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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 23 S E P T E M B E R 3 0 , 2 0 1 9 textiles, and later moved into inter- national business development and trade policy. MB: What do you consider your greatest accomplishments at MENADO? DE: In 2016, Maine hosted Arctic Council Meetings throughout the state, including a senior Arctic offi- cials meeting in Portland. MENADO advocated to have Arctic Council meetings in Maine, and assembled and managed a host committee of over 100 Mainers that ranged from business people to academics to students and retired citizens — all volunteers and sponsors who sup- ported the visit of approximately 400 Arctic officials from the eight Arctic nations and 33 observer nations over a two month period. MENADO coordinated 22 Arctic Council- related meetings across the state, from Portland to Bar Harbor. It was awe- some. Very recently, I was invited to lead the Blue Economy Initiative for the Arctic Economic Council, based in Tromso, Norway, and I'm now establishing a working group. is ini- tiative aims to facilitate a pan-Arctic alliance of ocean clusters to leverage the knowledge, expertise and funding instruments throughout the region to fast-track product development and economic growth in the sector. MB: Are there any examples of missed opportunities for Maine companies? DE: I would call it a delayed opportu- nity. MENADO has been engaging with Greenland for six years trying to figure out how we can do business. Because of a partnership between Eimskip and Greenland's Royal Arctic Line, there will be weekly ocean cargo service between Maine and Greenland beginning in 2020. I've been working to position Maine as a supply-chain partner for Greenland's many infrastructure projects that are coming on line. We have quality prod- ucts, priced competitively, and will soon have logistics in place that will make us even more competitive. MB: What are your long-term professional ambitions? DE: Climate change is really the only thing that matters now, and I want my future professional contribu- tions to support resilience efforts and solutions. With my background in business, economic development and trade policy, I think I'd have some- thing to offer. We are pleased to congratulate firm client GO Lab for their inclusion on the 2019 Mainebiz "Next List." GO Lab is helping to revitalize Maine's forestry industry by repurposing a former paper mill to develop and manufacture environmentally responsible wood fiber insulation. We are proud of the work GO Lab is doing to help improve and strengthen Maine's economy, and for investing in the region by providing Mainers with high-quality jobs. Way to go, GO Lab! Congratulations GO Lab! MERRILL'S WHARF • 254 COMMERCIAL STREET • PORTLAND, ME 04101 • PIERCEATWOOD.COM STRAIGHT TALK BANKING SHOOT STRAIGHT. NO NONSENSE. This is how I bank. This is where I bank. 800.303.9511 Skowhegan.com Shari Hamilton – Hello Good Pie BANK SKOWHEGAN

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