BRUNSWICK

The Maine Growth Economic Council released its annual Measures of Growth report last month.

The report follows 26 indicators of economic growth in Maine, and compares them to longer term benchmark trends across the state. Indicators include factors like gross domestic product, research and development expenditures, broadband connectivity, working age population and housing affordability.

Four indicators made progress in the past year, while six lost ground. The others remained stationary, a pattern that Ryan Neale of MGEC said was comparable to past years. However, Neale said that a unique set of circumstances in Midcoast Maine has led him to feel optimistic about the area as a hot spot for economic growth in the coming years.

“I think all of the positive indicators apply to the Midcoast,” said Neale. “We generally look at statewide numbers, but some really jump out on the Midcoast, such as broadband connectivity and research and development expenditures. We are really well positioned — just far enough away from Portland — with a diverse economy and a real growth potential.”

Neale said he attributes unique economic growth patterns in part to the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority and what they have achieved at the Brunswick Landing since the Brunswick Naval Air Station closed in 2011.

“Brunswick Landing has been a real opportunity for local growth,” said Neale. “MRRA has done a great job of looking at properties and seeing what you can create. Not every area has a Brunswick Landing, but the lesson learned here is what you can take from the assets that are available in a given area.”

Brunswick Landing has been a hotbed for research and development, Neale said, and many entrepreneurs have found their own niches to help set themselves apart from the competition in new ways.

“A lot of people hear R and D and think it’s a professor in a lab coat,” said Neale. “A lot of companies are innovating all the time. Flight Deck Brewing adds a new beer, and that’s offering a new product. They’ve thought about what their consumer wants and what works for their company. Even if you have a good product, you’re always looking for the next tweak. Building existing products more efficiently is key.”

While Neale said that the Midcoast is also ahead of the game in broadband connectivity, he said broadband gaps still exist in places like Arrowsic.

“Just because we are better here than in other regions of the state doesn’t mean the problem is solved,” said Neale.

Neale said that transportation infrastructure can be improved in the Midcoast, but pointed to aspects like the Amtrak station in Brunswick and the revamped Route 1 viaduct in Bath as steps in the right direction. Neale said that another major challenge for the state and the Midcoast are educational standards. Fourth grade reading scores have been on the decline, and though legislators are calling for more fourth grade teachers, Neale and his council members believe that more early childhood teachers are needed to instill reading proficiency.

“Children are falling behind, and it costs far more to catch them up than to teach them early,” said Neale.

Neale said he hopes that the Measures of Growth report will help guide legislators and help them make more informed decisions when considering bills. He also hopes for more funding so that future reports can include action plans along with the lists of economic growth indicators.

“We would certainly like to include action steps and plans to each of our indicators,” said Neale. “You could write a novel on each one.”

bgoodridge@timesrecord.com

Up and down

Maine economic growth indicators on the rise:

• Per capita personal income

• Employment

• International exports

• Broadband connectivity

Maine economic growth indicators on the decline:

• Gross domestic product

• Startup activity

• Transportation infrastructure

• Wellness and prevention

• Sustainable forest lands