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V O L . X X I V N O. X V I 56 FA C T BO O K / D O I N G B U S I N E S S I N M A I N E B U S I N E S S R E S O U R C E S T he Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership, known as Maine MEP or MEP, is able to leverage an array of public and private resources and services available to every manufacturing enterprise in Maine. The nationwide system of MEP centers is linked through the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology with the common goal to strengthen the global competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers. Here is an overview of resources suggested by MEP: Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments www.maine.gov/decd/about AVOG staff provides a broad array of planning services and support for municipal officials and businesses in the development of community and economic development projects. Staff is available to assist member com- munities with project development, planning and assistance with existing financial resources for infrastructure development. Staff provides assistance to communities and businesses on accessing state and federal programs for economic development. A Maine MEP senior project manager is also co-located at AVCOG. Central Maine Community College www.cmcc.edu CMCC's mission is to provide qual- ity, accessible college education and opportunities in career and technical education and for transfer to bac- calaureate programs. CMCC pro- vides an educational experience that allows graduates to be productive and successful individuals, be it in the workplace, in upper division programs of study, or in any other personal or professional endeavor they pursue. Central/Western Maine Workforce Development Board cwmwdb.org CWMWDB is the primary coordina- tor for providing comprehensive, pro- fessional and timely workforce devel- opment services for job seekers and employers in Androscoggin, Franklin, Kennebec, Oxford and Somerset coun- ties. Its initiatives have been designed to consider and address the demands and areas of focus for local employers, business, educators and trainers, as well as the skill and education gaps of the available local workforce. Coastal Counties Workforce Inc. www.coastalcounties.org/us CCWI is a nonprofit founded to administer and oversee the delivery of the workforce system's services for Local Area 4, which includes Maine's six coastal counties: York, Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Waldo and Knox. It also implements regional workforce development programs and services through grant funding and strives to provide access to jobs, skill develop- ment, and business services vital to the social and economic well-being of the communities. Environmental & Energy Technology Council of Maine (E2 Tech Council) www.e2tech.org/about e E2Tech Council seeks to build and expand the state's environmental, energy and clean technology sectors. e council acts as a catalyst to stimu- late growth in this sector by facilitating networking, serving as a clearinghouse for objective information, and leading efforts to promote the sector. Maine BioScience — Bioscience Association of Maine www.mainebioscience.org BAM is a membership organization devoted to building and accelerating biotech and medical device industry, research and education in Maine. It represents Maine's largest employ- ers, emerging startups, universities, research institutions, service compa- nies, students and individuals. Maine Composite Alliance www.mainecompositesalliance.org e Maine Composites Alliance is comprised of small and mid-sized businesses who work together to recognize and promote Maine's lead- ership in the international composite industry. e alliance enhances the competitiveness of Maine's existing composite industry and its members by providing opportunities for new commercial ventures and by providing education and training for members and their employees. Maine Department of Economic and Community Development www.maine.gov/decd/about DECD's mission is to help communi- ties and businesses prosper through a variety of programs providing everything from targeted tax relief to community block grants to tourism marketing. DECD and its partners show companies how to benefit from millions of dollars in tax credits, reimbursements, R&D credits, capital loans and event-direct investment. DECD helps Maine communities attract jobs and grow their infrastruc- ture with unique financing programs. Maine MEP is a program of DECD. Maine Department of Labor www.maine.gov/labor/about/index.html Maine DOL is committed to provid- ing quality service and ensuring that the workforce gain the right skills to meet the needs of current and future employers. Its goal is for Maine to compete in the global economy and ensure that employees have career paths that pay good wages. Maine International Trade Center www.mitc.com/about-mitc MITC is Maine's leading source for international business assistance. Its mission is to expand Maine's econ- omy through increased international trade in goods and services. MITC is a public-private partnership, funded through membership dues of nearly 300 businesses and organizations, cor- porate sponsor contributions, and the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development. Maine Marine Trades Association www.mainemarinetrades.com Maine Marine Trades Association's mission is to promote growth, pros- perity and cooperation within the marine industry in Maine; to encour- age and publicize educational oppor- tunities leading to and furthering careers in the marine trades; and to encourage and assist in the develop- ment of best practices in the marine industry with a focus on the environ- ment, and health and safety. Maine Ocean & Wind Industry Initiative www.mainewindindustry.com MOWII represents companies' exper- tise within the Maine ocean and wind energy supply chain, works proactively to promote the expertise of member companies, and provides solutions to local, national and international mar- ket participants. Maine State Chamber of Commerce www.mainechamber.org/ Maine State Chamber of Commerce works to ensure a business climate in which chamber members large and small can compete successfully in the local, regional, national and world marketplaces. e chamber advocates on behalf of their interests before the legislature and regulatory agencies, and through conferences, seminars and affiliated programs. Its advocacy efforts focus on seven central themes: tax reform, health care, workers' Manufacturing resources are abundant The Manufacturing Extension Partnership offers help