The week after the Expo, The Piscataquis Observer published a story that reported the results of a poll they conducted. One thing they mentioned gave me cause for concern. One person, when asked was if there were issues that weren't getting attention but should, responded that there was "no real economic development in the area." Even though this was only one person's response, it did get me wondering, "how many more people feel the same way, that there's nothing substantial going on in Piscataquis County in terms of economic development?"

Out of that concern, I pitched the idea to my Executive Committee of writing a monthly column, to let the people of Piscataquis County know that something is being done. I want to use this column to celebrate the economic development successes that we have, and also to talk about the issues and obstacles to economic development that this county faces going forward. I hope that it will educate and raise awareness about the PCEDC and what it does. For this very first column, I thought I'd educate you on the history and makeup of the PCEDC.

The PCEDC was founded in 1998 by a group of County residents who had a desire to promote economic development throughout all of Piscataquis County. Today, the PCEDC is made up of a 41-member Board of Directors that meets quarterly. This board includes people such as town managers, small business owners, corporate executives, non-profit organizers, educators, bankers, and state legislators. They select a 15-person Executive Committee that meets monthly.

Our annual budget comes mostly from the County, along with some grants and business contributions. This budget is used to fund various projects that we oversee, as well as our staff: myself (who is responsible for the overall management and coordination of activities) and Sheila Grant, our Community Development Specialist.

So what is the purpose of the PCEDC? It is to stimulate long-term sustainable economic development and growth in Piscataquis County. The PCEDC focuses on attracting businesses, retaining local businesses and assisting in their growth, developing and promoting the County's unique culture and heritage, developing and growing tourism, and promoting development of the County's communities.

What kinds of specific things does the PCEDC do? One big thing that we do is to help obtain grant funding for economic development projects. We have been quite successful at this; in the past five years alone, the PCEDC has helped to obtain over $4.5 million in grants. These grants have been used to assist with the construction and/or expansion of facilities such as the Penquis Higher Education Center, the Greenville Wood Composite Incubator, and CA Dean Hospital. They have also helped area companies such as Maine Wood Turnings, X-Ring Industries, JSI Store Fixtures, Pleasant River Lumber, and Creative Apparel retain and/or add jobs. In addition, the PCEDC provides direct business guidance and assistance referrals for business operators and entrepreneurs. We try to get the right groups of people together to make things happen. Also when necessary, the PCEDC weighs in on larger economic development issues that could affect the County.

I want everyone to know that I am here to assist the entire County, and I welcome your input. Stop by my office (at the Penquis Higher Education Center, 50 Mayo Street, Dover-Foxcroft), give me a call (1-800-539-0332), or send me an e-mail (tkittredge@emdc.org). You can even stop me on the street and let me know what's on your mind (maybe it will give me an idea for a future column!). If you want to learn more about the PCEDC, check out our website at www.pcedc.org. The public is also invited to our monthly Executive Committee meetings, which are normally held at 8 AM on the first Wednesday of the month, at the Penquis Higher Education Center.