Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1544941
W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 7 M AY 1 8 , 2 0 2 6 bill to prevent the outbreak of spruce budworm in Maine. U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development announced that USDA invested a total of $1.2 million to benefit five businesses in Maine through the Value-Added Producer Grant Program. Kate Hall, doing business as Graze LLC, in Northport; Misty Brook Farm in Albion; and Olde Haven Farm LLC in Chelsea each received $250,000. In addition, Calyx Farm LLC in Morrill was awarded $248,886 and Mere Point Oyster Co. in Brunswick received $207,805. A 51-unit housing project breaks ground in Freeport A 51-unit housing project broke ground in Freeport in an area desig- nated by the town for high-density development. e $15 million proj- ect by Scarborough-based M&R Development, called the Dash, is on the site of a former parking lot at the corner of Depot and Mill streets, one block from Main Street in downtown. e three-story building, designed by Portland-based Woodhull, will offer market-rate studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, a gathering space and 51 parking spaces. Portland gallery staff vote to unionize Employees at SPACE Gallery in Portland's Arts District have voted to unionize. e gallery's 21 staff mem- bers have joined the United Auto Workers Local 2110 Technical, Office and Professional Union. e effort was unanimously supported by the venue's full- and part-time employees, including administrative and event staff. SPACE workers are now part of the same union that represents workers at the Portland Museum of Art and several other cul- tural institutions, including the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York and Chicago's Shedd Aquarium. Portland Hearts of Pine to open new merch shop e Portland Hearts of Pine soccer team is building out a merchandise shop on Marginal Way, in the Forest City. Hearts of Pine LLC signed a lease for 3,040 square feet at 127 S O U T H E R N woodhullmaine.com A Familiar Face In Portland Banking. Steve Stromsky is part of the Kennebec Savings Bank team, working with businesses and individuals across Greater Portland. www.kennebecsavings.bank