The organization, composed of leaders from business, government and education, says Maine must raise income levels, increase job growth and encourage lifelong learning. Maine's success requires effective collaboration within government and with the private sector,'' said Steven Levesque, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development.
Economic development is a long-term effort, based on sustainability.
Maine's people, quality of life, natural resources and advanced telecommunications networks are strengths to build upon. State government must work with industries, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations to maximize Maine's economic potential. Raising the aspirations of Maine citizens must involve partnerships among state government, businesses and educational institutions. As in previous years, the strategy for 2001 stresses the importance of state, regional and local cooperation to create and retain jobs, invest in modern infrastructure, and encourage more people to seek higher education. The University of Maine and Maine Technical College systems continue to play important roles.