PORTLAND, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) visited several businesses in the Portland area to highlight their contributions to Maine’s workforce and overall economy.

“Today’s visits reflect the vitality and diversity of Maine’s economic opportunities,” said Senator King. “From e-commerce to aquaculture to engineering, it’s inspiring to see entrepreneurs of all backgrounds making Maine people a major part of their plans. I’m thrilled to see so much energy from these fast-growing companies, who have made the right choice by setting down roots in Maine.”

First, Senator King visited the Portland office of Grove Collaborative, a San Francisco-based e-commerce company which sells natural home, beauty, and personal care products and employs 75 people in Maine and has two offices in Portland. 

Immediately after, Senator King then toured the waterfront facility of Bangs Island Mussels, a diversified aquaculture company operating in Casco Bay with a processing facility in the Portland Waterfront district.  Following his tour of the waterfront processing facility, he traveled with leaders of the aquaculture industry via lobster boat to observe one of the company’s aquaculture sites.

Senator King ended his day at Colby Company, a woman-led and 100% Maine owned mechanical engineering and architecture company that contracts with more than 10 federal agencies and holds contracts with Bath Iron Works and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

A key focus of Senator King’s work in the Senate is creating new economic opportunities for Maine people. In recent weeks, he has advocated for increased access to high-speed broadband internet, spoken out against China tariffs that are hurting Maine people, and pushed back against plans to threaten Maine’s coastal resources through offshore drilling.  To ensure that he is focusing on the issues important to his constituents, Senator King has made it a priority to travel the state to meet with Maine people; since taking office in 2013, he has taken part in more than 1,200 meetings and events across Maine.

Photo 1: Sen. King visits Grove Collaborative

Photo 2: During a visit to Grove Collaborative, Sen. King discusses latest data on climate change

Photo 3: Sen. King with employees at Grove Collaborative

Photo 4: Sen. King examines mussels grown in Casco Bay by Bangs Island Mussels

Photo 5: Sen. King examines kelp grown in Casco Bay by Bangs Island Mussels

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