Cliff Rosen, a world-class researcher in osteoporosis, has been an invaluable asset to this region during his quarter century here as a doctor, professor and director of the Maine Center for Osteoporosis Research and Education at St. Joseph Hospital. Last week on these pages, Dr. Rosen gave something more as he prepares for a new career in southern Maine: sound advice this part of Maine needs for continued growth.

Dr. Rosen argued for greater investment in three areas: research and development, transportation and recognition of the importance of natural resources. The ideas aren’t new, but taken together they represent an opportunity for attracting more people and businesses, re-enlivening a region whose slow growth is being outpaced by many parts of the country.

For instance, Dr. Rosen calls for greater attention to the Maine Institute for Human Genetics and Health. The center is a joint undertaking by Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems, The Jackson Laboratory, the University of Maine and Eastern Maine Medical Center, with a focus on genetics, environmental science and regenerative medicine to lead to improved care, especially in rural areas. As a means to improve health, the center’s possibilities are substantial; as a contributor to the local economy, the state should be celebrating the center whenever it gets the chance.

But as Dr. Rosen notes, the center is still in its early stages and needs plenty of resources and commitment if it is to achieve its goal.

A longer-term challenge is transportation. Flying is difficult anywhere this summer; from Bangor it is further hampered by too few flights and often uncompetitive prices. The mutual dependence between a thriving economy and a thriving airport is undeniable. But the current trend of airlines scaling back in Bangor or leaving altogether is more harmful than any tax hike or state regulation on the future of business here. Dr. Rosen suggests a City Council review of airport performance. That’s a good idea.

Third, Dr. Rosen argues that the proliferation of big-box stores come at a cost of reducing the attractiveness of the region, thereby making it a less desirable place for eco-tourism. “It is time to consider promoting Bangor, not for shopping at huge discount stores, but as a place for recreating during the four seasons,” he writes.

The stores aren’t going to go away – shopping will be big in Bangor for the next generation and likely longer. But if the city wants to attract people to move here and develop high-tech businesses, shopping can’t be the primary attraction.

Dr. Rosen’s outstanding career here should be celebrated by the city even as it focuses on creating a place where many more professionals with his level of accomplishments will be eager to work and live.