Twila Fisher to lead Economic Development for Ellsworth
As the Union River Center looks toward evolving into its second decade as an economic development hub for the region, Ms. Twila Fisher brings more than 20 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. She has a proven track record in designing and implementing innovative economic and community development strategies for Department of Community Development for the City of Reading; the Hobart’s Run Neighborhood District; and most recently as the Director of Community and Economic Development at The Hill School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.
“I’m thrilled to join the City of Ellsworth and contribute to its continued growth and vitality,” said Ms. Fisher. “I look forward to listening, learning, and working alongside residents, businesses, and community partners to build on the city’s momentum and create opportunities that serve everyone.”
Ms. Fisher s extensive experience in forging partnerships, aligning resources with needs, and designing creative solutions to social challenges will be a huge asset to both the City of Ellsworth and to URCI. Her passion for municipal and historic preservation planning, workforce development and training, sustainability and climate action planning, and federal and state grant implementation will be integral to the City’s readiness to respond to and manage both its current and inevitable future growth.
“The Right Choice for Ellsworth”
According to Ellsworth City Manager, Charlie Pearse, even though Twila was the top scorer in both the resume review and interview rounds, “It was her genuine passion for community-driven work that really struck me; out of a large and competitive applicant pool, it’s refreshing—and rare—to land your top choice. But more importantly, Twila is the right choice for Ellsworth. She’s someone who will hit the ground running, take the time to understand local needs, and move quickly to deliver results. We’re thrilled to have her on board.”
Twila was particularly excited to learn about URCI and the growth potential it carries for the City of Ellsworth. “More than just a hub for new ideas, I believe innovation centers are the heartbeat of a thriving community, where collaboration, creativity, and entrepreneurship ignite economic growth, attract talent, and inspire a shared vision for the future. I look forward to partnering with Tracy (the City’s programming consultant) and learning more about the initiatives already underway.”
As one of the most basic human needs, food, and a diverse range of associated local businesses, constitute an important component of Hancock County’s economy. With a population of less than 60,000, Hancock County feeds more than four million visitors annually in an increasingly long tourism season—and an increasingly long growing season. While most visitors seem to be drawn to our region for its natural beauty and the healthy exercise it offers, the attraction of local seafood, and lobster in particular, is clearly an aspect of that attraction. Globally, food and culinary tourism is estimated to be growing at a rate of 16% annually or $253 billion by 2029 thanks to things like food festivals and a demand for authentic, eco-friendly experiences such as farm-to-table tours, events and workshops grounded in sustainable, organic growing practices. For entrepreneurs in our region, this demand represents an important opportunity, but it also highlights a vulnerability that came to the fore during the COVID pandemic. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Mainers were very capable of growing their own food for year-round consumption—and exporting cash crops. As recently as my childhood growing up in Ellsworth, all of the access routes into the City were lined with farms and homesteads where people grew enough food for themselves and frequently augmented their income by selling excess produce to their neighbors or operated full scale farms which sold cash crops on a larger scale. During the pandemic, however, as supply chains collapsed, it became clear how far Mainers had moved away from homesteading and growing their own food and how dependent they had become on a global food system that transports what we eat on a daily basis across the country, oceans or continents
An Entrepreneurial Retirement Project
I was fortunate to be raised by parents who remained connected to an earlier food system and economy throughout their lives and even more fortunate to inherit our small family homestead. Located next door to farmland where my mother grew up and on Grant’s Corner, a part of the City which produced and delivered milk and other dairy products for local residents when she was a child, the property was not naturally blessed with prime soil, but it had been managed organically by my parents since they bought the property in the 1940s (at roughly the same time that ‘organic’ terminology was first introduced). Consequently, I also inherited the most important input for productive agriculture—fertile, healthy soil—and as a long term member of MOFGA (Maine Organic Farmers and Growers Association) I have made sure that I have continued and strengthened organic approaches to maintaining soil health. From a business/foot traffic perspective it also helped that the property I inherited was just a mile from downtown Ellsworth and located at the corner of Rt 1 and the Christian Ridge Road, a connector to Rt 1A. Although I have always been passionate about growing my own food (to the point of growing it in pots on a fire escape while in a city apartment), I was discouraged from following that passion as a career, but as I took more and more responsibility for my family home I decided that I wanted to continue and grow my parents’ roadside sales of produce and extend it to include seedlings, perennials and flowers. So Blackstone Gardens has evolved as an entrepreneurial retirement project grounded in an economy and way of living deeply embedded in the history of our region while also satisfying a renewed gravitational pull for locals and visitors alike towards healthier, more sustainable and locally grown food.
