Summit focuses on building 'foundation' of Maine's workforce

State leaders from the fields of medicine, education and business will address the importance of early childhood experiences during the Maine Community Foundation’s annual “Invest in Maine” summit today in Bangor.

“Maine’s youngest: Building the foundation for our future” will focus on why a strong start for all children is the key to building Maine’s workforce, communities and economy — as well as on what can be done to ensure children in Maine communities realize their full potential.

Presenters will include:

Dr. Eric Brown, Center for Family Medicine at Eastern Maine Medical Center
Susan Corbett, CEO of Axiom Technologies
Eric Haley, superintendent of Kennebec Valley Consolidated Schools
Chris Emmons, president and CEO, Gorham Savings Bank
Larry Shaw, president and CEO, MMG Insurance
Laurie Lachance, president of Thomas College.

Maine Community Foundation President and CEO Steve Rowe and Board Chairman Peter Lamb will outline the foundation’s vision for a prosperous Maine through its focus on early childhood education. The foundation’s five strategic goal areas are early childhood education, adult degree completion, equal access to opportunities, support for older people, and entrepreneurial innovation.

The event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Cross Insurance Center, 515 Main St., Bangor.

The Maine Community Foundation, founded in 1983, is the state’s second largest foundation with assets of $480 million. With offices in Ellsworth and Portland, the foundation works with donors and other partners to improve the quality of life for all Maine people.