Maine Business Recap

The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston has issued a quarterly report marking Maine as New England's poorest state in 2008. [The Exception Magazine]

Portlandbiz, a new social network for Maine entrepreneurs, has launched.

Peter Cianchette has rejoined Cianbro. [The Exception Magazine]

Lafayette Hotels Group, the Bangor-based hotel chain, is swooping up properties in Portland. [Mainebiz]

Northeast Bank has promoted Craig Linscott to Senior Vice President of its growing insurance subsidiary, Northeast Bank Insurance Group. Linscott was the former owner of the Berwick-based Spence & Mathews Insurance, a company which was acquired by Northeast Bank Insurance Group in 2008.

Gov. Baldacci has signed a budget order that issues a hiring freeze, limits overtime and travel expenses and mandates each state department to review its contracts. [The Exception Magazine]

Rep. Michaud is optimistic about Maine's future in clean energy. [The Exception Magazine]

VA Secretary Shinseki approves the plan for a new community-based outpatient clinic in Lewiston-Auburn to serve veterans. [The Exception Magazine]

Over 200 libraries in Maine are now offering free wireless connections. [The Exception Magazine]

PPL Corp. plans to sell all of its hydroelectric facilities in Maine to an energy investment firm for $95 million. [Bangor Daily News]

Editor's Note: The Exception Magazine, Maine's source for business news, does not endorse any content from third party sources. All links are for informational purposes only.