Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 5 O C T O B E R 1 9 , 2 0 2 6 F RO M T H E D I G I TA L E D I TO R Spotlighting makers that create unusual, innovative and distinctly made products T here's more to Maine-made than whoopie pies and flannel shirts — though we are fond of both. We decided it was time to look into other Maine makers. In January 2025, Mainebiz launched the Made in Maine column. Since then, we have featured more than 40 businesses — makers that create unusual, innovative and distinctly made products right here in the Pine Tree State. We created this issue to shine a light on the people, ideas and craftsmanship behind the products made here. From food to retail prod- ucts, from woodstoves to custom surfboards, these companies represent the breadth and creativity of Maine's manufacturing economy. Maine companies are carving out a name for themselves, sometimes on a national stage. Inside this issue, freelancer Sloane Perron looks into Maine businesses whose brands have become recognizable across the country. "It's in our name, Cousins Maine Lobster," Sabin Lomac, a co-founder of the chain of food estab- lishments, tells Sloane. "It's not Cousins Lobster. Every single thing that we do is meant to pump up the state of Maine, its economy and the people." For some Maine makers, premium products command premium prices. As freelancer Jacque- lyn Voghel writes, pricing can be an important part of the business model, giving it cachet. Mainebiz photographer Tim Greenway shares some of his favorite Made in Maine photos from the past two years. Elsewhere in this issue, we offer a sampling of Made in Maine stories from the past two years. And, of course, this is Maine, so there's always more being made. More ideas, more businesses, more products and more stories waiting to be told. We'll keep looking for them, one Maine- made good at a time. — Alexis Wells awells@mainebiz.biz We created this issue to shine a light on the people, ideas and craftsmanship behind the products made in Maine. Mainebiz highlights the innovation happening all over Maine. I constantly find new companies to be inspired by, and I love seeing fellow Maine businesses growing and thriving. — Becky McKinnell Founder & CEO, iBec Creative and Wildwood Oyster Co. INFORM. ENGAGE. CONNECT. ENGAGED AUDIENCE FOR ADVER TI S I NG OPPOR TU NI TI ES, EM AI L ADVERTISING@MAINEBIZ.BIZ STATEWIDE, SUBSCRIPTION-BASED BUSINESS PUBLICATION IN MAINE. WE ARE THE ONLY AUDITED, 75% of Mainebiz readers spend 15 minutes or more reading each issue 81% of Mainebiz subscribers are the #1 decision-makers at their business. 88% of Mainebiz readers are college graduates

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