Regardless of how one interprets the official data, most economists agree that the U.S. is, or is about to be, in a recession. Maine also faces significant fiscal issues and there is real disagreement in Augusta about how to resolve them. Within this context, many businesses in Maine agree that there is need for a greatly improved business climate in our state. Understanding the complexities of these issues and how they affect Mainers is important in our everyday decision-making about how we conduct our financial lives.

MPBN believes it has the responsibility to begin a dialogue that addresses these critical economic issues we face today. One vehicle we are using to accomplish this is the Public Media Leaders Group, a partnership with business through which we will bring the State’s business leaders – both large and small companies, for-profit and not-for-profit – together to discuss the issues and guide us about the best way to convey this information to the public. As Maine’s only statewide, multi-platform broadcasting enterprise, we have the ability to truly make a difference in how Maine is educated about, and responds to, today’s and tomorrow’s economic concerns.

MPBN thanks the following businesses, individuals and institutions for their willingness to engage in this dialogue and for their support:

Public Media Leaders Group
Baker, Newman & Noyes
William A. Burke
CD&M Communications
College of the Atlantic
Lafayette Hotels
Dr. George Manning
Robert A.G. Monks
Northeast Bank
Pierce Atwood, LLP