The effects of the novel coronavirus pandemic on Maine’s economy have been widespread and severe and have affected almost all sectors. The state’s unemployment system quickly showed it was not able to meet the demands. Even two months in, the story is largely the same with reports of filers still waiting on claims they filed in mid-March. A …
“If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.” – The Art of War It’s natural to compare the unknown to the known. But when the comparison does not hold up, it is time to let it go. Such is the case with COVID-19 and influenza. The flu is terrible. The novel …
The effects of the novel coronavirus pandemic on Maine’s economy have been widespread and severe and have affected almost all sectors. The state’s unemployment system quickly showed it was not able to meet the demands. Even two months in, the story is largely the same with reports of filers still waiting on claims they filed in mid-March. A …
Mount Desert Island has always had a robust summer population going as far back as the 1800s. The first hotel in Bar Harbor was erected in 1855, according to the Bar Harbor Historical Society, and in 1868 the first “summer cottage,” was constructed, ushering in what would later be known as the Rusticator movement. The …
Since Maine schools first closed in March, the estimate for their reopening was pushed back more than once. Few were surprised when word finally came down that the doors would not be reopening this school year. But at least things will get back to normal this fall, right? Right?!? Maybe not. Officials with the California State University system, the country’s largest four-year public university system, indicated last …
Friday’s news that retail stores and restaurants could open to the public in certain counties (including Hancock) sooner than initially thought is welcome for some, but potentially terrifying for others. As the state’s plan to reopen unfolds, it is important to recognize that people will continue to have mixed reactions, and that is okay. Some …
On Friday, we entered month two of the state’s stay-at-home order and phase one of the Governor’s gradual plan for reopening the economy. We applaud Janet Mills’ and Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Nirav Shah’s commitment to using the best available science and epidemiological data to combat the spread of COVID-19. But we also commiserate with the thousands …
The week of May 4-8 is National Air Quality Awareness Week and 2020 may be a banner year for improved quality around the globe—even if it wasn’t intended. During the current coronavirus pandemic, billions of people have been told to stay home and factories have been idled. And, while these restrictions may have sent financial markets into freefall and disrupted global supply …
The federal Paycheck Protection Program established through the CARES Act passed by Congress last month is meant to be a lifeline for small business, but the reality is that is does not meet the needs of many sectors of Maine’s economy. Designed to pay a full slate of employees for eight weeks, the PPP starts …
Maine is home to more than 3,200 restaurants that generate an estimated $3 billion in direct sales annually. The industry employs close to 42,000 people and, according to a 2019 study from Hospitality Maine, accounts for direct wages of $1.3 million. While 1 in 10 Mainers is employed in the hospitality industry, Hancock County has …
