  {"id":25484,"date":"2021-08-06T20:28:59","date_gmt":"2021-08-07T00:28:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/?p=25484"},"modified":"2022-10-12T10:40:36","modified_gmt":"2022-10-12T14:40:36","slug":"from-wild-berries-to-headless-women-undiscovered-maine-explores-microbusinesses-in-downeast-maine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/2021\/08\/06\/from-wild-berries-to-headless-women-undiscovered-maine-explores-microbusinesses-in-downeast-maine\/","title":{"rendered":"From wild berries to headless women, Undiscovered Maine explores microbusinesses in DownEast Maine"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>On July 24, 2021, a group of students, faculty and staff representing the Undiscovered Maine project team went on a \u201ctrade mission\u201d trip to DownEast Maine to learn about the area and businesses. What we learned from a couple of micro-businesses is important for every business to know.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Burke Hill Farm, 20 Blackwoods Rd, Cherryfield, customerservices@burkehillfarm.com, 207-460-6215<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We first visited <a href=\"https:\/\/www.burkehillfarm.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Burke Hill Farm<\/strong><\/a>, owned and operated by Ben Pe<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-25486 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/BurkeHill1_InPixio-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Burke Hill Farm\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/BurkeHill1_InPixio-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/BurkeHill1_InPixio-105x79.jpg 105w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/BurkeHill1_InPixio-317x238.jpg 317w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/BurkeHill1_InPixio-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/BurkeHill1_InPixio.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/>rrin, who started raking blueberries in 1991 and started Burke Hill Farm in 2001. \u201cBurke Hill Farm is a certified organic wild blueberry farm in Cherryfield, Maine, the heart of Maine\u2019s blueberry country, farming about 200 acres of organic wild blueberries. We farm the traditional way, harvesting by hand to provide high quality wild blueberries.\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/www.burkehillfarm.com\/about\">https:\/\/www.burkehillfarm.com\/about<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-25487 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/BurkeHill2_InPixio-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Picking blueberries Burke Hill\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/BurkeHill2_InPixio-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/BurkeHill2_InPixio-105x79.jpg 105w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/BurkeHill2_InPixio-317x238.jpg 317w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/BurkeHill2_InPixio-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/BurkeHill2_InPixio.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/>What was fascinating was Ben\u2019s ability to adapt and innovate to become and remain successful in a difficult commodity business. One differential advantage is being a certified organic blueberry farm, which allows him to market the blueberries as higher-value products. According to Ben, they do all of their harvesting by hand using specially designed hand rakes. This results in fewer damaged blueberries and a higher-value end product. In terms of the \u201cvalue-added\u201d concept, he also creates some organic blueberry products like jams, and frozen blueberries that command higher prices than the fruit itself.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-25488 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/BurkeHill3_InPixio-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Burke Hill farm 2\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/BurkeHill3_InPixio-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/BurkeHill3_InPixio-105x79.jpg 105w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/BurkeHill3_InPixio-317x238.jpg 317w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/BurkeHill3_InPixio-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/BurkeHill3_InPixio.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/>Ben has learned the value of creating a partially \u201cvertically integrated\u201d supply chain. This means that in addition to producing the blueberries, he also created a series of different distribution channels, which has significantly increased his reach in the northeast market. He sells his organic blueberries to large and small retailers as well as distributors who then sell them throughout the Northeast including New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island.\u00a0 \u00a0He also sells locally at farmers markets, has a rather extensive delivery service to specific areas and sells the blueberries in other venues.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-25489\" src=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/BurkeHillFarm4-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Burke Hill Farm sign\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/BurkeHillFarm4-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/BurkeHillFarm4-32x32.jpg 32w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/>Other marketing strategies include a well-designed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.burkehillfarm.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">website<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BurkeHillFarm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Facebook page<\/a>, which is updated regularly, has over 6,000 followers, great testimonials, and a loyal following.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-25492 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/CatherineHill1_InPixio-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Catherine Hill Winery\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/CatherineHill1_InPixio-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/CatherineHill1_InPixio-105x70.jpg 105w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/CatherineHill1_InPixio-317x212.jpg 317w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/CatherineHill1_InPixio-423x283.jpg 423w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/CatherineHill1_InPixio.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/>Catherine Hill Winery, 661 Blackwoods Rd, Cherryfield, 207-546-3426\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We then visited <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cathillwinery.