Maine promotes itself in Fortune

AUGUSTA – In an effort to lure businesses to Maine, the state has taken out an 11-page advertising supplement in the latest edition of Fortune magazine to promote changes recently made in business regulations and programs.

The issue, dated Oct. 4, currently is on newsstands.

The state Department of Economic and Community Development as well as private businesses paid for the supplement, but the cost could not be obtained Friday.

“Maine’s feature in Fortune tracks efforts to enhance economic opportunities and increase competitiveness, creating good-paying jobs with benefits,” said Gov. John Baldacci in a statement.

Working with state officials and private companies, the Fortune advertising staff helped develop features on new state initiatives targeted at attracting businesses, such as the Pine Tree Zone business enterprise program, DirigoChoice Health Care program, the laptop education initiative and the creative economy study.

The section also describes how Maine’s tourism industry and natural beauty complement the manufacturing and services sectors in the state, according to Elaine Scott, marketing manager for DECD’s Office of Business Development.

“As we compete in a global economy, it has become critical that we promote the state and its businesses on a national and international level,” said Scott in a statement. “[Fortune] did a great job at capturing the details of what makes Maine an interesting and compelling place.”

She said an article included in the advertising section lists that Maine has become the nation’s 11th fastest-growing state in terms of exports.

The top 10 exports are computer and electronic products; paper; forest products; fish and other marine products; transportation equipment; machinery; food and kindred products; wood products; leather and allied products; and chemicals.

The businesses featured in the advertisement include L.L. Bean, Hinckley Yachts, Hodgdon Yachts and Wilbur Yachts, Banknorth Group, Maine Employer’s Mutual Insurance Co., MBNA, Poland Spring bottlers, and Wright Express.

Mike Federle, a Maine native who is publisher of Fortune, said the magazine has experienced success with the economic development advertising sections.

“Over the years, we have worked with the governments of many different states who understand the tremendous opportunity the Fortune audience provides, and they have benefited from a great response to their powerful messages,” Federle said.