LEWISTON – Businesspeople who are used to seeing NewsHour correspondent Paul Solman on the small screen will have a chance to view him in a much bigger platform in May.

Solman, who has been a business and economics correspondent on the Public Broadcasting System’s news program since 1985, is the keynote speaker at the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council’s annual dinner and forum Wednesday, May 14.

Solman, who has been working a yearlong series called “America’s Response to Globalization,” will address the same subject here.

“As recently as 10 or 15 years ago, a company and a community could afford to do their own thing, in their own niche, and be comfortable,” said Paul Badeau, marketing director for LAEGC, who arranged for Solman’s appearance. “That’s not the case anymore. It’s a shrinking world. More and more businesses need to be concerned with patterns and trends in a global economy.”

Two local examples: Decisions that affect the 1,000 area employees of TD Banknorth are made in Toronto, and Proctor and Gamble weighs the efficiency of its Tambrands operation in Auburn against facilities across the globe.

“It’s increasingly important that efficiency is job No. 1,” Badeau said. “What happens in the Proctor & Gamble world – and how and whether they reach profit-margin targets for a year – could affect Auburn, Maine, the company’s investments and jobs here.”

Solman’s presentation caps an evening dedicated to commemorating L-A’s economic achievements. The dinner annually draws more than 300 business and community leaders. Brochures announcing the details of the event should be in the mail within a week, Badeau said.

The cities of Lewiston and Auburn also will present their economic achievement awards to companies and organizations that have enhanced the community through jobs, investment and/or community service. Excerpts from a 30-minute television special produced by WGME that focuses on L-A and how it’s changed will be presented; the show is expected to air this fall.

Solman has been a business reporter for WGBH in Boston since 1977 and executive editor of PBS’ documentary series, “Enterprise.” His work has won several Emmys and two Peabody awards, the most recent in 2004 for his reporting on the undercounting of unemployment.

In addition to his reporting, he’s also served on the faculty of Harvard Business School. He’s currently developing ways to teach economics and entrepreneurship in community colleges.

He spoke to the growth council previously during its annual celebration of business.

For more information about the LAEGC dinner, go to www.economicgrowth.org