GrowSmart Maine Summit III

Building prosperity with smart and sustainable growth

Summit III Program: Speakers and Workshop Descriptions

Bruce Katz's Keynote Speech

Reactions to Summit III 2006:

"Bruce Katz was very inspirational and gave a very motivating presentation."

"The morning session with Governor King, etc. was excellent. The panelists were brief but pointedly substantive and the audience had good questions and comments. Two highlights: 1 - an innkeeper from Bethel appropriately pointed out that there was no representation from the private sector on the panel and that her industry does not want to shoulder all the load for funding this initiative though she thinks it very important and is willing to do her part in the way of increased lodging taxes; 2 - when someone in the audience inquired who was really responsible for spear-heading the implementation of this substantial plan, another audience member stood up and adamantly pointed out that we cannot rely on the government or one organization to do this -- we are all responsible for bringing our neighbors and community leaders on board and pushing this thing forward."

"The excitement about the Brookings report was palpable, I was really impressed by the impact the report is making on such a wide constituency in ME."

"The astonishingly upbeat buzz in the rooms and the very substantive programs."

"The energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge level of participants combined with participation from all corners of the state made this a valuable and invigorating experience. Thanks for helping to change the nature of the discourse in the state."

"I came away very bullish on Maine!"

"Very much appreciated the workshop on Quality of Place and enjoyed King's humor and the panel members, was hoping for someone from the business world and especially the tourism community Also, overall was in awe at the number of attendees and the types of people there Great Summit"

"GrowSmart did an excellent job attracting state leaders both as presenters and attendees"

"It was really great to be surrounded by so many people who really love our state and want to work together to keep it special."

"I believe there was a lot of consensus within the group that the workshop provided a list of focused objectives on combating state issues. There has been a tremendous amount of frustration in the general public for a very long time but without solid data or factual information the complaints became ineffective. As with most situations in life, education and information allow purposeful and organized action."

"Bruce Katz crusading key note was an inspiration. The workshop by three developers played right into a project here in Saco. Speaker Scott Houldin and I have swapped e-mail all week. The opportunity to talk with long-standing Maine volunteers I rarely see was an unexpected benefit. You attracted many real winners. IF everyone's slide shows were available on the Web, I suspect there would be many downloads. Thanks for your hard work, vision, and success in bringing these issues before the State."

"Loved the turnout. The message was very positive and reinforced throughout the day's activities"

"The first panel, when George Smith said that we all have to support the plan in its entirety rather than each of us picking out what we like or don't like. That really indicated a fresh attitude for me. Also, seeing too many of the NJ Senatorial race ads on TV, it was refreshing to see all of the Governor candidates in the casual format talking with Alan. Great way to do it!"

"I like the diversity of participants and suggest that this is your greatest asset for positive impact."

"I thought Bruce Katz was excellent. I went into the forum very, very skeptical about his report but greatly appreciated his approach and perspective."

"I find the summit (and your org) very powerful due to: - diversity of Maine individuals who participate - the knowledgeable, focused workshop - and, specifically, the objective findings and accompanying action plan from the Brookings study"

"I have been away from Maine for 8 years due to the lack of jobs back in the 90's. Yes, I was one of the "young people" who left for more opportunity. This initiative has given me hope that Maine will have a better future than even I realized up to this point. Keep up the good work...it makes me glad to be back."

"Just keep up the good work, press forward with Brookings and don't let any naysayers get in the way of this opportunity. You have started a great dialogue and we will rely on you (no pressure) to help keep the diverse parts moving."

"I want a job. Alan- I want to work for GrowSmart - can anyone hear me?"