News

"BELIEVE" IN ME … (MAINE)
By Rep. Susan W. Austin
District 41, (R-Gray)

As state representative to Gray and part of New Gloucester, serving on the Business, Research and Economic Development Committee, I have come to sense that Maine citizens do not learn a major portion of the hopeful happenings in our state. I am writing bullets for YOU around information that crosses my desk; facts, trivia, and answers to questions you have had.

The title "Believe" in ME… (Maine) is my prevailing message to you… we can "Believe" in Maine, our state, for her strength and what her strength (you) can do!

* In Bar Harbor during 2002, cruise ship passengers accounted for over $12 million in sales and supported over 275 full and part-time jobs in that local economy.
*The youngest legislator in Maine State Government is 22 years old Jeremy Fischer of Presque Isle. The most mature is 81 year old Eugene Churchill of Orland. (Youngest and brightest to oldest and wisest!) At least 2 incumbent State Representatives have previously run for Governor. One Representative for a portion of Orono is a student at the University of Maine- Orono.

*Two new Maine companies fresh out of the State's Oldest Business Incubator: 1) Brims Ness develops sensor technologies for detecting fluid-borne contaminants. 2) Holy Terra Products: intends to manufacture and distribute a line of insect repellents under the Anti-Pest-OO brand name- the all natural formula (environmentally friendly solutions) that send Pests Packing.

*In January, the Maine Office of Tourism and a representative of the Maine Winter Sports Center hosted a media reception in Washington, D.C. The purpose of this reception was to acquaint key media with the World Cup Biathlon event coming up in March in Fort Kent and to tell the story of the Nordic skiing tradition in Maine. Who attended? Representatives from National Geographic Traveler, Washington Post, World & I, Agence France-Presse and Voice of America. Interest: The World Cup Biathlon and Maine Winter Sports Center community programs, which has helped bring economic opportunities to rural communities in Maine.

The Target Business Development Center-Orono, is among the top 10 in nation for number of spinoff companies. 5 out of 6 started by UMaine students.