Renee Cordes

2 weeks ago | mainebiz.biz | Renee Cordes

Signs that tariffs are damaging the business climate in Maine multiplied on Monday, with the owners of several small businesses offering firsthand accounts of rising prices, cancelled orders and other effects of President Donald Trump’s trade policies. As of April 1, Orange Bike Brewing is paying half a cent more per can — or $30 more per pallet of 6,000 cans — from its Canadian supplier. Packaging is the biggest cost for the maker of gluten-free beer.

2 weeks ago | mainebiz.biz | Renee Cordes

From morning coffee meetups to evening improv for entrepreneurs, the organizers of Startup Maine Week are planning another packed agenda for this year’s edition. It will take place from May 19-22 in Portland. Katie Shorey, president of Startup Maine, told Mainebiz that the volunteer-run nonprofit expects to sell between 400 and 500 tickets. As of last week, registrations are “steady,” she said. “I expect the registrations to really pick up in the next four to five weeks,” she added.

2 weeks ago | mainebiz.biz | Renee Cordes

After seven years in a creative role with Kennebec Savings Bank, graphic designer Scott Wentworth has been promoted to assistant vice president and creative officer at the Augusta-based lending institution. He is the first to serve in the role. His responsibilities include overseeing the visual consistency across all marketing channels, collaborating with various departments to ensure brand alignment and finding innovative ways to visually communicate the bank’s mission and values.

1 month ago | mainebiz.biz | Renee Cordes

Sonoco Products Co. (NYSE: SON), a South Carolina-based packaging manufacturer, plans to close its facility in Scarborough by the end of June, resulting in 67 job losses. Roger Schrum, Sonoco's head of investor relations and communications, said the company told employees about the planned shutdown on March 13. The Scarborough operation is run by Sonoco's RTS Packaging unit. "The closure will impact all employees working at the plant," he said in a statement emailed to Mainebiz on Tuesday.

1 month ago | mainebiz.biz | Renee Cordes

Processing Your Payment Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a fewmoments. A 50-ton press is primarily used to punch the hole for the eye of an axe head at Brant & Cochran in South Portland. Tanner Wilcox grinds an axe head to refine the overall shape. Mark Ferguson is the president and co-founder of Brant & Cochran LLC, a South-Portland based axe maker.