(Thanks to Chino Blanco for this clip and to Lurleen for posting… bumping up to top)

I am thrilled with yet another large endorsement in Maine for marriage equality!

This just in from Mark Sullivan at Protect Marriage Maine!

Portland, Maine (October 23, 2009) – Today a group of Maine businesspeople joined together to launch a coalition in support of marriage equality, unveiling the Maine Businesspeople for Marriage Equality.

“Many businesspeople understand the importance of this issue to the Maine economy,” said Valerie Landry, president of Landry & Associates, and one of the coalition organizers. “Not only is marriage equality fair and just, it is essential to attracting high wage jobs and talented young people to Maine-both of which are key to growing and strengthening our economy.”

Read the whole thing below the fold.  As Pam said the other day, even the University of Alabama at Birmingham understands that to attract talent, ya gotta treat people fairly.  Duh!  The business community in Maine (and in Washington (COCs too!) knows what it takes to attract and keep talent and customers.

Portland, Maine (October 23, 2009) – Today a group of Maine businesspeople joined together to launch a coalition in support of marriage equality, unveiling the Maine Businesspeople for Marriage Equality.

“Many businesspeople understand the importance of this issue to the Maine economy,” said Valerie Landry, president of Landry & Associates, and one of the coalition organizers. “Not only is marriage equality fair and just, it is essential to attracting high wage jobs and talented young people to Maine-both of which are key to growing and strengthening our economy.”

Landry added, “We’re pleased to have such a diverse group of businesspeople supporting this effort. From a longstanding, Maine-based family owned business, to a start-up company, to a multi-state firm-they each have unique experiences, yet are unanimous in their support of marriage equality.”

“As a young professional, I see marriage equality as an important signal that we have a welcoming and tolerant work environment in our state,” said Kim Cook, a consultant and coalition organizer.

“Rejecting the repeal of the marriage equality law will send a message to the nation that Maine is a welcoming state that wants all of its citizens treated equally and with respect.” said Mark McAuliffe, president of Apothecary by Design.

Speakers at the event also included Adam Lee, president of Lee Auto Mall, and Joe Wishcamper, president of Wishcamper Group, LLC.  In addition, other members of the coalition were present to demonstrate their support.

The purpose of the coalition is to give businesspeople across the state a way to express their support for marriage equality, and to convey the importance of the marriage equality law to the Maine economy. Coalition members believe the ability of the Maine economy to grow in the future is tied to being a welcoming place for all people.

Founding members of the coalition include Valerie Landry (Landry & Associates), Jeremy Fischer (Bernstein, Shur, Sawyer and Nelson), Mark McAuliffe (Apothecary by Design), Michael Wood (Pierce Promotions), Chris Saladino (Ocean Gate Realty), Kim Cook (Consultant), Lori Latham (Spa Tech Institute), Kaylene Waindle, Susan Percy, and Angie Helton (Northeast Media Associates).

The coalition has created a website-www.protectmaineequality.org/businessleaders-to enable businesspeople across the state to show their support.  A link to the website is also available at the Protect Maine Equality website.

Contact: Mark Sullivan, (207)671-0542, mark@protectmaineequality.org