Mainebiz

V O L . X X X I I N O. X X V N OV E M B E R 2 , 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 A $95.5 million U.S. Department of Labor investment spanning 17 states will support efforts to accelerate reemployment and meet workforce needs in growing industries, including nearly $5.6 million for Maine. The federal fund- ing will help train 500 workers for in-demand careers and connect employers with skilled workers in defense shipbuilding, advanced manufacturing, construction and related industries. Staff at Maine Career Centers, operated by the Maine Department of Labor, will also connect participants with additional workforce resources, in- cluding Maine's Competitive Skills Scholarship Program and con- struction training programs offered by the AFL-CIO Maine and the Associated General Contractors of Maine. The Maine Department of Energy Resources estimates that Maine residents will pay nearly $750 more to fill a 275-gallon oil tank than a year ago, before the Iran conflict. Maine heating fuel prices have surged to a record high, with the statewide average reaching $6.04 per gallon on Oct. 19 — up 83% from a year earlier, according to the latest weekly barometer. Maine Association of Realtors data show that home sales across the state fell 4.15% in September com- pared with the same month last year, marking the second consecutive month of declining sales. Meanwhile, the median sales price rose 2.6% to $415,000 meaning half of the homes sold for more and half sold for less, according to data from the Maine Listings. Waterstone Properties Group an- nounced that Blue Bliss Dental Wellness will open at the Rock Row Health Campus in Westbrook. Mullon Essentials, a retailer of Korean and Japanese skincare products, opened at 29 Western Ave. in South Portland. Habitat for Humanity York County held a groundbreaking for the creation of a new five-home neighborhood on Island Avenue in Sanford. Construction is slated to begin in November. Recreative + co., a branding, web de- sign and photography studio, moved from Kittery to 298 York St., No. 2, in York Village. Sea Bags has launched a limited- edition tote collection called Hope in Bloom to raise awareness for breast cancer, donating 20% of gross sales to the National Breast Cancer Foundation to support education, early detection and patient services. The University of New England in Biddeford is launching a professional network designed to connect students with alumni, employers, faculty, pro- fessional staff and other profession- als and support career development. Hannaford Supermarkets in Scarborough announced a $382,000 investment through its Fuel Kids at School initiative to help expand ac- cess to fresh, nutritious food for col- lege students at all seven of Maine's community colleges, as well as the University of Southern Maine, the University of Maine at Augusta and the University of Maine at Fort Kent. The supermarket also said it donated a total of $263,830 to food pantries at all seven Maine community col- leges for upgraded equipment, stor- age and food. The Maine Technology Institute and the Maine Life Sciences Center announced the selection of Northeastern University's Roux Institute as its partner to develop and operate a new shared life sci- ences laboratory in Portland. The facility will offer a commercially avail- able laboratory and innovation space to support Maine's growing life sci- ences sector. Evergreen Credit Union in Portland said it raised $25,000 at its annual Disc Golf Scramble at Bittersweet Ridge Disc Golf Course in North Yarmouth. Event proceeds benefit the Maine Credit Unions' Campaign for Ending Hunger, which supports local food banks across the state. The credit union also announced that it helped raise $82,700 for the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland at the annual Shelter Sleep- In fundraiser. Find a credit union near you at mainecreditunions.org Family values that drive success. As a family-owned business, you know the true meaning of hard work, dedication, and community. Maine credit unions share those values with you. We're here to help you grow, invest, and thrive. With flexible loans, personalized financial guidance, and local decision-making, we're committed to being a partner you can trust. Let's work together to build a stronger Maine, one family business at a time. N O T E W O R T H Y S O U T H E R N S O U T H E R N N O T E W O R T H Y S T A T E W I D E S T A T E W I D E

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