Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/748947
W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 21 N OV E M B E R 1 4 , 2 0 1 6 L AW F O C U S 'I can't fi nd the people I need' One of the business plan's more telling fi ndings, Cutler says, is the link between a decade-long decline in enrollment among all UMaine system graduate programs and the impact that trend might be having on workforce challenges encountered by Maine employers and communities struggling to fi nd high-skill professional workers. In 2013, for example, there were more than 378 jobs openings in Maine requiring an MBA degree, but the UMaine System's two MBA program each had pro- duced only 33 graduates the previous year. Even with Husson University, omas College and St. Joseph's College's 2012 MBA graduates added in, there were 134 fewer Maine MBA graduates than were needed to fi ll the posted jobs, the business plan states. Cutler says David Tassoni, senior vice president of operations for Athenahealth, wasn't the only business leader expressing the frustration "I can't fi nd the people I need," in describing his struggles to fi nd "high-level thinking, high-level MBAs" for job openings at the rapidly growing health care technology company's Belfast facility. He says Tassoni's comment is echoed by a similar concerns in the legal arena that were voiced by Chief Justice Leigh Saufl ey of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court and Nan Heald, executive director of Pine Tree Legal Assistance, who have each expressed a concern about the lack of lawyers in rural Maine. "Maine is in a major crisis in providing good legal representation to everyone in all walks of life. Cumberland County is OK, but not everywhere else," Saufl ey told the Maine Center team. Cutler adds that rural Maine businesses are among those that would benefi t from strengthen- ing Maine Law's existing programs to serve the law needs of rural Maine. Maine Center's business plan concludes: "Maine's shrinking economy, under-educated workforce and lousy demographics (i.e. aging and declining popula- tion and loss of young people who seek their fortunes out of state) make the reform of graduate profes- sional education an urgent priority for the state." Voice. Data. Video. Today—more than ever—successful businesses are relying on their voice and data networks to increase productivity, enhance customer service and streamline business operations. Connectivity Point is a Maine-owned company, specializing in the design and installation of infrastructure for voice, data, video and security applications. We're like I.T. guys. With tools. We offer free estimates and pride ourselves on developing creative solutions for unique situations. phone systems cellular amplification video conferencing audio/visual equipment sound masking server rooms security solutions network cabling wireless networks connectivity point design & installation / ME-NH-MA / 866-782-0200 / connectivitypoint.com network cabling / audio visual / security / wireless / telephone Get to know us at connectivitypoint.com C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » 0% 1% 2% 3% 4% 5% 6% ME NH RI NJ VT NY CT MA N.E. Avg. 4.4% U.S. Avg. 3.2% Advanced degree attainment Percentage of population aged 25 and older with a professional degree — e.g. MBA, J.D. or MD S O U R C E : statisticalatlas.com