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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 O C T O B E R 2 1 , 2 0 2 4 Meet Tara. She advises independent schools on regulatory compliance, governance, risk management, and more. A zealous advocate, she also resolves and litigates complex employment, contract, and discrimination disputes for schools and employers throughout Northern New England. We're attorneys. But we're people first. Tara A. Walker, Attorney and Shareholder bernsteinshur.com From the Editor M aine's midcoast and Downeast regions are often defined by the fishing industry, aquacul- ture and tourism industries. But, as we report in this issue, the regions are also notable for a broader range of small businesses and startups. Amid the bad news surrounding the Brunswick Executive Airport and the aftermath of August's accidental spill of toxic firefighting foam, it's business as usual for more than three dozen startups at the TechPlace facility at Brunswick Landing. As Senior Writer Renee Cordes writes, the small spaces and affordable rents at TechPlace have created a welcom- ing atmosphere for startups. "I don't think we'd be able to exist anywhere else," one startup leader tells Renee. "e capital costs in doing what we're doing are outrageous, so to have a place that has almost all of what you need is fantastic … is is a wild mix of production and laboratory spaces that I don't think you'd find in many places." For more, see Renee's story, "From the Cold War to high tech," which starts on Page 12. Staff Writer Alexis Wells visits the Blue Hill Peninsula town of Castine to get updates on some businesses that have changed hands in recent years. She found good news and, well, opportuni- ties. Several business owners that have entered the market in the past few years are hitting their stride, while others are struggling with what most busi- nesses in Maine are dealing with — labor short- ages and staff turnover. See "Castine at a crossroads, again," which starts on Page 18. Senior Writer Laurie Schreiber focuses on a town about as far Downeast as you can go, Eastport. Despite some ups and downs, the busi- nesses Laurie spoke with are optimistic about what's ahead. See "Eastport's next act," which starts on Page 22. 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. Keep up with all the business news in Maine by subscribing to the Mainebiz Daily Report and Real Estate Insider newsletters. Here are the top stories through the first nine months of 2024: 1. Here are the 2024 'Best Places to Work in Maine' 2. Covetrus lays off some employees in restructuring 3. Two Maine restaurants bask in the national spotlight 4. TD Bank to close two branches in Maine this summer 5. WEX to lay off 375 employees worldwide, becoming the latest Maine employer to downsize 6. 2 Maine hotels crack Travel & Leisure's list of the top 100 in the world 7. Maine has the 4th-highest taxes in US, and ranks No. 1 for property tax 8. While Maine is still known for lobster and potatoes, three new industries are rising 9. Travis Mills Foundation acquires nearby property to expand support for veterans 10. Friday Food Insider: An underground, hideaway restaurant is set to open in Portland F I L E P H O T O / W I L L I A M H A L L 2 From TechPlace to Eastport, small businesses are a big part of the midcoast and Downeast regions. Go East, young startup!