Southern exposure
We find the On The Road receptions we hold around the state to be fabulous opportunities for the editorial staff here to connect with readers.
Case in point: At the April OTR reception in York Harbor, we heard from a half dozen executives that residents and businesses in York and Rockingham counties identify themselves as part of the Seacoast community, more so than either Maine or New Hampshire. They have their own micro economy that stretches from the North Shore of Massachusetts, up through York County's coastline.
It was an interesting perspective and it helped us frame the cover story by Contributing Writer Craig Idlebrook, “Growth strategies,” that compares the livability of southern Maine with our New Hampshire neighbors. Several economic development folks are staking municipal and regional plans on exploiting the advantages of living in Maine to draw residents and investments from out of state. The story is part of this issue's focus on York County.
Those same guests at our regional roundtable told us that York County Community College and the local hospitality industry have really refined the partnership between education and work force training, with specialized curricula at YCCC and Southern Maine Community College that result in ready-to-work and experienced graduates in culinary arts and hospitality management. Norman Hebert, executive chef/owner of Bintliff's Restaurant in Ogunquit, talks of that relationship in a commentary on page 25. He knows of what he speaks as the business owner hiring those students and as a former educator at YCCC.
And the final component of our focus section is a bellwether for anyone who owns coastal property in York County. Prepare for a one-two punch from the federal government, as a federal law change eliminates subsidies for flood insurance and revised Federal Emergency Management Agency flood maps due out this fall are expected to expand flood zones throughout the county. If you're a believer in forewarned is forearmed, make sure you read Online Editor Darren Fishell's story, “Water damage,” starting on page 22.
Speaking of being prepared, there's a terrific new safety device that's being readied for market that protects a head from injury in a fall. The device, a helmet that looks like a fashionable head band, is made with a specialized lining that absorbs impact. “Smarty” is under development by Alba-Technic, a startup in Winthrop, and undergoing patient trials. Sports enthusiasts and anyone battling balance issues should check out Staff Writer Lori Valigra's story, “Haute helmet,” starting on the cover.
She also introduces us to Dan Doucette, the general manager of the Mercedes line of business at Prime Motor Cars in Scarborough. The dealership is getting an inventory of Smart cars that it hopes will attract young, urban buyers. It also has an array of RVs (who knew Mercedes made an RV?). Sales from the RV line have catapulted the dealership to the No. 10 spot nationally. And Doucette, all 6-feet, 2-inches of him, fits comfortably in the Smart car. Read his story on page 26.
And finally, if you know of a remarkable female chief executive, please nominate her for a Mainebiz Women to Watch recognition. It's our way of discovering outstanding women executives who are often flying under the radar and deserve attention. You can find the nomination form at mainebiz.biz/womentowatch.
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