Business Tue, 30 Jun 2009 01:54:52 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/farmers-market-in-new-territory-with-online-sales-venture-t18876.htm#22193 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/farmers-market-in-new-territory-with-online-sales-venture-t18876.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/the-bottom-line-is-looking-up-t18865.htm Outspoken The bottom line is looking up Harness racing comes back to life in Maine, thanks to $21.2 million in racino revenue. By JENN MENENDEZ Staff Writer Portland Press Herald SCARBOROUGH — Only once has John Beckwith slid a dollar into a slot machine at Bangor's Hollywood Slots, pulled the lever and waited. He never heard the bells and whistles. But he's felt the payoff. A blacksmith and harness-racing driver, Beckwith spends his days at Scarborough Downs, shoeing a dozen ... Maine Business Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:40:40 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/the-bottom-line-is-looking-up-t18865.htm#22181 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/the-bottom-line-is-looking-up-t18865.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/gifford-s-goodness-expanding-t18862.htm Outspoken Gifford's goodness expanding BY DOUG HARLOW Staff Writer Morning Sentinel SKOWHEGAN -- Gifford's Ice Cream, made by the family-owned and operated ice cream manufacturer based in Skowhegan, has been picked up by several prominent locations in Connecticut and New Hampshire, including the University of Connecticut and the Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion concert facility in Gilford, N.H. Gifford's Ice Cream recently was added to the official meal plan at UConn and now will be offered ... Maine Business Sun, 28 Jun 2009 12:48:40 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/gifford-s-goodness-expanding-t18862.htm#22178 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/gifford-s-goodness-expanding-t18862.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/poultry-vaccine-producer-has-plans-to-grow-t18845.htm Outspoken Poultry-vaccine producer has plans to grow BY LARRY GRARD Staff Writer Morning Sentinel WINSLOW -- The world's fourth-largest producer of poultry vaccines says it has bucked the recession and is responding with a $4.2 million expansion. Lohmann Animal Health International Inc., which employs most of its 105 workers at its 375 China Road location, reported a 10 percent increase in sales from the previous year. Lohmann did that in the face of a 9 percent reduction in poultry ... Maine Business Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:13:27 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/poultry-vaccine-producer-has-plans-to-grow-t18845.htm#22158 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/poultry-vaccine-producer-has-plans-to-grow-t18845.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/council-backs-big-changes-in-fish-protection-t18843.htm Outspoken Council backs big changes in fish protection Fishermen say catch-share rules are a gamble, but many are glad to be free of limits on days at sea. By JOHN RICHARDSON Staff Writer Portland Press Herald PORTLAND — New England's struggling fishing industry took a historic step Thursday toward privatizing fish populations in an effort to protect them. Regional fishery managers voted in favor of a new system that will allow groups of fishermen – called sectors – to catch certain percentages ... Maine Business Sat, 27 Jun 2009 01:56:45 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/council-backs-big-changes-in-fish-protection-t18843.htm#22155 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/council-backs-big-changes-in-fish-protection-t18843.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/newspapers-launch-special-promotional-campaign-t18831.htm Outspoken Newspapers launch special promotional campaign From staff reports Portland Press Herald The new owner of the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram and two daily newspapers in central Maine has begun offering free papers at select locations, part of a branding campaign to attract readers to a changing product. MaineToday Media Inc. has set out more than 100 rack boxes offering free editions of the Press Herald or Sunday Telegram, the Kennebec Journal in Augusta and the Morning ... Maine Business Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:10:10 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/newspapers-launch-special-promotional-campaign-t18831.htm#22142 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/newspapers-launch-special-promotional-campaign-t18831.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/barrels-community-market-now-open-for-business-t18815.htm Outspoken Barrels Community Market now open for business BY AMY CALDER Staff Writer Morning Sentinel WATERVILLE -- A dream brewing for more than a year became reality Monday with the opening of Barrels Community Market downtown. The market features fresh, locally and organically raised vegetables, meats and dairy products, as well as breads and other baked goods, arts, crafts, soaps and cosmetics. Market Manager David Gulak characterized Monday's kickoff as a "soft opening" ... Maine Business Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:40:22 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/barrels-community-market-now-open-for-business-t18815.htm#22124 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/barrels-community-market-now-open-for-business-t18815.