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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 9 O C T O B E R 2 0 , 2 0 2 5 The best choice for your business banking just got easier. Daryl Wentworth SVP, Director Middle Market Banking dwentworth@barharbor.bank 207-771-1216 Larry Wold SVP C&I Relationship Manager lwold@barharbor.bank 207-771-1222 We can make it happen. Together. Joe Delano SVP CRE/ Hospitality Team Leader jdelano@barharbor.bank 207-771-1217 Our Portland-based commercial team can help your business grow. • Loans up to $50 million with flexible terms • Competitive rates tailored to your business needs • Small business and corporate cash management • High-volume transaction tools with leading technology • Personalized service of local banking experts Christopher Rugullies SVP Commercial Relationship Manager crugullies@barharbor.bank 207-601-5718 Suzanne Moffatt, AFIM, CRSP SVP Senior Wealth Manager smoffatt@barharbor.bank 207-947-4880 Alicia Napolitano, AAP, NCP, CTP VP Senior Treasury Sales Officer anapolitano@barharbor.bank 207-756-2352 All loans subject to credit approval. Additional terms, fees, and conditions may apply for some products. Bar Harbor Wealth Management is a subsidiary of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. Investment products are not deposits or obligations of the Bank, are not FDIC insured, are not guaranteed by the Bank and are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of value or principal amount invested. Member FDIC www.barharbor.bank • 888-853-7100 Over 60 locations across northern New England Proud to be named one of Forbes' World's Best Banks again B I Z M O N E Y Maine faces shortfall of 3,000 skilled manufacturing workers B y R e n e e C o r d e s M aine manufacturers need up to 3,000 more skilled workers, according to a study released by the Manufacturers Association of Maine in partnership with the Maine Department of Labor and the Maine Forest Bioproducts Tech Hub. The report, conducted by Camoin Associates, docu- ments a workforce shortage primarily in engineering, production and production-management roles along with a strategic roadmap for strengthening the sector. "This roadmap gives Maine manufacturers what they've been asking for — a clear, data-driven plan to help us fill critical jobs and strengthen our competi- tiveness," said John Lewis, executive director of the Manufacturers Association of Maine. "Employers across the state are ready to grow, but they need a stronger pipeline of skilled talent," he added. "By aligning education, training and industry, we can make manufacturing a career of choice for more Mainers and ensure this sector continues to be a backbone of our economy." Overseen by an advisor y board of education, labor, industry and community partners, Camoin translated labor market data and survey results from Maine businesses into a strategic roadmap that will guide future efforts to strengthen Maine's manufacturing sector and keep it competitive. Game plan The roadmap outlines career pathways for six of the sector's most in-demand occupa- tions, along with an interactive inventory of local training programs that jobseekers and career advisors can use to facilitate entry into those occupations. "Advanced manufacturing plays an important role in Maine's economy, driving innovation, supporting exports and creating high-quality jobs across sectors such as life sciences, defense and textiles," said Laura Fortman, commissioner of Maine's Department of Labor. Yet employers, especially small manufacturers, continue to face persistent challenges in recruiting, training and retaining skilled workers. "Meeting this challenge requires coordinated, sys- tem-wide collaboration — and this roadmap offers a strong foundation to move public, private and industry partners forward together," Fortman said. Some initiatives flagged in the report are already underway, including industrial technology courses at Maine community college and investments by the Maine Departments of Labor to expand registered apprenticeship and certified pre-apprenticeship pro- grams in manufacturing and other key sectors. The report's release coincides with Manufacturing Month. F I L E P H O T O Advanced manufacturing plays an important role in Maine's economy ... — Laura Fortman Maine Department of Labor