| Jobs — Continue To Be Governor’s Number One
Priority
Governor Baldacci talks with workers at
the Lincoln paper mill, which remains open because of the governor's determination.
by Ramona du Houx
Maine’s economy has been in
transition. While manufacturing jobs have been lost to overseas competition, new-economy
jobs have opened the door for creative entrepreneurs working from home via the internet,
or commuting. Jobs created from research and development discoveries in Maine have also
added dramatically to the economy. Maine was one of five states that experienced an
in-migration last year. Many of these people have discovered Maine’s quality of life,
and, aided by new technologies and a surge of creative growth in Maine’s cities, are
earning good incomes.
"A 22,000 increase in Maine residents
working shows positive growth — and growth in a way that reflects the 21st-century
economy. More than before, through technology and the globalization of economies, people
can enjoy the benefits of living in Maine while doing work in the next state, across the
country, or across the globe," said State Planning Director Martha Freeman. "The
governor’s technology initiatives, research and development investments, emphasis on
obtaining higher education, and support for Maine’s creative economy all promote
these new kinds of work opportunities for Maine residents."
People in Maine are reclaiming their
cities. The charm of many of Maine’s downtowns had been lost to the hustle and bustle
of malls. Now, citizens across the state are taking back their downtowns, opening up
unique shops, cafés, and theaters in this creative economy. New businesses are opening up
all across the state, secure that the economy is sound with Governor Baldacci. With no
increase in income or sales tax, the elimination of the Business Equipment Tax, and with
community and business grants, small businesses are growing. And incomes are on the rise.
The U.S. Census Bureau is the bottom line.
Data from the Census Bureau is used to make national policy. Those facts showed that
Maine’s median household income grew 5.5 percent from 2003-2004 to 2004-2005, even
after adjustment for inflation. Ed Welniak, chief of the income surveys branch of the
Census Bureau, said the new report’s findings put Maine among seven states showing an
increase.
The governor talks with the owner of
a mill he saved from closing
"This is positive news for hardworking
Maine people and families," said the governor. "The U.S. Census numbers show
that many people in Maine are finding opportunities to work and increase their earnings.
We need to extend those opportunities to all Maine residents. Access to stable,
well-paying jobs remains my priority for all Maine residents."
It takes a diversity of occupations to fill
jobs in Maine. From scientists conducting tests that have made breakthroughs in stem cell
research, to service jobs and everything in-between — Maine needs them all. The
governor has been working tirelessly to attract jobs to the state, create jobs in the
state, and has fought hard to retain Maine jobs.
Over 150,000 workers in Maine still rely on
minimum-wage incomes. Investing in people by raising the minimum wage raises their
self-esteem. During the last legislative session the governor raised the state’s
minimum wage by 50 cents.
Over Labor Day weekend the governor
received endorsements from unions across the state. "We support Governor Baldacci
because of his strong leadership in support of working people and communities," said
Cynthia Phinney of IBEW Local 1837. "From his dedication to providing health care for
everyone, to his bold national leadership on trade and protecting Maine jobs, Governor
Baldacci is the leader Maine needs."
"The Governor came into office
in times that were not at all stellar," said John Hanson of the Building Trades and
Laborers. "His leadership took us from those problems to the path of economic growth.
And now we have to let him finish the job he started."
Saving Jobs —
"After the Bush administration
targeted the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNS) for closure, Governor Baldacci stood in front
of us and guaranteed that the shipyard would not close," said Dave Schofield a
shipbuilder at the PNS and member of the Metal Trades Council. "Keeping his
promise, the governor traveled to D.C. and then to the hearing in Boston to convince the
BRAC commission of the importance of the shipyard and the jobs it provides. Governor
Baldacci promised he would not let us down, and he didn’t."
On the anniversary marking the day the
decision was made to keep PNS open, Governor Baldacci received an award from the Seacoast
Shipyard Association at PNS for his efforts. "The workers here set a standard that
was seen by the independent commission as the gold standard," said Baldacci.
The governor also visited the Defense
Finance and Account Service in Limestone (DFAS) that was slated for closure, but with the
governor’s determined commitment and working with the congressional delegation it
stayed open and added 200 additional jobs that pay $30,000 to $40,000.
"I’m really proud of what these
workers have done," said the governor. "For the DFAS to expand the office in
Limestone recognizes that Maine workers are some of the best in the world."
When a base is marked to be closed by BRAC,
it usually is. Only 18 percent win their fight to stay open. Maine won two out of three
decisions, which was virtually unheard of in BRAC’s history.
Governors Lynch and Baldacci joined
forces last year with the congressional delegation to fight for Portsmouth's shipyard.
This year they were given an award for their successful efforts saving thousands of jobs.
The one base that will close, Brunswick
Naval Air Station (BNAS), has been working with state, federal, and local authorities to
make the transition as seamless as possible because of the governor’s efforts. On the
day of the closure announcement, the governor set plans in motion that would ensure the
community’s needs were acted upon. He set up a special office, and the Brunswick
Local Redevelopment Authority (LRA) was established. "The communities’ concerns
and plans are being heard," said Rep. Stan Gerzofsky who sits on the committee.
With two 8,000-foot runways, a brand-new
control tower, hangars, and housing, the base is attracting interest. At the
governor’s request, the area was also designated to be a special Pine Tree Economic
Zone (PTZ), giving businesses incentives to expand or locate in the mid-coast vicinity.
Many business owners in Brunswick are not
worried about the closure of BNAS, because of the efforts being undertaken.
"It’s a strong community with diverse interests. The LRA is doing its job,"
said the owner of the Big Top Delicatessen that has been in business for ten years.
"In fact I’m going to open a branch of the Big Top at Cooks Corner."
Cooks Corner is the mall that many BNAS
personnel frequent, and mall owners recently announced that three major chains are opening
new outlets.
