Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 7 A P R I L 2 9 , 2 0 1 9 278, "An Act Regarding Pay Equality," discourages employers from basing wages on an employee's salary his- tory, characterizing inquiries about an individual's compensation history as unlawful discrimination. Portland tops Boston, NYC on "Best Places to Live" list Portland is the only metropolitan area in the Northeast included in the Top 25 "Best Places to Live" rankings released today by U.S. News & World Report, which evaluated the 125 most populous metropolitan areas based on affordability, job prospects and quality of life. Portland ranks No. 23, ahead of Boston (27) and New York City (90). For the third year in a row, Austin, Texas, takes the No. 1 spot, followed by Denver at No. 2 and Colorado Springs, Colo., at No. 3. Fayetteville, Ark., moves up a spot to No. 4, and Des Moines, Iowa, rounds out the top five. e 2019 Best Places to Live are determined in part using a public survey of thousands of individuals throughout the U.S. to find out what qualities they consider important in a hometown. It also factors in data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as well as the U.S. News rankings of schools and hospitals. N O T E W O R T H Y S O U T H E R N Riverdam LLC's proposed mixed- use project proposed for the 330,000-square-foot Riverdam Mill in Biddeford moves a step further after city council approved key aspects of the plan. The council approved the plan for an easement agreement, Americans with Disabilities Act access and a cred- it enhancement with project developer. If it receives final approval, the project will include 13,300 square feet of com- mercial space and 70 units of housing. Rosemont Market and Bakery will consolidate its bakery, food produc- tion, central office and warehouse operations in one Portland site. The 10,000-square-foot space is at 832 Stevens Ave. S O U T H E R N The downside of working remotely In the February 1996 Mainebiz, a columnist wrote about a blizzard that had the effect of showing people the future — one where workers could work from home, dialed into the new internet. She cited a story of a Lotus Software executive who logged onto his laptop and worked from his home study in Cambridge, Mass., and even joined his daughters for lunch. "It sounded idyllic. No commute. The virtual workplace could be efficient, comfortable and satisfying," Rose Moss wrote. But she also noted cracks in the idyllic work-from-home economy: "Even the Lotus executive talked about wanting to get back to conversations in hallways." "In cyberspace, we lose a sense of membership in multiple communities," she wrote. "No need to look anyone in the eye. Like people in isolated com- munities, regulars in cyberspace can reinforce one another without jostling." SP ONSORED BY FUN FACT From the February 1996 Mainebiz, an ad for the Victory Deli & Bake Shop on Monument Square in Portland promised two eggs, home fries and toast for $1.89. Brian Boru advertised pints of Guinness for $1.50 at its Sunday brunch. Are you considering an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), seeking financial guidance that will help grow your business, or planning for retirement? BerryDunn can help. Our expert advisors specialize in guiding family businesses through complex financial and operational challenges. We'll provide tailored guidance that can help your business adapt quickly to challenges and take advantage of the opportunities that drive value. Gain perspective. Visit berrydunn.com or call 800.432.7202. perspective GAINED

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