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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 JA N UA R Y 1 2 , 2 0 2 6 From the Editor I n a Mainebiz poll early this year, readers were split in thirds on their outlook for 2026. Roughly a third, or 32%, predicted 2026 would be better than 2025, while 35% said it would be worse. Another third, 34%, said the coming year would be the same as 2025. It's a version of the rule of thirds. Business leaders tend to dislike uncertainty. It's not to say they're control freaks; it's more about having a Plan B and possibly a Plan C. You need to be nimble, ready for anything. For the 2026 Economic Outlook issue, the Mainebiz staff reached out to leaders in a range of industries. You'll see in the responses, which start on Page 10, a similar pattern to what we saw in the poll. Some are expecting a better year. Some expect a rocky stretch or even recession. Others expect more or less the same, or are undecided. is is an example of what might be considered a tempered response: "I am optimistic but very concerned," says one manufacturer. "e economy is sluggish, some- what driven by the tariff war, but sales were up slightly year over year. We are projecting more growth in 2026." Another leader put it this way: "Maine's econ- omy appears steady and shows real promise in sec- tors like advanced manufacturing, national defense and innovation. But we have to be candid: the cost of living and the cost of doing business in Maine continue to rise." Even after a relatively strong year, "sustaining this momentum requires a continued focus on affordabil- ity, workforce availability, and a regulatory environ- ment that encourages job creation and competi- tiveness," another leader said. Even the most optimistic outlook comes with a caveat or two. But uncertainty is part of running a business or organization. Right? 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 Mainebiz offers the latest business news in the Daily Report and the Real Estate Insider newsletters. Here is the top content from Dec. 15 to Jan. 5. 1. $57M sale of apartment complex in Freeport is Maine's largest commercial property deal for 2025 2. $3.5M deal in Sanford provides value- add opportunity 3. Downtown revival: Independent businesses and invested landlords give new life to Bath's commercial district 4. McCrum bought out by McCain's, Aroostook County reacts 5. University of Southern Maine plans $15M building for visual arts on Gorham campus 6. Maine startup will offer a new twist on dinner parties 7. Lewiston says 'no' to proposed AI data and technology center for Bates Mill 8. State fire marshal investigates cause of Custom House Wharf fire 9. Bold predictions for Maine's economy in 2026 span recession risk to practical optimism 10. Kennebec Savings seeks to build five- story building at Augusta campus P H O T O / P E T E R VA N A L L E N 1 Uncertainty is part of running a small business. Right? We're attorneys. But we're people fi rst. Meet the Immigration Law team. Bernstein Shur has launched a dedicated Immigration Law Practice to help health care organizations and other employers across Maine and nationally navigate an increasingly complex and evolving regulatory landscape. bernsteinshur.com Immigration Law Team Olivia Shaw ASSOCIATE Michael Murray SHAREHOLDER 'Rule of thirds' may apply for 2026

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