Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1059485
W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 3 BO O K O F L I S T S 2 0 1 9 I 'm always happy when I go to visit a business and I see copies of Mainebiz on the coffee tables. Coffee tables are nice, but, with all due respect, this issue of the Book of Lists belongs on your desk. And it should stay there throughout the year. Here's why: 1. The list of banks: Banks are central to any business's growth. e list of banks gives you the CEO's name. is list also has a bit of drama since Bangor Savings Bank overtook Camden National to become the top bank based in Maine. It's neck and neck, granted, and we might see either one (or even Bar Harbor Bank & Trust) at the top next year's list. See Page 38. 2. The top real estate sales of the year: is is one list that completely changes from year to year. Real estate is at the heart of nearly every busi- ness. It's something business people are constantly complaining about, crowing about or simply talk- ing about. is year's list has a host of interesting deals — reflecting a continued hot market, par- ticularly in southern Maine. e largest deal was $33.25 million for 1 River Place, a South Portland apartment complex. See Page 82. 3. FAME and SBA loans: Where else are you going to get a comprehensive list of Finance Authority of Maine loans or Small Business Administration loans? Casco Bay Welding Enterprises of Lewiston tops the FAME list (Page 36) and Community Pharmacies of Augusta leads the SBA list (Page 46). 4. Maine's largest brewers: As much as the craft brewing industry has taken Maine (and the U.S.) by storm, one company continues to lead the pack: Shipyard Brewing Co., which was one of the original craft brewers. e list also features a sidebar ranking of brewers that opened in 2018. See Page 56. 5. The List Toppers: Finally, if you want a quick overview of what's going on in the Maine econ- omy, we offer a handy "list of lists" — the top entry for each of the lists. Some notable changes are reflected here. Cianbro continues to top the list for employee-owned businesses, though longtime leader Pete Vigue has passed along the reigns to son Andi. University of Maine has a new president, Joan Ferrini-Mundy, who took over from Susan J. Hunter. See Page 6. As I have said before, you don't have to be a data geek to appreciate the Mainebiz Book of Lists. anks for reading. Peter Van Allen pvanallen@mainebiz.biz 5 reasons to keep the Book of Lists on your desk F R O M T H E E D I TO R UNE Innovation Center UNE Alfond Forum Building Jewish Community Center C O N TACT : Lisa Beeler, Business Development Director | C: 207-632-0871 | O: 207-767-1866 | 27 Main Street, South Portland, Maine, 04106 Greely High School Performing Arts Center East Auburn Baptist Church Cumberland Central Fire Station Celebrating 40 years in Building Maine.