While it feels like October is a lifetime away, rainy grey days like today remind us that it is just around the corner.  But on the bright side, October means the GrowSmart Maine Summit 2012!  As we get closer, we'll be reminding you of the top 12 reasons you should be sure to join us in Augusta on October 23.  So without further adieu…

#12!

The keynote speaker at Summit 2012 is Bruce Katz of the Brookings Institution. Bruce Katz is a vice president at the Brookings Institution and founding Director of the Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program, which aims to provide decision makers in the public, corporate and civic sectors with policy ideas for improving the health and prosperity of cities and metropolitan areas. Bruce regularly advises federal, state, regional and municipal leaders on policy reforms that advance the competitiveness of metropolitan areas in topics critical to the next economy, including fostering innovation, taking advantage of the clean economy, growing exports, and creating broad-based opportunity. He counsels on shifting demographic and market trends as well as on policies that are critical to prosperity and new forms of governance. He also provided constant guidance and vision in the creation of Charting Maine’s Future.

At the Summit, Bruce will discuss where the economy, the country, and Maine stand four years into the recession. In our challenging economic times, he envisions bottom-up action, with states and communities leading the charge in economic transformation, development and growth. Looking towards Maine’s future Bruce will address the need for more accessible jobs, innovation, exports and a low-carbon focus to foster prosperity for all.

Registration is now open for the Summit 2012.  If you have already registered – thank you! Please forward these emails to a friend so they can come too!  If you haven't yet registered, why wait?  Members and students receive reduced rates, so register today and become a member at the same time. 

We envision a day filled with engaging discussions, new ideas, exciting success stories and inspiring actions. But we can't do it without you. Your insights will expand the discussions, building the collective impact of the Summit and providing the direction and energy needed to move Maine toward sustainable prosperity. Register today and stay actively involved in growing Maine's economy and protecting the reasons we choose to live here.

See you at the Summit!