With just one acre of land, it has been important for me to adjust the scope and scale of the endeavor relative to what I can produce at any given time. My first goal is to grow a succession of fruit and vegetables that will provide fresh produce (from the garden and cold storage) for our family 12 months a year. For those who are skeptical that this is possible in Maine I can only say that people have been doing this for more than 200 years and probably a lot longer and that as long as one returns to eating a seasonal (but healthy) diet vs insisting on boxes of fresh strawberries in January, it is entirely possible—even more so now, given the effects of climate change. The produce begins with greens, rhubarb and asparagus in April/May and continues with both common summer crops (peas, beans, beets, heirloom tomatoes, cukes, peppers, summer squash, raspberries, etc) and less common ones (fava beans, fennel, eggplant, husk cherries, melons). The late season and cold storage crops include winter squash, kohlrabi, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Belgian endive, carrots, apples, potatoes, onions, shallots, garlic, etc.
The Growing/Business Plan
My second goal is to grow a steady but varied selection of fresh produce, herbs and flowers to sell from May through October with additional sales of seedlings in April/May and perennials April-October. Because I am located in a high traffic area I quickly moved away from attending fairs or farmers markets, which cost time, labor and money, in favor of serving regular or casual customers who simply stop at my roadside stand. Getting to know my neighbors while providing them with the makings for their supper—or value-added design work with flowers for weddings or other special occasions—has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this growing project.
I have limited my overhead and direct costs (mostly one staff person with occasional part time help or apprentices, plus seeds, amendments and other planting materials) and made a virtue of the small and self-contained scale of the operation.
My long-term garden manager, Jay Barnes, is responsible for our organic growing practices—either growing on seedlings in a passive solar green house (with backup heat if essential) or direct seeding. Growing our own plants from scratch is cost-effective, but it also enhances my level of trust and that of my customers in both the growing process and the product, and it makes it possible for me to offer heirloom and unusual varieties that are otherwise unavailable. With attention to crop rotation and organic soil management, we can plant intensively for maximum yield in comparatively small growing areas (including raised beds and a hoop house). With produce the major assets that I can offer are freshness, healthy growing conditions and the opportunity to walk into the garden and choose the fruit or vegetable you want to buy. The vegetable stand is only a few feet from the growing areas and children often accompany us into the garden to choose the particular veggie they want for dinner—and in the process learn that food really comes from plants vs grocery store displays. While we do pick produce, herbs and flowers that are available on the stand, we do not necessarily display all that we sell in the interest of maximizing freshness and minimizing waste by picking some things only on request.
“Slow Food”- An Old/New Way of Life
As advocates of the “slow food movement” we place an importance on preparing traditional foods and preserving what we grow for our own use through cold storage, freezing, canning, drying, pickling, fermentation—even tree tapping for maple syrup. Many of the jams, jellies, pickles, green tomato mincemeat, sauerkraut recipes, etc. that we make up annually are the same recipes that my mother or father would have made, but because I have neither a commercial kitchen nor the time to care for the gardens and prepare value added traditional foods commercially, I have not taken that value-added step. However, each year we have customers who ask for those items, and the whole area of value-added food and beverage processing using traditional recipes and local produce represents a huge entrepreneurial opportunity that could further ‘feed’ food and culinary tourism in our region—not to mention healthier eating and more sustainable access to local foods for residents.
For me, this retirement ‘growing project’ is first and foremost a return to a way of life that I value and only secondly a business. For anyone to sustain a career in farming in our region, especially on a larger scale than mine, their motivation almost certainly needs to reflect the order of my priorities, but for anyone with innovative ideas and an interest in being involved in the food system the Downeast region presents some real opportunities.
About Mary Blackstone
Mary Blackstone was born and raised in Ellsworth she considers herself fortunate to be living in her family home and working the land that her parents managed. She is a retired professor and academic administrator and apart from managing Blackstone Gardens, she has been actively involved as a long-time volunteer in several non-profit organizations, especially the Ellsworth Garden Club, the City of Ellsworth’s Arbor Commission and Green Ellsworth. As Community Liaison for the latter organization she was involved in the development of the Ellsworth Green Plan for long term sustainability and since its release in 2021 she has been involved in the implementation of many of its recommendations.
