Maine Technical College System
News Release
Maine State Chamber of Commerce assembles taskforces to address worker shortages in hospitality and metals industries
State Chamber and Maine Technical College System hope to forge stronger alliances between Maine industries and higher education
Tuesday, December 17, 2002
CONTACT: Melanie Baillargeon
Tel: (207) 623-4568, ext. 20
Email: melanieb@mainechamber.org
AUGUSTA, MAINE — The Maine State Chamber of Commerce has appointed taskforces comprised of industry representatives and higher education officials to explore ways to address shortages of college-educated workers in two key Maine industries: hospitality and precision metals manufacturing.
The Maine State Chamber is forming the groups in response to a series of industry workforce studies that revealed worker shortages in a range of hospitality and metals occupations. The Workforce Needs and Higher Education Surveys were conducted this summer and fall by the Maine Technical College System's Center for Career Development, in partnership with the Maine State Chamber, the Maine Innkeepers Association, the Maine Restaurant Association, and the Maine Metal Products Association.
"Maine industries are increasingly dependent on college-educated workers to be competitive and successful," Maine State Chamber President Dana Connors said. "Our goal with these taskforces is to build stronger alliances between key Maine industries and our colleges and universities — and to work collaboratively to build a high-skilled workforce for the future."
Kathryn Weare, owner of The Cliff House Resort & Spa in Ogunquit, will chair the Hospitality Taskforce. To date, other members include Thomas Wylie, vice president and academic dean of the York County Technical College; Mimi Gough, professor of Travel & Tourism at Andover College; Roseanne Schacht, director of the Lake Region Vocational Center; Laura Honey of Fisherman's Wharf Inn in Boothbay Harbor; Steve DiMillo of DiMillo's Floating Restaurant in Portland; Jack Crawford of the Maine Course Hospitality Group in Freeport; Greg Goforth of the Best Western Merry Manor Inn in South Portland; Maureen McQuade of the Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth; and, Jeanne Carpentier of the Hampton Inn in Freeport, South Portland, and Waterville.
Jeffrey Sutton, president and CEO of Maine Machine Products in South Paris, will chair the Metals Taskforce. Other members include Bruce Tisdale of Mountain Machine Works; Steven Boulet of WahlcoMetroflex; Allen Estes of Rich Tool & Die; Leo Dionne of Pratt & Whitney; Dianne Dostie, dean of business and industry training program at Central Maine Technical College; Dr. John Wright, dean of the University of Southern Maine's School of Applied Science, Engineering, and Technology; and Mark Powers, director of the Mid-Maine Technical Center.
The groups will have approximately six months to complete their review of the survey findings and other available data and to prepare an action plan with recommendations.
The industry workforce studies provide a qualitative look at industry demand for college-educated workers and corresponding supply of graduates from Maine colleges and universities. The surveys also asked employers what their most pressing issues are during the next two years, and for suggestions for improving workforce preparation.
Both surveys indicate significant opportunities for college graduates interested in pursuing careers in the hospitality and metals industries, and the increasing importance of a college credential — from a one-year certificate to a four-year baccalaureate degree. The surveys also revealed that while Maine higher education institutions offer a range of programs that prepare students for careers in these industries, some programs are under-enrolled, pointing to a need to attract more people into the fields.
For information on the Industry Workforce project or taskforces, please contact Dana Connors at (207) 623-4568. For information on the workforce surveys, please contact Bill Cassidy at the Maine Technical College System's Center for Career Development by calling (207) 767-5210, ext. 4115. Please visit www.mtcs.net/whatsnew.html to obtain copies of the survey reports, or call (207) 767-5210.
About the Maine State Chamber of Commerce. The Maine State Chamber of Commerce represents nearly 1,000 businesses statewide and advocates on behalf of their interests before the Legislature and regulatory agencies and through conferences, seminars, and affiliated programs. The Alliance of Maine Chambers, a partnership of 48 local chambers of commerce throughout Maine, represents approximately 17,400 businesses.
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