Our focus on central Maine delves into two areas that demonstrate growth in a number of facets.
Residential growth, new retail, manufacturing expansion and business park additions highlight just some of the progress.
Whatever position you may have taken on the legalization of adult-use cannabis in Maine, it’s here and it’s happening.
Stores are proliferating in 34 municipalities around Maine. Retailers are selling cannabis at a rate of $10 million a month through the first five months of this year. Legal sales of adult-use cannabis in Maine could grow from $82 million in 2021 to $300 million by 2025, according to one industry consultant.
In this issue, we delve into some key areas of the marijuana business, looking at the effect on the marketplace, store design and banking.
“Corporate responsibility” can include a wide range of duties, but in the past two years there’s been a strong emphasis on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, or DEI. For that reason, two of our stories delve into this issue.
While we hesitate to say the pandemic is behind us, we have at least had the good fortune to return to in-person meetings and events in recent weeks.
In recent meetings around the state, I’ve noticed one persistent trend: People are not sitting still. Nearly every business that survived the pandemic (to date) has had to make major changes in how business is conducted. Business leaders have had to adjust hours, workplace setups, customer interactions, hiring protocols and vendor relationships, while adapting to supply-chain issues and rising interest rates.
Back in February at the MEREDA conference, hospitality expert Sean Riley said he expected a strong hospitality season this year. COVID restrictions have been lifted and travelers are itching to get back to their favorite places. A destination like Maine has even more appeal for travelers after being cooped up for two years.
People are clamoring to visit attractions and eat in restaurants.