Kelly Flagg

Established in 1991, the award program is considered to be a tool that offers members an opportunity to evaluate their safety records.

In 2009, Mainebiz started a program to honor women leaders who showed remarkable leadership and vision.

Goals include attracting diverse demographics traditionally underrepresented in the industry and providing paths both to entry and to lifelong professional development.

The need for workers in the renewable energy industry is pressing. The $2 million Green Jobs for ME program aims to expand the number of Mainers in construction and skilled trades who enter the field.

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

The Searsport site is already owned by the state and is designated for port development, saving money and having less environmental impact.

Maine's fast-growing clean energy economy demands a trained workforce, and programs statewide are responding.

Business leaders are worried about the impact of a protracted federal shutdown on some sectors and the state's economy as a whole.