Economic Development
My passion for Maine leads me to many places, one of the most interesting of which is the movement toward economic development.
Community Billboard for Economic Development News
Some Players:
brings people together to develop innovative projects that support creativity, livablity and economic sustainability in Midcoast Maine. We are a non-profit organization of people dedicated to vibrant culture, entrepreneurship and bringing people together socially and professionally.
Our actions are driven by recent research pioneered by economist Richard Florida, as described in his book, The Rise of the Creative Class. A central premise is that the best job growth occurs where the creative types and innovators go. Communities like ours, with an extraordinary quality of place, can attract talented people and great jobs like never before.
Simply put, innovators and creative types can live anywhere they want, so it's important to attract these people and retain the ones that are here - and everyone benefits when we do.
Working in partnership with other economic and cultural development groups in the areas centered on Rockland, Camden and Belfast, Maine, we provide a "creative class" point of view. We identify and champion activities that have the greatest impact on the livability and sustainability of our community.
Our grassroots movement was pioneered by a diverse group of individuals who gathered to talk about innovative approaches to developing the best jobs in the Midcoast.
Our 2004 survey of 350 people provided invaluable data about the needs of the creative class in the Midcoast. We continue to gather information through surveys and focus groups and contribute this to our regional partnerships.
In 2005, Governor John Baldacci recognized our work as a positive force for change in the region. The Governor's Challenge Grant, which must be matched by support from the Midcoast community, will allow MidMag to actively develop and promote the livability of the Midcoast.
Our 2006 Report to the Community, collects information gathered directly from Midcoast community members in surveys, focus groups and community forums. This community voice provided the backbone for MidMag's strategy for 2006 and beyond.
Knox Waldo Regional Economic Development Council
Our Vision for the Future:
Within 5 years, the Knox/Waldo region will become one of the most robust business regions of Maine and New England as evidenced by:
New Jobs --- An annual new job growth rate that:
- is a net positive number of new jobs each year, and
- exceeds the State of Maine average job growth rate each year.
NOTE – in 2005, the State of Maine annual job growth rate was 0.1%. The highest annual job growth rate was in Penobscot County at 1.4%. In 2005 the Knox/Waldo job growth rate was -1.3%
Income Levels --- A Median Household Income level that
- meets or exceeds the U.S. average (within 5 yrs)
- and eventually - meets or exceeds the Northern New England average (NH, VT, ME)
NOTE – in 2005, the Knox/Waldo average was $38,297; The U.S. average was $43,318 and the N. NE average was $46,090 – only 3 counties in Maine (Sagadahoc at $44,774, York at $47,003, and Cumberland at $47,669) exceed the U.S. and N. NE average in 2005.
