Testimony of Nancy Smith, Executive Director of GrowSmart Maine
in favor of LD 739,
“Resolve, To Establish a Task Force To Study Economic
Development in Rural Areas”
March 18, 2013
Senator Patrick, Representative Herbig and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development. My name is Nancy Smith and I am the Executive Director of GrowSmart Maine. As many of you know from our previous interactions with the committee, GrowSmart Maine is a statewide non-profit membership-based organization working to grow Maine's economy, protect its distinctive character, and enhance our state's quality places. I regret that previously scheduled commitments prevent me or other GrowSmart Maine representatives from presenting this testimony at today’s Public Hearing.
As a part of our commitment to strengthening Maine’s economy, GrowSmart Maine is particularly enthusiastic about well grounded, thoughtful and creative proposals which seek to grow the economy in a sustainable manner while at the same time preserving our state’s unique character and quality of place. We believe this bill has the potential to do just that.
As a concept bill, this legislation provides the opportunity to discuss an important issue and develop ideas to address potential solutions. As this committee looks at the challenges of economic development and opportunity in rural Maine, I encourage members to look to Charting Maine’s Future: Making Headway, an update to the 2006 Action Plan released by GrowSmart Maine just last year. In all components of the plan, rural issues are addressed with proposals for continued investments, outreach, and collaboration.
Thank you for the opportunity to present these remarks. Please feel free to contact me with any questions regarding GrowSmart Maine’s interest in supporting your work with LD 739.