🔒Building blocks

Michael Bosse, a lawyer who specializes in the construction industry, has a pretty interesting take on where the industry is going in Maine. He's seeing multiple trends coalescing in ways that will change the building and real estate fields in big ways. The first: Lots of us baby boomers are heeding the retirement call, creating opportunities for the next generation of architects, contractors and master tradesmen. That next generation had better be well-equipped to handle LEED-certified projects because projects mindful of environmental standards are not a flash in the pan. Bosse says as little as two years ago, he was advising his clients to never promise one of their clients that a finished building would qualify for a specific LEED certificate — there were too many variables over which a contractor or project manager had little control. Now, he says, the market is demanding LEED guarantees and that has forced the hand of many a conventional contractor to consider new ways to build things to achieve that coveted environmental designation.

Bosse shares those observations and others with Senior Writer Jim McCarthy in “Forward looking,” starting on page 24, part of this issue's focus on real estate, construction and design. We also hear from North Carolina developer Tom Niemann, whose Augusta-Waterville projects have been in the spotlight for much of the past three years. In his commentary on page 29, Niemann announces a new project and a new partner in a continuation of his historic-preservation work in Maine.

We also hear from Scott Kelly, owner of ETTI in Lisbon, a specialty excavation company that is poised to double its revenues and number of employees this year thanks to an increasing demand for natural gas pipelines. ETTI uses a horizontal drilling system that creates passages for pipelines without disturbing the surfaces under which they pass. Kelly talks about the ups and downs of the industry with Staff Writer Matt Dodge in “Running the drill,” appearing on the cover. And for all you “list” aficionados, we have two in this issue: one with 2012's biggest property sales (on page 38) and the largest property leases (on page 28).

Of course, wood plays a big role in building projects all over the state, but there's a newer use for trees that is capturing the attention of industries nationally. Earlier this month, the University of Maine launched an R&D center devoted exclusively to cellulose nanofibers — those teeny strands of wood that are stronger and lighter than steel. The components are being tested for uses as varied as thickeners in food to auto parts for Ford vehicles.

The university is making its equipment and expertise available to other universities and industries eager to test applications of cellulose nanofibers in the hopes that it will develop new markets for forest products (some experts see nanofibers contributing $600 billion to the national economy by 2020). And new markets for a renewable resource that Maine has 17 million acres of are a good thing. Read Jim's story on the Nanofiber Cellulose Pilot Plant in “Adding value,” starting on the cover.

It's always exciting when Maine has the opportunity to lead. Maybe that's why I enjoy the Mainebiz Business Leaders of the Year reception so much. It's our event recognizing Maine's top executives, which this year will take place at the Governor Hill Mansion in Augusta, Thursday, May 9, from 5–7 p.m. Join us as we celebrate the achievements of Sara Burns, president and CEO of Central Maine Power Co.; David Desjardins, president and CEO of Acadia Federal Credit Union; and Dana Totman, president and CEO of Avesta Housing.

They are remarkable and inspiring leaders. Go to mainebiz.biz/bloy2013 to register.