12 counties: Washington, Penobscot, Hancock, Waldo, Knox, Lincoln, Kennebec, Androscoggin, Sagadohoc, Cumberland, York, Piscataquis

Target Industries: Composite Boat Building, Non-Boat Composite Manufacturing, Wood/Synthetic Composite

Contact

Implementation Plan

Region Information

Website

Maine's North Star Alliance was established as part of the WIRED Initiative to bring together business, research & development, education, workforce and economic development resources to launch a new regional economy in the region.

Using recent Research & Development advancements, the North Star Alliance will launch a campaign to leverage these successes across a wide range of industries including boat building, marine and waterfront infrastructure, building products, sporting goods products, ballistic armor and other marine-related services and support industries.

The North Star Alliance will implement a four-tiered strategic approach to regional economic growth:

1. Workforce Development - develop and deliver just-in-time applied knowledge and skills to a new workforce.
   
   
2. Research and Development - identify and prioritize new industry-based research initiatives, leveraging existing R&D resources and increasing Maine's industry-focused R&D workforce.
   
   
3. Market Development - seize on and expand new market development initiatives within the boat building and composites industries, extending the reach of Maine Brand products into the global economy.
   
   
4. Capitalization and Infrastructure Development - under the leadership of the Department of Community and Economic Development, philanthropic and investment partners throughout Maine will be convened to develop strategies that provide capital for business and industry growth, facility improvement and expansion, and the acquisition of supplies needed for training and manufacturing.