It was five and a half years ago when I penned my first editor’s letter in Mainebiz. Newly hired, I was excited to be part of a tradition of exceptional business journalism. For those who asked, I said I felt a little like Joe Girardi having just taken over the Yankees from Joe Torre. I […]
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It was five and a half years ago when I penned my first editor's letter in Mainebiz. Newly hired, I was excited to be part of a tradition of exceptional business journalism. For those who asked, I said I felt a little like Joe Girardi having just taken over the Yankees from Joe Torre. I was the skipper of a well-known and high-performing team.
But I knew there was fundamental stewardship intrinsic in the editor's role. Someone else had created the publication's unique mix of content and set the standards at Mainebiz. My job was to uphold and enhance it, then pass it on.
That time has come. Soon I start a new job, one that brings me back into the world of daily journalism from whence I came. I look forward to my new adventure, but it's tempered by the bittersweet realization that I won't be part of a news operation that I helped shape and in which I take great pride.
It's been my privilege — and my pleasure — to work with the fine journalists on staff here, people who share my zeal for business news. They are the ones who will keep the legacy going, capably aided by top-notch designers, event planners, circulation and customer service professionals and ad execs who are second to none. We all are the beneficiaries of a publisher, Donna Brassard, who has never lost her vision or her energy to make Mainebiz the most relevant and compelling read for Maine's business decision makers. You've been a great teacher, Donna. Thank you.
So what do we offer you in this issue that's relevant and compelling? Well, Senior Writer Lori Valigra talks to the managing director of Eimskip USA about the Icelandic shipping company's plans to grow in Portland. Rail lines, bottled water and chocolate — yep, chocolate — all figure into its plans. Her story, “Looking for connections,” is part of our focus on international trade.
Likewise, Senior Writer Jim McCarthy spends some time with managers at Ocean Renewable Power Co. listening to them talk about their efforts to capitalize on their expertise in emerging tidal and river energy systems. The company recently launched a spinoff and opened an office in Chile, positioning itself for international consulting work.
Jim also pulls together several on-going investments in Maine's aviation services sector to show that an industry cluster is emerging and growing here in Maine. That momentum is expected to be aided by a new organization, the Maine Aviation Business Association, which formed late last year.
And to give you a glimpse of youthful entrepreneurship, we check in with Saman Baghestani, a student at Southern Maine Community College, who has launched an online book exchange to save college students money. Saman's business plan shows SoPoBooks.com is expected to generate revenue next year; he already has connections with Amazon, and potential advertisers for his website. Contributing Writer Tina Fischer caught up with Saman in this issue's On the Record interview.
If you'd like a chance to chat with the editorial staff here, mark your calendars for April 30 when Mainebiz's next On the Road reception is slated for the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport. The networking event is free, but we ask that you register at mainebiz.biz/kennebunks2014.
Sadly, I won't be there. But I know other Mainebiz journalists will be, and they will carry on the legacy that I inherited from my predecessors. To coin a phrase from former NBC journalist Linda Ellerbee, “And so it goes.”
