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V O L . X X V I I N O. V § 2 M A R C H 8 , 2 0 2 1 18 D I V E R S I T Y / E Q U I T Y / I N C L U S I O N F O C U S In addition to the transporta- tion problem, language barriers and weak wages compared with neigh- boring states all make it harder for businesses in Maine to attract diversity, Eastman says. As a result, Maine businesses need to expand their definition of diversity and become more creative in hiring to create a mix of employees, experts say. Veterans, disabled adults or women in traditionally male jobs are all ways to bring new ideas and new energy into a workforce. Dan Miller, a lobsterman in Tenants Harbor, has hired many women as sternmen over the years. While female sternmen aren't the norm, Miller says they often bring qualities that men may lack. "Most women aren't as strong as men but they have better manual dexterity and are really, really fast at picking lobster out of the traps. ey may not be as good at throw- ing traps around the boat, but they have speed," Miller says. e female sternmen tend to seek him out, with word of mouth spread- ing that he will hire women. Hiring a woman for a traditionally male job doesn't bother him, he says. "Lobstermen are having a hard time finding sternmen now so anyone who is willing to come to work on time and do the job — they're fine by me," Miller says. Small businesses need to think of everything they do as recruiting and looking for talent, whether it's other business partnerships, where you shop, the Rotary Club or even being a coach on a community baseball team — all of these are opportunities to meet new people, make connec- tions and find new employees, says » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F J O B S I N T H E U S When you're a small business, you're running a business, you're chief cook and bottle washer and you don't have time. How do you diversify your workforce when you look at the demographics of the state? Given the size of the labor pool, you're competing with large companies. Small companies will never be as diverse as a WEX-type company. — Saïd Eastman JobsInTheUS/JobsInME Saïd Eastman, CEO of JobsInTheUS/JobsInME. 2000221MEEENABS 02/21 Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Health Plans of Maine, Inc. Independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. Meeting the moment, connecting with community As part of your community for more than 80 years, Anthem is committed to sustaining an inclusive culture. We see diversity and inclusion as essential to solving business challenges, increasing innovation, and delivering top-notch health solutions to our customers. Anthem and Maine, stronger together.