MDF Awarded $535,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending Funds to Boost Maine’s Rural & Forest Product Sector Workforce

Hallowell, Maine — July 18, 2024 — Maine Development Foundation (MDF) is pleased to announce an award of Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) funds totaling $535,000 to offer critically needed training and online micro-credential courses for working-age Mainers who can then fill the hundreds of open jobs in Maine’s forest products industry.

“This CDS funding – first and foremost – will help address continuing needs for workers in the Jay region who were displaced by the sudden closure of the town’s paper mill in 2022,” says Yellow Light Breen, President & CEO of MDF. “The investment will also help the statewide forest industry by enabling employers to fill open jobs and build their workforce of the future at a time of innovation and growth. These employers pay family-supporting wages and offer robust benefits packages.”

The funds are made possible through advocacy by Maine’s two U.S. Senators, Susan Collins (R) and Angus King (I). MDF, a key partner in and staff to the FOR Maine (Forest Opportunity Roadmap) coalition, worked with the coalition’s established partnerships to identify which trainings/micro credentials are most needed to design the programs being funded:

  • Pathways to Prosperity for a Skilled Forest Workforce: MDFis partnering with Spruce Mountain Adult Education to train 50 students over the next two years in CDL (Commercial Driver License) Class A instruction. In-kind matches and support from Merrill’s Garage and Spruce Mountain Adult Education will aid the new training programs. Importantly, the CDL funds also cover up to $1000 stipends for students for things like transportation and childcare – necessities that often have proven too costly to would-be participants, barring them from taking such courses and therefore landing the jobs.
  • Forestry Product Sector Micro-Credential online course: MDF is partnering with the University of Maine to develop course which will use the digital platform Badgr to educate as many as 500 people about the wide range of job opportunities, benefits, and potential career advancement within the forest products sector.  The course will be free and available for navigators – those who work with students/workers of all ages to connect them to educational opportunities, job information, and life-supports that are critical to career success.

“This initiative – which includes pathways to high-wage, high-demand jobs – not only meets industry demand but also empowers our community with essential employment credentials for a prosperous future,” says Dr. Robyn Raymond, Director, Spruce Mountain Adult Education. “Spruce Mountain Adult Education is thrilled to partner with MDF in this work, and deeply grateful for Senators Collins and King for helping secure this funding.”

According to the Forest Opportunity Roadmap for Maine Workforce Development Strategy report, within the next ten years over 26% of the forest products workforce will have reached retirement age and are at high probability of exiting the labor force. Labor replacement demands for the entire forest products sector range from 4,770 to 5,200 over the next fifteen years. These courses will help bridge the gap to meet workforce needs.

“We are thrilled that these programs are coming to fruition as they will help us meet FOR/Maine’s long-term workforce goals: attracting young people to the industry; ensuring new, replacement, and existing workers have the skills they need; and preparing our workforce for emerging technologies,” says Ryan Bushey, Chair of the FOR/Maine Workforce Committee.

To learn more about FOR/Maine, visit formaine.org.

Measures of Growth Indicator in Action: Mental & Behavioral Health

Mental & Behavioral Health is one of the 31 key economic indicators featured in the annual Measures of Growth Report. Each month this blog features a story that connects the data to real-life experience.

Mental and behavioral health is key to an individual’s ability to thrive and prosper, and thus to Maine’s economy. As we mark Mental Health Awareness Month, there is reason to hope amidst the sobering reality of what many medical professionals call a “crisis” in mental health and the accompanying “epidemic of loneliness.” 

The most recent edition of Measures of Growth highlighted the stark data: In 2021, 36% of Maine high schoolers – more than 1 in 3 – reported feeling sad or hopeless every day for two weeks or more. Many older Mainers are also experiencing challenges. In July-August 2023, approximately 27% of Maine adults had symptoms of anxiety or depression. By comparison, about 33% of adults nationwide reported these symptoms—up from just 11% in 2019.  

Fortunately, Maine also has an abundance of one of the most powerful tools to address and overcome this challenge: access to nature and free outdoor endeavors.  

