While Maine is one of the smallest states in the nation, its global reputation is growing. International trade now supports more than one in five jobs, and the state’s exports continue to grow after reaching a record of more than $1.3 billion to 177 markets in 2021. In April 2023, Gov. Janet Mills announced legislation to modernize and strengthen the state’s business incentive programs. The Dirigo Business Incentive uses a two-prong approach that encourages businesses to train more people and attracts and expands businesses in high-value sectors. Under the improved legislation, companies that pay to train three or more workers in an approved program could receive a $2,000 tax credit per worker and up to a 15% credit for capital investments.
Major Business Headquarters Expansion Program: Offers a tax credit of 2% of the qualified investment for a period of up to 20 years for businesses that locate a major headquarters in the state and create high-quality jobs.
Technology Tax Credits: Offers tax credits and exemp tions for everything from electricity cost to equipment purchases and other R&D expenses for companies involved in manufacturing and certain research-driven activities.
Small Enterprise Growth Fund: Offers initial matching investments from $150,000 to $300,000 to small businesses that demonstrate the potential for high growth and public benefit.
Maine Technology Institute (MTI): A non-profit that offers funding for private companies and research labs to promote R&D and assist innovative companies to in gettingproducts to market faster.
Department of Economic and Community Development
maine.gov/decd
City of Augusta Economic Development augustamaine.gov/departments/development_services/economic_and_community_development/
economic_development.php
Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce
bangorregion.com
In April 2023, the Dirigo Business Incentive Program replaced the 20-year-old Pine Tree Development Zone program to better reflect the current needs of Maine’s economy. The incentive program takes a two-prong approach that encourages businesses to train more people, and attracts promising high-value sectors.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
