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V O L . X X V N O. V M A R C H 4 , 2 0 1 9 8 B U S I N E S S M A I N E B U S I N E S S M A I N E B U S I N E S S N E W S F RO M A RO U N D T H E S TAT E completed a four-year bachelor of sci- ence degree in biology at USM to have a smoother transition in pursuing their doctor of pharmacy degree at UNE's College of Pharmacy. And if they are certain of their career path, students have another option – a 2 + 4 agree- ment that structures a two-year course of prerequisite study accelerating their access to the doctorate of pharmacy. UNE recently entered into a similar agreement that allows qualified Saint Joseph's College of Maine students a way to become pharmacists. UNE also reached an agreement with University of Maine School of Law giving its marine sciences undergraduates a faster track to a law degree. N O T E W O R T H Y S O U T H E R N Laurence Gross, CEO of the Southern Maine Agency on Aging in Scarborough, announced his plan to retire after a 41- year career. Gross began his career with the organization in 1978 as its planner when it was called the Cumberland- York Task Force on Aging. In 1983, the agency's board of directors se- lected Gross as its second executive director. The Sanford Legacy Foundation said it received a $60,000 donation from Southern Maine Health Care in Biddeford to name the athletic wing at the new Sanford High School. National Endowment for the Arts awarded a Challenge America grant of $10,000 to Engine, a nonprofit arts organization in downtown Biddeford, to support its Fringe Fest Performing Arts Festival. My Place Teen Center, a regional non- profit organization in Westbrook that provides a safe haven for youth ages 10-18, was awarded $10,000 from Bernstein Shur, a law firm in Portland. The nonprofit was selected from a list of five Greater Portland charitable organizations by the firm's clients through an online vote. Consolidated Communications Holdings Inc., a broadband and business communications pro- vider in Portland, announced that it exceeded goals set for the Federal Communications Commission's Connect America Fund program for 2018. To date, the company has completed 304 broadband projects, or more than 80% of its funded loca- tions, exceeding the program require- ment of 60% in 2018. When the program ends in 2020, the company will bring broadband services to a minimum of 35,500 eligible, under- served locations in Maine. The Escape Room in Portland said it will be opening its first new room in two years, "The Butcher's Basement," a horror-themed room with the game plot centering on a local serial killer. USM-UNE collaboration opens new pathway for careers in pharmacy — It's the collaboration part that caught our eye Fall day trips to Maine up, but overnight visitors are spending more — We need both sets of visitors David Shaw creates new prize for this year's Top Gun entrepreneur competition — A top gun if there ever was one Mills lifts wind turbine moratorium — Will the horizon start to look like some other New England states? Boothbay region's chamber plans a visitor center for Route 1 in Edgecomb — Tapping into the Red's Eats backup Bill to prevent municipalities from banning short-term rentals sparks strong debate — Airbnb is now a key source of travelers, so be careful what you wish for Federal shutdown shut down some home sales in January — The economy depends on a strong housing market Bankrupt Payless to close all its stores in Maine — Adding to the inventory of vacant retail space Legislature revisits bill that would require employers to provide sick leave — Let the debate begin Bill would extend tax-free options to companies helping workers with student loans — Is this treating the symptom instead of the cause? C R E D I T S & D E B I T S M E M B E R F D I C Ne w L ocat ion Ne w P r oduc t Ne w E q uipm e nt HOW WILL YOU USE $50,000? Applications are now open for Maine's premier small business competition. For complete rules and to enter, visit GorhamSavings.Bank/LaunchPad and submit your application by 5pm on April 1, 2019.

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