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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 A P R I L 1 7 , 2 0 2 3 From the Editor T wo years ago, amid the pandemic, "supply chain issues" became a household term, as every- thing from HVAC parts to insulation panels became hot commodities. Today, some of the supply-chain disruptions have been resolved, but issues remain. For the businesses that are looking to grow, the cost of construction remains a concern. A recent Mainebiz poll asked, "Does your company plan an expansion in the next year that would involve building, buying or leasing addi- tional space?" It probably wouldn't surprise read- ers to know that 70% of those that responded said they had no plans to expand. But, in my view, a surprising number do have some kind of expansion plans, from new con- struction (12%) to leasing additional space (10%) to buying a building or space (7%). Laurie Schreiber, who writes one of our weekly Real Estate Insiders, went directly to contractors to ask what they're seeing. Most said they remain busy, though they've had to find cre- ative ways to navigate volatile prices, supply dis- ruptions and labor shortages. See "Construction outlook," which starts on Page 22. For our cover story, Renee Cordes took a look at the trend of more women buying homes. She talks to several homebuyers and lenders for her story. See "A home of her own," which starts on Page 16. Reporter Alexis Wells is a Saco native, but took a closer look at her hometown to see where there's growth, particularly along U.S. Route 1. "e scoop on Saco" starts on Page 26. e issue also features a "Building Business" column (on Page 13) and two construction related lists. Peter Van Allen pvanallen@mainebiz.biz Featured @ Mainebiz.biz For a daily digest of Maine's top business news, sign up for the Mainebiz Daily Report at mainebiz.biz/enews Get Maine's top business news daily at mainebiz.biz or by signing up for our Daily Report and Real Estate Insider newsletters. Here is our top content from March 28 to April 11. 1. Presque Isle company grows its wood-to-energy business 2. Portland, SoPo make list of 'least desirable' places to live on a salary of $100K 3. Maine Trial Lawyers elects youngest board member in association history 4. Dunham Group charts growth with move to new office and new hires 5. Maine's insurance industry thriving on growth, change 6. Monson restaurant is Maine's sole finalist for James Beard Award 7. In downtown Hallowell, a therapy services provider takes over gallery space 8. Cape Elizabeth 'microschool' formed in 2020 has grown to larger space 9. Westbrook-based equipment dealer expands with Massachusetts acquisition 10. Kennebunk bakery and chocolatier adds Portland store P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F P L AY E R D E S I G N 1 For the businesses that are looking to grow, the cost of construction remains a concern. When it comes to your real estate or construction project, we'll keep you on track. bernsteinshur.com Be real. BE SHUR. With our Real Estate and Construction Groups, you get more than an experienced attorney. You get a partner. People you can collaborate with, talk to, and trust. This is the true foundation for any relationship. That is what we do. Construction continues even as costs climb

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