Megaberth too shallow for big ships?

PORTLAND - Late last year, a committee of city and Portland Harbor officials sent a letter to then-Gov. John Baldacci recommending dredging along the eastern end of Portland's "megaberth," which was under construction.

But Ocean Gateway Pier II, which opened Sept. 10, was not dredged, and on Tuesday a cruise ship's captain left the berth early to avoid shallow water.

http://www.pressherald.com/news/too-shallow-for-big-ships__2011-09-30.html?searchterm=hemmerdinger

It's degrees or desperation

PORTLAND - Speakers at an education symposium Thursday said businesses, academia and government must work together to reform education and increase the number of Mainers with college degrees.


http://www.pressherald.com/business/trying-times_2011-11-20.html?searchterm=hemmerdinger

Maine 'skills gap' keeps jobs away from unemployed

PORTLAND - Even though overall numbers show that Maine's job picture hasn't improved in the past year, many companies say they are hiring. But executives say a "skills gap" forces them to recruit and hire workers from out of state because they can't find qualified applicants locally. http://www.pressherald.com/news/maine-skills-gap-keeps-jobs-away-from-unemployed_2011-10-23.html?searchterm=hemmerdinger

Trying times

Experts say the poor economy could nudge new entrepreneurs to start their own businesses.

PORTLAND - Some of the country's most successful corporations were launched during periods of economic malaise.
Examples include General Electric, started by Thomas Edison in 1890 during a global recession, Toll House cookies, launched during the Great Depression, and Microsoft, which began during the economic stagnation of the mid-1970s.
Small-business experts say economic conditions are once again ripe for entrepreneurship.

www.pressherald.com/business/trying-times_2011-11-20.html?searchterm=hemmerdinger

jetport flight delays still happen frequently

PORTLAND - Planning to fly in or out of Portland International Jetport over the busy Thanksgiving holiday weekend?

Pack some patience.

Many of Portland's daily arrivals and departures are late, and many have double-digit cancellation rates, according to an analysis of recent airline and independent on-time data by The Portland Press Herald.

http://www.pressherald.com/news/flight-delays_2011-11-21.html?searchterm=hemmerdinger