Mainebiz

V O L . X X X I I N O. I I JA N UA R Y 2 6 , 2 0 2 6 8 B U S I N E S S M A I N E B U S I N E S S M A I N E B U S I N E S S N E W S F RO M A RO U N D T H E S TAT E NorDx | MaineHealth in Scarborough announced that it is the first diagnostic laboratory system in the U.S. to install a fully automated tissue trimming and sectioning technology widely used in Europe. The automated platforms, known as the AT-192 and AS-410M, will lead to faster, better-quality Pathology test results. Bethel condo project gets started A condominium project that's been on the drawing board for close to seven years is now under construction in Bethel. Progress was slowed by permitting, financ- ing and the pandemic, but now the first phase of the Residences at Bethel Station is underway and lead developer Tony Donovan said he expects 38 units to be ready for occupancy in time for the 2026-27 ski season. e residences are being built on a 7.5-acre site at 23 Cross St., part of a 40-acre mixed-use development situated between state routes 26 and 2. It's within walk- ing distance of Bethel's downtown district and a 10-minute drive from Sunday River Resort. N O T E W O R T H Y C E N T R A L & W E S T E R N Sargent Corp., an employee- owned general contractor based in Orono, was hailed as a national "best of the best" for its Thomas Brook Rail Bridge Replacement in Oakfield. The project was selected by Engineering News-Record in its small project category. Kennebec Savings Bank announced that Ember's Paws of Hope in Steep Falls, YMCA Camp of Maine in Winthrop and South End Teen Center in Waterville were recipients of its 2025 Catalyst Grant. Each or- ganization will receive $30,000 over three years for community-strength- ening initiatives. Charros' Theater Mexican Restaurant opened at 14 Silver St. in Waterville. OTTO Pizza reopened at 730 Center St. in Auburn. Hotelier buys restaurants and housing A Bar Harbor hotelier recently closed on the off-market acqui- sition of three properties, con- taining two restaurants plus housing, sold as a package for a total sale price of $5.15 million. Fernwalk LLC bought 185 Main St., 8 Mount Desert St. and 3 Pineo Court in Bar Harbor from Fishmaine Inc. Erica Brooks with the Swan Agency at Portside Real Estate Group brokered the deal. N O T E W O R T H Y M I D C O A S T & D O W N E A S T Tractor Supply Co. will open a store at 116 Acadia Highway, also known as U.S. Route 1, in Bucksport after approval from the town's planning board. It will be the company's 24th store in Maine. The project is on a 6.86-acre site of woodlands and wetlands and includes the construction of a 21,930-square-foot retail building. Forest economy the focus of grant Maine Development Foundation in Augusta said that it was awarded $500,000 from the Northern Border Regional Commission to launch a three-year pilot program support- ing economic revitalization in rural communities impacted by a biomass mill closure or the downturn of the forestry economy. N O T E W O R T H Y N O R T H E R N & E A S T E R N Northern Forest Center, an inno- vation and investment partner, is wrapping up a $1.8 million rede- velopment of 196 Penobscot Ave. in downtown Millinocket, which will include five apartments and two commercial spaces. A S K AC E A n s w e r e d b y B r i a n n a H e n w a r d a n d A n d r e w H e n w a r d , T i n d o n H e a l t h & W e a l t h 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. ACE member Brianna Henward owns and operates Tindon Health & Wealth along- side Andrew Henward, an independent investment advisor and fiduciary. They specialize in retirement planning, investments, Medicare & health coverage. They can be reached at brianna@tindon.us or (207) 248-8411. M I D C O A S T & D O W N E A S T C E N T R A L & W E S T E R N N O R T H E R N & E A S T E R N Q: What changes should I plan to make to my retirement plan over time? ACE advises: Retirement planning is not "set it and forget it" — it must evolve over time. Strategies that work in your 30s or 40s are not the same ones that protect you in your 60s, 70s and beyond. As retirement approaches, the focus shifts from maximizing growth to sustaining a lifestyle — often for decades — while managing both market volatility and inflation risk. 1. Business owners face unique retirement challenges: For many business owners, retirement begins with the sale of the business. When that sale represents a significant por- tion of retirement assets, it's critical not to overestimate the business's value or rely on an outdated valuation. As founders near retirement, they may also ease off innovation or growth initiatives, which can unintentionally reduce the eventual sale price. 2. Managing longevity and market risk: Longevity, market and inflation risks are central concerns. Many people underestimate how long retirement may last; with advances in healthcare, planning for a 30-year retirement is no longer conservative— it's realistic. History also reminds us that market disruptions are inevitable. The 2008 financial crisis and the global shock of COVID demonstrated how quickly conditions can change and how long recoveries can take. Retirees who are poorly positioned for income during these periods may be forced to lock in losses or abandon long-term plans altogether. 3. Why growth still matters in retirement: At the same time, these risks do not mean your entire portfolio should be locked into ultra-safe vehicles like CDs or insurance products. Growth still matters. Inflation quietly erodes purchasing power, and recent years have shown how quickly prices can rise. Without growth, a retiree's standard of living can be at risk over time. 4. Building a resilient retirement strategy: Effective retirement planning isn't about predicting the next crisis. It's about building a flexible strategy designed to withstand it — so your lifestyle, independence, and peace of mind remain secure, whatever the future brings.

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