Consumer confidence falls slightly in March

(March 27, 2012) -- “The moderate decline was due solely to a less favorable short-term outlook, while consumers’ assessment of current conditions, on the other hand, continued to improve," said Franco. "The Present Situation Index now stands at its highest level in three and a half years, suggesting that despite this month’s dip in confidence, consumers feel the economy is not losing momentum.”

Rick Abare describes impact of Maine tax law

(March 27, 2012) -- Abare noted there are 23,000 campsites in Maine, of which a sizeable percentage are occupied by RVers who he implied may boycott the state if they face an additional tax for using an RV in Maine. Currently, the state collects a 7 percent lodging tax every night someone stays at a campground. At just $35 per night for a 100-night season, the state would lose more than $560,000 in lodging tax alone if RVers were to avoid the state, said Abare.