Loring, which is on a former Air Force base, is Maine’s largest business park by size, with 8,700 acres, and is a key piece of Aroostook County’s place in the region’s larger economy.
Marty Grohman, entrepreneur and seasoned politician, says the 2026 elections — with two U.S. House seats, a Senate seat and the governor’s office — “will dominate attention and suck the oxygen out of economic discussions."
Derek Volk, the CEO of Volk Packaging, expects “more growth in 2026,” but he continues to sound the theme that “Maine continues to be a be an extremely challenging state to do business.”
Greater Portland enters 2026 with a strong economic foundation and a vibrant business community, yet employers face very real pressures, according to Quincy Hentzel, president and CEO of the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The Legislature’s Housing and Economic Development Committee is steering policy to facilitate housing development to meet the need now as well as for the coming years.
Amber Lambke, co-founder and CEO of Maine Grains, says the company is purchasing a state-of-the-art extrusion line from Germany, capable of producing grain-based cereals, bars, snacks and specialty ingredients.
Downtown Bangor has continued to grow as a destination, attracting visitors and residents alike with entertainment options, increased economic activity and a renewed sense of energy.
“Product diversification is more challenging than ever because the consumer has never been more varied,” says Jenn Lever, president of the Lewiston-based brewer.
Construction has begun on the Lambert Woods North apartments at 2274 Washington Ave. Extension in Portland, phase one of a large affordable housing development that will eventually include 162 apartments.
