AUGUSTA, Maine – After nearly a year of collaboration, the boards of directors of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce and the Maine Development Foundation released in July a new publication — Making Maine Work. This publication offers focused recommendations around key economic issues that will encourage investment in Maine and grow the economy. It reflects the input of hundreds of experts and the voices of more than a thousand Maine business leaders.

Dana Connors, president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, stated that this publication reflects the priorities of the state’s business community, as determined by a series of comprehensive surveys and interviews with approximately 1,000 employers statewide.  “The analysis and subsequent recommendations contained in this report can serve as a vehicle to strengthen Maine’s economy, but we must not waste any time.” Connors said. “The challenge is real, but so are the opportunities.”

Laurie Lachance, president and CEO of the Maine Development Foundation, cited a number of economic and demographic trends compelling us to take action in an effort to better position Maine for getting back on a growth track.  “Maine’s population is aging rapidly and growing slowly, and our economic productivity and wages currently rank 45th. If we are to attain the vision we seek of ‘a high quality of life for all Maine people,’ it will be imperative that Maine take immediate steps to increase productivity by creating an environment conducive to private sector investment and by investing in the health and education of every single Maine person, young and old, unleashing the economic and human potential of Maine.”

Recommendations included in the report center around a number of “cost issues” that are currently barriers to private sector investment – health insurance, energy, taxes, regulations, and transportation – and also focus on education, innovation, connectivity, quality of place and business finance.

“To deny the challenge before us denies us our future,” Connors said.  “Making Maine Work seeks to encourage present and future Maine leaders to make strategic decisions that create a climate for private sector investment and therefore growth opportunities that can directly, positively impact our future. Making Maine Work is about instilling confidence and hope, about reinventing ourselves, and about striving beyond the current hurdles to a better place. There has never been a better time than now to build a better economy for Maine, and, ultimately, a better life for Maine people.”

 

Making Maine Work online at www.mainechamber.org/MakingMaineWork



Investment Imperative II: Unleashing Maine’s otential online at www.mdf.org 

Investment Imperative Business Survey Results Report online at www.mdf.org 

 

The Maine State Chamber of Commerce represents a diverse network of 5,000 businesses statewide and advocates on behalf of their interests before the Legislature and regulatory agencies and through conferences, seminars, and affiliated programs. Through its OneVoice program, the Maine State Chamber represents thousands of businesses with fewer than 10 employees.  Its Grassroots Action Network works to involve members and their employees in the legislative process through outreach campaigns.

 

For over 30 years, the Maine Development Foundation has supported the vision of a high quality of life for all Maine people.  As a private non-profit membership organization we do this by empowering leaders, strengthening communities, and guiding public policy.  Our flagship programs include Leadership Maine, Policy Leaders Academy, the Maine Downtown Center, the Maine Employers Initiative, and the Economic Growth Council/Measures of Growth.  Through these programs we stimulate new ideas, develop Maine’s leaders, and provide a common ground for solving problems and advancing solutions.