July 22, 2010

The Maine State Chamber of Commerce and the Maine Development Foundation are making headlines for the release of a new publication titled ‘Making Maine Work’. The Sun Journal’s editorial board encouraged legislators to read this report and make some positive changes for the future of Maine. To read the full report, go to the Maine State Chamber website.

Maine made headlines in The New York Times this week. The publication featured a story on how many state employees – including those in Maine – do not participate in the federal Social Security program. Some Maine legislators have come up with a plan to shift these employees into Social Security. While they realize this will not solve short-term problems they do see long term advantages.

The Governor announced that the state ended the 2010 fiscal year with a surplus of $70 million. However, if Congress doesn’t extend additional Medicaid payments we stand to see an estimated $100 million budget gap for FY 2011.

Upcoming Chamber Events: The Maine State Chamber has partnered with the Northeast Lean Collaborative for a special event:

2010 Lean Systems Summit – Northeast:

Where Government, Services, and Manufacturing Meet

Friday, August 13, 2010 at the Eastland Park Hotel, Portland, Maine

Join private and public business leaders for a day to discuss and learn how Lean continuous improvement principles and methods are being used to improve organizational effectiveness. The Summit will include 2 keynote speakers and 15 informational workshops from across healthcare, services, government, education, manufacturing, and other businesses on how Lean leaders and practitioners have used Lean to change their culture and improve their way of doing business.

For more information and to register: http://www.mainemep.org/events.html