A recent report from the state’s Department of Labor predicted a net gain of fewer than 100 jobs statewide by 2026. Is the ensuing concern caused by the report warranted? What can be done to improve Maine’s economy? Economic expert and Southport resident Marcus Hutchins will lead a discussion about Maine’s current and future economy on Monday, Sept. 10, from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Lincoln County Democratic Committees’(LCDC) headquarters at 521 Main St., Damariscotta.

Known locally as the Coastal Economist for his Lincoln County News columns exploring economic issues, Hutchins began his career as an economist at Merrill Lynch in New York City. He became director of research for a Chicago company and then established a hedge fund with seed capital from Kleinwort Benson, eventually splitting his time between Chicago and London.

Hutchins eventually retired from trading and moved to Maine with his wife and five children. Since then, he has been involved in the community as a full-time volunteer, serving on several boards including the Maine Center for Economic Policy and the Lincoln Theater.

Also a musician, Hutchins started the band program at the Southport Central School and jazz band at the Boothbay Region High School. He often plays woodwinds for various concert groups in the Midcoast area and is the lead alto-sax player for the Camden-based Monday night Jazz Orchestra.

The LCDC has offered a number of “Egghead Evenings,” open discussions of current events and issues, this summer at their headquarters in Damariscotta. Several additional evenings are planned through October. Learn more at http://lincolncountydemocrats.com/calendar, www.facebook.com/lincolncountydems/ or @LCMaineDems on Twitter and Instagram.