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Catharine Hill Winery<\/strong><\/a>, run by Deb and Walt Schwarz in Cherryfield, Maine.\u00a0 Eric and Sue Meyer originally developed the winery, which was an old dilapidated barn with an overgrown yard. They slowly transformed it into a beautiful craft winery with a tasting room and vineyard.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-25493 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/CatherineHillCemetary_InPixio-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Catherine Hill Cemetery\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/CatherineHillCemetary_InPixio-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/CatherineHillCemetary_InPixio-105x70.jpg 105w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/CatherineHillCemetary_InPixio-317x212.jpg 317w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/CatherineHillCemetary_InPixio-423x283.jpg 423w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/CatherineHillCemetary_InPixio.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/>The name \u201cCatherine Hill\u201d is based on the story of a ghost from the 1800\u2019s. The woman was Cherryfield resident Catherine Downing, who died in 1862 and whose name can be seen on a stone in a nearby graveyard. They say that she died in a carriage accident near Fox Pond with her boyfriend on the dark, foggy spooky road, now Route 182. She is wearing either a white or pale-blue dress. The story goes that Catherine was decapitated and her boyfriend\u2019s body never found. Thus, \u201cCatherine\u2019s spirit is doomed to walk the road, looking for help, her lover and her head. If she\u2019s seen by a motorist on the road, she sometimes has her head, sometimes not. He or she must stop to help her, lest they risk her curse. One story has a motorist not stopping for the ghost, looking in his rearview mirror, seeing her headless body in the back seat and crashing.\u201d (Marcus LiBrizzi, https:\/\/bangordailynews.com\/2017\/10\/18\/living\/a-frightful-drive-on-route-182-2\/)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-25494 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/CatherineHill2_InPixio-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Catherine Hill winery2\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/CatherineHill2_InPixio-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/CatherineHill2_InPixio-105x79.jpg 105w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/CatherineHill2_InPixio-317x238.jpg 317w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/CatherineHill2_InPixio-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/CatherineHill2_InPixio.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/>Despite the ghost, Deb and Walt purchased the winery just before the pandemic, which meant that they could not get face-to-face training. Being innovative and determined, they jumped in and quickly mastered the art of winemaking, continuing original wines and adding a variety of new blends and flavors of their own. They use a mix of the freshest grapes from away, grapes grown onsite, and local Maine berries for their berry wines. When we were there, we had<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-25495 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/CatherineHillWineMaking_InPixio-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Catherine Hill- making wine\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/CatherineHillWineMaking_InPixio-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/CatherineHillWineMaking_InPixio-105x79.jpg 105w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/CatherineHillWineMaking_InPixio-317x238.jpg 317w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/CatherineHillWineMaking_InPixio-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/CatherineHillWineMaking_InPixio.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>the opportunity to see raspberries fermenting in a giant vat for the delicious raspberry wine.<\/p>\n<p>They have done a great job marketing Catherine Hill winery, with a nice <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cathillwinery.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>website<\/strong><\/a> and consistent use of social media including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/CatherineHillWinery\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Facebook<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/catherinehillwinery\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Instagram<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/cathillwine\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Twitter<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tripadvisor.com\/Attraction_Review-g40569-d3683130-Reviews-Catherine_Hill_Winery-Cherryfield_Maine.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Trip Advisor<\/a>. In fact, a recent Facebook post of their new puppy, Winston, a Bernese mountain dog, created an unexpected wave of engagement and likes, and drew new customers<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-25497 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/Winston_InPixio-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Winston\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/Winston_InPixio-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/Winston_InPixio-105x79.jpg 105w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/Winston_InPixio-317x238.jpg 317w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/Winston_InPixio-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/Winston_InPixio.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>within one day of his photo being posted online. Although this was not their plan, Deb and Walt adapted to this serendipitous development by highlighting this and other dogs in their brand imagery. The owners have a fun-first philosophy about wine<\/p>\n<p>and about their business, and it really shows. Deb is very friendly, outgoing, and a great host. They allow guests to sample any of their lineup of thirteen wines with no snobbery. They are planning on leveraging the Catherine Hill ghost story by creating haunted wine days in the Halloween season and highlighting the old cemetery hidden in the woods behind the winery.<\/p>\n<p>They are also on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mainewinetrail.