The new President of the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce says the region's transportation infrastructure, workforce, and the growing research work at the University of Maine should mean a bright economic future.

John Porter covered business as a reporter, then commented on it as an editorial writer. He briefly struck out on his own as a consultant and today he began a new job as President of the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce. Porter says despite the recession, he thinks it's a good time to get into the work of promoting and helping business.

Porter was a reporter at the Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram, and an editorial writer and an editor. He left the papers when they changed ownership in 2009. He then began his own consulting business and helped the firm GWI in Biddeford secure $25.4 million in federal stimulus funds for the so-called "Three Ring Binder" project, which aims to improve broadband Internet access across rural Maine.