As one of the co-founders of the Saco River Dyehouse located in Biddeford, I am writing this letter in anticipation of the Maine Manufacturing Association of Maine’s, or MAMe, Manufacturing Summit, taking place today at Pineland. This amazing Summit brings together manufacturers from around the state for a day of discussion, networking with industry leadership, and creating opportunities for future collaborations. In sharing our best practices and addressing the challenges we all face, the association is providing a format to move Maine-based manufacturing forward.
As a new manufacturing start-up, I can’t over emphasize the importance of attending the MAMe events. It is a place to understand the issues involved from multiple perspectives ”“ industry-wide, legislative, and operational. Initially, and by actively participating, one starts understanding the issues impacting their own operations and can take advantage of educational opportunities. Equally as important, the association serves as a resource for well-established professional expertise in several areas.
Personally, and even before my involvement in the Saco River Dyehouse, I also had the pleasure of working with the association’s textile cluster initiatives and MAMe’s Textile Committee projects. This forum has been the start of a “policy voice” and an introduction to funding opportunities that have become increasingly important as this industry sector begins to rebuild. Since textile manufacturing is like all manufacturing ”“ it is about community development, jobs, education and research ”“ this “voice” will continue to be a key factor in what many of us are seeing as a homerun if Maine resources and expertise can be leveraged in the creation of a centralized textile hub serving New England.
I am very grateful for the enthusiasm and expertise of the association under the leadership of its Executive Director Lisa Martin and her staff. Their willingness to collaborate with other key partners, such as CEI and Maine Technology, keeps our issues in front of potential funding sources, directly fuels our growth and ultimately helps each of us create more opportunities within our state.
Claudia Raessler, Strategic Alliances Saco River Dyehouse
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