The year that was
If 2010 was the year of the recovery, what shall we dub 2011? More of the same? Recovery 2.0?
From a news standpoint, 2011 was pretty tame — none of the high drama associated with bank bailouts, stimulus bills, health care acts, frozen housing markets and tax reform (although our new governor provided a steady stream of colorful copy and there was that scandal at the Maine Turnpike Authority). There were some highlights, though: the Three Ring Binder project continued its connectivity route through parts of Maine underserved by broadband; renewable energy projects rolled along; Brunswick Landing took flight; and the new owner of the Katahdin paper mills brought 215 people back to work.
We reflect on what made business news in 2011, summarized in our cover package, "In or out?" It's our best guess on what's coming, going and likely to happen in 2012.
We also examine what's new in the world of safety and security, the focus of this issue. Among them: A Gorham company, Biospecialists LLC, that restores scenes of tragedies — the kind of work that requires a keen eye, strong stomach and compassionate heart. Staff Writer Rebecca Goldfine presents the company in a profile, "Clean comfort," starting on page 18. We also hear from some legal experts on how the tide is changing around corporate liability and data breaches, in "Protection protocol," on page 20.
While an annual review issue takes a look at what's behind us, I want to make sure you know what's ahead for Mainebiz in 2012. Have you explored our new website? It's terrific — developed after months of intensive research into what Mainebiz readers need and want — and positions us to continually expand our online offerings. In addition to providing you with a mobile version of mainebiz.biz, it also offers enhanced multimedia, improved content links, more RSS feeds and an engaging design. For do-it-yourselfers, there's the ability to manage your subscription accounts online. And, getting back to 2012, vibrant event and calendar sections help you stay up-to-date with all the business-related events you need to know about.
Also in store for 2012, a new staff writer. Randy Billings joins us a senior writer after a five-year tenure with The Forecaster. In addition to having a bead on Portland and its environs, Randy possesses a tenacious desire and the talent to deliver the news that matters most — a work ethic that has led to multiple state and New England journalism awards. We can't wait to show you what he can do.
What else is in store for 2012? Mark your calendars for the On the Road with Mainebiz events coming to a community near you. These meet-and-greet receptions give business people a great chance to network, and more importantly, (at least from my vantage point), our editorial team has the chance to talk to business executives about new developments in their companies and industries. It's how we get our very best stories.
So let's put 2011 in perspective and raise a glass to 2012. Here's hoping this time next year we can call it The Renaissance.
Carol Coultas
ccoultas@mainebiz.biz
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