The lesser of two evils
So what keeps you up at night?
If you're like most businesspeople in Maine, you answer “health care costs” or “energy costs.”
Just over a week ago, Mainebiz hosted a health care forum intended to demystify the Affordable Care Act and give attendees the tools to assess what opportunities or challenges lie ahead for their respective businesses. Nearly 200 people attended and from their questions, it's clear that this issue will continue to dominate conversations around the state. (For a summary of the event and the ACA resource page we compiled in its wake, go to mainebiz.biz/ACAresources.)
Those conversations will undoubtedly guide our coverage of the ACA, so stay tuned for follow-up stories and other resources we intend to provide to help you navigate health care decisions.
Maybe because enrollment for Maine's ACA marketplace begins Oct. 1, it's been top of mind, but not long thereafter we all start thinking about how we'll stay warm this winter. A lot of interest has been directed toward natural gas and what the new enhanced access to that fuel means for Mainers. In her cover piece “Natural gas fever,” Staff Writer Lori Valigra explores what those opportunities are for Maine businesses and who the primary players are in the natural gas market. The demand for natural gas — and the people who can convert oil-based systems to natural gas — have created a wild West environment in Maine. Find out what all the fuss is about.
We also have a commentary from economist and pellet supporter William Strauss that examines the potential for heating with our abundant wood resources in modern ways that are affordable, environmentally sound and create jobs. It'll get you thinking. We also offer advice from tax attorney Robin Cyr on how to take advantage of energy tax incentives. Among the nine incentives she mentions, there might be some that will work for your business.
And rounding out the offerings for our energy focus is a detailed energy map showing the status of recent Maine energy projects. Curious about where those pellet makers are? Can't keep wind power projects straight? What companies are involved in biofuels again? Our easy-to-follow interactive map provides answers.
If all this talk about energy and health care costs is too much, we offer you respite with a story about the rise in Maine distillers of spirits. Yup, more Mainers are getting into craft distilling with their own specialty vodka, rum, brandies and more. Contributing Writer Craig Idlebrook managed to keep his wits about him as he talked with distillers around the state about new markets for their specialty products. (We assume he wasn't sampling.) The story, “Distilled essence,” starts on the cover.
And, finally, we have two events in September we want to crow about. The first, on Sept. 12, is an On the Road reception in Waterville. Please come out to chat with Mainebiz staff and tell us what's on your mind and what's happening in your business community — plus enjoy networking with your peers. Register here.
The second event is the reception we're hosting Sept. 19 to honor this year's Mainebiz Women to Watch. The event is at the Portland Club in Portland. Register here. Come on out and congratulate Claire Kiedrowski, owner and president of Kappa Mapping Inc.; Shannon Kinney, founder of Dream Local Digital; Sandra Stone, chairwoman of the Maine Angels Investment Network; and Beverly Neugebauer, executive director, and Dr. Barbara Slager, president, of Coastal Women's Healthcare, on their remarkable achievements and leadership.
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