N. Ireland delegation to explore Maine's 'creative economy'

PORTLAND, Maine—A delegation of business, tourism and elected officials from Northern Ireland is coming to Maine to explore Gov. John Baldacci's "creative economy" initiative.

The delegation will visit Portland, Brunswick, Augusta, Bangor, Orono and other locations in the coming week. Meetings will be held with the Department of Economic and Community Development, GrowSmart Maine, MidCoast Magnet and the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, among others.

It's the latest trade mission dating back six years between Northern Ireland and Maine. Northern Ireland led the first trade delegation to Maine in 2002 and Maine reciprocated the following year. After that, there were back-to-back visits to education officials.