In particular, she has been working for the implementation of recommendations which would making farming a financially viable way of life in the Downeast region. Currently, there are too few farmers in Downeast Maine and too many of those people are aging out of the business and/or operating below the poverty line. The reasons for this are multiple, but mostly they have little to do with the viability of farming in the region and more to do with the failure to develop policies and supports—and a robust local food system such as exists in other states like Vermont. That is why Green Ellsworth, the City of Ellsworth, Healthy Acadia, the Sunrise County Economic Council and GrowSmart Maine are working to develop a local food system plan and a non-profit food hub to implement it. If you are interested in any aspect of a local, sustainable food system in our Downeast region then learn more about Green Plan recommendations in its Food and Farming chapter and get involved in implementation by visiting Healthy Acadia or contacting Mary by email.
Have you ever wondered how a scientific breakthrough turns into a real-world treatment? That question fascinated me as a kid and ultimately led me on a journey to understand how innovation happens in medicine. The process from idea to impact is long, complex, and often filled with challenges—but it’s also incredibly rewarding when a discovery can improve lives.
I’m Ben Pyles, founder of AFR Labs, based in the Union River Innovation Center in Ellsworth, Maine. Before launching AFR, I worked as a laboratory scientist at academic institutions, helping translate genetic and biochemical discoveries into treatments tested on animal models. While many promising breakthroughs begin in cell cultures, moving them into living organisms is an entirely different challenge. It requires persistence, adaptability, and the willingness to navigate setbacks.
The Reality of Research & Development
Bringing a new therapeutic to life requires resilience. Many exciting ideas don’t pan out as expected—some have unforeseen side effects, trigger immune responses, or simply fail in animal models. This process can be frustrating, as setbacks far outnumber successes. But much like entrepreneurship, scientific discovery rewards persistence. It’s a field where failure isn’t just possible—it’s expected.
That parallel between research and business is why I founded AFR Labs. Our mission is to bridge the gap between laboratory success and real-world treatments for companion animals. By focusing on veterinary medicine, we can develop meaningful solutions while navigating a more efficient regulatory pathway compared to human drug development. While treating human diseases is the ultimate goal for many researchers, the cost and time investment can be prohibitive. Pursuing veterinary applications first provides a more attainable way to make a difference, while still gathering crucial data that could one day apply to human medicine.
Lessons in Strategic Thinking
One of my biggest influences is James Wallis, founder of Hygieia Biological Laboratories. He started small, developing a niche vaccine to protect dogs from rattlesnake bites—a product that now saves countless pets each year. Over time, his company expanded, creating vaccines used in nearly every commercial chicken in the U.S. His journey reinforced a crucial lesson: start with achievable goals and build from there.
Jim once advised me, “Forget treating humans—you’ll end up with a pile of academic papers instead of real impact.” At first, I pushed back against that idea, spending years working on an injectable therapy for Angelman’s Syndrome. But I eventually saw his point. The academic world often values publications over practical applications, and moving a treatment from discovery to market is an immense challenge. Many promising innovations stall due to funding gaps, patent constraints, or regulatory hurdles. It’s a harsh reality—one that prevents many groundbreaking treatments from ever reaching those who need them most.
Academic institutions, for all their incredible research, are not designed to bring products to market efficiently. The patent process is often slow, and by the time an invention reaches a potential commercial partner, the clock has already been ticking for years. This limits the time a company has to bring a drug to market before facing competition from generic alternatives. It’s a system that inadvertently discourages investment in risky, high-cost innovations, even when those innovations could be life-changing.
Why Start with Veterinary Medicine?
Developing a human drug can take over a decade and cost billions of dollars. By contrast, veterinary medicine—especially for companion animals—offers a faster and more practical path. Success in animal health can also provide valuable data for future human applications, a strategy companies like Merck used when developing Ivermectin. Originally discovered in a soil-dwelling fungus in Japan, Ivermectin was first approved as a canine dewormer. From there, it expanded to livestock, and eventually, human medicine—where it now plays a crucial role in preventing River Blindness and treating other parasitic diseases.
At AFR Labs, our initial focus is canine osteosarcoma (bone cancer). Originally, we considered brain cancer, but after consulting veterinarians, we realized that tracking brain tumors would require MRI access—something most vet clinics lack. Bone cancer, on the other hand, can be monitored with X-rays, making it a more practical first target. Our goal is to improve survival rates by preventing metastases, which often spread to the lungs, liver, and kidneys.
Canine osteosarcoma is a particularly aggressive cancer, with limited treatment options. Many dogs diagnosed with the disease face amputation followed by chemotherapy, but even with treatment, survival rates are often low due to the rapid spread of the cancer. By developing a therapy that targets metastatic cells before they take hold, we hope to extend both the quantity and quality of life for affected dogs.
