Kristina Cannon

With a commitment from the New Balance Foundation, the first phase of construction on the Skowhegan River Park will get started on June 29.

The goal is to expand year-round outdoor recreation jobs in central and western Maine, in fields such as fishing, whitewater guiding, trail building, outdoor business, retail, manufacturing and hospitality.

The project will include installation of adjustable wave-shaping technology that enhances whitewater features to provide consistent flow year-round.

Kristina Cannon and her team have secured nearly $7.9 million for projects that include the creation of a shared commercial kitchen incubator to empower local food startups. 

Now in their 15th year, the Mainebiz Women to Watch awards honor women who have demonstrated leadership in wide-ranging sectors of business, health care and the nonprofit world.

More than just fun and games, Skowhegan's eight-day festival that runs this year from Feb. 16-24 has far-reaching economic benefits.

Main Street Skowhegan is seeking public feedback via three surveys related to surplus farm products, workforce training in the food industry and a planned downtown food-business incubator.

Somerset County residents can borrow gear from the new Skowhegan Outdoors Basecamp for free, while others can do so with the purchase of a one-year membership.

To kick off the new year, Mainebiz asked more than a dozen movers and shakers from different sectors for their 2024 business predictions. The prognostications offer much food for thought.

Strategies include developing career pathways and apprenticeship programs in sectors from food and agriculture to outdoor recreation.