A major reason that four major mills are
operational today is because Governor Baldacci refused to give up on them and their
workers, and did everything within his power to find other companies that would take over
the mills and put in place either a new business model or more profitable product line,
making them competitive again.
At Lincoln Paper he refused to allow
receivers into the mill, sending state troopers to protect the mill from the receivers who
would have striped away their assets. Shortly after, a deal was brokered, keeping the mill
operational. In Penobscot County more than 1,400 Mainers whose jobs were threatened by
bankruptcy are still working at paper mills.
Over 7,000 jobs have been saved because of
Governor Baldacci’s intervention.
Service Jobs —
Governor Baldacci serves employees of
T-Mobile call center during their opening celebrations. The Fortune 500 company will
employe 900 workers in Oakland’s FirstPark business and technology center.
In October of 2004 Governor Baldacci
suddenly cut short his trade mission to Germany and flew home. He insisted on attending T-
Mobile’s announcement that they were opening a call center in central Maine.
Almost two years later T-Mobile held its
grand opening celebration at its FirstPark customer-care facility in Oakland, after having
hired close to 650 employees over the past year. Eventually, 900 Mainers will be employed
at the facility. T-Mobile has invested $17 million in their call center operation in
Maine.
"I have to tell you — I’m
persistent. It was a national competition and T-Mobile was only going to choose two sites.
I had to level the playing field with other states," said the governor to T-Mobile
employees gathered at the opening celebration. "I knew if we gave you a chance you
would deliver."
Part of leveling the playing field was
having PTZ benefits available to companies large and small. With reduced electricity rates
and tax incentives offered by becoming a PTZ business, T-Mobile’s decision was made
easier. The governor’s ConnectME initiative, making telecommunications connections
more accessible, also helped this business in their decision-making process.
The governor worked with the Departments of
Human Services and Labor, ensuring that a curriculum was put in place to help train the
potential workers. A year later it’s obvious that helping gear Maine workers to
handle the call center’s demands has paid off. T-Mobile rates the Oakland center as
fourth out of 20 of their call-center sites.
Governor Baldacci talks to employees of
T-Mobile call center
"Ultimately, it was on your
shoulders," said the governor addressing the employees. "I’m so proud of
you. You’re our best natural resource."
"When I came to Maine the first time,
I came more as a courtesy. When I arrived I was so impressed by the people; Governor
Baldacci even cleared the brush for the site," said John Birrer of T-mobile.
"Now I think coming to Maine was a brilliant move. It was a big decision for the
company; I did my homework and it was a competitive process. Maine has become a great call
center for us, and it’s a great community. The people of Maine have made it obvious
that it was the best place to come. It’s a special place, with special people that
give our customers great service all the time."
"The governor’s community college
system helped tremendously," said State Senator Libby Mitchell, referring to the
retraining of workers so they were prepared for T-Mobile. Mitchell was instrumental in
creating the legislation that enabled FirstPark business and technology center to become a
reality.
R & D Jobs —
Research and Development in ME supports 11,000 jobs.
R&D between ’03 & ’05:
— Institutional personnel in R&D increased 67 percent.
— Faculty involved in R&D grew 66 percent.
— Institutional R&D space grew 40 percent.
The governor’s goal is to invest $1 billion in R&D by 2010.
According to a national
economic study, Maine ranks second in the nation for the number of businesses that grow
out of university spending on research and development.
The governor has continually secured
R&D funding while establishing coalitions between businesses, educational
institutions, and the state, helping R&D economic development.
"As part of my economic plan, last
fall I presented the State Science and Technology Plan that calls for Maine’s annual
investment in research and development, including both private and public funding, to
reach $1 billion by 2010," said the governor.
Recently The Jackson Laboratory opened a
new research facility that was partially paid for by bonds passed during the last three
years. These funds attract matching federal and private funds. In the past 5 years,
Jackson Laboratory has attracted $187 million and created 500 jobs.
"Supporting biomedical research and
development encourages breakthrough opportunities in human health, and saving lives,"
said Governor Baldacci. "My economic development plan builds on the innovation, hard
work, and entrepreneurial spirit of Maine people to generate new knowledge, build new
companies, transform existing industries, and create jobs."
R&D conducted at the University of
Maine has inspired entrepreneurs to create their own businesses. The wood composite
industry in Maine is expanding directly because of the research done at UMO. Harbor
Technologies of Brunswick build composite docks that were created at UMO.
The boat building school will
benefit from the $15million grant the state won to help the wood composite industry grow
in Maine's boat building industries
The shipbuilding industry has been
strengthened by the composite discoveries, enabling boat builders to win high-end
contracts, like Hodgdon Yachts who won a prized navy contract. The state was awarded a $15
million grant that, "will be used to grow 25,000 new jobs in boatbuilding," said
the governor.
"Through R&D, Louisiana-Pacific
Mill in New Limerick is delving into an entirely new product line, expanding operations
and growing in an industry that is important to Maine," said the governor.
The company is planning a major expansion
of its facilities to convert the mill into a high-tech manufacturer of Oriented Strand
Lumber. The new, high-tech, engineered wood composite product cuts back on old-growth
deforestation, as it can utilize warped and smaller second and third growth timber to
create a strong, durable product.
The governor’s economic plan promotes
such use of technology to transform Maine’s natural resource-based industries.
"This new technology implemented by Louisiana-Pacific will advance the wood-products
industry in Maine and make these mills stronger and better able to compete in the global
economy," said the governor.
"The company’s expansion will
allow this industry to grow and prosper, while also helping to preserve Maine’s
natural legacy, leading to industrial practices that are better for the environment.
Louisiana Pacific could have chosen to expand at any one of their plants, but they chose
Maine … and we are proud of that fact." |
