50th to 1st: Ingredients of a Successful Economic Development Plan:
How does Maine move to the top of Forbes Magazine's 'Best State to do Business' list? A primer from away
This year's program will feature entrepreneur, angel investor, venture capitalist, author and philanthropist, Alan E. Hall as Keynote Speaker. Founder of Grow America, this national company aligns the partners, mentors and capital that entrepreneurs need to create and grow tomorrow’s successful companies. Alan lives in Utah, which has been recognized as one of the most business-friendly states in the US. He will talk with us about the similarities and differences between the states of Maine and Utah and provide insights into how Maine might learn from Utah and one day make it to the top of Forbes Magazine's 'Best State to do Business' List.
Grow America founder Alan E. Hall has a personal mission to create jobs and lift local economies. Grow America, a national company, aligns the partners, mentors and capital that entrepreneurs need to create and grow tomorrow’s successful companies. Alan is also the founder, chairman and former CEO of MarketStar Corporation, a global outsourced marketing and sales company with a focus on assisting high technology companies increase sales through the small to medium business sectors. He is also an author, newspaper columnist and frequent public speaker.
Following the key-note presentation, a panel of leaders involved in economic development in Maine will explore the similarities and differences between Utah and Maine. This lively discussion will seek to identify Maine’s strengths and opportunities, and provide ideas to advance its economy. The audience will be invited to make suggestions on what Maine can do to advance its economy.
Panelists Include:
· Moderator, Andrea Cianchette Maker, Pierce Atwood LLP
· Peter DelGreco, President/CEO, Maine & Company
· Kent Peterson, President/CEO, Fluid Imaging Technologies
· Josh Benthien, Real Estate Developer, Partner, Northland Enterprises
· John Fitzsimmons, President, Maine Community College System
· John Everets, Chairman/CEO, The Bank of Maine
· Petur J. Petersen, Station Manager Portland, Eimskip
MEREDA will also recognize the Top Notable Projects for 2013 and will unveil the newest "MEREDA Index" number. This metric measures the pulse of the state’s commercial real estate industry, including sale and lease activity, construction starts and other data, aggregated into one figure as an indicator of this important sector of Maine’s economy.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Event Schedule
Registration | Breakfast | Exhibits 7:00 – 8:00 AM
Program 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Networking Reception 12:00 – 1:00 PM
For more information and to
Register, visit www.mereda.org