Warmer gulf waters indicate they will arrive weeks sooner than usual, but this time the industry is better prepared than in chaotic 2012.

The third-quarter increase in GDP – the state’s output of goods and services – was the best in New England at 2.5 percent, led by retail trade, health care and social aid spending.

Patients are expected to arrive in the midst of a project to convert a former factory in Auburn into post-surgical housing.

Portland and two other metro areas lead the way, but there’s a downside: Businesses may put off expansion for lack of workers and also could see more staff turnover.

The Yarmouth company, famed for its Gazetteer, will close its map store and focus more on its futuristic satellite devices.