Spring Program Update
Programs are in full swing at FocusMaine! We’re delighted to share some exciting new work and events taking place across our signature sectors with support from our terrific partners. Read the full newsletter here.
Helping New Mainers Access Good Food with Luc Samuel Kuanzambi
As part of our Sustenance series that explores trends in Maine’s food economy, we sat down with Luc Samuel Kuanzambi to talk about accessing good food in Maine from the perspective of a new Mainer. In his former role as Cultural Ambassador for Hannaford, Luc discussed the opportunities for grocers and food producers to better... Read More
Transition at FocusMaine
A Message from Kim Hamilton & FocusMaine Co-chairs Dear Friends, After nearly five years as FocusMaine’s inaugural president, I’ve decided the time is right for me to transition out of my role at the end of June. The transition comes at the right time for me personally as I prioritize time with my family and at... Read More
Press Release: FocusMaine Announces Leadership Transition
PORTLAND, Maine (March 31, 2022)—After nearly five years at the helm of FocusMaine, Dr. Kimberly Hamilton announced that she will be stepping down as the organization’s president. Hamilton was the inaugural president of FocusMaine. During her tenure, the organization has had a tangible impact on key sectors of Maine’s economy, including agriculture and food manufacturing,... Read More
Momentum: Together, we’re accelerating Maine’s growth.
We are pleased to share FocusMaine’s 2021 Annual Impact Report. The report, entitled Momentum, outlines the cumulative progress that FocusMaine with its partners has made over the past four years, including highlights from 2021. FocusMaine works with partners to accelerate the creation of quality jobs in Maine by investing in three high-growth fields —agriculture and value-added food... Read More
Exciting News for Maine’s Blue Economy
We are excited to share some good news: FocusMaine, Educate Maine, and a cadre of industry and academic partners are teaming up to launch the Aquaculture Pioneers program, a two-year pilot program designed to open doors to long-term careers in Maine’s growing aquaculture industry. Our vision in launching the Aquaculture Pioneers Program is to fuel the... Read More
FocusMaine and Educate Maine Launch Aquaculture Pioneers Program
FocusMaine and Educate Maine are piloting a new program aimed at providing a pathway to long-term careers in Maine’s aquaculture sector. The Aquaculture Pioneers Program, a two-year effort funded through a $382,504 grant from the Builders Initiative, will be launched this spring. The Aquaculture Pioneers Program addresses a documented and immediate need for talent in... Read More
New Year, Fresh Perspectives on 2022
The past two years are fading in the distance, and we are turning our sights toward what we hope will be a promising new year. To help us anticipate what lies ahead, we’ve sought out a diversity of thought, experience, and professional focus from many of our partners. We’ve asked these expert contributors to describe... Read More
Exploring Multicultural Food Markets With Tae Chong
Do you ever wonder what drives a passion for good Maine food? How to find your niche in Maine’s food economy? Or what’s top of mind for leaders in this vital part of Maine’s economy? We do! That’s why we are pleased to welcome you to Sustenance, a series of interviews with leaders in Maine’s... Read More
A Bright Spot For Maine’s Summer Interns
The 2021 Maine Career Catalyst program has been a bright spot for participants this year. Despite the challenges of the past 18 months, these young people–on the brink of their first careers–found a new passion for Maine and what it has to offer. The Maine Career Catalyst is a joint program of FocusMaine and Educate Maine. It offers access to robust... Read More