Inside the notebook: From guitars to goats, these stories struck a chord with Mainebiz editorial staffers in 2024

With the end of the year in sight, Mainebiz editorial staffers pick their favorite stories of 2024. Here are some of the stories behind the stories we enjoyed writing most this year. 

Real estate stories about real people

Real Estate Insider stories are always interesting to cover. Early on, I realized that real estate isn’t about real estate — it’s about people’s plans, visions, hopes and dreams.

Here are a few:

• Expansion of Biodiversity Research Institute in Portland reflects steady growth
• Youth entrepreneur program in Farmington plans campus expansion
• In search of a sustainable source of wood, Lewiston guitar maker buys saw mill 

— Laurie Schreiber

Vinyl vibes and fashion focus 

As a longtime fashionista and music connoisseur, this year I dove into topics I have always been passionate about.

There is nothing like walking into a record store, you never know what you will find — from Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish to classics like Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Duran Duran and Def Leppard. I feel the same way when I walk into a clothing store; there is so much to see and I am in there for hours. 

For our small business issue, I spoke with the owners of three vinyl stores in Portland. During my research, I found out that the vinyl scene has continued to grow at record numbers.

For our focus on startups and entrepreneurs, I interviewed three clothing and accessory designers who started out in studio apartments, pop-ups or workshops. They have all opened storefronts in Portland and have big plans for their businesses. 

— Alexis Wells 

On the ground and in the moment 

Although we do a lot of reporting by phone, nothing beats in-person connections and on-the ground reporting — or what in the business is known as good old-fashioned shoe-leather reporting. Some of my favorite stories this year:

• Beach to Beacon runners dodge raindrops, raise funds for Portland nonprofit
• Charms of the farm: From goat hikes to flower festivals, Maine agritourism is thriving
• From the Cold War to high tech: Behind the scenes at TechPlace, Brunswick’s business incubator 

From interviewing volunteer doctors in the medical tent before the start of a big 10K running race and the first wheelchair athlete to cross the finish line, to hanging out with baby goats and their gracious owners, it’s been a year of unique and rewarding reporting experiences.

— Renee Cordes 

Indie retailers spark Old Port

My favorite stories from 2024 had to do with a bump in independent retailers leasing space in the Old Port neighborhood in Portland:

• Real Estate Insider Notebook: A Portsmouth fashion brand finds Old Port space
• Real Estate Insider Notebook: Portland designer moves to the Old Port
• Former Starbucks location in Portland’s Old Port is leased by Maine handbag brand

It might be too early to call it a trend, and the closure of a number of restaurants in Portland is something we’ll watch for in 2025. 

But this handful of retail entrants to the market was encouraging, I thought. 

— Peter Van Allen 

Looking back

Here were our picks from 2023, one of which won an award from the New England Newspaper & Press Association. 

We look forward to seeing what 2025 will bring.