MTI Sponsors Networking Event for Creative Community at Kepware in Portland

The Maine Technology Institute is sponsoring Creative Portland’s first 2 Degrees event of 2012 on Thursday, February 16, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. in the fourth floor offices of Kepware, a software development company, at 400 Congress Street in downtown Portland.

Launched in January 2011, 2 Degrees Portland is a growing, free referral and networking program of Creative Portland that proactively welcomes, via online tools and in-person events, potential entrepreneurs and skilled professionals “from away” who are attracted to lively creative communities.

“We are delighted that the Maine Technology Institute and Kepware recognize the power of 2 Degrees to help motivate skilled entrepreneurs and workers to consider moving to this area,” said Jennifer Hutchins, executive director of Creative Portland. “One reason people love this community is because it’s two degrees of separation not six. 2 Degrees Portland finds friendly, helpful connections between people who are interested in living and working here with those who already do.”

“As the economy is starting its recovery, more Maine companies, particularly in specialized industries such as information technology and manufacturing, are growing and looking to fill new positions with skilled workers from Maine and from away,” noted Betsy Biemann, MTI president. “ Events like this can make it easier for Maine entrepreneurs to secure the talent they need and build their workforce so they can accelerate their growth.”

The 2 Degrees event on February 16 will provide newcomers to Portland a chance to connect with the creative community as well as a chance for the existing community to get to know each other better. There will also be a presentation about how people can participate in the program. This is one of many events taking place across Maine during National Entrepreneurs Week.

The Maine Technology Institute (MTI) is an industry-led, publicly-funded, nonprofit corporation that offers early-stage capital and commercialization assistance in the form of competitive grants, loans and equity investment for the development of new technology products, processes and services, generating high-quality jobs across Maine. MTI works with start-ups, established businesses and institutions to accelerate their progress to the market, leverage additional private and public investment, and ultimately, support their success while expanding their economic impact in Maine.

Creative Portland was founded in 2008 by Portland City Council to support the City’s efforts to grow and support the creative economy. More information about 2 Degrees Portland can be found online at www.liveworkportland.org. RXVP with Jennifer Hutchins at [email protected]

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