Business groups invite workers to 'imagine' relocating to Maine
File Photo / Tim Greenway
Live + Work in Maine Executive Director Nate Wildes says, "We were pleasantly surprised to see that the vast majority of respondents were not only happy and satisfied with their work in Maine through COVID, but saw themselves working in Maine long into the future."
Potential Maine workers from away and other newcomers to the state will soon get a taste of it in a series of weekend visits hosted by Mainers.
The first “Imagine ME & You” weekend, which has drawn registered participants from as far as Texas and Indiana, is scheduled for Feb. 28 to March 1 in Portland. The weekend includes a mix of social and networking events, and is organized by Live + Work in Maine and Maine Career Connect, both employer-led initiatives to develop the state’s workforce.
The groups held a similar event in 2019, which convinced them to launch the series. Several other Imagine weekends are already scheduled in Portland and Brunswick, and there are plans for ones in Bangor and Waterville, according to a news release Wednesday.
The orientation to Maine starts before the weekend, when each Imagine participant receives email introductions to employers and community members based on the individual's interests. Then there’s a Friday networking reception with employers, a welcome get-together with community members, a suggested itinerary of recreational and entertainment activities, and a high-profile anchor event.
In Portland this weekend, the anchor event is the Maine Brewers’ Guild Winter Session Brew Festival, scheduled for Saturday, 1-5 p.m., at Thompson’s Point. Other Imagine weekends are planned to coincide with the Great State of Maine Airshow, scheduled for August in Brunswick, and the Maine Marathon, which happens in October and will anchor another Portland event.
Participants are responsible for their own transportation, accommodations, meals and activities. Concierge guides will be available to participants throughout the weekend to answer questions, make introductions and help participants get the most out of their weekend.
“Our vision for these weekends is to build cohorts of individuals and families who are seriously contemplating a move to Maine,” Nate Wildes, executive director of Live + Work in Maine, said in the release. “Participants will have opportunities to experience our unmatched quality of life, receive valuable introductions to employers and other resources, and see for themselves why there’s never been a better time to make Maine home.”
Ula Polsky, Portland regional director at Maine Career Connect, commented: “Maine is an incredibly welcoming place to newcomers and Imagine ME & You weekends provide the perfect occasion to showcase our hospitality.”
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