Updated: April 29, 2019
From the Publisher
In 25 years, the essentials at Mainebiz haven’t changed
By Donna Brassard
When you reach a milestone like a 25th anniversary you tend to reflect on the changes that you have managed through, and about how we do business today is different from 25 years ago. I remember that my first “act” as publisher of Mainebiz 20 years ago was to purchase a plain paper fax machine. It seemed like a radical and major upgrade at the time.
Mainebiz began as a startup with three employees producing a monthly print magazine for the greater Portland area. Over time, Mainebiz expanded its reach, its frequency and added more products to serve the business community. Today, with 14 employees, Mainebiz publishes a bi-weekly business journal, four annual publications, three enewsletters. We produce 14 events. And we have just launched a new website for the entire Maine business community. Our business, and how we do business, has changed dramatically over the past 25 years.
But the essentials have not changed. Our mission, to help businesses be successful by providing news, analysis and information, has not wavered. The entrepreneurial spirit that founded Mainebiz keeps us nimble and able to respond to change. In fact, every change in technology that we have experienced has improved our ability to inform, engage and connect.
In 1999, when I agreed to come to Maine and to Mainebiz, some people were concerned. “Is there enough business going on in Maine to sustain a business media company?” they asked. I got unsolicited advice: “Nothing happens north of Augusta, don’t waste your time there.” When Mainebiz won national awards for journalism and design excellence, people were surprised and asked, “Who? Where? Maine?”
These well-meaning people were speaking from ignorance. We Mainers know that Maine has a vibrant and diverse business community throughout the state. I’m proud that Mainebiz has done an outstanding job telling Maine’s business stories with excellent writing, photography and design. We cover all business — from the traditional industries like manufacturing, agriculture, hospitality and boat building, to biotech, engineering and startups. Commercial development, health care and infrastructure construction all contribute to Maine’s economy and Mainebiz is here to report the news in print and online.
As a team, Mainebiz is committed to continue our mission, as we have through all the changes the past 25 years have brought. As we move into the future, where more change is inevitable, our essential mission and commitment to excellence will never change.
We appreciate the support of Maine’s business community, our advertisers and our readers. We would not be Mainebiz without you. Happy 25th anniversary to us all!
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