Beyond Pessimism Part Three of a three-part series examines the challenges fac

Beyond Pessimism Part Three of a three-part series examines the challenges facing Maine companies in retaining ambitious, young workers. John Rohman, CEO of WBRC Architects-Engineers in Bangor, acknowledges that retaining younger employees is critical. WBRC has made efforts, including a $100,000 lecture hall, to keep workers creatively engaged. Mary Warren, a recruiter with Pro Search in Portland, says as many as 40 percent of her clients want to leave their jobs because older workers are entrenched in upper-level positions. John Richardson, commissioner of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, believes businesses that institute mentoring programs and flex-time for baby boomer employees will do well at the parallel goals of making space for young leaders and benefiting from the wisdom of established managers. With additional comments by Rick Dacri, a human resources consultant based in Kennebunk; and Zachary Nelson, vice president of talent-development at Unum