Foreign Direct Investment Magazine Ranks Maine First For Quality of Life.

AUGUSTA, Maine -- The London-based Foreign Direct Investment (fDi) magazine, a Financial Times publication, ranked Maine's quality of life as the best in the nation in its June 2005 "U.S. Cities and States of the Future" issue.

Governor Baldacci said, "Technology is enabling companies to conduct business from anywhere in the county. Because of this, quality of life is now a key factor in determining where a company will locate. This ranking is an important step in attaining global awareness of Maine's offerings as a location for business."

In the issue's state information technology and telecoms category, Maine tied for third place with Texas and Maryland.

Maine's educational performance, with high school graduation rates leading the nation at 95.4 percent and a quality of education ranking in the top 10 percent, was a major factor in the selection. The state's healthcare, which includes 39 acute care and specialty hospitals, also played an important role.

Maine's school laptop computer program, which provides all seventh and eighth graders with laptops, was recognized as the only one of its kind in the world. The editors also acknowledged Maine as the first state in the nation to equip all schools and libraries with Internet access.

Maine is also generating interest as an international shopping destination, according to the "U.S. Cities and States of the Future" article. Wide availability of fresh seafood in many restaurants was also mentioned as a quality of life advantage.

Regarding Maine's quality of life, the British editors said, "The state is one of the greatest natural playgrounds in the world," and "Maine offers an exquisite menu of performing arts and cultural entertainment."

"These awards elevate awareness among the international business community of Maine as an ideal gateway to the North American continents for foreign investors," observed Richard J. Coyle, President of the Maine International Trade Center.

As the closest state to Europe and with New Brunswick and Quebec to the north, Nova Scotia to the east and Boston and New York City to the south, Maine is ideally positioned for foreign businesses entering the North American market. Complementing Maine's geographic advantages are its transportation and communications infrastructure, reasonable wages, quality of life and highly regarded education system.