Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1346891
W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 3 M A R C H 8 , 2 0 2 1 T his past year has brought us many lessons. COVID-19 has been only part of the challenge for business people, personally and professionally. Since last May, we've all become more aware of social injustices, from major events with the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police to less overt but just as troubling issues, like the lack of diversity in much of the business world. ankfully, companies both large and small in Maine are doing what they can to address these issues. e term DEI — or Diversity, Equity and Inclusion — unknown by many until relatively recently, is now taking root in some of Maine's best-known corporations, super- markets, law firms, small businesses and so on. ey're hiring directors of DEI and creating committees and advisory groups. But in this DEI issue of Mainebiz, we set out to take the temperature on where these efforts stand. After chambers of commerce and CEOs last year signed a pledge offer- ing to back meaningful change, the question became, "What next?" We take a deeper look at the issue in "A call to action," which starts on Page 12. For many small businesses, where recruiting and hiring may not be every day considerations, we look at how DEI is revealed in everyday choices and actions. See "Grassroots efforts" on Page 16. DEI is not simply about who you hire. Often, greater cultural changes are needed to evolve from longtime issues and biases. See "Changing the culture one step at a time," on Page 22. Elsewhere in the issue, we have a Q&A with the new director of the Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center, on Page 29. We also have a range of "How to" columns (starting on Page 15) as well as a directory of books for further read- ing (see Page 30). Peter Van Allen pvanallen@mainebiz.biz F RO M T H E E D I TO R Committed to providing an environment that inspires collaboration, connection and belonging. MEMBER FDIC MEMBER FDIC EQUAL HOUSING LENDER EQUAL HOUSING LENDER Quality Service From Quality People 1-800-447-4559 | bathsavings.com How Maine companies are investing in DEI Many companies embrace diversity challenge, but seek guidance on how to handle it. P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY Rallies like this one in Portland sparked wider discussion.