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A MESSAGE FROM CHAMBER LEADERSHIP
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CLIF GREIM
Board Chair; President, Frosty Hill Consulting
DANA CONNORS
President, Maine State Chamber of Commerce
WELCOME TO THE SECOND EDITION of OneVoice Maine magazine! Last fall’s inaugural edition 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.
“The Voice of Maine Business”
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Through our various networking events, our more than 5,000 member businesses and their employees have numerous opportunities to share best practices and create solid business contacts each year. Our policy-oriented events also give members the opportunity to interact with issue experts, opinion leaders, and policy makers in a meaningful way. We have the most respected advocacy presence of any business association in Maine. No other association covers as many issues with broad public policy implications as the Chamber. Covering workers’ compensation, health care, energy, tax policy, education, workforce development, environmental policy, and more, our team of advocates is the largest in the Statehouse. Whether it’s our Impact newsletter, the “Chamber Minute” and “Legislative Week Ahead” video updates, the news coverage archive, “The Bottom Line” podcast, or any of the other Chamber Newsroom resources, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce makes it easy for members to stay current on all of the important issues that impact Maine businesses and our state’s economy.
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Someone has to speak up for Maine businesses. That’s where we come in. The Maine State Chamber of Commerce is here, because you have a business to run, product to produce, service to provide, people to employ, and a community to support. You cannot do all those things and make sure the Legislature in Augusta is acting in your best interests. We’re here to influence the outcomes in the Legislature, as well as provide you with information, programs, and events that are a real return on investment of your membership dues. We are taking care of business in Augusta, so that you can take care of yours.
Contents
A MESSAGE FROM CHAMBER LEADERSHIP ..........................2
FEATURE STORIES
100 Years of Innovation: Fishing, farming and forestry ..................6 Canada & Maine: An interdependent relationship of more than 100 years .............................................60 Looking Forward: What the future holds for Maine.......................70
MAINE VOICES
A Message from Senator Angus King ............................................ 16
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS
Seven Islands Land Company ....................................................... 18 Puritan Medical Products .............................................................. 24 Sappi North America .....................................................................32 S. W. Collins Company ...................................................................36
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES
A Century of Maine Resourcefulness in Fishing, Farming & Forestry ......................................................28 Beyond a Good Catch: Innovation and advocacy for sustainability in Maine’s fishing industry.................................48
INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTS
Maine Potatoes: Adapting to change ............................................40 The Berry that Is Maine: Wild blueberries .....................................44 100 Years of the Natural Goodness of Maine ................................52 Maine Aquaculture IS Innovation ..................................................56
