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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 17 JA N UA R Y 2 1 , 2 0 1 9 which fits into a broader strategy of improving broadband access across the tate. She sees immigrants as an impor- tant pillar of growing Maine's economy and workforce talent pool. 4. Affordable housing for seniors and young workers e lack of affordable housing for seniors and young workers in urban areas is a major drag on economic growth — and employers' ability to recruit folks with the state and away — that Mills is determined to turn around. On Jan. 15 she signed an order to release a $15 million senior housing bond passed by voters in 2015 but essentially held in limbo by her predecessor. "Selling those bonds a couple of years ago would have been far more favorable," says Avesta Housing President and CEO Dana Totman, "but we're encouraged that signing the bond will be a good first step." 5. Beer: Keeping the fizz in the biz Beer is a growing industry in Maine, with craft brewers still popping up faster than you can say "IPA"— 99 breweries and an economic impact of $476 mil- lion in 2016, according to the Boulder, Colo.-based Brewers Association. Non-drinkers also see the economic benefit, which includes money visi- tors spend at Maine restaurants, hotels and retail establishments. To support a thriving industry employing thou- sands of Mainers, Mills has promised tax incentives to boost local agricultural ingredient sourcing, a review of excise tax levels, and — most importantly — to lift the 50,000-gallon-a-year limit on what brewers are allowed to directly distribute to retailers and bars. Don Littlefield, general manager of the Maine Brew Bus, says while his com- pany isn't directly involved in distribution issues, "there is clearly a need for brewer- ies to stay economically viable by getting their product to market." R e n e e C o r d e s , M a i n e b i z s e n i o r w r i t e r, c a n b e r e a c h e d a t r c o r d e s @ m a i n e b i z . b i z a n d @ r s c o r d e s " FAME played a key role in helping us purchase our building, which doubled our production space and accelerated the company's growth." Linda Cloutier President, MAINE HERITAGE WEAVERS Helping Maine Businesses Succeed Since 1983 1-800-228-3734 • FAMEmaine.com Best Places to Work in Maine 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 There is clearly a need for breweries to stay economically viable by getting their product to market. — Don Littlefield Maine Brew Bus FOLLOW US @MBEVENTS #MBBLOY19 Nominate a Mainebiz Business Leader of the Year before January 31, 2019. SP ONSORED BY N OMINATE TODAY AT www.mainebiz.biz/BLOY Nomination Criteria: A CEO or executive director at his/her company or organization A leader who has helped the company or organization achieve a significant accomplishment in 2018 and/or celebrated a major milestone A leader who operates his/her company in a socially responsible manner and is active in commu- nity service Is innovative and shows creativity in business

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