Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 7 N OV E M B E R 2 6 , 2 0 1 8 Maine's college grad rate lags behind New England Maine continues to lag behind the rest of New England in the propor- tion of students completing college on time, and more Maine students have difficulty affording it. A study released by Educate Maine, a busi- ness-led advocacy organization, found that 56% of the state's college students obtain an associate's degree within three years or a bachelor's degree within six. e college completion rate for all New England students was 63%, according to the 2018 data. While Maine's average trails those of its neighbors, the annual study revealed improvement over last year. In 2017, Educate Maine found less than half of the state's students com- pleting college on time while students averaged 58% across the region. e 2018 study also found that in Maine college costs averaged 39% of per- capita income, and the average college loan equaled 17% of that amount. e New England averages were 35% and 12% respectively. Shaw's Maine drivers win pay hike Truck drivers and mechanics at Shaw's Supermarkets' Wells distribution center have agreed to a contract that provides their first pay raise in four years. e 79 Shaw's employees represented by Teamsters Local 340 ratified a two-year contract that provides a grievance process, seniority-based bidding for routes and schedules, and guaranteed pay increases each year, the union said. e workers began attempting to organize in 2015 and voted to join Teamsters Local 340 in March 2017. Bargaining began in April. Massachusetts-based Shaw's, a unit of the Albertsons Cos., has 2,000 workers and operates 154 stores throughout New England. In 2015, Osco Drug pharma- cists at 16 Maine Shaw's branches joined Teamsters Local 340, despite opposition from the supermarket chain. Organizing attempts at the 480,000-square-foot Wells site date to 1987. N O T E W O R T H Y S T A T E W I D E Androscoggin Bank in Lewiston said its MainStreet Foundation awarded a total of $11,700 in grants to seven nonprofit organizations for the third quarter of 2018. Stonewall Kitchen acquires two more brands Adding more premium brands to its pantry, Stonewall Kitchen said that it has acquired Spruce Valley Naturals LLC of Napa Valley, Calif., for an undisclosed amount. Spruce Valley Naturals is the parent company for Napa Valley Naturals, a premium brand of certified organic extra virgin olive oils, culinary cooking oils, Italian S T A T E W I D E S O U T H E R N Shortage of trained electricians sparks launch of ReVision Energy's own training center — Growing their own Maine Maritime Academy acquiring land at former Verso mill site in Bucksport — Another boost for a former mill town Mills promises 'new era of hope' as Maine's first female governor — Let's see what the new leadership brings Front Street Shipyard's Building 6 now 'open for business' — Belfast continues to grow Biddeford's Palace Diner named among country's 38 essential restaurants — We'd argue that fried eggs and hash browns are essential Fryeburg airport board may restructure, but critics fear 'dictatorship' — A new age of 'diplomacy' in local politics? Another Maine Kmart store axed as part of Sears' bankruptcy — Time for a rebirth of the traditional shopping center ReEnergy shuts down Fort Fairfield biomass plant — Low prices for natural gas mean this plant is 'not financially viable' Tiny Aroostook community votes to dissolve, join Unorganized Territory — Another way parts of Maine continue to get smaller Ex-lawmaker and securities agent convicted of bilking two widows out of $3M — C'mon, man C R E D I T S & D E B I T S MEMBER FDIC EQUAL HOUSING LENDER Growing a business? TALK TO A NEIGHBOR. 1-800-447-4559 | bathsavings.com You had the vision to build something meaningful in the community. We have the experience to help it grow. Custom lending solutions are here for you — and so are we. Let's talk. Mara Pennell Vice President, Commercial Lending Rob Tod Founder, Allagash Brewing

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