Dear Readers,

In 2013, the catchphrase for the Boothbay Region was: Good news, bad news.

The top bad news stories involved losing not only our beloved hospital but we lost a chance to participate in the nation's first multi-million dollar offshore wind farm project.

Our little community was heavily invested in the former St. Andrews Hospital. For years, management sent us press release after press release proclaiming how they were doing such a great job taking care of us. In return, we ponied up thousands of dollars in donations and volunteer hours believing that if we ever needed help, and we all will someday, they would be there for us.

We all know how that worked out.

As for the other bad news item, Statoil, the Norwegian energy giant, jumped through all the state's bureaucratic hoops and was poised to begin this project 12 miles off our harbor. Suddenly, Gov. Paul LePage pulled the rug out from under them. Our state's top executive, who proclaimed Maine was open for business, forgot to add, “Unless you are from away.”

Was the LePage decision a good one for Boothbay? We won't know, at least in the near future.

Turning to the good news department, 2013 many of our local businesses say they had a pretty good summer season and seem to be recovering from the economic disaster we faced 2007-2009. Real estate seems to be moving again, at least a bit, industry leaders tell me. Although the Chamber of Commerce has decided to divorce itself from Windjammer Days, a group of interested business owners and enthusiasts is picking up the ball and will move forward. It would be a shame to lose one of the region's signature events.

Over in East Boothbay, our two major shipyards, Hodgdon Yachts and Washburn & Doughty, are humming along. Both are hiring additional workers to turn out projects that are sitting on their drawing boards.

Tim Hodgdon continues to carry on the proud family tradition turning out quality yachts including his latest, a super secret white and black “rocket ship” that is so fast her top speed is classified. Yacht tenders and other hush hush projects are being laid down behind closed doors at his yard.

Next door to Hodgdon, Washburn & Doughty continues to build some of the worlds finest tugboats. They are expanding and their executives tell us they have several years work on the books.

Their biggest customer, Moran Towing, the number one towing firm on the East Coast, could build their tugs anywhere in the world, but they continue to bring their business to East Boothbay. Why? In 2012, Paul R. Tregurtha, Moran's big boss put it this way in an interview with the Boothbay Register: “They build good tugs and they are honest.” Not a bad testimonial for a little East Boothbay shipbuilder.

Another bit of good news for our region occurred this summer when Paul Coulombe bought the Boothbay Harbor Country Club and invested millions to upgrade the old course. When the spring winds start to blow, golfers from all over New England will head to the first tee to see what he has done. A new club house is the next project. Stay tuned for this one.

Overall, 2014 looks like it could be a good year for our region.

I sure hope so.

Happy New Year.