The major news outlets in our state thought last week was a big week for Westbrook, with the IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. expansion. What the stories missed, however, is that the addition of 500 more jobs to the biotech company’s international headquarters actually means a lot to Windham and the surrounding Lakes Region communities as well. After all, many of the new employees will be our neighbors.
IDEXX’s expansion is a good reflection of our efforts to move Maine into the New Economy by investing in people and innovation. The bond package voters approved this fall included $20 million for economic development, and a substantial portion of that money went to research and development in biomedical sciences.
Most of these R & D projects will be conducted at Maine colleges and universities, creating a biomedical research triangle throughout our state. It builds important opportunities for our students to have the experience to start work at good-paying jobs with companies like IDEXX immediately following graduation.
In addition to the 500 new jobs for our area, IDEXX also plans to invest $100 million in new facilities and equipment over the next 20 years. That means even more jobs and positive ripple effects on our local economy for the long-term.
For our part in the Maine Legislature, we’re working to give businesses large and small alike the tools they need to prosper in our state’s new economy. Our goal is to make government work for business by eliminating red tape, creating a business court, expanding access to high-speed Internet, and investing in Maine’s creative and innovative economies.
IDEXX could have chosen any state to headquarter its international company. But it chose Maine because we have a strong work ethic, and it chose the Greater Westbrook area because it’s one of the best places in our state to live. As we continue to move Maine forward, we can expect more businesses like IDEXX calling our area home in the future.
Sincerely,
Rep. Mark Bryant
House District 110
Part of Windham and Part of Gray
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