WELCOME
A Message from Chamber Leadership W E L C O M E T O T H E S E C O N D E D I T I O N of OneVoice Maine magazine! Last fall’s inaugural edition
CLIF GREIM Board Chair; President, Frosty Hill Consulting
DANA CONNORS President, Maine State Chamber of Commerce
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Maine State Chamber of Commerce
was such a success that it has made a spring publication feasible. We are pleased to be able to present it to you. With a spotlight on innovation, this edition of OneVoice Maine explores the role that it has played in Maine’s long-standing traditional industries – farming, fishing, and forestry. These economic foundations stemmed from our rich natural resources and contribute significantly to our history. Back in 1820 when the official state seal of Maine was adopted, a place of prominence was given to these industries, and it has lasted for centuries – the farmer showing pride in our agricultural roots, the sailor representing Maine’s strong ties to the sea, and the pine tree and moose illustrating the natural richness. These economic pillars continue to play a significant role in our modern economy. Maine is fortunate to have many companies that have been in operation for 100 or more years. Many of them are directly involved in farming, fishing, and forestry, and many more grew from indirect connections to those economic sectors. Achieving such a prestigious milestone in business would not be possible without innovation in processes, products, and practices. In the words of American engineer and technologist, Megan Smith, who served as President Barack Obama’s Chief Technology Officer: “Innovation comes out of great human ingenuity and very personal passions.” We agree, both traits certainly played a significant role in building the legacy of Maine’s farming, fishing, and forestry industries. Innovation and passion continue to drive our economy today. Governor Janet Mills released the Maine Economic Development Strategy in late 2019, the first in nearly two decades. The 10year plan established a single, noble vision – a diverse and sustainable economy for Maine, a great quality of life, and good jobs for all Mainers – built upon two key pillars, the nurturing of talent and the support of innovation. Of course, just as the plan began to gain momentum, COVID-19 hit Maine. In response, Governor Mills appointed an Economic Recovery Committee (ERC) of diverse private sector experts from across Maine to develop specific policy recommendations to stabilize the state’s economy and build a bridge to future prosperity. The ERC submitted its final recommendations in November 2020, using the strategic plan as its guide. Perhaps our state’s biggest incubator for innovation is the research and development efforts at the University of Maine. Maine’s future workforce has been well-equipped by our higher education system to think innovatively. They will undoubtedly provide their future employers with skills and ideas needed to lead the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. Innovation reaches to every corner of our great state. Mainers have certainly learned to innovate this year. Many of those innovations have provided a lifeline and will ultimately serve as the foundation for future business models as our economy recovers from the impacts of the pandemic. As we look to the future, through the lens of the economic strategy and the ERC’s recommendations, our legacy of innovation will play a central role in our state’s continuing success. Perhaps Steve Jobs summed it up the best when he said, “Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity – not a threat.” We look forward to the opportunities before us, indeed.
