Released March 21, 2008
BREWER, Maine -- Maine Attorney General Steven Rowe will headline a conference sponsored by the University of Maine examining why investment in family-friendly programs and policies is good business. The conference will be held at Jeff’s Catering in Brewer on May 13, but the registration deadline is April 14, with a cost of $30 for the day, and $15 for breakfast. Registration is limited to 100. For more information or registration visit www.extension.umaine.edu or contact Nannette Marcinkowski at (207) 581-3445, njones@umext.maine.edu.
Why the Future Matters Now: Maximizing Returns by Investing in the Families and Children of Maine will focus on the ways in which supporting childcare, preschool, and parenting education programs can improve workforce retention and productivity. Conference organizers hope to attract business and community members from Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Waldo, and Washington Counties. In addition to Attorney General Rowe, speakers will include Dr. Richard Aronson, a public health consultant, and Dr. Burtt Richardson of the Maine American Academy of Pediatrics.
The conference aims to increase the understanding of how early childhood and family issues relate to economic development and Maine’s regional competitiveness. Discussion will cover how families and children affect workforce development and worker satisfaction, as well as a look at employee issues that may derive from early childhood. Participants will strategize about how best to help Maine children succeed from preschool through college, and how to promote investment in children locally.
The conference is sponsored by University of Maine Cooperative Extension, the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center, and the Center for Community Inclusion.
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http://extensionnews.blogspot.com/2008/03/umaine-conference-to-consider-how.html
Contact: Jennifer O'Leary, (207) 353-5550 or 1-800-287-0274 (in Maine), joleary@umext.maine.edu