One of the advantages of focusing on veterinary applications is that the regulatory process is more streamlined than it is for human drugs. While approval for a human pharmaceutical can take over a decade, veterinary drugs often move through the process in a fraction of that time. This allows us to bring effective treatments to market sooner, while still conducting rigorous safety and efficacy studies.
Looking Ahead Beyond the Lab at URCI
If our treatment proves successful, we hope to expand to other species and eventually contribute to human medicine through collaboration. While my current focus is on veterinary applications, I work closely with individuals who share a vision of translating these treatments into human healthcare. The pathway from animal medicine to human applications is well established, and each successful veterinary treatment provides additional confidence in its potential for broader use.
In the long term, AFR Labs aims to tackle a range of diseases beyond osteosarcoma. Many conditions that affect animals also impact humans, and advancements in one field often lead to breakthroughs in the other. While our journey is just beginning, our mission remains clear: to take scientific discoveries out of the lab and turn them into real-world solutions that improve lives.
Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. It takes collaboration, persistence, and a willingness to push forward despite obstacles. AFR Labs is committed to bridging the gap between research and application, ensuring that promising treatments don’t just remain ideas—they become realities.
About Ben Pyles
Ben Pyles is the founder of AFR Labs, located in the Union River Innovation Center in Ellsworth, Maine. With a background as a laboratory scientist at academic institutions, Ben has been instrumental in translating genetic and biochemical discoveries into treatments tested on animal models. His work emphasizes bridging the gap between laboratory success and real-world treatments, particularly in veterinary medicine. Under his leadership, AFR Labs focuses on developing therapies for companion animals, aiming to improve survival rates and quality of life. Ben’s strategic approach draws inspiration from industry leaders like James Wallis of Hygieia Biological Laboratories, reinforcing the importance of starting with achievable goals and building from there. His commitment to innovation and practical applications drives AFR Labs’ mission to transform scientific discoveries into tangible solutions.
If you’d like to learn more, feel free to contact Ben.
When we think of arboriculture and landscaping, the image that often comes to mind is one of men operating chainsaws, climbing trees, or maneuvering heavy machinery: certainly not ‘Women in Green’. But that perception is changing, and I want to see it continue to evolve. Women are increasingly making their mark in this industry, proving that passion, skill, and resilience—not gender—determine success in the field.
My Journey into the Green Industry
My love for trees and plants started in childhood. My father, after retiring from the U.S. Department of Labor, pursued organic gardening—a passion that brought my family to Ellsworth, Maine, where he once showed his vegetables at the local fair. When he passed away during my freshman year of high school, I felt a deep connection to his love for nature, and when it came time to choose a career, I knew I wanted to work outdoors.
I decided to pursue a degree in Forestry at the University of Maine, graduating in 2009. While in school, I discovered my passion for Urban Forestry—a career that allowed me to not only work with trees but also engage with the public. After becoming a certified arborist, I worked for the City of Boston’s Parks & Recreation Department as a planting coordinator, overseeing the planting of over 5,000 trees. Later, I moved on to work for New York City Parks, where I procured over 30,000 street trees across the five boroughs.
When I moved back to Ellsworth in 2016, I found few opportunities in urban forestry, so I shifted into the landscaping industry. Now, I’m fortunate to have built a career that combines both passions—I run my own landscaping and gardening business while also volunteering my time to urban forestry projects in my community.
Breaking Barriers: Challenges Faced as a Woman in the Industry
How did I overcome it? I outworked and outsmarted them. I perfected my craft so that I had the knowledge and confidence to stand my ground. I learned to document my value in clear, measurable ways—like showing how many trees I planted, contracts I managed, and budgets I oversaw. And sometimes, I even used men’s egos against them—like the time a contractor refused to cut a tree after a hurricane, so I grabbed a chainsaw myself and suddenly, he found the motivation to do it.
Like many women in male-dominated fields, I have faced my fair share of challenges—being underestimated, talked over, and ignored in favor of male colleagues. I’ve had contractors refuse to take orders from me, truck drivers insist on speaking to “the man in charge,” and even discovered that a male coworker in a lower-ranking position was hired at a salary $15,000 higher than mine.
Why There Are So Few Women in Arboriculture and Landscaping
The biggest reason? Tradition. For decades, these industries have been seen as “men’s work”—jobs that involve heavy equipment, chainsaws, and manual labor. Many women don’t consider these careers simply because they’ve never seen other women in these roles.
Why Women Belong in This Industry
Women bring attention to detail, collaboration, and adaptability—all skills that make for better, more efficient teams. In my experience, women tend to be safer operators because we don’t let ego get in the way of proper procedures. We’re also more likely to admit mistakes and adjust strategies, leading to better long-term outcomes.
