As the American colonies were evolving in the 1700s, the region that would become Maine was prosperous in the “3 Fs:” fishing, forestry and farming. The abundance of cod, spruce, fir and agricultural space pleased the king who was happy to extract these resources for use in England. As time progressed, these natural-based products gave the colonists ideas as to how to add value to their homegrown products.
Exports were only allowed through the crown, so the colonists began demanding more independence for commerce along with religious and other freedoms. Soon the Revolutionary War — the War for Independence — was under way. Its outcome changed the way this region used its fishing, farming and forest resources and products.
Maine, which had the closest ports to Europe and an abundance of natural resources, began to add value to its products. The expansion of trade and population up rivers such as the Penobscot, Kennebec, Androscoggin and Saco, brought economic opportunity and growth to towns and cities. The waterways provided energy and navigation for movement of the products.
In the early 1800s, the increased use of machines to help systematize production provided significant opportunities and produced skilled craftsmen and workers.
This made Maine and New England the engine of the American nation. Manufacturing created wealth, communities and quality jobs for decades. As World War I began, the territory of the 13 original colonies on the Eastern seaboard was the richest region in the world with the highest standard of living.
Eventually, and for a variety of reasons, New England witnessed the closing of their textile plants, leather industry, fish processing plants and lumber mills and many others. Maine, once a leader of the manufacturing sector in the United States, lost significant jobs and businesses.
The recently released 2010 U.S. Census data provides evidence of more loss of Maine business, industry and good-paying jobs. In 2000, Maine had more than 79,000 manufacturing jobs. By the end of the decade, only 52,340 jobs existed. The new average wage for manufacturing jobs was listed as $46,281. All 16 counties in Maine lost manufacturing businesses and jobs. The counties with the most loss based on percent of work force were Kennebec (48.3 percent) and Penobscot (47 percent).
Regrettably, these lost jobs were not filled with new, better-paying jobs. Instead, jobs in the education and health services sectors came in with an average annual wage of $39,000.
Today, there is a growing movement to develop the state’s economy through manufacturing businesses. These businesses make significant investment in communities, export products to other markets and hire a skilled work force. Maine, like our nation, needs to ensure its residents are prepared to embrace the next generation of manufacturing jobs. We need to invest in lower-cost, reliable energy sources, transportation links to intermodal facilities, and education and training for current and future work forces.
In 2012, the United States is seeking to become the global leader with new products, made with more creative applications and with higher demand in the global marketplace. These industries would bring more than just jobs. They also would bring long-lasting careers for the state’s skilled work force.
Strong leadership and a focus on a strategy that builds on regional assets will result in Maine again becoming a leader in the manufacturing sector. I was pleased to read President Obama’s statement during his visit to Maine: that he wants the next generation of manufacturing “to take place right here in Maine.”
What a great goal. However, it will require hard work, partnerships and a willingness to take risks and do business in a different way to move the state in that direction.
The census also tells us Maine is the most rural state in the nation. We must think strategically about what that “brand” means. How do we build on it? What are the barriers that must be overcome?
What is clear is that private sector investors and businesses will consider the rural nature of Maine. We must be prepared to answer any questions or doubts.
The federal agencies that have helped the Midwest rebuild part of its manufacturing base must seek to identify ways to help states with less population and fewer options. Further, state government must collaborate with its regions to develop productive partnerships and strategies that are inviting and sustainable to current and potential investors. As a state, and as a nation, we are at a crossroads. Now is when we choose what we want our future to be.
Michael W. Aube is president of Eastern Maine Development Corp. in Bangor. He is a past commissioner of Maine’s Department of Economic and Community Development and former state director of Maine USDA Rural Development.
You mean all those manufacturing facility’s that have been empty for a decade or more now that are being bulldozed down.We used to have textiles shoe plants and many other’s their all gone now.What a shame we shipped all our wealth and money making capability’s to china.Yes Obama’s speech was heart warming unfortunatly like all politician’s that’s all it will ever be Romney and Santorum will spit the same and we will get the same we have gotten the last decade.All those tax breaks to the job maker’s got us what?…sure wasn’t more good paying manufacturing jobs.Those patriot’s sent those to their brother’s in china
You are 100% right. The last decade has seen Maine flounder.
The big $$ folks from away continue to move to Maine. Away from crime, manufacturing, & pollution.
The Maine Legislature continues to legislate & tax against manufacturing business development. The majority of Legislators are Attorneys.
The best jobs in Maine are as an Attorney, environmentalist, social services manager or a Politician.
The daily 2012 Federal & State Election campaign speel reminds me of what my grandfather taught me when I was four about surviving the Depression – “Talks cheap but it takes money to buy rum. ” This from a man that never had a drink in his life.
And today, April 2012, the true Mainers are doing what we’ve done for decades – just trying to survive.
Interesting views by the author on manufacturing and why the future of the American economy depends on exports and manufacturing.Read an informative whitepaper on Manufacturing and exporting ‘Success within reach A guide to exporting ‘ , with related information you may find useful @ http://bit.ly/HdWo1R
Tell this guy to take a slow boat to China
Here’s a novel idea to get Maine’s manufacturing moving again: stop buying cheap Chinese crap at Wal-Mart and Target.
I would love to buy a American made pair of levis again chinese ones are junk once you wash them, same with their shoes not to mention the stuff they make shoes out of is toxic.
It is interesting to see the same story repeat itself. Countries that embrace manufacturing seem to be creating wealth and value while countries transcending into a service economy seem to be floundering with bankruptcy and declining value. This also applies at the state and local levels. The US seems content to follow the CE blueprint for self destruction while China, and a host of other countries are building up steam to become the new leaders.
Getting a Master’s Degree in Social Justice (or Creative Non-fiction) while unemployed is the key to economic prosperity!