What Is Business Friendly, Anyway?

A forum held on October 17, 2007

So what did we learn?

Attitude
One of the main themes of the forum was the need for Maine business and government leaders, as well as Maine people in general, to adopt a business-friendly attitude. The pessimism which pervades Maine's government and economic atmosphere is neither conducive to positive economic outcomes nor to progress. It was suggested that the press should share this view as well and attempt, without in any way skewing the news, to report on those significant events which would bear positively on Maine's future and prosperity.

A Long Term Plan
Another theme was that we need to do more focused long term planning with business. A number of examples were given, but an excellent one seems to be the need for a technically trained workforce; for example, people who work in the now non-traditional boat building industry require advanced technical training. The Department of Labor needs to be even more involved than now and more empowered to track workforce needs.

Leadership-"Just Do It"
There needs to be leadership by business; by government; by people; and by the Legislature. The spirit of bipartisanship ought to pervade where prosperity and economic development are concerned. There was commentary that we do not need any more studies to show us the way; the creation of a prosperity committee by the Legislature may be somewhat difficult and problematic. The time is here for action, not contemplation.

The Executive Branch
Most attendees agreed the current regulatory climate in Augusta is best described as "tense"�. Our current government has set up a tension between itself and those it serves-we need a more welcoming atmosphere at all levels and in all departments of government. That change needs to come from the Executive Department. The Executive Department, too, needs to take the lead in getting the political parties to work together in advancing Maine's future.

What do you want to do?
We're anxious and eager to get moving in a meaningful kind of a way. We're going to encourage some feedback here, assess that, and then we'll all determine where we go next. Let's hear from you.

 

Jon R. Doyle

Craig H. Nelson