Heather Johnson

Heather Johnson, who was served as commissioner of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development since 2019, will step down from the role on March 1.

The group, whose 21 members will be announced in coming weeks, will start meeting in January to examine the opportunities and implications of AI for Maine's people, economy and institutions.

The grants, announced Thursday, are the first awarded from the state's Business Recovery and Resilience Fund.

An executive order signed by Maine's governor aims to bring more women into the male-dominated construction workforce.

The central repository of housing and community data is designed to support planning and actions to address housing production needs across the state.

Kingfish Maine, Tanbark Molded Fiber Products, Maine Plywood USA, Five Pillars Butchery, Heiwa Tofu and the Holy Donut will receive public funding to pay for upgrades to electrical infrastructure.

Two Maine manufacturers and two contractors have been recognized with the 2023 Governor’s Awards for Business Excellence in four categories.

The expansion team, yet to be named, will compete in USL League One, a men's professional league two levels below the country's top pro circuit, Major League Soccer.

“Seagriculture USA puts Maine on the world map as an innovator in seaweed farming and harvesting,” said Maine Department of Economic and Community Development Ccommissioner Heather Johnson.

Applicants have June 23 to apply for a share of $29 million in forgivable business loans ranging from $10,000 to $500,000.