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/local-strawberry-fields-soaked-t18813.htm Outspoken Local strawberry fields soaked BY COLIN HICKEY Staff Writer Morning Sentinel Chuck Underwood sang "Anchors Aweigh" on Monday as he watched another rainstorm soak his Benton strawberry fields. "I have 60 to 80 feet of fields where the strawberries literally are floating," he said. That means the hired help -- mainly local high school students -- at Underwood Strawberry and Vegetable Farm can't get too much of the crop, so it stays on the bush rather than ... Maine Business Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:35:22 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/local-strawberry-fields-soaked-t18813.htm#22122 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/local-strawberry-fields-soaked-t18813.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/tourism-based-firms-unite-t18798.htm Outspoken Tourism-based firms unite BY SUSAN M. COVER Staff Writer Morning Sentinel Inland Maine businesses used a seaside analogy Thursday to describe a new type of collaboration. With the belief that "a rising tide is going to lift all boats," ski resorts, white-water rafting companies and others are now working together to promote their region by offering vacation packages. "In many ways, it's unique because we've got competitors coming together to work where we believe ... Maine Business Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:23:00 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/tourism-based-firms-unite-t18798.htm#22105 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/tourism-based-firms-unite-t18798.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/developer-to-buy-newspaper-properties-t18791.htm Outspoken Developer to buy newspaper properties The Press Herald's new owners will sell two downtown buildings to John Cacoulidis, who plans a 30-story high rise. By DENNIS HOEY Staff Writer Portland Press Herald PORTLAND — The Portland Press Herald building and its former printing plant on Congress Street are in the process of being sold to a developer who also owns an island off the coast of Maine. MTM Portland Properties, an affiliate of MaineToday Media Inc., announced Wednesday night ... Maine Business Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:39:44 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/developer-to-buy-newspaper-properties-t18791.htm#22095 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/developer-to-buy-newspaper-properties-t18791.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/shuttered-saco-plant-back-in-business-t18788.htm Outspoken Shuttered Saco plant back in business Wood Structures Inc. closed in March with a loss of 180 jobs, but workers have worked out a deal to reopen. By ANN S. KIM Staff Writer Portland Press Herald SACO — Three men were at work assembling trusses in one corner of the plant. The giant saws were quiet, the forklifts were still and the other work stations were empty. While the plant was not humming at the same level as when it operated at full tilt, it was a sweet sight for the workers. ... Maine Business Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:28:27 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/shuttered-saco-plant-back-in-business-t18788.htm#22092 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/shuttered-saco-plant-back-in-business-t18788.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/union-fairpoint-plans-to-outsource-jobs-t18772.htm Outspoken Union: FairPoint plans to outsource jobs BY MATTHEW STONE Staff Writer Morning Sentinel A union representing 700 FairPoint Communications workers in Maine says the company is planning to outsource 40 Maine customer service center jobs to Canada. FairPoint, which recently completed its takeover of Verizon's northern New England operations, will outsource the work after July 31, according to officials at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 2327. But a FairPoint ... Maine Business Thu, 18 Jun 2009 23:28:28 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/union-fairpoint-plans-to-outsource-jobs-t18772.htm#22076 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/union-fairpoint-plans-to-outsource-jobs-t18772.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/newspaper-sale-complete-t18762.htm Outspoken NEWSPAPER SALE COMPLETE BY SCOTT MONROE Staff Writer Morning Sentinel Fifteen months of uncertainty ended Monday with the sale of the media company that includes the Morning Sentinel and Kennebec Journal. Bangor native Richard Connor, 62, now serves as chief executive officer of MaineToday Media Inc., which employs about 500 people at the Morning Sentinel, Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram in Portland, the Kennebec Journal in Augusta and the MaineToday Web sites. Connor ... Maine Business Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:55:37 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/newspaper-sale-complete-t18762.htm#22062 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/newspaper-sale-complete-t18762.