Congratulations to Gov. Baldacci, steering committee co-Chairs John Rohman and Christine Vincent, the Maine Arts Commission, the cities of Lewiston and Auburn, and all the planners, sponsors, artists and other creative participants for the tremendous success of the Blaine House Conference on the Creative Economy last Thursday and Friday in Lewiston-Auburn.

The conference was energizing, inspiring and points the direction for a transformation of Maine’s economy. Keynote speaker Dr. Richard Florida said, “The key to economic success is to harness the creativity of your people.”

Maine certainly has its share of creative citizens to draw upon. This conference made clear that with inspired planning and by building a foundation of strong arts education Maine can develop an exciting and thriving economy.

Carol Trimble, executive director, Maine Alliance for Arts Education, Augusta