Among the many organizations working to engage Mainers in nature is Teens to Trails. They work with middle and high schools around the state to start and sustain Outdoor Clubs, which are student-led and faculty-facilitated. The Clubs introduce teenagers to a variety of experiences, such as hiking, biking, camping, rafting, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, campfires, and beach trips. The goal is to try new things, see new places, and make new connections.  

Teens to Trails also runs programs that are independent of schools and offer a way for teens to connect with others from across the state in outdoor adventures. As the group emphasizes on its website, “Watching trees sway in the wind, breathing fresh air, and listening to bird calls – positively activates our senses, elevates our moods, and calms our nervous systems. Research shows spending time outside improves individual mental health outcomes later in life.” 

17-year-old Eva Dodge, a student at the Ecology Learning Center in Unity, spoke at MDF’s 2023 Annual Meeting & Champion Awards Celebration of the life-changing experiences she had during a 3-week Teens to Trails kayak trip in the summer of 2023. It included solo time for reflection. During one such session while fogged in on an island off the coast, Eva worked with the writing prompt “Who Am I Here?” She wrote a poem that reads, in part: 

“I came out here to detach / Just for a moment to be me / Without my friends / Without my family, my pets, my clothes, my phone, my world / Without all that the one thing I have left is me! / I came out here to find her / To cherish her / To figure out who she is and how to take care of her / Out here I am me / I found me / And I quite like her” – excerpt from poem by Eva Dodge, participant in Teens to Trails programming.

It is the epitome of what psychologists, behavioralists, educators, community leaders, and employers seek to foster daily in their efforts to support the mental and behavioral health of individuals, students, and employees. “There are so many ways to change a life through outdoor experiences and to offer hope along with a sense of belonging. We don’t always know it is happening in the moment, but the impact can be lifelong,” says Alicia Heyburn, Executive Director, Teens to Trails. 

The Need for Continued Diligence 

Mental & Behavioral Health is just one of the indicators the Maine Economic Growth Council, the nonpartisan, independent group that oversees the Measures of Growth report, uses to track factors that make Maine communities desirable, healthy, and supportive places to live, work, and play. This annual report offers a snapshot of how these factors intersect with Maine’s economy, and why the Council recommends continued diligence on these fronts.  

 We hope you will dig into the data behind these Indicators and how they interconnect with other critical elements of Maine’s economy. Visit the Measures of Growth section of our website where you can see all 31 indicators we featured in 2023, as well as past issues of the report dating back to 2010.  

Watch Eva and Alicia’s full Table Talk from Sept. 23, 2023 – including Eva’s reading of her poem – by clicking the video button below. Their remarks start at 1:27 in the video.

Measures of Growth Indicator in Action: Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Greenhouse Gas Emissions is one of the 31 key economic indicators featured in the annual Measures of Growth Report. Each month this blog features a story that connects the data to real-life experience.

Did you know that Maine was the first state to enact a statutory target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions? We did so in 2003 and exceeded the original target ahead of schedule in 2012 when emissions fell to 10% below 1990 levels. In 2019, further legislation set the goal of reducing emissions 45% below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80% by 2050. We continue to make steady progress toward these goals.

As Maine and the entire nation honor Earth Day, and in hopes that Mainers will continue to work toward addressing the climate crisis and its impact on Maine’s economy every day of every month, we are highlighting Greenhouse Gas Emissions as the current Indicator in Action by highlighting the story of Nyle Systems, one of many, many Maine businesses who are becoming “green economy” leaders in creating new jobs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  

In March 2023, Brewer-based Nyle Systems announced the creation of a second factory, this one in Bangor, to manufacture energy-efficient heat pumps, creating about 200 jobs over time. With this news, Nyle joined the growing list of Maine companies leading the nation’s transition to clean energy while creating opportunities for Maine people.  

Nyle Systems’ roots go back to the 1970s when it built dehumidification systems for drying lumber. It still sells these, but today it also manufactures food drying systems and heat-pump water heaters for customers nationwide. The heat pumps replace gas boilers and reduce demand for fossil fuels when electrified from a renewable source. They are also cheaper to operate and can save consumers thousands of dollars every year.  