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/navy-secretary-reasserts-biw-s-role-t18760.htm Outspoken Navy secretary reasserts BIW's role Ray Mabus tour of the shipyard comes amid a round of lay-offs caused by a production gap in the company's contracts to build Navy destroyers. By DIETER BRADBURY Staff Writer BATH — Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said today that he is committed to keepingthe nation's industrial shipbuilding base intact. Mabus, confirmed as President Barack Obama's Navy secretary last month,toured Bath Iron Works this morning. He is scheduled to visit the PortsmouthNaval ... Maine Business Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:10:49 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/navy-secretary-reasserts-biw-s-role-t18760.htm#22060 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/navy-secretary-reasserts-biw-s-role-t18760.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/inland-hospital-opens-heart-wellness-center-t18754.htm Outspoken Inland Hospital opens heart wellness center Morning Sentinel WATERVILLE -- Inland Hospital has opened a new health and wellness center that focuses on the heart. The hospital's new Heart First center, which opened Thursday offers community preventive cardiology, diagnostics and cardiac rehabilitation through the providers at Heart First Cardiology Associates, Heart First Diagnostics and the Marden Cardiac Rehab Center, now under one roof. Heart First is located at 244 Kennedy ... Maine Business Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:01:12 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/inland-hospital-opens-heart-wellness-center-t18754.htm#22052 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/inland-hospital-opens-heart-wellness-center-t18754.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/cmp-and-bangor-hydro-must-focus-on-consumers-interests-t18747.htm Outspoken The PUC says CMP and Bangor Hydro must focus on consumers' interests. From staff and news services Portland Press Herald AUGUSTA — Central Maine Power Co. and Bangor Hydro-Electric are being told to continue their arrangement with the operator of the regional power grid for two more years. But the Public Utilities Commission also ordered the companies on Friday to pursue reforms of their relationship with ISO-New England. The PUC has expressed dissatisfaction with the current ... Maine Business Sat, 13 Jun 2009 14:07:24 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/cmp-and-bangor-hydro-must-focus-on-consumers-interests-t18747.htm#22044 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/cmp-and-bangor-hydro-must-focus-on-consumers-interests-t18747.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/bill-to-set-conditions-on-sale-of-merc-plant-t18738.htm Outspoken Bill to set conditions on sale of MERC plant State House: The governor is set to sign legislation requiring state approval for any buyer. By EDWARD D. MURPHY Staff Writer Portland Press Herald Gov. John Baldacci is expected to sign a bill to require any buyer of the trash incinerator in Biddeford to get state approval before the plant's solid waste license can be transferred to a new owner. A spokeswoman for Baldacci said the governor has supported the legislation. It is ... Maine Business Sat, 13 Jun 2009 13:05:10 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/bill-to-set-conditions-on-sale-of-merc-plant-t18738.htm#22034 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/bill-to-set-conditions-on-sale-of-merc-plant-t18738.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/growsmart-facing-a-financial-crisis-t18736.htm Outspoken GrowSmart facing a 'financial crisis' The nonprofit needs $60,000 to continue its work promoting sound economic development. By DIETER BRADBURY Staff Writer Portland Press Herald GrowSmart Maine is struggling with financial problems that have forced staff and program cuts in the nonprofit organization, which works to contain sprawl and promote sound economic development. The Yarmouth-based group has raised about half the $60,000 it needs to solve what its president, Alan ... Maine Business Sat, 13 Jun 2009 13:01:39 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/growsmart-facing-a-financial-crisis-t18736.htm#22032 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/growsmart-facing-a-financial-crisis-t18736.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/waterville-son-of-a-pizza-man-and-woman-t18730.htm Outspoken WATERVILLE: Son of a pizza man (and woman) BY COLIN HICKEY Staff Writer Morning Sentinel WATERVILLE -- Chad Partridge grew up slicing pepperoni, shaping dough and learning the keys to running a successful family pizza business. He left to get a master's degree in business management from Bentley College -- now Bentley University. Now he's back running his own pizza shop about 20 miles down the road from the one his mother and father took over 40 years ago. Cappza's Pizza ... Maine Business Fri, 12 Jun 2009 11:02:58 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/waterville-son-of-a-pizza-man-and-woman-t18730.htm#22025 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/waterville-son-of-a-pizza-man-and-woman-t18730.