Mark your Calendars!
... for the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council's June 21st Quarterly Meeting at the Caroll McKusick Elementary School (Route 150, Parkman).
Topic: "Our Piscataquis County Economic Development Plan"
Reservations Preferred for Dinner (menu at bottom of page)
Please RSVP to Lisa at 1-800-539-0332 or email her at lherzog@emdc.org
Suggested contribution for dinner: $20
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Sawmill News
The County got a shot of good news with the arrival of SMIS Group, LLC. This Pennsylvania based company has proposed construction of a sawmill 12 miles north of Greenville in Sapling Township (Somerset County).
SMIS Group President Edward Marra said that the sawmill is designed to produce more than 200 million board feed to dimension lumber per year.
Greenville Town Manager John Simko, who worked closely with the company as it searched for properties, expects the company to create around 100 jobs with an average pay between $12 to $20/hour.
On 7/9/04, the Maine Land Use Regulatory Commission voted unanimously to rezone the portion of Sapling Township in order for SMIS Group to develop the sawmill.
This project will be a big boost to employment in Piscataquis County and is a welcome respite from poorer economic conditions.
On June 1st, Gerard Crete et Fils of Quebec sold the Pleasant River Lumber mill in Dover-Foxcroft to members of the Brochu family. Many in the area are pleased at the news considering the fine reputation of the Brochus as adept businessmen and industry leaders.
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Focusing on a Creative Economy
A large group of County residents attended the recent Blaine House Conference on the Creative Economy in Lewiston. The "Creative Economy" is a novel theory by Carnegie Mellon Professor Richard Florida that says economic conditions are related to the creative strength of people. In his book Rise of the Creative Class, Florida expounds on how modern industry seeks to locate in areas where highly trained and creative people (artists, computer programmers, scientists, etc) live and enjoy living.
What we can do to develop this theory into practice here in Piscataquis County was the subject of a recent follow-up meeting by those who attended the Blaine House Conference.
More to come!
Help for County Businesses
Do you know of a business interested in trading with Canada? If so, forward them this Maine International Trade Center seminar on Legal Issues in Trading with Canada.
What about a business interested in selling to the Federal Government? If so, have them contact the Market Development Center in Bangor.
Part of the PCEDC's mandate is to connect our businesses to agencies and organizations that can help. If you know of a business that needs assistance, have them give the PCEDC a call for free, confidential referral information.
PCEDC phone number:
1-800-539-0332
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| Eastern Piscataquis Industrial Park Goes Forward
Voters at the Annual Town Meetings of Milo and Brownville voted in April to each allocate $25,000 toward the project. This followed a negotiated purchasing option by the Town of Milo for the Dorman Farm on Rt. 11, Milo.
This project is a go!
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County Economic Development Plan Finalized
The Piscataquis County Commissioners formally voted on May 18th to support a Countywide economic development plan. This is one of the first plans for a Maine county and is a breakthrough for a united economic development effort. You can find the plan here. |
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County Bond Projects
On June 9th, the Piscataquis County Budget Advisory Committee voted 4 to 1 (with one abstention) to approve the bond projects forwarded to them by the County Commissioners. These projects can be found here and will be place before County voters during November's general election.
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Prominent Selectman Retires
Eugene "Gene" Murray, Chair of the Greenville Board of Selectmen announced his retirement from the Board after serving for almost 20 years. Gene has been a solid proponent of economic development and making Piscataquis County and his beloved Greenville a better place to live for future generations.
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Prominent Selectman Retires
Selectmen Bob Hamlin recently retired from the Brownville Board of Selectmen after more than 18 years of service. Hamlin, 82, retired after notable advocacy for economic development in the eastern part of Piscataquis County. Bob is expected to spend time on his numerous hobbies and looking after his mother.
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Congressional Help
Thanks to the fantastic efforts of our Congressional Delegation, two economic development projects have hopes of receiving federal funding later this year. Congressman Mike Michaud has introduced a funding earmark in the House of Representatives to support road enhancements for the Eastern Piscataquis Industrial Park (Rt. 11) and the Pleasant River Lumber Company (Rt. 6/16). Senator Snowe is working on a Senate equivalent. Meanwhile Senator Collins has introduced an earmark to assist with actual construction of the Eastern Piscataquis Industrial Park.
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Interface Fabrics Group Receives EPA Award
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently gave Interface Fabrics Group in Guilford their Environmental Merit Award (Region I) in recognition of the company's strong mix of environmental sustainability and profitability.
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JSI Store Fixtures Receives SBA Award
Piscataquis County is lucky to have top-notch management teams leading our businesses. One example is Mark Awalt, Co-Owner and VP of JSI Store Fixtures Inc., who recently received the SBA's 2004 Small Business Person of the Year Award. |
Menu for June 21st Quarterly Meeting in Parkman
Another great menu from our friends at the Guilford B&B
Havarti and Apricot puffs
Rueben Crostinis
Summer Pasta with glazed almonds and Brie Cheese
Apple Glazed Chicken with Grits and Blue Cheese
Traditional Tossed Salad
Honey Oatmeal and Garlic Breads
Fresh Strawberry Creak Cake
Iced Tea
Lemonade Iced Water with Lemon
Coffee
Tea |