How We Can Get More Women into the Green Industry
I’m encouraged by large companies like Bartlett Tree Experts and The Davey Tree Expert Company, which are actively hiring women for tree crews. But small, family-owned businesses still have a long way to go. Here’s what needs to happen:
More visibility – Women need to see other women thriving in these roles.
Mentorship – Women in leadership should actively mentor and encourage younger women to enter the field.
Education & outreach – Schools, trade programs, and industry groups should highlight opportunities for women.
Fair pay – Women should demand salaries that match their skills and experience.
Advice for Women Interested in Arboriculture or Landscaping
Start by finding a woman-owned business or applying to companies that already have women in leadership roles. Consider getting certifications through groups like the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP). And most importantly—believe in yourself. It may not be easy, but it will be worth it.
The Future of Arboricultureand jobs for ‘Women in Green’
I’m hopeful that in the next 5–10 years, we’ll see even more women entering and leading in these industries. Large companies are getting the message, but smaller businesses need to follow suit.
Women are smart, hardworking, talented, and passionate—and I firmly believe that if we were running the world, we’d be in a better place. But for now, let’s start by running the arboriculture and landscaping industries.
About Tabatha White
Tabatha White has her office at the Union River Center for Innovation and is a dedicated arborist, urban forestry advocate, and community leader with deep roots in Ellsworth, Maine. A graduate of the University of Maine’s Forestry program and a certified arborist since 2009, she has built a career around sustainable tree management, plant procurement, and landscape design. Tabatha began her career as the Planting Coordinator for the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, where she oversaw the planting of over 5,000 trees across the city. She then transitioned to the New York City Parks Department, managing multi-million dollar contracts and procuring over 30,000 street trees for the five boroughs.
Returning to Ellsworth in 2016, Tabatha worked in the private landscaping sector before launching her own business in 2023, specializing in landscape design, plant sourcing, and installation. She is deeply involved in local conservation efforts, serving on the Ellsworth Arbor Commission, a Board Member for Heart of Ellsworth and Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust, and a key advocate for urban forestry initiatives. In 2024, she was elected to the Ellsworth City Council, where she works to integrate smart growth with environmental stewardship, ensuring that Ellsworth remains a thriving and sustainable community for future generations.
In recognition of Organize Your Home Office Day on March 11, Jen Sala shares her expertise and tips about how to do just that.
By: Jennifer Sala
If you want to attract success, you need to create an organized environment so that it feels like a place where a successful person works.
Flow – Visualize yourself walking into your office. What is between the threshold and your chair? Do you have to step over a dog bed, walk around a pile of document boxes, and remind yourself not to trip over the shredder cord? You’ve got a veritable obstacle course between you and your success.
Life doesn’t need to be hard, and success doesn’t either. Create an energy of flow and ease as you move through your space by taking time to consider places where you find hitches and snags as you work. Fix it.
With time, you’ll notice once how much easier life feels. Cleaning this space up will help you set the tone for success and lower your baseline stress level starting the moment you walk into your office.
Clutter – Similarly, piles of clutter and chaos will create more chaos. You’re allowing yourself to lose control and setting that precedence in your life. Your brain is constantly getting the message that you are out of control, overwhelmed, and backlogged and to expect more of that. In turn, you allow that to be your reality. The mind is a powerful thing. It receives information and creates reality around that input.
You also are likely losing things and wasting as much time to find stuff as it would take you to simply clean it up.
The bottom line is that you don’t need to fumble and struggle your way through the day or leave behind unfinished business every day.
The 80/20 Rule: Another Tip Toward a More Organized Office
A good rule of thumb is to make sure you don’t leave any work on your desk at night. When you’re done at the end of the day you put everything away in its home and tidy up. That way, when you start your day you feel organized, in control, and can focus on the task at hand without the distraction of everything else. Have designated places for absolutely everything and keep it orderly. Put things that are new or in-progress somewhere easily accessible and noticeable so they don’t get lost in the shuffle. When things are done, put them away and take a moment to pat yourself on the back for one more small victory on the path to success.
This idea is in line with the 80/20 rule. 80% of your results come from 20% of what you do. 80% of what you do only leads to 20% of your results. Add tidying, filing, and organizing to the list of things you only spend 20% of your time doing and see an 80% return on productivity, efficiency, and creativity.
Position – The biggest mistake I see in offices is the position of the desk. Organization truly begins with where you put yourself, so if you only take one piece of advice from this article let it be this – move your desk.
