Baldacci creates new economic development council

Gov. John Baldacci has created a new council which will examine ways the government can aid economic development.

The Council on Competitiveness and the Economy is made up of a non-partisan group of businessmen, and will present advice on ways to use federal dollars in sectors such as energy, technology and bio-science. They will also “explore strategies to make Maine’s regulatory process more user friendly.”

“These are preeminent business leaders in our state, and they have generously agreed to serve on the Council,” Baldacci said. “This group will continue to support our work in implementing the recommendations of the Brookings report and other important initiatives.”

Karen Mills of the MMP Group will chair the council, which Baldacci created by executive order. Other key members include Dana Connors of the Maine Chamber of Commerce and Leon Gorman of L.L. Bean.