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/fairpoint-prices-called-misleading-t18721.htm Outspoken FairPoint prices called misleading Mandatory low-cost service options aren't being offered to customers, says Maine's Public Advocate, who wants a meeting. By TUX TURKEL Staff Writer Portland Press Herald FAIRPOINT agreed to offer Verizon's basic DSL service for $15 a month with a two-year contract, with the offer to remain in effect for two years. The Public Advocate complains that the least expensive DSL option offered on FairPoint's Web site costs $33.99 a month. THE ... Maine Business Fri, 12 Jun 2009 01:47:09 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/fairpoint-prices-called-misleading-t18721.htm#22015 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/fairpoint-prices-called-misleading-t18721.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/a-little-help-has-gone-a-long-way-t18709.htm Outspoken A little help has gone a long way BY SUSAN M. COVER Staff Writer Morning Sentinel 06/07/2009 AUGUSTA -- Jody Newman wanted to give her business a boost, but needed a little help from the Statehouse to get it. Newman owns "I Do Spas," which provides manicures, pedicures, hair styling, massage and other services. She and her coworkers take their services on the road to hotels, bed and breakfasts, and even into private homes. But state law prevented her from providing ... Maine Business Mon, 08 Jun 2009 10:56:40 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/a-little-help-has-gone-a-long-way-t18709.htm#22000 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/a-little-help-has-gone-a-long-way-t18709.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/new-sharon-farmers-market-opens-t18698.htm Outspoken New Sharon farmers' market opens BY BETTY JESPERSEN Staff Writer Morning Sentinel NEW SHARON -- The newest farmers' market on the block opens today, with area growers selling vegetables; seedlings; homemade breads, pies and pastries; and turkey and chicken products. The New Sharon Farmers' Market will be set up in front of Douin's Market on 150 Mercer Road at the intersection of U.S. Route 2 and Route 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., every Saturday. "There are so many people ... Maine Business Sat, 06 Jun 2009 16:22:21 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/new-sharon-farmers-market-opens-t18698.htm#21986 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/new-sharon-farmers-market-opens-t18698.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/health-agency-absorbs-clients-of-defunct-group-t18694.htm Outspoken Health agency absorbs clients of defunct group BY COLIN HICKEY Staff Writer Morning Sentinel WATERVILLE -- The mental-health agency Alternative Services Inc. has acquired all clients once served by Community Correctional Alternatives, a now-defunct company plagued by financial problems and allegations of misconduct. ASI Director of Operations Kim Lane said the deal went smoothly, ending with what she described as a seamless transition May 4. Lane's nonprofit company now occupies ... Maine Business Sat, 06 Jun 2009 16:06:16 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/health-agency-absorbs-clients-of-defunct-group-t18694.htm#21982 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/health-agency-absorbs-clients-of-defunct-group-t18694.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/waterville-sentinel-union-oks-proposal-that-cuts-wages-t18685.htm Outspoken WATERVILLE: Sentinel union OKs proposal that cuts wages BY AMY CALDER Staff Writer Morning Sentinel WATERVILLE -- Members of a union representing editorial workers at the Morning Sentinel voted overwhelmingly Thursday to approve a contract that allows Bangor native Richard Connor to buy Blethen Maine Newspapers. The 12-1 vote followed a brief discussion by members of Portland Newspaper Guild's Local 128 about concessions requested by Connor. The concessions include a five ... Maine Business Sat, 06 Jun 2009 14:21:34 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/waterville-sentinel-union-oks-proposal-that-cuts-wages-t18685.htm#21973 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/waterville-sentinel-union-oks-proposal-that-cuts-wages-t18685.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/cmp-workers-strike-possible-t18683.htm Outspoken CMP workers: Strike possible BY KEITH EDWARDS Staff Writer Morning Sentinel AUGUSTA -- Central Maine Power Co. and the union that represents more than half its employees are still at odds in contract talks -- and a strike could happen sooner rather than later, a union official warned. Company officials released details of CMP's most recent contract offer Thursday, which the firm said balances fair wages for employees with customer costs. Bill Dunn, assistant business manager ... Maine Business Sat, 06 Jun 2009 14:09:08 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/cmp-workers-strike-possible-t18683.htm#21971 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-business-f33/cmp-workers-strike-possible-t18683.htm