CEO Ton Mathissen explained to WABI TV5 the impact of rising demand for clean, energy-efficient solutions and the company’s growth: “That is really what is driving this.” Both Maine and the federal government offer incentives for households to install heat pumps.  

“We plan to keep this growth going for the long term to have a meaningful impact in transitioning our world onto a sustainable path for the next generations. Speed matters!” – Ton Mathissen, CEO, Nyle Systems. 

Nyle System’s new factory will significantly increase the company’s workforce, which was about 120 people prior to the expansion. The company has doubled in size every three to four years since 2010 and intends to keep going.  

The Need for Continued Diligence 

Greenhouse gas emissions is just one of the indicators the Maine Economic Growth Council, the nonpartisan, independent group that oversees the Measures of Growth Report, uses to track Maine’s environmental health, how it intersects with Maine’s economy, and why the Council recommends continued diligence on these fronts. 

We hope you will dig into the data behind these Indicators and how they intersect with other critical elements of Maine’s economy. Visit the Measures of Growth section of our website where you can see all 31 indicators we featured in 2023, as well as past issues of the report dating back to 2010. 

Registration Open for First-ever Course Aimed at Boosting Forest Product Sector Workforce 

Machias, Maine – November 6, 2023 FOR/Maine (Forest Opportunity Roadmap) coalition and Sunrise County Economic Council are pleased to announce registration is open for a new, free, online course called “The Business of Maine’s Forestry Products Sector”. The 10-week course is offered through Washington County Community College, is open to all working-age Mainers, and begins November 21st. It is a first-ever program to promote workforce opportunities and innovation across Maine’s Forest Products Sector and will leverage strong industry and workforce partnerships to link Mainers with job opportunities.

The asynchronous course will be delivered virtually, allowing learners to access the workshops live, as well as catch the weekly recordings at their convenience. Learners that complete the course will earn three college credits as well as Maine Forest Products Sector micro-credentials. Participants can also select individual workshops to attend/watch and forego college credit. Both options are completely free. The course is open to anyone with an interest in the field, students and entrepreneurs. Classes will be held weekly (except for holidays) on Tuesdays from 2-5 pm from November 21, 2023, to January 30, 2024.

This course will provide participants with an understanding of opportunities across the industry, access to direct contact with industry professionals and subject matter experts across the field, as well as the knowledge to begin their own career journey.  The course will commence with a virtual career fair where learners can meet employers in the sector.

Individuals are considered at a secondary level of employment after completing the 10-week course and achieving micro-credentials.

Financial assistance of up to $500 per learner is available to address barriers, such as internet access or childcare costs.

The course and associated materials will also be available in Spanish.

This course was developed through a partnership between Sunrise County Economic Council, Forest Opportunity Roadmap (FOR/Maine), Washington County Community College (WCCC), and Maine Development Foundation. The course is generously funded through a private trust grant. Barrier removal assistance is thoughtfully provided through a Maine Department of Labor and State Workforce Board Industry Partnership grant.

To register, please visit https://mainestreetbusiness.org/forestry-products/ or use your smartphone camera to scan the below QR Code:

MDF Presents Champion Awards to Six Individuals and Organizations for Exemplary Leadership in Helping Mainers Thrive and Prosper

Hallowell, Maine — September 28, 2023 — Maine Development Foundation (MDF), is thrilled to announce our 2023 Champion Award winners. These awards recognize exemplary leadership toward economic improvement and systemic change necessary for each and every Mainer to thrive and prosper.  

“These awards honor individuals, organizations, and businesses who are involved day in and day out in innovative and critical work that is helping Mainers, thrive, prosper, and realize all that they aspire to,” says Yellow Light Breen, MDF’s President and CEO. “Each of our awardees is leading actionable and scalable efforts that help drive systemic change toward a more equitable, inclusive Maine economy and ensure Maine continues to be a great place to live and work for all.” 

