Kennebec Savings Bank

With cases mounting and the omicron variant of the disease raging throughout Maine, banks and credit unions are taking new steps to keep employees and customers safe — and monitoring the health crisis daily.

Maine business leaders from across their state share their lofty goals for the new year.

Over the past year, the Small Business Administration made 417 loans in Maine that weren't through the Paycheck Protection Program or an Economic Injury Disaster Loan.

Diane Sturgeon started her new job this week after nine years with the SBA's Maine District Office, most recently as deputy district director.

The emergency loan program started last year with initial funding of $349 million, but in two weeks the money was gone. Businesses and banks had to scramble and get what they could. The PPP has been a lifesaver, but has also taught Mainers to learn and adapt.

The enlarged Kennebec Savings Bank has 171 employees and total assets of $1.317 billion after joining forces with its smaller regional peer in a merger that closed Friday afternoon.

From keeping employees safe to helping business grow, here's a roundup of New Year's business resolutions shared with Mainebiz.

Kennebec Savings Bank and Kennebec Federal Savings and Loan Association expect to complete their merger in the first quarter of 2021 after receiving approval from the Maine Bureau of Financial Institutions this week.

From enjoying the outdoors to supportive communities, here's what movers and shakers from around the state told Mainebiz they appreciate most ahead of the holiday.

The Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce expected its Business to Business Showcase to draw over 2,000 attendees last March. But because of the pandemic, the chamber won't hold the event until the spring of 2021.