Maine's recent economic growth has surpassed that of both the nation and the region. Our traditional, natural resource-based industries – agriculture, forestry, fishing, and manufacturing – now are complemented by emerging "new economy" industries, such as biotechnology, high-tech manufacturing, and telecommunications-based businesses. Maine is wired with one of the most advanced communications infrastructures in the country, giving these knowledge-based industries – that can locate anywhere – every reason to choose Maine.

Economic Facts and Figures:

•	Maine's estimated civilian labor force was 699,000 in October, 2003. (Source: Maine Department of Labor, Division of Labor Market Information Services, in cooperation with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
•	Maine's unemployment rate in October 2003 was 4.7 percent – 1.3 percent below the national average. (Source: Maine Department of Labor, Division of Labor Market Information Services, in cooperation with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
•	Average annual wages covered by State and federal unemployment insurance programs in Maine rose 3.2% (from $28,815 in 2001 to $29,736 in 2002). All major industries recorded gains. (Source: Maine Department of Labor, June 2003)
•	Average Annual Pay Growth: Maine ranked eighth in the nation for average annual pay growth, based on percentage change in average annual pay for all workers covered by unemployment insurance 2000-2001. (Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Covered Employment and Wages Office, Washington, D.C., 2003)
•	Manufacturing Investment: Maine ranked sixth in the nation for manufacturing investment, 1999-2001. (Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Annual Survey of Manufacturers, 1999-2001, Washington, D.C.)