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Maine wine trail<\/strong><\/a> that brings in wine enthusiasts from across the northeast and beyond. This provides them<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-25496 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/CatherineHillWines2_InPixio-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Catherine Hill wines\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/CatherineHillWines2_InPixio-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/CatherineHillWines2_InPixio-105x79.jpg 105w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/CatherineHillWines2_InPixio-317x238.jpg 317w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/CatherineHillWines2_InPixio-423x317.jpg 423w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/08\/CatherineHillWines2_InPixio.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>with a steady stream of visitors to the winery where Deb hosts a friendly, funny wine tasting experience! Their sales from these personal visits are profitable since people pay higher value-added prices for the quality, unique product as well as the great experience.<\/p>\n<p>To supplement sales during the off-season, they also distribute their\u00a0wine in several Hannaford stores and other local retailers.<\/p>\n<p>What can other micro-businesses learn from these two great companies? First, add value to your products and services; differentiate. Ben was certified as an organic grower while Deb created unique wine flavors and a unique fun experience.\u00a0 Next, diversify. Ben created multiple channels of distributions as well as different products. Similarly, Deb created a line of unique wines with unusual flavors and ingredients. She also interacts with her customers, listens to them, and adapts her products as well as the experience to make it memorable.\u00a0 Finally, marketing is huge. Ben and Deb both invested in nice, professional websites to enhance the credibility of the businesses to prospective clients. Both actively leverage social media to build their brand and connect with customers as well as reach new customers.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Ben and Deb have wonderful pro-active \u201ccan-do\u201d attitudes. They continually listen, learn, and adapt to changing customer, supplier and market trends. They are innovative<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-22483\" src=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/02\/SUPPORT-SMALL-BUSINESS-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Support Small Business\" width=\"224\" height=\"224\" srcset=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/02\/SUPPORT-SMALL-BUSINESS-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/02\/SUPPORT-SMALL-BUSINESS-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/02\/SUPPORT-SMALL-BUSINESS-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/02\/SUPPORT-SMALL-BUSINESS-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/02\/SUPPORT-SMALL-BUSINESS-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/02\/SUPPORT-SMALL-BUSINESS-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/02\/SUPPORT-SMALL-BUSINESS-105x105.jpg 105w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/02\/SUPPORT-SMALL-BUSINESS-317x317.jpg 317w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/02\/SUPPORT-SMALL-BUSINESS-423x423.jpg 423w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/02\/SUPPORT-SMALL-BUSINESS-634x634.jpg 634w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/02\/SUPPORT-SMALL-BUSINESS-846x846.jpg 846w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/02\/SUPPORT-SMALL-BUSINESS-951x951.jpg 951w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/02\/SUPPORT-SMALL-BUSINESS-1268x1268.jpg 1268w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/527\/2021\/02\/SUPPORT-SMALL-BUSINESS-32x32.jpg 32w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,224px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>and not afraid of change, trying something new.\u00a0 For example, the pandemic exacerbated the labor shortage. For Ben, finding people to pick the blueberries has been extremely difficult and worse now. It is an enormously difficult, backbreaking job. In a recent Facebook video post, he showcased an automatic blueberry raking machine! While they still rake mostly by hand, the raking machine helps! This attitude of continual improvement and innovation is critical for business success!<\/p>\n<p>We appreciate them sharing their insights, lessons learned and fantastic businesses with us! If you are a small\/micro business and would like us to promote your business with a blog, success story or social media post, please let us know. <a href=\"mailto:undiscoveredmaine@gmail.com\">undiscoveredmaine@gmail.com<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/undiscoveredmaine\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/undiscoveredmaine<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Also, take a look at our <a href=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/\">website<\/a> for more information: as well as some <a href=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/small-business\/resources\/marketing-for-small-business\/social-media-tools\/\">social media information<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On July 24, 2021, a group of students, faculty and staff representing the Undiscovered Maine project team went on a \u201ctrade mission\u201d trip to DownEast Maine to learn about the area and businesses. What we learned from a couple of micro-businesses is important for every business to know. Burke Hill Farm, 20 Blackwoods Rd, Cherryfield, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":25488,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[96],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-25484","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-destinations"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>From wild berries to headless women, Undiscovered Maine explores microbusinesses in DownEast Maine - Undiscovered Maine - University of Maine<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/undiscoveredmaine\/2021\/08\/06\/from-wild-berries-to-headless-women-undiscovered-maine-explores-microbusinesses-in-downeast-maine\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"From wild berries to headless women, Undiscovered Maine explores microbusinesses in DownEast Maine - Undiscovered Maine - University of Maine\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"On July 24, 2021, a group of students, faculty and staff representing the Undiscovered Maine project team went on a \u201ctrade mission\u201d trip to DownEast Maine to learn about the area and businesses. What we learned from a couple of micro-businesses is important for every business to know. 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