Mainebiz

V O L . X X V I I N O. X I V J U LY 1 2 , 2 0 2 1 6 to ensure three goals: that effective, accessible connectivity be universally available in the state; that there be secure, affordable, reliable, competi- tive and sustainable forward-looking infrastructure that can meet future needs; and that all residents, busi- nesses and institutions in Maine be able to take full advantage of the economic, health, educational and other opportunities available through connectivity services. U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the Maine Department of Health and Human Services received a total of $7 mil- lion to support its preparedness and response efforts against public health crises and emerging diseases through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The funding was allo- cated as follows: $5.2 million through CDC's Center for Preparedness and Response to prepare and respond to public health emergencies and $1.8 million through CDC's Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne and Enteric Diseases to prevent and control emerging diseases. Fluid Imaging CEO passes the torch e longtime leader of Scarborough- based Yokogawa Fluid Imaging Technologies Inc. has retired. President and CEO Kent Peterson, who began in that role in 2002, has been succeeded by Ross Bryant. Bryant previously worked for Wyatt Technology Corp., a laboratory instrument maker in Santa Barbara, Calif., as vice presi- dent of global sales, marketing and customer service. Chris Sieracki, who launched the business in 1999, also retired this year. N O T E W O R T H Y S O U T H E R N Biddeford-Saco-Old Orchard Beach Transit received a total of $1.2 mil- lion to purchase two on-route char- gers for their two electric buses. The funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Low and No Emission Vehicle Grant Program. Sellers' market continues for homes Prices for single-family homes in Maine jumped 28.21% during May, com- pared to a year ago, and the number of sales was up by roughly the same percentage. e price increase was the biggest climb so far in 2021, which has already seen double-digit increases. e statewide median sales price for May 2021 was $305,000, according to the Maine Association of Realtors. at price compares with $255,300 in January, $244,900 in February, $268,500 in March, and $276,000 in April. N O T E W O R T H Y S T A T E W I D E Gov. Janet Mills signed legislation to establish the Maine Connectivity Authority, a new entity charged with achieving universal availability of high-speed broadband in Maine. Using Federal funds allocated to the state of Maine under the American Rescue Plan, the authority will work B U S I N E S S M A I N E Business news from around the state S T A T E W I D E S O U T H E R N NH fire-protection company will open its first Maine location B y L a u r i e S c h r e i b e r S a c o — An increase in business in Maine inspired a New Hampshire company to buy a new location in southern Maine. Hampshire Fire Protection Co. LLC bought 41 Spring Hill Road in Saco from Patterson Cos. LLC for $1.6 million. Saco will be the company's fifth location and first in Maine. Robert Tragemann of Colliers and Greg Hastings of NAI Dunham Group brokered the transaction. The property consists of a 14,160-square-foot industrial building, built in 2000, on 4.76 acres. Established in 1978 and headquartered in Londonderry, N.H., Hampshire Fire is that state's largest commercial fire protection company, according to its website. services include sprinkler systems, fire extinguisher and restaurant fire suppression systems, and fire alarm systems. In addition to its headquarters, it has three locations in New Hampshire. Hampshire Fire Protection's growth Led by Kevin Thibodeau, COO and son of the company's founder and president, Larry Thibodeau, the business has seen significant growth in opportunities in southern Maine. Larry Thibodeau is originally from central Maine. "As a result of our increased business in Maine — notably, our new contract with MaineMed — we needed a location to more efficiently service and supply our job sites in the lower part of the state," said Larry Thibodeau. Hampshire Fire plans to occupy half of the space. LAW Calibration, which specializes in cali- brating testing and mea- suring equipment, cur- rently occupies 8,500 square feet, which leaves opportunity for another tenant in the building, as well as future development opportunities on the vacant land. "It's exciting to have good companies move to Maine," Tragemann, who represented Hampshire Fire, told Mainebiz. Quality industrial property remains "pretty scarce," he said. "The hunt for this one lasted a while," he continued. And prices are going up. "We're seeing some new prices per square foot being hit that we didn't see even two or three years ago, because of lack of supply," he said Hampshire's parameters included finding a location south of Portland, he said. The company had the ability to take on a larger square footage than it directly needed, as long as it was in the right area and the building had strong tenancy, he said. "That's how they landed on this property," he said. The seller, Patterson Cos., has commercial and residential lease property holdings throughout York County, according to its website. P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y N A I D U N H A M G RO U P It's exciting to have good companies move to Maine. — Robert Tragemann Colliers B R I E F Hampshire Fire Protection Co. LLC bought 41 Spring Hill Road in Saco from Patterson Cos. LLC. for $1.6 million

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