The Maine Economic Growth Council released its 2009 Measures of Growth in Focus annual economic report today. Tim Hussey and the Honorable Lynn Bromley, co-chairs of the Growth Council, presented the report to legislative leaders. This year's report highlights 24 indicators that measure Maine's progress towards long-term, sustainable economic growth.

The Growth Council awards Gold Stars to indicators that demonstrate exceptional performance and assigns Red Flags to indicators that need attention. This year, the Council awarded Gold Stars to Research and Development Expenditures, Health Insurance Coverage, Chronic Disease and On-the-job Injuries. The Council gave Red Flags to Per Capita Personal Income, Cost of Health Care, Cost of Energy, State and Local Tax Burden, Manufacturing Productivity and High Speed Internet Subscribers.

"We find ourselves in precarious and uncertain economic times. In Maine, like across the nation, we are experiencing job losses, bankruptcy, foreclosures and growing deficits," said Laurie Lachance, president and CEO of the Maine Development Foundation which is charged by the Legislature to administer the Council. "Despite the urgency, the long-term plan has not changed and the fundamentals of development and growth are more important than ever. The Measures of Growth report offers a means of weighing and prioritizing investment decisions. Focus and prioritization will be essential to manage federal stimulus money against a seemingly endless list of needs."

Senate President Mitchell said, "Thanks go to the Council for their work on the report. Assessments and benchmarks are important aspects of the policy making process. It is encouraging to see that Maine continues to thrive in areas that contribute to a high quality of life even at a time when too many Maine families are struggling to deal with the impact of the national economic recession."

"As Maine works to implement President Obama's economic stimulus package, the Measures of Growth report reminds us that we need to build upon our successful efforts to grow Maine's innovation-driven economy," said Speaker of the House Hannah Pingree. "The gold-star awarded for research and development expenditures reflects the legislature's commitment to bringing good jobs to Maine that will position us to be more competitive in a global economy."

The Maine Economic Growth Council is comprised of 19 members, each appointed by the Governor, Senate President and Speaker of the House. The Council represents a diversity of interests including government, business, education, labor, and environment. The Council was established by state statute in 1993 to develop a plan for the state's economic growth and create specific measures and benchmarks to assess Maine's progress.

The Maine Development Foundation (MDF) empowers leaders, strengthens communities, and guides public policy. MDF was created by the Governor and Legislature in 1978 as a private, non-profit corporation with a broad mandate to promote Maine's economy.

For a complete copy of the report go to www.mdf.org