Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1542455
W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 11 JA N UA R Y 1 2 , 2 0 2 6 Tom Rainey, executive director of the Maine Center for Entrepreneurs: "Despite volatility in international relations at the national level, Maine will continue to strengthen international ties to Canada, the North Atlantic and Nordic countries across multiple sectors ... Leveraging its geographic advantages and strong intellectual capital, Maine is poised to increase international collaboration and technology commercialization 2026, accelerating its transition to a knowledge- based economy." Food for thought Andrea Cianchette Maker, president of FocusMaine: "Maine's aquaculture sector will emerge as a notable contributor to Maine's food economy, with a grow- ing awareness of its potential as another iconic Maine food source, along the lines of Maine pota- toes, blueberries and lobster." Kachina Miller, founder and CEO of Watermelon Pie, a Belfast-based recipe-sharing platform, is equally bullish on Maine's food sector as national movements such as Food as Medicine and the Planetary Health Diet take center stage: "Maine's robust food economy will seize the moment and become a leader in this space, driving growth for farms, consumer packaged goods companies, food tech and others within our amazing food community," she says. Practical optimism Trying to remain optimistic in a time of great uncer- tainty, Mary Allen Lindemann of Coffee By Design offered a straightforward outlook as the Portland-based roaster and retailer brews up a brand refresh. "e authentic will persevere," she says. R e n e e C o r d e s , M a i n e b i z d e p u t y e d i t o r , c a n b e r e a c h e d a t r c o r d e s @ m a i n e b i z . b i z Scarborough, ME // Pittsseld, ME // Auburn, NH A FAMILYOWNED BUSINESS SERVING OUR CLIENTS SINCE 1948 AAAENERGY.COM Contact us to learn about customized HVAC-R service plans for your facility. Building efficiency. It's what we do. HVAC, PLUMBING & ELECTRICAL 24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE DESIGN/BUILD SERVICES COMMERCIAL REFRIGERATION BUILDING CONTROLS MAINTENANCE PLANS Maine's robust food economy will seize the moment and become a leader in this space, driving growth for farms, consumer packaged goods companies, food tech and others within our amazing food community. — Kachina Miller Watermelon Pie F I L E P H O T O / J I M N E U G E R Kachina Miller, CEO of Watermelon Pie, makes the company's namesake dessert in her kitchen in Belfast.