Maine's small businesses provide needed services to those who live in the state and those who visit for a short time. Maine's small businesses are what strengthens Maine's economy and shows a strong work ethic for Maine by those employed in this line of work. These small businesses provide services to those who vacation in Maine and rely on this seasonal vacation time to make a living. Small businesses in Maine embody Maine's work ethic and serve residents and tourists who visit Maine. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssaySmall businesses in Maine are what keeps Maine's economy integrated. “Maine's 143,000 small businesses employ more than 282,000 workers and are the beating heart of our state's downtowns and communities” (Goodall 4). Small businesses are the backbone of Maine's economy and employ the majority of Maine workers. An example of a small business in Maine would be towing companies that serve those who live here and those who vacation twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Maine towing companies encapsulate the "Maine work ethic", this work ethic is to go out and get a job done regardless of the time of day or season. Car or truck towing is a very demanding service, especially in Maine, and truly shows what the "Maine work ethic" is all about. No matter where the vehicle is located, the time of day, the weather or the season, towing companies will serve those in need. Many companies, including AC Provo's Inc., are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The head of AC Provo's Inc. is Roger Provencher, and when asked what is the most difficult time of year for towing, his response was: "Towing in the winter months tends to be the most strenuous for our equipment and our workforce, vehicles that are stuck in the snow or have gone off the road are dangerous to pull out because you never know what you're really dealing with before you get there” (Provencher 09/23/2014) Maine winters pose a problem for towing companies, but many have enough experience to know how to safely provide service to those in need during Maine's harsh winters Maine's work ethic, workers at these companies often endure great physical labor to make a living. Many other small businesses in Maine maintain the same work ethic. Lobstering is another industry made up of many small businesses in Maine and shows Maine's work ethic. “Maine's lobster industry employs approximately 5,000 licensed commercial fishermen…who landed approximately 104.8 million pounds of lobsters in 2011, the highest annual landing figure ever” (Trotter 1). Those who work in this industry work very hard to provide the people of Maine (and the rest of the world) with quality lobsters caught from the Maine coast. These fishermen work very hard for their catch which they cash in at or below the “$2 per pound that most fishermen get, [this] won't keep any of them in business long term” (Trotter 1). For such hard work they earn very little, this simply shows the determination of the fishermen to bring in money to support their families and lifestyle. Small businesses in Maine are what make up the majority”.