NIST/MAINE PARTNERSHIP
"This landmark partnership agreement signed today will boost prospects for economic growth and new, high-technology jobs in Maine by assuring clear standards in emerging technologies. I am very pleased that Department of Commerce officials have approved this pilot initiative that sets Maine on course to lead the nation in efforts to spur high-technology investments and job growth."
Senator Olympia J. Snowe
"This pilot project between the State of Maine and the National Institute of Standards and Technology is an exciting step towards enhancing Maine's long-term economic growth. With the vast resources of its Measurement and Standards Laboratories, Advanced Technology Program, Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and highly visible outreach programs, NIST will make an excellent partner for the State."
Senator Susan M. Collins
"I regret that I will be unable to join you for this important event. I want you to know excited I am about the National Institute of Standards and Technology pilot project and the potential such projects hold for the State of Maine.
At the national level, I've been working hard to focus more attention on technology issues in Maine, through hosting a day long conference last August on high speed Internet access and the Next Generation Internet project, by working to permanently extend the research and development tax credit, by urging increased funding of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and by strongly supporting Maine’s research and development bond issue that was approved last November. I have also had the pleasure and good fortune of working with the Maine Manufacturing and Extension Partnership on a number of issues, including a recent forum we held on small business preparation for the Year 2000. I am pleased that NIST has recognized the very fine and innovative work being done by the Maine MEP, who will be working closely with the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development on NIST’s pilot project.
NIST has recognized that states like Maine are taking an increasingly pro-active role in the science and technology sector, and this pilot project will provide our state with the opportunity to work collaboratively with them and the ability to access their considerable expertise and resources. Such opportunities can help strengthen Maine’s science and technology infrastructure by focusing efforts on areas which will have the maximum economic impact. Clearly, Maine is becoming a leader in the area of composite materials research, and this pilot could help strengthen the industry and raises possibilities of further work with NIST through joint research and technical assistance. The pilot will also focus on areas such as weights and measure, optics research, and export critical standards that could help our small businesses export to Europe.
Maine has the intellectual capital and the ability to improve our way of life and develop new economies which could greatly benefit our state. The NIST pilot project with the State of Maine and the Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership will greatly enhance our possibilities. I look forward to working with these parties to advance these possibilities in any way that I can. I am very pleased that NIST has recognized the important and innovative work being done by the Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership and the State of Maine."
Congressman John E. Baldacci
June 1999