We hear a lot of negative news about Maine’s economy, outmigration of youth, our aging population, etc. Maine’s ranking across a number of sectors suggests a different picture: Maine’s bankruptcy filings are one of the lowest in the nation, with 2,304 for personal and business filings. This is remarkable compared to Georgia, one of the highest at more than 50,000. One hypothesis could be that Mainers manage money better than others.

Although our papermaking industry has declined in recent years, Maine ranks 19th nationally, just below Michigan. Almost half of U.S. states comply only with the national minimum wage of $6.55. Maine’s minimum wage of $7 is well above that, with Washington at $7.63, the nation’s highest. Maine also ranked well when comparing the number of residents with amount of retirement income; we are 10th.

Maine’s ranking for safety is second nationally, behind New Hampshire, with Nevada the most dangerous.

We educate our students well. Maine is in the top 10 in ACT scores for 2007. NAEP reading scores give Maine students high grades: our fourth-graders came in at 11th; with eighth-graders in fifth place.

Mainers also value their natural resources, placing us 12th nationally.

Our livability rating placed us 20th, just ahead of Hawaii which markets itself as paradise.

I did find many instances where Maine ranks in the middle of the pack. On some levels we are nearer the top and there are instances when we rank on the bottom tier. It’s encouraging that statistics show nationally Maine has a lot going for it.

Candy Guerette

President

Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce