BANGOR DAILY NEWS • December 19, 2023
The Maine economy is based on three primary elements: tourism, fisheries and manufacturing. Our educational system reflects conventional organization and academic disciplines, and yet we face a pervasive decline in skilled personnel for the trades and other workforce specialties. We are experiencing a renewal of people, young and old coming to Maine for the quality of life. Are we strong enough to have a strategic plan that will provide and accelerate the values these new “immigrants” bring to our community? “The creative economy,” traditionally characterized as art and culture, must now include science and communication. The demographic predictions of climate consequence indicate that Maine is one of the most beneficial places to live in the U.S. The opportunity demands vision and leadership. Will we create our future, or just let it be? ~ Peter Neill, Sedgwick