This is one superlative that Maine would probably like to avoid. In less than eight years, nearly one in four Mainers will be 65 or older, a situation with some serious economic consequences. Fitch Ratings, one of the country’s leading bond rating agencies, said that by 2026, Maine will have the highest percentage of people […]
economy
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Campaign starts for paid sick days for Maine workers
Mainers may get the chance to follow the lead of 10 other states that mandate employers offer paid sick days to their employees. “I’m proud to be part of a group of worker, family and health care advocates who have taken the first step in submitting language for a referendum to guarantee access to earned […]
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Posted inBusiness
Slew of positive reports show US economy still on solid track
The U.S. economy is doing just fine, thank you. A string of reports on Thursday showed the labor market is getting stronger, consumers are increasingly optimistic and manufacturers are expanding, adding to signs that gross domestic product remains on track for a solid performance in the third quarter. Filings for unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell for […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine should offer more summer internships, Angus King says
Facing a looming demographic disaster, the Pine Tree State must take steps to attract more young people to put down roots, U.S. Sen. Angus King said this week. “The biggest barrier to Maine’s growth over the next 20 years is people,” the Maine independent said. One way to help, King said, may be to tap […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Paul LePage to lead trade mission to UK and Ireland
AUGUSTA — Maine’s North Atlantic Development Office is putting together a trade mission headed by Gov. Paul LePage for companies interested in increasing business with the United Kingdom and Ireland. The nine-day trade mission in September will feature “business meetings, group events, and unique cultural opportunities designed to help Maine companies expand their business development […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
U.S. economy surges to 4.1 percent growth rate in Q2
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. economy accelerated last quarter at an annual rate of 4.1 percent, the government estimated Friday, as consumers spent tax-cut money, businesses stepped up investment and exporters rushed to ship their goods ahead of retaliatory tariffs. President Donald Trump said he was thrilled with what he called an “amazing” growth rate […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
After wild swings last year, Maine economic growth off to sluggish start in 2018
After a dramatic swing last year, Maine’s economy started 2018 on a sluggish note, posting one of the slowest state growth rates in the country. The federal Bureau of Economic Analysis reported this week that the state’s economy grew at an annual rate of just 0.6 percent in the first three months of this year, […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Geiger executives worry Trump is triggering fears that will hurt their business
LEWISTON — Officials at Geiger are worried the largest privately held promotional products distributor in the world could suffer if the global reputation of the United States does not improve. Jo-an Lantz, Geiger’s chief operating officer, said Tuesday that world opinion has “really shifted” against the country over the past 18 months because of the perceived […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
LePage eyes bringing more Chinese students, trade to Maine
Touting the safety and natural bounty of Maine, Gov. Paul LePage is pushing for Chinese students and companies to come to the Pine Tree State. LePage recently told China Daily, an English-language newspaper published in the People’s Republic of China, that attracting more Chinese students could be one solution to Maine’s aging population. “If we can get […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine may feel the pinch of retaliatory European tariffs
New research finds that Maine would be one of the hardest-hit states if the European Union takes retaliatory measures in response to President Donald Trump’s new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. A report by the Brookings Institution shows that 9.5 percent of Maine’s exports to Europe would likely be slapped with retaliatory tariffs if the Trump administration […]