Mainebiz

V O L . X X I I I N O. X V I 74 FA C T BO O K / D O I N G B U S I N E S S I N M A I N E H R directors are fi nding it diffi cult to build a workforce in a state where unemployment is at a historic low, the population is aging and salaries can't compete with many other states. So they're looking at new ways to recruit employees, from networking to perks to selling Maine's lifestyle as part of the employment package. At the Portland accounting fi rm Baker Newman Noyes, 37 accounting majors from Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire were invited in for a " ree Day Experience," an eff ort to establish a pipeline with undergraduates by introducing them to the range of positions and the fi rm's culture of community service. e "experience" also included social events. "It's a low-hanging fruit way to provide a win- win on face time," says Nate Wildes, who attended the ree Day Experience in his role as engagement director for Live+Work in Maine, a career network for people looking to relocate, maintain or start their careers in Maine. "Employers benefi t in a similar way that potential recruits do." Maine's unemployment rate hit 3% in March, the lowest rate in four decades. With the population stay- ing static at 1.3 million, the labor pool is getting older and more people are aging out of the workforce than joining it. at's making it harder for companies to fi nd qualifi ed workers. But companies are becoming more aggressive about reaching out to potential employees. Sell Maine's quality of life Face time is essential to recruitment, says Wildes, who fi nds that employers are willing to travel around the country to fi nd talent. He goes with them, to make sure they're promoting not just jobs but Maine's quality of life. "Employers like the health care industry are fi nding pockets of nursing talent elsewhere in the U.S.," Wildes says. For some types of careers, like health care, there's a linear path, from education to work, that can be established. "We partner with them on these trips, selling what's great about Maine's health care industry and also selling Maine," Wildes says. "We believe Maine has a com- pelling case to be made about quality of life. So we're Help is on the way Maine's workforce shortage spurs new recruitment efforts B y L a u r i e S c h r e i b e r P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY " " " " Colors Pantone 2747 Pantone 1807 IT Solutions Designed for Your Business Finding the right IT partner is one of the most important decisions your company can make. At WGTECH, making information technology work for your business is our core competency. We develop individualized solutions that help you grow your business, improve operations, and boost efficiency. We're Northern New England's resource for advanced technology – we'd like to partner with you. www.WGTECH.com 207.856.5300 Build a Better Technology Environment WO R K F O R C E Nate Wildes, engagement director for Live+Work in Maine, accompanies recruiters to help sell Maine's quality of life.

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