Resolve, To Focus State Agency Efforts in Economic Development on Entrepreneurial Sustainability and Growth

Sec. 1. Department of Economic and Community Development directed to convene working groups to develop plan for economic growth in rural counties. Resolved: That the Department of Economic and Community Development shall direct staff to convene working groups in 3 rural counties in the State to develop a plan for economic development and growth that addresses the specific economic environment of each county. The working groups must consist of regional and local economic development leaders, members representing the local chambers of commerce, members from the Maine Jobs Council's workforce investment boards, county government leaders and members of the educational institutions in those counties. The working groups must convene at least 4 meetings to review the economic development needs of these counties and provide benchmarks for their strengths and weaknesses. The department shall assist and guide the working groups with their economic development initiatives; and be it further

Sec. 2. Reporting date established. Resolved: That the Department of Economic and Community Development shall report on the progress of each working group established under section 1 to the Joint Standing Committee on Business, Research and Economic Development by February 1, 2008.