Think of the office of any powerful executive you’ve ever seen, or even the Oval Office. The desk is facing the door. Not a wall. Not a window. The door. There are a few reasons for this including that you are less able to focus, feel less safe and secure, and are less able to open your mind to ideas and opportunities if your range of perception of the world around you becomes limited for prolonged periods every day.
In fact, within minutes of sitting at a desk and facing a wall people begin to have stress markers, which aren’t inherently bad if it helps you solve a problem, but as it escalates it can inevitably become conducive to anxiety and all that comes with it. This makes sense because you can’t see if someone is coming up behind you and for many that in itself can ba stressful.
Conversely, when folks sit in the so-called power position facing a door they tend to be calm, strategic, and creative. Sitting where you can see the door and have your back to the wall helps you to feel more empowered, in control, safe, and aware. You will be able to take heed when people are coming into your realm both literally and figuratively.
Visuals – Consider for a moment what you can see from your desk. People have all kinds of funny things holed away in the corners of their office that do them no good. There’s no need to indefinitely display the box your printer came in six months ago. Recycle that thing or use it to store some unimportant or old things you don’t need in your way as you strive to tidy. Remember that piles of unorganized or un-filed paperwork send the wrong ideas.
Instead, really think about your goals and what you do want to look at. Maybe you’ve never been to Spain and would love to go. You’re going to need some success to get there, so remind yourself while you’re working toward the goal by hanging a picture of your dream destination. If there is an accolade of some sort, say the Nobel Peace Prize, that you’re after. Find a picture or recreation of the real deal and put it where you can see it. Hang pictures of someone in your field that you look up to. If you want to be internationally known, get a globe.
By replacing clutter and messes with things that symbolize whatever success means to you, you are creating a space where you can focus on your goals uninhibitedly. You are reminded why you do what you do so that you can see the bigger picture of your life unfolding rather than being stuck on the surface of the day-to-day.
All of this comes down to training your brain. Successful people work hard, but if you aren’t where you want to be I assure you it’s probably not because you aren’t working hard enough or aren’t good enough. It’s probably just that your environment is sending the wrong messages or mixed messages to your brain and creating a wonky, likely distressed, energy in your space so your mind and body can’t work in alignment with your goals.
About Jennifer Sala
Jennifer Sala is a former ghostwriter turned interior designer and feng shui consultant. She is involved in a multitude of arts and culture organizations and leadership roles around Ellsworth and Hancock County. Learn more about feng shui and Jen’s services at https://www.revivalinteriorsmaine.com/informed-by-feng-shui.
This week includes the International Day of Women and Girls in STEM. At first glance, it may just seem like another awareness day, but it holds significant importance for our future progress and economic growth.
Stick with me for a moment. First, let’s consider Maine’s key industries. What comes to mind first? Tourism? Fishing? These do play important roles, but what about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)? STEM also critically shapes both Maine’s economy and our future progress, over one-third of Maine’s workforce is employed in a STEM related field.
This has tangible impacts in the state. The life science industry in Maine contributed $ 2.3 billion to the state’s total gross regional product and supported over 9,000 jobs. Between 2018-2023 life sciences jobs grew by 31%. Other STEM related jobs, like information technology and composite and advanced materials, grew by just over 50%. This trend is also true at the national level where 67% of USA jobs and 69% of our economy is supported by STEM.
Therefore, STEM is critical to both Maine and the nation’s economic future. But we have a problem. The USA is falling behind in STEM education scores compared to other leading countries, raising concerns we will soon face a shortage of workers equipped for STEM fields.
Maine is already seeing decreases in the number of our working-age population and this is projected to continue between now and 2030. Key factors in this decline include the large number of individuals aging out of the workforce, shrinking K-12 enrollment, and challenges recruiting and retaining young workers in these fields. Reports also warn Maine that we are behind other states in growing a STEM workforce.
Combined, this data highlights that we need more people working in STEM fields – not less. But women, who make up almost half of the USA workforce, only hold about 28% of STEM jobs. Increasing women’s ability and interest to pursue STEM is an important way to help us increase our STEM workforce capacity. Furthermore, research shows that innovation increases when unique perspectives are included. Building diverse teams will lead to increased creativity and more economic growth.
Celebrating STEM in Maine
Celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in STEM is one way to highlight the critical contributions women make to STEM and increase awareness of STEM as a career. For example, in 2020 two female scientists, Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier, won the Nobel prize in Chemistry for their work on a technology known as CRISPR/cas9. The work of these women has revolutionized science and enabled us to answer questions we couldn’t before. It can even be used in humans to treat some genetic diseases like sickle cell anemia.
