FocusMaine

Have you heard? Atlantic Sea Farms is making waves in the seaweed industry, with impressive growth and impactful support for fishing families. 🐟 💙 They were featured by both Mainebiz and Global Seafood Alliance's Responsible Seafood Advocate at the beginning of this month. 🌊 Scaling Maine Seaweed: "In 2019, Atlantic Sea Farms had 13 partner farmers and a year later, its products were in less than 500 retail locations across the country. Today, the company has 40 partner farmers 18 communities, and more than 4,000 retail stores across the country carry its refrigerated and frozen products." Read more: https://lnkd.in/dkbtp9ju 🎣 Supporting Fishing Families: "The 2024 kelp harvest season paid over $1 million to fishing families experiencing volatility in the fisheries they have relied on for generations. Atlantic Sea Farms’ partner farmers now grow the largest supply of farmed seaweed in the United States." Read more: https://lnkd.in/eQcP9NBH #maine #seaweed #kelp #aquaculture

We are proud to announce the addition of Kristen Miale and Amanda Rector to the FocusMaine Leadership Team! Their extensive knowledge and economic acumen will play a crucial role in driving our mission to enhance prosperity and opportunity for all Mainers by strengthening the state's economy. Kristen and Amanda's insights will undoubtedly propel us forward in advancing Maine's economic future. Read their full bios at https://lnkd.in/gmbmX5Bf #maine #leadership #economy

Thank you HAROLD ALFOND FOUNDATION for your continued commitment to Maine's Workforce! We are happy to celebrate the Maine Community College System and the expansion of opportunities for Maine people to enhance their skill sets and strengthen our communities. #maine #workforcedevelopment #communitydevelopment

☀ Looking for an exciting weekend activity? Check out the Maine Oyster Festival in Freeport this Saturday & Sunday, June 29-30! 🦪 Experience some of Maine's thriving seafood industry with: - Fresh oyster shucking - Guided farm tours - Insights about the organizations driving Maine’s seafood industry - Delicious summer flavors Don’t miss out on this opportunity to celebrate and enjoy the taste of Maine! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dUtkJtud #Maine #Seafood #Aquaculture #Oysters #MaineSummer

📣 Calling All Blue Economy Entrepreneurs! 📣 Are you part of a community traditionally underrepresented in the Blue Economy? 🌊 We invite you to join the New England Ocean Cluster's Spring 2024 Inclusion Cohort! Seize this opportunity to connect, innovate, and lead in the Blue Economy. Learn more and apply today: https://lnkd.in/dSCpm52 #BlueEconomy #Inclusion #Entrepreneurship #maine #focusmainepartners

Some of the FocusMaine team attended the UMaine System AI conference last week! 🤖💡 At the event, Leo shared his thoughts with Sara Coughlin from the Portland Press Herald: "Leo Waterston, an attendee and program director at FocusMaine, said the conference helped him understand how his organization and the state of Maine can develop the workforce as AI becomes more prevalent in business. 'One of the reasons I’m here is to see the state of AI in Maine and where the field is headed here and also what assets are in our state as it relates to AI and data science,” Waterston said. “I’m really encouraged to see a growing cluster there, and I think it’s a great thing for the state and potentially for the state’s economy.'" #maine #ai #artificialintelligence #innovation #workforcedevelopment https://lnkd.in/ggu3Ryt9

Last week, FocusMaine President, Andrea Cianchette Maker, was thrilled to attend the premier of the PBS docu-series "Hope in the Water" at the Portland Museum of Art. The series explores the multiple benefits of harvesting more food from our oceans to feed more people, while also saving our oceans, which have a tremendous impact on the world's climate. The series starts today, Wednesday, June 19 at 9 pm! 📽 🌊

🌟 Innovation in Maine! 🌟 Thank you to the University of Maine Office of Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Resources, and Engagement for hosting an amazing and informative Innovation Exchange last week! 🚀 The morning Innovation Tour included a visit to the UMaine Food Pilot Plant, where they are testing and *tasting* some delicious innovations for some of Maine's iconic food companies. 🍕🧇 🍽 A huge shout out to all the organizers, speakers, panelists, and attendees for welcoming us to Orono and championing innovation in Maine food and beyond!🫐 🌾 🌊 ✨ #Maine #Innovation #MaineFood

Our President, Co-chair & Co-founder, Andrea Cianchette Maker, has been honored with the prestigious Deborah Morton Award from the University of New England!🏅 This award recognizes women who have achieved high distinction in their careers and public service, or whose leadership in civic, cultural, or social causes has been exceptional. Andrea’s dedication to families and community has always been at the core of her work. Her leadership at FocusMaine has not only propelled our organization forward but has also inspired many within our community. We are immensely proud of her achievements and grateful for her unwavering commitment to supporting Maine's economy and prosperity for all Maine people. This well-deserved recognition is a testament to her hard work, passion, and the positive impact she continues to make. #leadership #womenleaders #makingadifference #maine

Thank you MCE for supporting another successful cohort of our future business leaders! Connecting leaders and sharing perspectives will keep Maine's business ecosystem agile and resilient in the years to come. #visionaryleadership #focusmainepartners #leadership #maine