Leadership – Leadership is a core competency of any successful organization. My definition of leadership is “influencing for a positive outcome.” We can talk until the cows come home; what happens is what matters. We have been struggling with what I call “look the other way leadership.” That means we are not responsive to our challenges. Somehow, we’ve adopted the notion that if we ignore problems, they will go away. Clearly, that is not the case. Early responders are the most effective leaders. Early intervention takes far less emotional and intrinsic energy than waiting until you have a crisis on your hands. (Read more - Leadership)

Economy/Jobs – Maine’s economic development will be a top priority. Maine spends 200 million dollars each year on economic development yet we’ve only created 56 net new jobs over the last decade. If you were to move your family to another state, you would spend a great deal of time and effort checking on employment opportunities, schools, taxes, and quality of life. Imagine what a multi-million dollar business would spend in time and resources performing due diligence before committing to a new location? (Read more - Economic Growth)

Education – Here are some statistics that will shock you. Approximately 15-20% of our young adults drop out of high school. Of the 80-85% who graduate, approximately 40% choose not to go to college. Of the 40-45% of high school graduates who go to college, half don’t attain a degree.  Out of the 20-25% who earn their degree, half leave the state! So, let’s stare at this. That means one in ten young adults go to college, earn their degree on time and stay in Maine! How’s that for a “return on investment?” Wow! If that doesn’t shock you, I don’t know what will. (Read more - Education)

Health Care – Lowering the cost of health care in Maine in large part lies squarely on our state lawmakers’ shoulders. It will take sweeping legislative changes similar to the overhaul of the Worker’s Compensation back in the 80’s to bring health care costs and choices in line with other states. The tone in Augusta is “we’ve just nationalized health care at the federal level, we’re all set.” I’ve got news for you. The health care reform bill doesn’t get fully implemented until 2014. No one claimed the recession was over when we signed the $787 billion dollar “stimulus bill” over 15 months ago, and we can’t claim our health care problems are over now.  (Read more - Health Care)

Energy – Like most multi-faceted problems, there isn’t one “magic” solution. Let’s talk about conservation first, and then we’ll get into generation. “Waste not, want not.” Moody’s Collision Centers has been an ardent supporter of Efficiency Maine’s small business rebate program. We support Efficiency Maine’s effort to become an independent entity and applaud outreach programs that bring energy efficiency to the top of people’s minds. (Read  more - Energy)