Waterville, ME, 03/12/2025 – Central Maine Growth Council and KV Connect are pleased to present their 2024 Emerging Leader of the Year Award to Sage Duguay, consultant analyst at ResourceWise. The award was presented at Central Maine Growth Council’s Annual Meeting celebration, sponsored by Kennebec Savings Bank, Central Maine Motors Auto Group, Huhtamaki, Bricks Coworking & Innovation.
As a Consultant Analyst at ResourceWise, Duguay provides pulp and paper industry clients with critical data-driven insights to inform strategic business decisions. Leveraging her expertise in paper machine conversions, corrugator start-ups, and mill-wide process optimization, Duguay offers a holistic approach to solving complex industry challenges. Her prior experience includes roles in engineering and operations at Packaging Corporation of America, where she worked in both containerboard mills and corrugated box plants, gaining valuable hands-on knowledge across multiple facets of the industry. Duguay holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Maine, a degree that has propelled her career and continues to inspire her commitment to industrial innovation.
“I’m deeply honored to receive the Emerging Leader Award,” says Sage Duguay. “Working with Dirigo Labs has been an incredibly rewarding experience, especially as I’ve had the chance to mentor women entrepreneurs and help them navigate the financial aspects of their businesses. Seeing their confidence grow and their ideas take shape is what drives me every day. This recognition inspires me to continue supporting Maine’s entrepreneurial community and contributing to its success.”
In 2023, Duguay was honored as the TAPPI Young Professional of the Year, a prestigious recognition that celebrates young leaders who demonstrate outstanding achievement in the pulp, paper, packaging, and allied industries. Her accolade highlights her industry impact and her dedication to promoting innovation within Maine’s economy. Beyond her professional achievements, Duguay is also active as a mentor for Dirigo Labs, where she combines her business acumen with a passion for personal finance education to support women-owned businesses.
“Sage embodies the innovative spirit and dedication that are driving Central Maine’s entrepreneurial ecosystem forward,” says Dirigo Labs Assistant Director of Innovation Programming and Partnerships Emalee Hall. “Through her role at Dirigo Labs, she has provided invaluable guidance to entrepreneurs, helping them refine their business strategies and navigate challenges with confidence; her commitment to fostering growth and mentorship makes her a truly deserving recipient of this year’s Emerging Leader Award.”
Central Maine Growth Council thanks Sage for her valuable contributions to the community and region and looks forward to future initiatives from 2024’s Emerging Leader of the Year.
About Central Maine Growth Council (CMGC):
Central Maine Growth Council (CMGC), located in Waterville, Maine, is a public-private collaborative regional economic development partnership funded by municipalities and businesses who share a common vision of economic prosperity for our region. CMGC is committed to fostering a robust regional economy. Our belief is that the standard of living and quality of life of our citizens is best served by a vibrant, healthy economy. This is accomplished with a strong successful business community. To learn more about Central Maine Growth Council, please visit www.centralmaine.org
About Dirigo Labs:
Dirigo Labs is a regional startup accelerator based in Waterville, Maine. With a mission to grow the greater Waterville area’s digital economy by supporting entrepreneurs building innovation-based companies, the Dirigo Labs ecosystem brings together people, resources, and organizations to ensure the successful launch of new startups. Dirigo Labs operates under Central Maine Growth Council and is supported by several organizations, academic institutions, and investment firms. To learn more about Dirigo Labs, please visit www.dirigolabs.org.
Last modified: March 12, 2025
