Live+Work in Maine plans 'Talent Attraction Network' to bolster recruitment

Photo / Ben Macri Photo, Courtesy of Live + Work in Maine Live + Work in Maine hosts regular networking and community events.

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By Renee Cordes

Attention Maine HR professionals: Live + Work in Maine is forming a peer network for job recruiters to make connections and share best practices on attracting and retaining talent.

“The goal is to support those on the ground who are recruiting individuals and families to Maine, as well as those working to retain talent,” said Katie Shorey, director of engagement for Live + Work in Maine, a business-led initiative to promote the state’s career opportunities.

On Tuesday, she said that more than 100 people had signed up to join the group, which will offer a “confidential space to learn and ask questions.”

The move comes as Maine employers across a range of industries continue to struggle with filing jobs. The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged up to 3.2% in December from 3% in November, according to the latest report from the Maine Department of Labor. January data is due out on March 11.

Shorey said the inspiration for the new Talent Attraction Network came out of a conference the Live + Work in Maine team attended specifically designed for professionals focused on talent attraction, economic development and ecosystem building.

“It was a great way to get a bird’s eye view of the national talent attraction landscape and what’s working in other places,” she explained. “We learned what other cities, states, Convention and Visitors Bureaus and economic development organizations have been trying — and that's where the idea took shape.”

In Maine, the Talent Attraction Network will provide networking opportunities, resources and guest speakers offering best practices and idea, according to Shorey.

"The goal is to support those on the ground who are recruiting individuals and families to Maine, as well as those working to retain talent," she said.

More information

For more information about the new group and upcoming events, or to suggest topics for discussion, complete this form or send an email to Katie Shorey at katie@liveandworkinmaine.com.