CRISPR technology is now regularly used in labs across the country, including here in Maine. In my work at MDI Biological Laboratory (MDIBL) I have used CRISPR hundreds of times for experiments and science outreach. Dr. Emily Spaulding, a researcher at MDIBL, also uses CRISPR to edit the DNA of C. elegans (a microscopic roundworm) to study neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and ALS. Our work wouldn’t be possible in its current form without the foundation laid by Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier.
Recognizing the International Day of Women and Girls in STEM helps girls realize there is a place in STEM for them. Awareness alone isn’t enough though. Other key steps include exposing children to STEM early through hands of science, providing more female STEM role models, creating supportive workplaces and fostering community involvement in emphasizing the potential of STEM careers.
Ultimately, all humans can pursue STEM if they want to. It just takes curiosity, hard work and excitement to pursue the unknown. The more we provide examples and role models from all walks of life, the more we can grow a strong and talented STEM workforce that can meet the demands of tomorrow. Ensuring women and girls know they have a place in STEM will always be critical to this mission.
About Dr. Elisabeth Adkins Marnik
Dr. Elisabeth Adkins Marnik has a PhD in genetics and immunology from Tufts University & The Jackson Laboratory where she studied the role of CD4 T cells in the immune system and autoimmune disease. She then joined the MDI Biological Laboratory where she received an NIH postdoctoral fellowship to study how stem cells maintain the ability to become any needed cell type. During these training experiences, she discovered a passion for science education and communication. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit and Liz began to use her immunology expertise to educate the public by starting Science Whiz Liz. This experience has solidified her dedication to helping individuals access science information they can understand so that they can make informed decisions. This desire spurred a recent career switch where she left her university faculty position teaching microbiology and biochemistry to return to The MDI Biological Laboratory to spearhead science education and outreach programming. She is also a contributing writer for organizations including ASBMB Today, Those Nerdy Girls and The Global Autoimmune Institute. Outside of science, Liz is a wife, mother of two, runner, hiker, and an avid reader.
Attention Area Entrepreneurs and Aspiring Founders: What’s Coming in 2025 at the Union River Center for Innovation
Workshops Hosted at URCI There are some exciting initiatives in the works at URCI. With the help of some area business owners, we’ve finalized the first series of Entrepreneurial Exploration workshops and will be announcing the topics, instructors, and schedule in the next few weeks.
Business Attraction Plan to Focus on Two Industry Sectors In conjunction with the City of Ellsworth Business Attraction plan, we will be establishing one focus group to explore ways to support existing and attract specialty food and beverage related businesses, and another for the building design, construction, and maintenance trades.
Step 1: Business Survey What project doesn’t start with a survey? This one is no different as we seek to engage business owners in these two industry sectors. Whether you already have an established specialty food or building trade business OR you have dreams of having one, we want to hear from you.
Networking and Socializing at URCI There are some new events in the early planning stages to help showcase all that the Center has to offer and to collaborate with and showcase area entrepreneurs. Keep an eye on our events section.
URCI Online We’re doing some tweaking of our website to hopefully improve your experience when you need any of our online resources.
Educational Programming In addition to training hosted at URCI, we’ll continue to share online and in person workshops being offered by our partner organizations like SCORE, CEI, SBDC, and New Ventures Maine.
Our Blog It takes a village and there is an abundance of talent and entrepreneurial expertise in and around Ellsworth. In a business brainstorming session that we held in November 2024, one of the biggest business support assets that the group identified was the amazing Ellsworth business community always willing to help existing and new business owners.
In that spirit, we invite you to share your insights as a guest blogger. We can suggest topics, give you a general outline, and even do some ghost writing for you. Our goal is to post a blog on the first and third Wednesday of every month. Next time, we’ll hear from Dr. Elizabeth Marnik with her thoughts on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science that we celebrate this month.
If you’re interested in being a guest blogger, or have other thoughts to share, please reach out at tracy@unionriverinnovation.com
Attending Maine business and entrepreneur events offers a wealth of benefits for professionals at any stage of their careers. These gatherings provide invaluable opportunities to network with like-minded individuals, industry leaders, and potential collaborators, fostering connections that could lead to partnerships, mentorships, or new business opportunities. They also serve as a platform for gaining fresh insights and staying updated on the latest industry trends through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops led by experts. Moreover, the exchange of ideas in such settings can spark creativity, inspire innovation, and help attendees overcome challenges by learning from others’ experiences.
The following February 2025 calendar features events from our Maine business and entrepreneur partners at Union River Center for Innovation.
