Governor Speaks to the Future of Maine's Pulp and Paper Industry

Press Release

Governor Speaks to the Future of Maine's Pulp and Paper Industry

Governor John E. Baldacci today delivered the welcoming speech at the opening of Paper Days 2009, a two-day conference of the pulp and paper industry. This year's focus is the future of the industry. The Governor noted that while Maine's paper industry is not immune from the global recession, he sees reason for hope for the continued strength of this vital industry in the State.

"Maine remains the second-largest paper producer in the nation, and production level here is higher than ever before," said the Governor. "While Maine is in the midst of a global recession, the State's commitment to the industry is unwaivering. These are good jobs, supporting Maine businesses and towns as well as the State's economy. Our success is largely dependent on our ability to adapt to the times. Value added products, produced in a sustainable way, are the future of the forest products industry in Maine."

Pulp and paper contribute nearly $1.5 billion to the gross state product and represent 20 percent of State exports. Nearly $900 million is spent by paper companies in-state on goods and services, and the industry is the lifeblood of many rural Maine communities.

"We have the ingenuity here in Maine - not to mention the best workforce - to achieve the goal of increasing our competitiveness and solidifying the health of this industry for years to come," said the Governor.

The Governor talked about the resources gathered at Paper Days. "Many of the people in this room have been working with the industry and my Administration on the critical research and development that will continue to transform the paper industry. There are opportunities here; we have to be aggressive in their pursuit."

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