Governor Janet T. Mills, (D), Addressed the Annual Governor’s ‘Conference on Tourism at The Westin This Afternoon.

Anita Stewart, of Portland Srage, Receives an Award From Governor Mills, at The Westin, Today.  Sewart is a Resident of Munjoy Hill, and Has Been at Portland Stage for 20 Years.

Governor Janet T. Mills (D), the first woman Governor of Maine, addressed a luncheon crowd of close to 250 people at The Westin, just after noon today.  The occasion was the annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism.

Her comments preceded an award ceremony in which Anita Stewart of Portland Stage received the Innovation & Creativity Award – an award Stewart said would be on display at theaters all over the state. “So, go and see live productions,” Stewart urged conference goers. “Theaters were the first to be impacted by the pandemic.  We had to find ways to be innovative,” Stewart said.

Steve Lyons, Director, Maine Office of Tourism, in the Department of Economic and Community Development, said he did not know exactly how many “annual” state tourism conferences had been held to date, but there have been “lots” of them.  He served as MC for the two-day conference that ended today.

Keynote speaker Mark Bessire, Portland Museum of Art, said that it is time to retire the slogan “from away.”  The PMA is situated on property belonging to the Wabanki Indians.  “The Wabankis are really the only people from here,” Bessire said.

“Change is necessary.  We need to align ourselves with sustainability.  If Hanaford Brothers can do it, so can we,” said Bessire. referring to Hannaford’s just announced goal to use only renewable power by 2024. Bessire gave special recognition to Daniel Minter and his wife for their Indigo Arts Allilance, 60 Cove Street.  Founded almost three years ago, it is committed to the artistic development of artists of African descent.

A common theme throughout the day was the shortage of a workforce to meet the needs of the large hospitality industry in the state.  It began with Governor Millls, who in her opening lunch time remarks said that it “is a problem I inherited.”  She added that “more visas are coming to Maine to supplement our workforce.”  Workers from overseas have been traditionally vital sources of employment for many employers in the hospitality industry.

The same theme was explored in greater detail in an afternoon workshop presented by Laura Fortman, Commissioner of the Department of Labor for the State of Maine.  Commissioner Fortman attributed much of the workforce shortage in the hospitality industry to Maine’s aging population.  Many workers who were near retirement when the pandemic broke out went ahead and retired she said.  Back in the 90s, there were two people for every job.  Currently, there are two jobs for every unemployed person she said. Last year, more than 15 million people visited Maine destinations – 30% more than in 2020.  The summer season even surpassed 2019 visitation.  Addidtionally, of the over 1,000 work permit applications received so far this year, 43% have been for youth looking to work in hospitality according to Fortman.

A panel member in the workshop, Kim Moore, of the Department of Labor, suggested that employers looking for workers contact local career centers and outdoor job fairs. She also suggested that employers consider hiring from populations not considered previously – like the disabled.

“We are not back to where we once were, but we are on the way,” said Commissioner Fortman, at the well-attended workshop on Workforce Training & Developmet that she chaired..