Governor Celebrates Maine’s North Star Alliance Initiative

October 7, 2009

AUGUSTA – Governor John E. Baldacci today opened the final symposium of Maine’s North Star Alliance Initiative (NSAI). The initiative was created from a $14.4 million U.S. Department of Labor WIRED grant received in 2006. The grant enabled the promotion of the major workforce and economic development initiative in Maine targeting the economic cluster that includes the industries of boatbuilding, composites and marine trades. The industry-driven, industry-focused project was established to grow these industries through workforce development, R&D, market outreach and infrastructure development.

“I am proud of the accomplishments of Maine’s North Star Alliance,” said Governor Baldacci. “We have been laying the foundation for the future, and with the investments being made – as well as working together with our industry partners – we will take advantage of great opportunities to grow this cluster and provide good-paying jobs now and for future generations.”

The Governor recognized the public and private partners who are active in Maine’s North Star Alliance Initiative, including industry and association representatives, State agencies, education institutions and Maine’s Congressional Delegation. The North Star Alliance brought for the first time participation from private industry to table with State and local government to address workforce needs.

Additional achievements include:

• Joint partnering led to the funding in Brunswick of the Maine Advanced Technology Center;

• 1,500 Maine workers have received training, giving them advanced skill sets;

• Enhanced the curriculum with the Landing School and Husson University’s Boat School;

• 113 secondary and post-secondary instructors have been certified to teach new manufacturing technologies; and

• As of June 30 of this year, $50 million of additional investments have been leveraged as a result of the North Star Alliance Initiative – these investments are from federal grants; State grants through the Maine Technology Institute; and private industry through training fund matches.

Last month, President Obama used the State of Maine’s efforts to revitalize the boat building industry as an example of a successful innovation strategy that could be replicated elsewhere.

“These are impressive results, but our work doesn’t end here,” said the Governor. “Especially during the challenging economic times we find ourselves in, it’s more important now than ever that we make strategic investments where they will have the greatest impact. And it takes the contributions of all our partners to ensure we are on the path to sustainable job growth and a healthy economy. I hope that all partners here will pledge to maintain this level of cooperation into the future.”

For more information on Maine’s North Star Alliance Initiative, please go to http://www.maine.gov/wired/index.shtml

More information on the federal Administration’s attention to the Maine boat building industry can be found at http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/nec/StrategyforAmericanInnovation/

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Governor Celebrates Maine’s North Star Alliance Initiative