Working as a Region

KNOX/WALDO COUNTY (Sep 20, 07): A few years back, I went to the county board and requested $20,000 in funding for Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC) to start up an economic development effort for our region. Up to that time, no organization was really in place to assist us on a day-to-day basis in retaining business or attracting new industry to our region. The county board agreed to provide the funding. As a result of that modest initial funding EMDC set up an office in Rockland run by energetic and extremely competent Alan Hinsey.

Alan has been a tireless driver of economic development here on the MidCoast. Working hand-in-glove with the local chambers and town and city government, EMDC has made a significant difference in our ED efforts. He founded the
Knox/Waldo Regional Economic Development Corporation, a regional organization focused on creating jobs and improving the business environment in this part of Maine. The board of directors is made up of representatives of both counties and we work together as a regional entity. It’s a pleasure to see an organization working for the greater good with little regard for hometown politics. Work as a region; think of ourselves as a region. The rest of the world sees us that way.

Now, armed with Pine Tree Zone benefits and a regional mentality we can succeed in attracting new business and work to retain the business that we have. Stay tuned. There are great things ahead. -H-