MDF proudly bestowed the following awards before an audience of 200 during “Aspire: Unlocking the Potential of Maine to Thrive and Prosper,” MDF’s 45th Annual Meeting & Champion Awards Celebration held yesterday at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bangor: 

2023 William F. King, Jr., Downtown Champion Award to Phyllis Young, Ret. Board Chair, Heart of Ellsworth, for her tireless advocacy and strategic leadership that has helped diversify and grow both the culture and economy of her beloved hometown of Ellsworth. This includes countless hours of hands-on volunteering and mentoring dozens of community leaders and entrepreneurs.  

2023 Champion of Education and Workforce Development to Inclusion Maine and Exec. Dir. Humza Khan for creating a safe space in the form of their annual conference where Mainers can connect and explore how to be truly equitable and inclusive. Participants come away equipped to implement policies, procedures, and programs that instill a sense of belonging and are helping grow Maine’s workforce.  

2023 Champion of Rural Economic Development to LP Building Solutions and Ryan Bushey, Dir. of HR & Safety, for a steadfast commitment to growing Maine’s forest economy and the workforce it needs now and for decades to come. Ryan is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and is a member of the FOR/Maine Coalition Steering Committee, Aroostook Partnership, Houlton Rotary, as well as a steadfast supporter of the region’s career & technical education programs.   

2023 ICL Distinguished Alum Award to Tony Payne, V.P. of External Affairs with MEMIC, and a member of ICL’s Beta Class, for his career-long commitment to an equitable, inclusive Maine culture and economy. Tony serves on numerous boards, in mentoring roles, and volunteers in hands-on projects aimed at cross-cultural, multi-generational growth for Maine’s workforce and communities. 

2023 Kenneth M. Curtis Leadership Award to Claudette Ndayininahaze, Exec. Dir. of In Her Presence, a Portland-based nonprofit working to lift language barriers and support the career trajectory and financial stability of immigrant women and their families. Claudette is a member of Leadership Maine’s Allagash Class and serves on numerous boards and advisory councils for economic development organizations across the state. 

2023 President’s Award to the University of Maine System for its wholistic approach to making affordable, quality education and career training available to every Mainer, and for its systemic efforts to incubate and support Maine entrepreneurs, businesses, and industries. 

The event also featured a stirring and inspirational Keynote Speech by artist Charlie Hewitt of the Hopeful Project.  

 

MDF Featured in Newscenter Maine story “Pilot program to help boost forest product sector’s workforce”

MDF and FOR/Maine (Forest Opportunity Roadmap) Program Director Erica Watson are featured in this Newscenter Maine story on a new online course that will link working-age Mainers with good-paying jobs and career-boosting credentials and jobs in the forest products industry. FOR/Maine, MDF, Sunrise County Economic Council and Washington County Community College are partnering to implement the course.

Watch the story here.

Funding opportunities for Area Youth Sports building discussed with Congressional staff

MDF’s Erica Watson, Program Director for Education & Workforce Development, is among the leaders featured in this article from the Lewiston Sun Journal on innovative, practical collaborations to meet the moment as communities around Maine grapple with shifting economic changes. Robyn Raymond, an alumnus of MDF’s ICL (Institute for Civic Leadership) and Exec. Dir. of Spruce Mountain Adult Education, MDF’s 2022 Champion of Education & Workforce Development Award winner, is also featured.

Read the full article.

New act for forest products: Manufacturers find new uses for Maine’s vast forest resource

MDF’s Program Director for the FOR/Maine (Forest Opportunity Roadmap) initiative, Bri Bowman, and other leaders Maine’s forest economy initiative are featured in this Mainebiz article. It highlights the many innovative and sustainable Maine products that are helping grow Maine’s forest economy and the communities who depend on it. “Our goal is to grow and diversify Maine’s forest economy, to build resilience in the industry and to support rural communities where manufacturing and natural resource-based jobs are located,” says Brianna Bowman, program director for FOR/Maine. FOR/Maine’s work includes “global matchmaking” for companies interested in Maine’s resource. “We’ve tuned in to a massive global demand,” Bowman says.

Read the article