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V I E W P O I N T S W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 3 J U LY 1 2 , 2 0 2 1 From the Editor W e've seen some interesting developments com- ing out of central Maine recently. As Laurie Schreiber reports in our cover story, central Maine has become a hub for grain production. But Maine is also figuring out new ways to market and distribute grain products. e Maine Grain Alliance has helped by developing farmers, finding grist mills and helping elevate the types of grain grown here. It's also been crucial in marketing grain. e Kneading Conference and Artisan Bread Fair helped raise awareness. Maine's growing craft beer industry is just one market. For more, see Laurie's story, "Going with the grain," which starts on Page 12. In Augusta, the First Amendment Museum has had a relatively low profile. But it is ready to expand, hoping to become a key stop for students and the pub- lic. It is embarking on a $14 million capital campaign. For more, see Maureen Milliken's story, "An Augusta museum seeks higher profile," on Page 18. We've been hearing more and more about the startups springing up out of colleges and incuba- tors in Waterville and central Maine in general. Entrepreneurs coming out of these programs are making waves in Maine's annual pitch con- tests. Now Renee Cordes has more about some of the emerging entrepreneurs in "Central Maine startup stories," which starts on Page 21. AABP award A special shout out to Mainebiz Art Director Matt Selva, who won a Bronze award for "Best feature layout" for his design of the Women to Watch 2020 issue. Here's what the judges said: "Excellent envi- ronmental portraits are given ample space. Design elements carry consistently across the many pages of the layout. Typography shows good hierarchy. Subheads, pull quotes and sidebar items are arranged effectively and offer many points of entry along the way." e awards were presented at the annual meet- ing of the Alliance of Area Business Publications. Congrats, Matt! Peter Van Allen pvanallen@mainebiz.biz Featured @ Mainebiz.biz Get Maine's business news daily at mainebiz.biz and on Twitter (@Mainebiz). Below is our most popular content for the period from June 21–29. For a daily digest of Maine's top business news, sign up for the Mainebiz Daily Report at mainebiz.biz/enews 1. Personal income in Maine has soared more than almost any state's, and here's why 2. In general, should wealthy people be giving more to address basic human needs in the U.S.? 3. Frenchman Bay residents to salmon farmers: 'You're not welcome here' 4. Stewards of business: Non-relatives reflect on challenges of leading Maine family firms 5. New wedding barn bets couples will say 'I do' to Aroostook County 6. NH fire protection company buys first Maine location in Saco 7. Opportunities seen for Topsham workforce rental development 8. Donald Sussman donates $5M North Haven farm to conservation group 9. Bangor Savings reports 27% growth in assets for fiscal year, earnings up 13% 10. Chase opens first of five southern Maine branches as hiring continues F I L E P H O T O 1 bernsteinshur.com Be valued. BE SHUR. We're lawyers in the business of your success. A growing reputation for innovation and developing startups

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