Sunrise County Economic Council invites you to join us for a day of shared learning about Washington County's Economy. 

Summit Highlights: 

Keynote Presentation by Nicholas Chiumenti,               Policy Analyst, New England Public Policy Center               “Nicholas Chiumenti is a policy analyst with the New England Public Policy Center (NEPPC) in the research department at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. His research has focused on homelessness prevention and affordable housing policy, and more recently on rural economic conditions in the Bank’s northern tier. Nick holds a Masters of Public Policy from the John Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health and a BA in International Relations from Boston University. Prior to joining the Bank he worked for the Economics and Statistics Administration, part of the US Department of Commerce, and as a mayoral fellow for the City of Baltimore. Nick joined the Bank in 2016.”

Data Presentation by Charles Rudelitch,                  Executive Director, Sunrise County Economic Council       What are the key demographic and economic factors facing Washington County and how are they trending?

Please use the information below to select your breakout sessions before you register.

Morning Sessions: 

1A. The Future of Our Fisheries - FULL

Fisheries experts will faciliate a discussion around the current state of our fisheries economy, issues of concern, and explore the opportunities that exist to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Moderator: Bob Wood, Downeast Fisheries Partnership Director, SCEC

1B. Higher Education

Higher education leaders and students examine the role of education in preparing the local workforce, evolving career pathways and the impact of higher education as an economic factor in Washington County.

Moderator: Marsha Sloan, Family Futures Downeast Director, SCEC

1C. Healthcare in Washington County

A conversation with area professionals concerning the current economic impact of the healthcare industry in Washington County, its challenges and opportunities for growth.

Moderator: Shane Renshaw, Family Futures Downeast Transitions Coach, SCEC

Afternoon Sessions: 

2A. Recovery Workforce

10% of adults in the United States identify as being in recovery. That translates to over 2,600 people in Washington County in recovery from substance use. We estimate that another 3,000 of our neighbors may be using opiates outside of a treatment program. How does this affect local business and our shrinking workforce? Join us to discuss challenges and strategies related to employing people in recovery.

Moderator: Jen Peters, Assistant Director, SCEC

2B. New Mainers, New Neighbors

Join the conversation about attracting workforce, businesses, and families to Washington county. What are the barriers? How can our community attract and keep population "from away"? 

Moderator: Gabriela Eyerman, Finance Director, SCEC

2C. Traditional Industries in Transition - FULL

A conversation with Washington County's natural resource industry leaders in a rapidly changing world.

Moderator: Katie Bragg, PTAC Counselor, SCEC

Register Now!