Bangor, ME—U.S. Senator Susan Collins participated in a forum regarding small businesses, aging, and retirement security, among other topics at Husson University.  The forum, part of the popular series, “A Conversation at the Dyke Center,” was hosted by the Richard E. Dyke Center for Family Business.  Senator Collins was the founding executive director of the Center.  Dr

. Nancy Forster-Holt, the current Director, was Senator Collins’ conversation partner.

During the forum, Senator Collins will discuss the recent trend of older Americans remaining in the workforce longer, either by postponing their retirement, switching careers, or starting their own businesses.  As the Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, improving retirement security is one of Senator Collins’ highest priorities.  Currently, there is an estimated $7.7 trillion gap between what Americans ages 32 to 64 have saved and what they will need for retirement.  According to a recent study, nearly half of today’s retirees say they either must work or want to work during their retirement years.  AARP says that a comfortable retirement now requires a “four-legged stool”— Social Security, a pension, retirement savings, and continued paid work.

Senator Collins led an Aging

Committee hearing last year about seniors working in retirement.  The hearing featured Erda, an artisan handbag company in Dexter owned by Susan Nordman.  Ms. Nordman bought the small business a few years ago and began operating it as a second career.  She employs several older workers, whom she believes add value to her company because of their experience, knowledge, and ability to work in a collaborative environment.

“A Conversation at the Dyke Center” is a series that fosters interactive discussions and provides attendees with the opportunity to connect with community leaders.  The forums are attended by Husson students and community members as well as guests from the surrounding area.