This situation can have serious implications for economic development. If there is no one to take the places of older workers who retire, employers will have difficulty doing business, and may decide to relocate to where there is a better labor pool; likewise, businesses will be discouraged from relocating here. Community organizations that cannot replace older members will also suffer and be challenged in making progress towards their goals. Young people can also be a source of fresh, innovative ideas to help these businesses and organizations. Also, without young people who have children, school infrastructure will be underutilized and not be run in a cost-effective manner, placing a burden on all taxpayers.

I've learned fairly quickly that economic development is all about people, and if people are moving to your area, that is a sign that you are doing something right. Unfortunately, the Maine State Planning Office's 2005 Maine County Economic Forecast predicts that Piscataquis County's population will continue to decline through the year 2020. Something needs to be done to get people, especially young ones, to come to Piscataquis County and stay here, if we want to survive economically.

Fortunately, something is being done about this issue. Governor Baldacci held a Summit on Youth Migration in June 2004, and out of that summit came the REALIZE!Maine initiative. REALIZE!Maine, a program of the Maine Development Foundation, positions young (20-to-40), dynamic people at the core of Maine's economy and culture, empowering them by connecting them with opportunities to realize their professional and personal aspirations in Maine, and supporting creativity, diversity and ingenuity.

One of the major ways REALIZE!Maine helps to accomplish its mission is by supporting existing and helping to catalyze new regional young persons groups. Personally, I've attended events held by some of these groups, and I can tell you firsthand that they are fun, exciting, have a lot of things going on, and serve as valuable assets to their communities.

And we have our own little group right here in Piscataquis County (though it's been dormant for a while), called the Boomerang Club. This is a reference to people who have left this area, but then have "boomeranged" or come back. This group is dedicated to keeping Piscataquis County a vibrant place to call home, and to encourage young people to get involved in the community.

Not long after I came onboard at the PCEDC, I was approached about reviving this group and serving as its chair, and I jumped at the chance. It was a terrific idea, both from an economic development standpoint, as well as a personal one, as I had been wondering how I was going to ever meet people from my own age group in this area.

If you are in the 20-to-40 age cohort, or even if you are not, but are still interested in making Piscataquis County a better place for that age group, then I strongly encourage you to attend our Boomerang Club kick-off event, at Abel Blood's in Dover-Foxcroft Saturday September 29th, from 6 to 9 PM.

(Now the important details: RSVP's to me by Thursday, September 27th are appreciated, but not required. If you have children but can't get a sitter, don't let that keep you from attending, as our group is kid-friendly. Appetizers will be provided, and there will also be drink specials and door prizes, courtesy of the Center Theatre, The Maine Highlands Guild, and other local merchants.)

This meeting will be a fun opportunity to network with area young people. But more importantly, it will be a chance to get involved with this organization, participating in shaping every aspect of it - our mission, our structure, what types of activities we want to do, even the name (I myself never "boomeranged" back here). It promises to be a fun time, and I hope to see you all there!