The 2010 Next List | Ten people shaping the future of Maine's economy

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There's no dearth of ideas about how to improve Maine's economy floating around the campaign headquarters of Maine's gubernatorial candidates. We invite you to take a breather from all the political chatter and, instead, immerse yourself in the stories of 10 exemplary Mainers who are shaping Maine's economic future by rolling up their sleeves and getting to it.

Every year, Mainebiz searches for 10 movers and shakers — people we know are influencing Maine's economy in a significant way — to appoint to our Next List. Some are entrepreneurs, some are the heads of family-owned businesses, some are steering nonprofits and some blend all of the above. But all demonstrate a deep commitment to Maine and the people who live and work here. We call them Nexters.

Let us introduce them to you.

French ascent | Jason Parent, president, Maine delegation to the organizing body of the 2014 World Acadian Congress, Madawaska; director of development and college relations, Northern Maine Community College, Presque Isle

Growing reputation | Maureen Heffernan, executive director, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay

Wellness wizard | Dr. Larry Catlett, founder and CEO, Occupational Medical Consulting, Leeds

Snappy management | Bob Neveu, co-founder and president, Certify, Portland

Capital conduit | Betsy Biemann, president, Maine Technology Institute, Gardiner

Social grace | Casey Bromberg, development director, Kennebec Valley Community Action Program, Waterville

Distributor chap | Ron Dennis, CEO, Dennis Paper and Food Service, Bangor

Class act | Yellow Light Breen, senior vice president, Bangor Savings Bank, Bangor; chair, Maine Coalition for Excellence in Education, Augusta

Wave wrangler | Chris Sauer, president and CEO, Ocean Renewable Power Co., Portland