Economic development on the right collaborative track
Commissioner, Maine Department of Economic and Community Development
When the closure of Brunswick Naval Air Station was announced, it devastated Maine. Despite aggressive efforts to save the air station, the midcoast stood to lose thousands of jobs and an estimated $140 million in annual income.
Once the announcement was made, though, midcoast and state officials shifted gears, mounting an ambitious redevelopment campaign to restore the midcoast’s economic future. As part of that campaign, the air station was renamed Brunswick Landing: Maine’s Center for Innovation, reflecting its potential to become a hub for aviation and high-tech innovation.
Since the closure was announced, Maine’s Department of Economic and Community Development has assisted the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority in promoting Brunswick Landing to businesses that can provide high-quality jobs to residents and contribute tax revenue to the state.
The campaign’s first success was the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The next achievement was the Maine Advanced Technology and Engineering Center, a joint venture between the University of Maine and Southern Maine Community College. The center, slated to open in 2011, will further solidify Brunswick Landing’s appeal to aviation, composites and other high-technology industries.
The hard work of economic development officials paid off this summer when the newly formed Kestrel Aircraft Co. announced a 10-year lease for 93,000 square feet of Hangar 6. The space will be used to develop, certify and build the Kestrel JP10, an aircraft that has the potential to cast an international spotlight on Maine.
These developments mark the beginning of a new chapter for the midcoast economy. Steve Levesque and the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority have done an exemplary job in leading the rebirth effort. DECD is committed to working together with MRRA to continue the momentum.
Kestrel CEO Alan Klapmeier stated that one of the reasons he ultimately chose Maine over several other states was the willingness of state and local officials to work with his company and see it succeed.
Throughout the state, economic development specialists and government officials are generating new leads and creating economic opportunity. When a location or expansion announcement hits the headlines, it is often the result of months of marketing, networking, site selection assistance and incentive package development.
Whether an economic developer is from state government or the community level, the goal is always to spur economic growth by incentivizing companies to locate and expand in Maine. At DECD, we have business development experts strategically located in all regions of Maine, from Aroostook to York counties. These specialists work hand-in-hand with their local counterparts to ensure current and prospective Maine businesses are able to take full advantage of economic development resources and incentives.
Some of the services include helping companies and their site selectors find the right location in Maine to meet their needs, assistance in securing venture capital and capital investments, help accessing credit, educating businesses about Maine incentives and tax credits, coordinating and funding work force training, as well as marketing assistance.
Visit www.businessmaine.com to learn more about what is being done to bring quality jobs and business into Maine. The passion, support and local knowledge of organizations like the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority are critical to the success of the state’s economic development goals. These entities’ own incentives combined with state offerings can tip the scales in favor of Maine in the site selection process.
Perspectives welcomes all viewpoints on the Maine economy. Submissions should be under 650 words and e-mailed to editorial@mainebiz.biz. Please include your name, title, company and where your company is based.
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