Do we need to “envision” Maine’s economy?

Later today, I will be attending a luncheon, put on by Al Caron, the president of Envision Maine, around a plan for Maine’s next economy. The idea being presented is the creation of a study booklet on the opportunities for Maine’s next economy.

Caron has been involved in economic development in Maine for decades. Most recently he led efforts to craft some of the most far-reaching studies on Maine’s economy and the opportunities to strengthen it. He also writes a weekly column for the PPH where he sometimes mixes his economic development viewpoint with his political views (having endorsed both Eliot Cutler and Sen. Angus King in his PPH column). I mention the public political activity only because I believe politics sometimes makes it hard to drive for the tougher choices around economic development, but we’ll see.

An additional challenge for Caron is the idea of another plan for Maine’s economy. Some argue another plan is not what we need to move forward, some believe that it is. I will report back on what happens at the event and on my perspective on Caron’s approach. It will be very interesting to see how he “envisions” this going.

Jess Knox

About Jess Knox

Born in Waterville, Jess Knox is a former high-ranking U.S. Small Business Administration official in Washington. Now living in Southern Maine, he is passionate about growing prosperity via entrepreneurship, innovation and startups in Maine. These days he helps companies pursue growth through his firm Olympico Strategies as a consultant and movement-maker. He also co-founded Maine Startup & Create Week