Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1532179
W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 7 F E B R UA R Y 1 0 , 2 0 2 5 share, for the comparable three months a year earlier. Net income for 2024 totaled $140.6 million, or $2.97 a share, up from $118.8 million, or $2.65, in the prior year. Southern Maine Community College in South Portland announced that the Casco Bay Bluefin Bonanza raised $30,000 to fully endow the Casco Bay Bluefin Bonanza Lindsay Withers EMS/Paramedicine Scholarship. Coastal Enterprises Inc., a nonprofit, community development financial insti- tution in Brunswick, released its 2024 fiscal year achievements which includ- ed a record $22.9 million invested in 129 unique businesses, 98% of them Maine-based, including 50 Wicked Fast quick-decision microloans totaling $975,000 and two equity investments. The organization's funding in 2024 also created or retained 1,396 jobs. The Foundation for Maine's Community Colleges, a nonprofit in South Portland dedicated to supporting Maine's seven community institutions, was awarded a five-year grant totaling $125,000 from the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation to help sustain its Student Opportunity Support Program, A S K AC E A n s w e r e d b y F r a n c i s E b e r l e , P r i c e A s s o c i a t e s The Association for Consulting Expertise (ACE) is a nonprofit association of independent consultants who value "success through collaboration." The public is welcome to attend its regular meetings to share best practices and engage with industry experts. For more information go to www.consultexpertise.com. Q: What about hiring interns to solve some staffing shortages? ACE advises: Hiring skilled workers is a growing challenge for Maine businesses, making workforce development a key priority. Internships can provide a pipeline for future talent while offering an affordable way to tackle projects. As Emma Wilson, talent programs manager at the University of Maine's Innovate for Maine fellows program, notes, "Interns are an opportunity to develop a pool of skilled talent. Even if you cannot offer permanent employment, you can provide valu- able experience to help them on their career path." Successful internships require thoughtful planning, clear goals and meaningful mentorship. You will need to provide: 1. Clear job descriptions with measurable goals 2. A mentor 3. An encouraging place to voice ideas and concerns 4. Opportunities to work with peers and mentors 5. Training 6. Access to the same resources as regular employees "Our summer internship program works with employers to define job descriptions and project objectives, ensuring expec- tations are met," says Wilson. "We also recruit and hire the students, provide supervision, guidance, and prepare interns through a 4-day bootcamp." Establishing an internship offers your business an oppor- tunity to align your workforce strategy with broader organi- zational goals. For example, if an early-stage business approaches an internship thoughtfully, it will have learned valuable lessons in recruit- ment, retention and company culture when it is ready to scale. Unsurprisingly, paid internships are especially effective in attracting diverse candidates and enhancing your organi- zation's reputation. For businesses with budget concerns, institution-based programs like Innovate for Maine offer a solution. Interns are paid by the University with Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan funding at no cost for eligible Maine companies, providing affordable project support for startups aiming to grow but not yet ready to hire full-time employees. Hiring an intern can address immediate business needs while providing valuable experience. With thoughtful plan- ning, internships can be a win-win for both businesses and future talent. ACE board member Francis Eberle of Price Associates is a leadership and organi- zational advisor, speaker and author. francis@price-associates.com. This year's business application deadline for Innovate for Maine internships is Feb. 16, 2025. https://umaine.edu/innovateformaine/ Downtown Commercial Boothbay Harbor, Maine 3,245 +/- sq.ft. One of Boothbay Harbor's most iconic commer- cial spaces is available for the first time since the 1950s. The property formerly housed a re- tail business, which attracted walk-in and local patronage in the heart of downtown Boothbay Harbor. With classic style and abundant pedes- trian traffic, this property makes a great foun- dation for one of the many allowed uses in the Downtown Business district. $869,000 TindalandCallahan.com | 32 Oak Street, Boothbay Harbor | 207-633-6711 FEATURED LISTINGS IN THE BOOTHBAY REGION High Visibility Lot Boothbay, Maine 0.63 +/- acres This 0.63-acre lot offers high-visibility f rontage on State Route 27 in the Boothbay Village Center zoning district. The property is near to the Coun- try Club, Botanical Gardens, and downtown Boothbay Harbor. Included is a 1700s building, which could be rehabbed, or, start f resh on its 28' x 36' poured concrete foundation. Public wa- ter and sewer are available at the street $179,000 Harbor Waterf ront Boothbay Harbor, Maine 155' Deepwater Frontage with Marina Prime Boothbay Harbor waterf ront with im- provements that include two residences, a sea- sonal restaurant building, abundant parking, and extensive dockage with water and electric. With 38,179sf land area, 155' deepwater f ront- age, and westerly orientation, this location is well-suited for commercial and residential uses, supported by the Town's Limited Commercial/ Maritime zoning. $2,950,000