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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 17 JA N UA R Y 9 , 2 0 1 7 Q: What are some of the biggest challenges and opportunities ahead? Amanda Rector: Maine's demographic situation continues to be one of the most critical challenges facing the state. Lack of population growth and an aging population are limiting economic growth in the state. Likewise, high energy prices, especially for the industrial and commercial sector, make it diffi cult for businesses to be competitive in today's global economy. e opioid epidemic has been putting a strain on many diff erent parts of the state and will need to be addressed by all levels of government. Businesses in Maine are also being faced with the eff ects of the recent referen- dum, which will put tremendous strain on many busi- nesses in regions of the state and industries that can least bear it. ere are some opportunities for the state. e continued investment and expansion of the facili- ties at the International Marine Terminal in Portland will provide access to new global markets for Maine businesses. e future cold storage facility there has the potential to provide substantial economic benefi ts. John Traynor: One of the biggest challenges is also our biggest opportunity: education. As I travel around New England I hear only one complaint from business leaders: they cannot fi nd enough qualifi ed employees to full current openings. Our renewed focus on STEM education and work being done in community colleges to build the work force of tomorrow is critical to our suc- cess. In the 1950s it was possible through sheer brawn to work your way into a good middle class life. Today it will take brain power to think your way into the middle class. Jonathan Reisman: Taxing the rich and raising the minimum wage are policies the people of Maine have chosen by majority vote. I'm not a fan of democratic socialism, and I can only hope that Mainers come to recognize that voting for socialists and socialist policies will lead, as it did in Venezuela, to chaos, poverty, and crumbling institutions and infrastructure. Rachel Bouvier: In my view, there are two, one for the urban southern part of the state, and one for the more rural areas. For the south, we need to fi gure out a way to welcome growth while keeping housing aff ordable and minimizing stresses on our ageing infrastructure. Infi ll development is the best way to do that. For the rural areas, we need to promote economic growth while at the same time maintaining the quality of Maine's natural environment. Charles Lawton: e two most obvious things are higher education and education in general, particularly its link to the workforce. Very few people can drop everything and get a degree. We need to off er more internships; we need more than a 'take your kid to work' approach. We need a less symbolic relationship between It's the people who " SACO BIDDEFORD WESTBROOK SCARBOROUGH SOUTH PORT RT R LAND OLD ORCHARD BEACH SBSI Business Banking Tea g Tea g T m Left to Right: Rodney Collard, Craig Barden, Bruce Barden, Dan Viger Our team of profe fe f ssionals can help you with all of your business needs: • Cash Management Services • Business Debit Cards • Business Online Banking & BillPay • Business Mortgages • Business Line of Credit • Business Equipment Financing • Merchant Card Services "I've been doing business with Saco & Biddefo fo f rd Savings fo s fo s f r over 35 helping me with whatever I need. Everyone is fr s fr s f iendly and they offe ffe ff r all the products and services I need to keep my business growing." Bruce Bard rd r en, O n, O n wner of B r of B r o ruce's A 's A ' uto, A o, A o rundel AVAIL ABLE SPACES: 1st floor: 2,434 SF 2nd floor: 10,754 SF 3rd floor: 5,374 SF Class A office space under construction in historic neighbor hood. Excellent parking and location. Retail and office space available. New construction in the Old Port www.Harborviewproperties.com Call for a tour and imagine your business here. 207.504.4953 Loren Ayer LAyer@harborviewproperties.com C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » Maine Infrastructure 2016 Report Card ( GPA: C− ) S O U R C E : 2016 Report Card For Maine's Infrastructure, American Society of Civil Engineers A: Exceptional B: Good C: Mediocre D: Poor F: Failing ?: Incomplete Each category was evaluated on the basis of capacity, condition, funding, future need, operation and maintenance, public safety, resilience and innovation. Aviation . . . . . . . . C+ Bridges . . . . . . . . C− Dams . . . . . . . . . D+ Drinking Water . . . C+ Education . . . . . . C Energy . . . . . . . . . B− Environmental Cleanup . . . . . . . . C− Parks . . . . . . . . . C+ Ports . . . . . . . . . . B− Rail . . . . . . . . . . . C Roads . . . . . . . . . D Solid Waste . . . . . C− Transportation . . . D+ Wastewater . . . . . D+

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