February 4, 2025 4:00pm EST Learn how to organize your financial records, understand your tax responsibilities, become familiar with tax forms, and file your taxes with confidence from our professional staff. This one-hour workshop is designed for sole proprietors.
February 6, 2025 1:00pm EST Take the first step to improving your financial wellness by joining this session led by Jill Lorom, financial counselor with CEI.
February 12, 2025 1:00pm EST Understand your federal taxes as a small business ahead of tax season! Join this session to learn from Nancy Feliciano, Senior Stakeholder Liaison, at the Internal Revenue Service Communications & Liaison office.
February 13-27, 2025 6:00pm EST This three-week class series (three 90-minute sessions) is for those thinking about or in the early start-up phase of a new business. Our professional staff will help you assess the feasibility, desirability, and viability of your business idea and get you started with your business plan.
February 25, 2025 6:00pm EST Learn how to organize your financial records, understand your tax responsibilities, become familiar with tax forms, and file your taxes with confidence from our professional staff. This one-hour workshop is designed for sole proprietors.
URCI and the City of Ellsworth, looking toward the implementation of some of the City’s Business Attraction Plan, have contracted with TS2 Consulting in Ellsworth to continue URCI’s initiative to develop a series of Entrepreneurial Exploration workshops tailored to the needs of area entrepreneurs and prospective entrepreneurs. The workshop series is being developed based on feedback from a business brainstorming forum held in November of last year.
The vision statement for the Business Attraction Plan states: Ellsworth is the engine that drives economic growth and prosperity in Downeast Maine. Ellsworth leverages its location, authentic character, and unparalleled livability to attract, grow, and retain high-quality companies that produce sustainable employment opportunities.
The plan cites four targeted business clusters that will support the city’s vision statement:
3. Healthcare Services / Medical Manufacturing / Life Sciences
4. Visitor Economy & Hospitality
TS2 will be focusing on the first two: Specialty Food & Beverage Manufacturing and Sales, and Design, Construction, and Maintenance. “I could not be more excited to be working on these projects,” commented Tracy Scheckel, TS2 owner. “I helped facilitate and promote the business brainstorming event in November and am glad to be able to see the project through.”
With the departure of Janna Richards, the City’s Economic Development Director, Matt Williams, the City Planner, is stepping in as the City’s liaison to URCI. “It’s great to see Tracy’s enthusiasm for this project,” said Williams. “She’s a perfect fit. Aside from her marketing expertise, she is a self-proclaimed foodie, and her marketing roots are in the construction and architecture industries.”
In the coming weeks, Scheckel will be reconvening the brainstorming group to finalize the workshop topics and will also be conducting some community outreach for input on the Business Attraction Plan’s targeted business clusters. Anyone who would like additional information about the URCI initiatives or to provide input is encouraged to contact Tracy directly at tracy@ts2consulting.me.
About Union River Center for Innovation
The Union River Center for Innovation offers entrepreneurs and startups the opportunity to grow their companies by providing the resources necessary to get a business up and running.
About TS2 Consulting
TS2 founder Tracy Scheckel, with more than 30 years of marketing, public relations, business development experience, and project management, is committed to helping small and start-up businesses in Maine reach their marketing goals.
Attending Maine business and entrepreneur events offers a wealth of benefits for professionals at any stage of their careers. These gatherings provide invaluable opportunities to network with like-minded individuals, industry leaders, and potential collaborators, fostering connections that could lead to partnerships, mentorships, or new business opportunities. They also serve as a platform for gaining fresh insights and staying updated on the latest industry trends through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops led by experts. Moreover, the exchange of ideas in such settings can spark creativity, inspire innovation, and help attendees overcome challenges by learning from others’ experiences.
The following January 2025 calendar features events from our Maine business and entrepreneur partners at Union River Center for Innovation.
January 15, 2025 1:00pm EST Getting certified as a woman-owned business opens doors to new opportunities and partnerships. It connects you to supplier diversity programs at major corporations and government agencies, and provides an equal opportunity to compete for contracts.
January 23, 2025 1:00pm EST Learn how to use accounting software to streamline your financial management, track cash flow, build reports and create invoices.
January 28, 2025 1:00pm EST Don’t get left behind in 2025. If you’re looking to start or expand your business, staying up to date with the latest business trends is key to your success.
Thu, Jan 30 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Topic: Managing a Business Online Facilitated by USM SBDC
Whether you’re looking to expand your knowledge, grow your professional network, or find inspiration, these Maine business and entrepreneur events are a catalyst for personal and business growth.
