I only recently learned about the Maine Development Foundation (MDF). Have you heard of it? MDF is a private, non-profit corporation with a membership of 250. It was formed in 1978 by the Maine Legislature whose purpose is to promote the economy. Funding is generated from service fees, private contributions, memberships, foundations and state government contracts.
MDF manages seven programs that range from from community development, to leadership training, to workforce development. Economic research is done in both private and public sectors not only in Maine, but throughout the US as well.
Recently released, the 2010 Measures of Growth report, is an economic report card that measures 24 indicators against established benchmarks. Movement towards or exceeding the benchmarks are indications of improvement or progress towards long-term, sustainable economic growth.
The Growth Council awards Gold Stars to indicators that demonstrate exceptional performance and assigns Red Flags to indicators that need attention.
In this years report, which is the 16th in its history, the Council awarded Gold Stars to Per Capita Personal Income and Health Insurance Coverage. The Council gave Red Flags to Research and Development Expenditures, Higher Degree Attainment, Cost of Health Care, and Cost of Energy.
The report is really quite informative, especially when reviewed against the turbulent economic times we (and are) experiencing.
Posted by: Michael Sosnowski
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Personal Finance